A "united" industry effort can force a 2% cut in duty, claims WSTA's Miles Beale

Independents all set for September's Specialist Importers Trade Tasting

Next week's SITT (Specialist Importers Trade Tasting) promises another sell out event offering independent wine merchants, restaurants, bars, pubs and sommeliers the chance to taste wines specifically targeted at them from around the world. 

Your view: the impact of Scottish independence on the drinks trade

With only three more days to go until the big Scottish independence vote we ask the UK wine and spirits industry what it thinks will be the best outcome for individual businesses and look at some of the big issues that might arise after the Yes/No vote. Will alcohol duty rates differ in an independent Scotland? And how would drinks firms cope with trading in separate currencies north and south of the border? What do you think is the right future for Scotland and the rest of the country. Take part in our poll and let's find out...

Last chance to vote in Harpers French Wine Awards

There is still time to vote and nominate the outstanding people and companies in the UK wine trade you think are doing the most to represent, promote and sell French wine as part of Harpers French Wine Awards.

Les Grands Chais de France moves into Costières de Nimes

Les Grands Chais de France has acquired Château de la Tuilerie in the Costières de Nimes region for an undisclosed sum. 

Ex-Ehrmanns directors form new wine distribution company

Three high profile UK wine professionals, including two former Ehrmanns directors, have launched their own distribution company in partnership with three wineries, including De Bortoli wines, which is closing its UK office as a result.

Second Emerging Regions Tasting kicks off the 'Tasting Season'

Paying suppliers late now seen as normal business practice says MasterCard study

Paying suppliers late is now seen as part of normal business practice by many international companies, according to a new study.

Australian winemakers to join Negociants on tour of UK independents

Negociants UK will be hitting the road later this month  as part of a nationwide tour of tastings focused on the independent and on-trade. 

Les Grands Chais de France launches single serve French wine brand to UK

Les Grands Chais de France has launched its Les Vignerons brand in single serve PET glasses in the UK market.

Craft beers direct to your office thanks to Deskbeers service

The saying going there is no such thing as a new original business idea, which is probably why there is an equally popular phrase - the greatest form of flattery is imitation. Well here's a business idea that could very easily be adapted to the wine and spirits world. Deskbeers.

Pay increases on the rise as the economy improves says XpertHR

There are signs that an improving economy are finally being seen in pay packets and salary increases across the country, according to new research from pay specialists, XpertHR.

Farr Vintners buys Magnum Fine Wines

Farr Vintners has bought Magnum Fine Wines for an undisclosed sum as owner Alan Rayne has retired from the wine trade.

Bottle Green's on-trade arm toasts busiest month to date

Bottle Green Wines' sales have risen 15% year-on-year to July, as the company took the biggest ever number of orders from the on-trade to date.

One more day to register for Benevolent Fantasy Football League

The countdown to the start of the new English Premier League season is well and truly on. Which means there is only a day left to get your thinking caps on and enter the new Benevolent Fantasy Football League, have some fun, compete against friends (and soon to be foes) and raise some money for the drinks charity along the way.

Maison Sichel shows its support for independents by signing Harpers Best Practice Guidelines

Maison Sichel is the third major French wine company to support the UK independent sector by signing up to Harpers Best Practice Guidelines designed to promote open and fair trading between wine merchants and suppliers.

Own-label wine is not just for major multiples any longer

Own-label and private-label wines are no longer the preserve of the major multiples, but what is the attraction for independent merchants and restaurants alike?

Three quarters of British adults have shopped online in 2014, says ONS

On-trade losing thousands of pounds in wine sales says new Harpers consumer report

The UK on-trade is potentially losing out on thousands of pounds of trade a day because of its inability to sell wine effectively, according to a new exclusive report publsihed today by Harpers Wine & Spirit.

High street wine retailers take a fresh look at franchising

As Oddbins announces plans to open up 200 franchise stores, Gemma McKenna looks at franchising in the wine trade and, as the economy recovers, asks whether taking on a business that already has the wow factor could be the way forward