Small businesses showed "great resilience" last month, says Experian, while mid-sized companies fared the worst. 

Wickes owner Travis Perkins has reported a 1.7% like-for-like sales decline in its retail arm for the 17 weeks to May 1. 

UK footfall increased 1.6% year-on-year in April 2010 in comparison to the same month last year, according to The Experian Retail Footfall Index. 

Expanding non-food offer continues to perform well as supermarket chain posts pre-tax profit increase of 57.3% for the year to March 2010. 

The planned increase in National Insurance Contributions (NICs), scheduled to take affect in 2011, will be partly scrapped by the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government. 

Specifically designed for mobile phones and mobile devices, m.marksandspencer.com allows customers to shop Marks' website and browse more than 24,000 products on the move. 

Argos has launched www.worldtruck.co.uk to engage customers before, during and after this summer's World Cup. 

CBI, FPB and BCC announce they are pleased with outcome of election and hope the new government is able to 'put aside their differences' in order to fix the economy. 

London department store Harrods has been sold to Qatar Holding, the Qatari royal family's investment company, in a deal reported to be worth £1.5bn. 

UK retail sales values fell 2.3% last month compared with 2009, with housewares below year-earlier levels but DIY showing strong signs. 

Small firms lack confidence in the economy after last week's election results, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. 

BDO reports mixed sales for the month, with non-fashion down 3.2% but DIY boosted by good weather. 

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has called for MPs to put aside their differences and create a functioning administration as quickly as possible after last week's general election result. 

Department store chain reports sales increase in barbecues and garden furniture on the web, boosted by "recent hint of summer". 

Sir Paul McCartney revealed he likes to shop in B&Q in a recent interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 

The 12-week consultation period launched by Defra to discuss implementation of the EU Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides came to an end on May 4. 

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Beam Group has joined the growing list of big-name sponsors of next week's Product of the Year Awards. 

DIY Week has teamed up with retail analyst GfK to launch a new market monitor for the home improvement sector. 

Swedish retailer Clas Ohlson opened its sixth and seventh stores last week, in Liverpool and Leeds.