Indie research: local shopkeepers are Britain's hardest workers

Sixty per cent of independent shopkeepers work more than 50 hours in an average week, while just 7% work fewer than 30 hours a week, according to new findings from the Association of Convenience Stores.

The Big Question - indies speak out

In the first of our new series the Big Question we give independent wine merchants the chance to speak out about topics that matter to them and their business.

Additions to SITT Autumn

Independent on and off-trade buyers on the lookout for wines seeking UK distribution or something new to revive their ranges should head to SITT Autumn on September 24.

Indies should band together and stand out

Independent wine merchants are being urged to raise their profile with consumers and differentiate themselves from the price promotion tactics of the major multiples.

New health and safety guide for small businesses

A bid to force small businesses to pay for their own health and safety inspections is being criticised by the Forum of Private Business, which has published a Health and Safety Guide to help negotiate the minefield of regulations.

Comment: Kathryn Glass champions indie merchants

Consumers, bamboozled with an endless succession of promotions and a lack of real knowledge, can find it difficult to judge value and quality.

Could you be the Rioja Retailer of the Year?

There's still time for independent merchants to enter the Wines from Rioja Retailer of the Year Competition.

New faces at SITT Autumn

A host of boutique importers, agencies and wineries dedicated to serving the independent sector have signed up to SITT Autumn.

Supplier who have signed up to Best Practice Guidelines for independent merchants

More suppliers are signing up to the Harpers Best Practice Guidelines designed to make trading arrangements with independent wine merchants as open and transparent as posible.

Indie blog: Mike Matthews on uniformity among suppliers

Indies object to Majestic tactics

Independent wine merchants are becoming increasingly agitated by what they see as Majestic's "disgraceful" promotional tactics to take more of their market share.

SITT and Boutique Wineries link up

A collaboration of specialist importers, agencies and boutique wineries dedicated to supplying the independent sector will be showing off their wares on September 24 in London.

Speed dating with the suppliers

Could Stevens Garnier be your perfect match? In the hotseat is managing director Matt Douglas to answer a quick-fire round of questions and answers.

Wish you weren't here? Sickness and annual leave

A European Court of Justice case has concluded that an employee who is unwell during their annual leave can require their employer to reschedule their annual leave to a later date.

De Bortoli is latest big name to join Harpers Best Practice Guidelines for independents

De Bortoli Wines is the latest major supplier to sign up to the Harpers Best Practice Guidelines for independent wine merchants designed to bring greater channel transparency to the wine industry's fastest growing retail sector.

De Bortoli is latest big name to join Harpers Best Practice Guidelines for independents

De Bortoli Wines is the latest major supplier to sign up to the Harpers Best Practice Guidelines for independent wine merchants designed to bring greater channel transparency to the wine industry's fastest growing retail sector.

The Definitive Italian Wine Tasting

The next big event in the calendar is the Definitive Italian Wine Tasting, where the number of exhibitors is slightly down or "streamlined" in the words of the organisers.

What's in store for the trade this summer?

Is the Olympic Games going to be a bonanza or a headache for the drinks industry?

Top Merchants blog

Ed Perfect from Grape & Grain in Haywards Heath gets on his soapbox about supermarkets and the role of the local wine merchant.

Win a year's worth of free insurance cover

Everyone knows that insurance is a necessary evil. We also know that our trade is like no other - it has its own unique opportunities, threats and risks.