More consumers could be engaging in debt management in a bid to stay afloat financially in 2010. According to Richard Perks, director of retail research for Mintel, people are in for a tough time this year, and doubts that things will start to pick up again. "I think most consumers assume there are pretty tough times ahead. It's very obvious we are going to have rising taxes and interest rates, and that is really going to topple consumers," he said. Read full article

Many vacant commercial properties in the UK may have inadequate Commercial Property Insurance despite facing a significantly increased risk of arson and malicious damage. Following similar warnings from the UK's largest insurance group, Aviva, the independent commercial insurance broker, Flint Insurance, is urging owners of empty properties to remember the importance of Commercial Insurance during these financially challenging times. Read full article

A group set up to represent independent retailers in Rochdale is to host a debate allowing local business owners the opportunity to cross-examine the town’s three main parliamentary candidates. Read full article

The number of empty shops in Leamington more than trebled last year. A survey of more than 700 town centres across the UK showed the Warwickshire shopping venue to have 14.5 per cent of its premises lying vacant in December 2009. But town centre bosses said the town is still a prime venue for independent traders. Read full article

A report which reveals more than 14% of Crewe’s shops are empty has been described as ‘alarming’ by the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce. The Local Data Company report states that although the number of empty shops in towns across the North West continues to increase, the rate of increase is slowing. Read full article

Graffiti daubed on a roadside communications telecom box just outside Paignton declares the town is dead with a 'TQ3 RIP' message. But is the demise of the once vibrant town centre fact or fiction? The latest figures... Read full article

A new survey claiming Bracknell has some of the highest levels of empty shop units in the country has been rubbished by the town’s landlords. Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP) says the research carried out by... Read full article