SHOPKEEPERS in south Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset can start the New Year in better heart, following publication of the latest Retail Sales Index figures.

The index shows that retail sales growth has partially recovered from the marked slowdown experienced last summer.

The impact in November from Christmas shopping was in line with previous years and the volume of retail sales in the September to November period was 1.3 per cent higher than in the previous three months.

Three-monthly growth for non-food stores was 1.5 per cent, compared to one per cent for food stores.

Among the non-food stores, growth was strongest for clothing and footwear, at 2.6 per cent.

Annual comparisons show that sales volumes in the three months to November were 6.4 per cent higher than in the same period in 2003.

The sectors showing the strongest growth over the year were clothing stores, other non-food stores and non-store retailing. Retail sales for predominantly food stores were 4.4 per cent higher than the same period a year earlier, the highest such increase since December 2002.

Annual growth in the value of sales for the non-store sector was 4.6 per cent in November, mainly reflecting strong growth for internet retailers.

The Federation of Small Businesses, which represents 500 small businesses, including retailers, in the Salisbury and south Wiltshire area, is urging public bodies to think small when it comes to putting their services out to tender.

In the UK the public sector spends about £117billion on products and services and FSB research has shown that only three per cent of small firms' main customers are public authorities.

It has launched a ten-point action plan to ensure the UK's four million small businesses find it easier to access public contracts.

It wants contracts to be advertised more widely, the practice of buying from a few big suppliers only to be stopped, paperwork to be simplified, guides on the procurement process to be produced, and constructive feedback provided for failed bidders.

FSB western regional chairman Marion Parker-Mortimer said: "Authorities need to overcome the myth that small businesses are high risk while big businesses represent best value.

"Wiltshire's small business sector offers great service, value for money and pride in the work it does.

"Our view is that small is beautiful, but it is up to the authorities to make it easier for businesses to enter the tendering process."