LaunchLab's Articles. http://www.launchlab.co.uk http://www.launchlab.co.uk/article/start-up-news/september-retail-figures-slump/1022 2009-10-22 07:00:00 Despite growing optimism about the economy septembers retail sales remained flat. nbspthenbspoffice for national statistics (ons) said that sales volumes stayed level for the second consecutive month http://www.launchlab.co.uk/article/start-up-news/philip-green-predicts-second-retail-slump/1024 2009-10-22 07:00:00 Owner of the retail group arcadianbspphilip green said the stock market had risen too far too soon and predicted 2010 would be another difficult year for the retail sector. http://www.launchlab.co.uk/article/start-up-news/postal-strike-misery-for-small-firms/1025 2009-10-22 07:00:00 The 48-hour nationwide postal workers strike will heap additional pressure on struggling small firms. nbspfeedback from launchlab.co.uk readers indicates that delays in the delivery of mail-order goods receipt of payments and orders could add to their existing cash-flow difficulties. http://www.launchlab.co.uk/article/start-up-news/lending-to-businesses-picks-up/1023 2009-10-21 07:00:00 A bank of england survey reports a sharp increase in business lending in august although levels are still down year on year. the trends in lending report also showed a stabilisation in mortgage approvals by major banks in septemb http://www.launchlab.co.uk/article/start-up-news/micro-firms-confident-in-the-future/1012 2009-08-26 07:00:00 Britainrsquos smallest businesses are growing in confidence about the economy and their chances of survival according to the latest research. http://www.launchlab.co.uk/article/start-up-news/regional-development-goals-on-track/997 2009-08-07 07:00:00 Englandrsquos regional development agencies (rdas) are on track to meet targets for economic regeneration and business support according to an internal investigation into their performance. http://www.launchlab.co.uk/article/start-up-news/global-recession-bottomed-out/993 2009-07-31 07:00:00 Accountants in the uk are growing in confidence that the global economic downturn is past its worst period. http://www.launchlab.co.uk/article/start-up-news/branches-should-decide-who-gets-loans-say-small-firms/987 2009-07-28 07:00:00 Small firms have called on high street banks to make lending decisions locally and not in number-crunching central departments. http://www.launchlab.co.uk/article/start-up-news/pubs-closing-at-rate-of-52-a-week/984 2009-07-22 08:00:00 Hard-pressed british pubs closed at the rate of 52 a week on average during the first six months of 2009 according to the latest industry report. http://www.launchlab.co.uk/article/start-up-news/uk-business-confidence-improves/975 2009-07-15 07:00:00 The mood among britainrsquos businesses has brightened on expectations of increased orders and sales although firms were more cautious about potential profits and staff headcount.