Support for small businesses played a key part in the Chancellor's Budget announcement today, yet business groups remain anxious over how the deficit will be paid down and wary of political promises. 

Paint brush and decorating products manufacturer L.G. Harris has secured a £1.5m loan from Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets to boost production levels and drive expansion. 

Flooring specialist posts 4.9% sales increase but has not seen the recovery it hoped for in 2010. 

DSG International, parent company of Currys, PC World and online brand Dixons, is to open 25 new 'megastores' in the UK by Christmas. 

UK business insolvencies have fallen 15% year-on-year during February, according to the latest Insolvency Index from Experian. 

745 expected to go from UK arm in first half, while builders merchants reports profit jump of 67.9%. 

Bluewater branch reports 73% increase in sales of furniture, while fitted kitchens and bedroom furniture boosts sales in home category across the board. 

The Forum of Private Business is calling for radical measures to be put in place by next week's Budget to help small businesses spearhead economic recovery. 

Homebase has fired back at rival B&Q with its own series of price-led adverts. 

Sunnier weather helped boost high street sales for the seventh consecutive week this year, according to BDO High Street Sales Tracker figures. 

B&Q is to open its first eco shops in its flagship stores in New Malden and Sutton this Friday. 

In a letter to members, BHETA president Andrew Weiss has explained that the BJGF Board has requested a hiatus in the discussions regarding a merger with BHETA until the issue of presidency is resloved. 

The Steamer Trading cookshop chain has been honoured twice in this year's Global Innovator Awards (the GIAs) in Chicago, which recognise excellence in housewares retailing around the world. 

The SCR-KPMG Scottish Retail Sales Monitor has reported Scottish retail's worst February since 1999. 

New report from the British Chambers of Commerce finds that the 'relentless flow' of complicated employment law is risking future job creation and making the UK and EU uncompetitive. 

Robert Dyas is launching its new revamped website today to reflect its recent re-branding and boost online sales. 

Office products manufacturer Esselte has completed its acquisition of Isaberg Rapid. 

Department store chain increases market share with home range and reports strong sales of own-bought ranges. 

U.S. tool maker Stanley Works has won EU regulatory approval for its purchase of U.S. rival Black & Decker. 

BHETA non-executive director John Baker has resigned from the board with immediate effect, but has been co-opted back on until the next agm.