MAY TRADE NEWS Warehouse complex proposed for Peterborough Local authorities urged to help businesses improve recycling Business leaders lose faith in the Labour government Sole traders join forces on the Isle of Wight FPB calls for government to cancel fuel duty increase Consumers get better protection from rogue traders Health and beauty sector will grow despite economic slowdown Credit crunch hits wholesale and retail businesses' cash flows CBI reports manufacturers expect to increase prices Businesses attack new agency worker rules Credit crunch 'has not stopped owners selling their businesses' BRC stresses UK firms do not use exploitative suppliers OFT targets retailers who claim to be closing Carbon Trust urged to support small firms London business buck trend as sales increase Bank charges 'could harm small business Small businesses 'could be hurt by extended flexible working rules' BRC reports gloomy sales figures Businesses urged to embrace rail network Business pessimistic about economic future Fuel duty rises 'should be postponed to help businesses and consumers' Report calls for better government support of small businesses Businesses asked for bribes to win contracts Small businesses hit by staff absences Small businesses 'turn to older employees to plug skills gap' Businesses warned of continuing economic slowdown Tories pledge to support small suppliers and local businesses Continuity plans 'vital for small firms' Manufacturers force to pass rising costs on to customers Oxfordshire Retailers Flex Their Muscle FSB steps up campaign to protect local suppliers Small firms 'are turning to bridging loans to maintain cash flows' Government looks to help business by streamlining consumer laws Business disappointed by interest rate hold Shop prices 'only rising slowly' Postal competition 'has not helped small wholesalers' Small firms are turning to bridging loans to maintain cash flows South-west's roads 'need to be improved to help wholesalers' Retailers see April increase in shoppers Government urged to involve small firms in tax forum Good online retail practice satisfies customers Small retailers urged to embrace gift card schemes Commission inquiry not doing enough for small retailers Hornby buys model car maker Corgi Trade News Archive May 08 April 08 March 08 February 08 January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory 27th May 2008 Health and beauty sector will grow despite economic slowdown A new report has suggested that consumers will continue to spend money on health and beauty products in 2008, despite the slowing of the economy. Data from Verdict Research showed that sales of health and beauty products in the UK jumped 4.7 per cent in 2007, outpacing the average rate of growth for retail sales for the forth year in a row. Verdict predicted that, during 2008, rising utility costs and more expensive mortgages would mean that retail growth would only reach 2.8 per cent. Despite this, the study said that sales of health and beauty products would continue to increase. "In uncertain times people are still willing to spend money on making themselves look good and feel good," explained the report's author, Carol Ratcliffe. "If you're holding back from buying expensive items, there is more scope for smaller indulgences. "Health and beauty products are ideal for this: it doesn't cost much to treat yourself and even premium brands are relatively accessible." The study also suggested that higher wholesale prices for health and beauty items - caused by rising raw material, manufacturing and transportation costs - would not have an impact on consumer demand. "Most of these products are seen as essential so the majority of people will be spending more this year on health and beauty - even if they aren't interested in more advanced products," Ms Ratcliffe concluded.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.