Think Indie: Survey results show independent sector had been improving leading up to Brexit

Ahead of our Think Indie, Drink Indie symposium on July 12, Harpers took the temperature of the sector with a far-reaching survey, revealing a generally positive outlook for the future of the independent trade, but with several common challenges.

Think Indie: Building your business

Operating as a 'bricks and mortar' independent in today's retail environment can be tough.

Calling all Indies: Take the Harpers Indie survey and have your say

Ahead of the next month's Think Indie, Drink Indie event harpers.co.uk is conducting a survey to help gauge the health of the independent sector.

Guy Woodward: Why are women still under-represented in the wine trade?

Guy Woodward this month asks why women still under-represented in the wine trade when haveing women in all aspects of the business is so benefical. 

Walker & Wodehouse plays up to royal connections for Queen's 90th birthday celebration

Walker & Wodehouse is teaming up with Primrose Bakery to throw a street party to mark the Queen's 90th. 

Insights: The future of bricks and mortar

In a tough and increasingly online retail environment why are wine shops continuing to open?

Profitability of lower-priced wines increasing stateside

Profits are up in the US even though volume is down as consumers trade up at the lower end of the market.

Q&A: Andrew Lundy, managing director, Vino

Rising from the ashes of Wine Rack after it went into administration in 2009, Edinburgh-based independent merchant Vino has garnered a reputation for a no-nonsense, fresh and fun approach to wine selling.

Regulation changed shoppers buying habits in Scotland, says independent merchant

As with university fees and other devolved powers concerning health and education, Scotland has its own rules regulation when it comes to the drinks industry.

Promotion for UK indies to drive Provence rosé growth

Vins de Provence is launching a necktag promotion to support sales and drive awareness of Provence rosé wines in UK indies.

Wines from Canada gather momentum in the UK

At Taste Canada UK 2016, 34 producers from different territories across Canada were showcasing more than 150 wines with many looking to find importers into the UK.

Insights: Indies with mutiple sites share critical lessons learned about expanding

LWF: Esoterica - A fair within a fair

The upper floor of the Kensington Olympia is buzzing this morning.

Think Indie: Drink Indie, 50 Best Indies Awards

July 12 sees the launch of Harpers' new independent merchants initiative Think Indie, Drink Indie, along with our 50 Best Indies Awards.

Conviviality to acquire Bibendum PLB for £60m

Conviviality Plc has announced its subsidiary Conviviality Brands Limited has conditionally agreed to acquire Bibendum PLB for an 'enterprise value' of £60 million.

Tim Atkin MW: The health of wine on the UK high street

Failing the emergence of a last-minute saviour, BHS looks set to slide into administration this week, joining a list of major high street casualties that includes Comet, Woolworths and JJB Sports.

Jascots Wine Merchants rolls out Sunday delivery services

Jascots Wine Merchants, specialist supplier to the on-trade and independent merchants, is rolling out seven day delivery services for its London customers. It is the first company to offer Sunday delivery services which it will be providing through its own delivery vans.

Online grocery sales forecast to hit £15b by 2020 proving a big opportunity for wine

Retail market research firm Mintel forecasts that online grocery sales will increase 73% to reach £15 billion by 2020, proving an opportunity for the wine category.

Insights: Indies find creative ways of attracting and retaining customers

From eye-catching shop window displays to well-honed social media campaigns, there are many ways for indies to reach new customers and retain their loyalty.

Jascots accredited by Living Wage Foundation

London-based wine supplier to the on-trade, Jascots, is blazing a trail for employers by pledging to pay its employees the living wage.