Deputy Prime Minsister Nick Clegg recently attacked the disproportionate way red tape restricts small businesses, “The typical small business owner says they are spending around a day a week complying with government regulation rather than bringing in new business,” he said.

This message follows promised action by Vince Cable  to axe more than 100 regulations that ensnare retailers including simplifying rules and signage surrounding age-restricted goods on sales in independent shops.

It’ encouraging to see that small businesses are on the government radar, so when Mr Clegg pledges to make tax laws simpler and less costly and asks for details from retailers on how the tax system could be made less bureauchratic, independent retailers should take him at his word and provide some ideas. Why not share your thoughts with us on Better Retailing?