2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: Cambridge Wine Company's Hal Wilson

Hal Wilson, managing director of independent merchant Cambridge Wine Company, gives us the low-down on opening a new wine bar, Cahors wines making a comeback and why he's watching this space with Philglas & Swiggot.

2014 Review and Hopes and Fear for 2015: Direct Wine Shipments Neal McAlindon

Neal McAlindon, director at Belfast's Direct Wine Shipments, tells Harpers.co.uk why 2014 has been another good year, despite tricky market conditions in Northern Ireland.

Harpers launches March for Independents conference and campaign to support merchants

In a bid to put the spotlight firmly on the independent merchant sector Harpers is to launch a campaign in the new year designed to highlight the issues facing retailers which will build up to a major independent merchant conference in London on March 3.

Still time to test your knowledge and take the Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge!

There has been a lot going on over the last 12 months and it can be hard to keep up with the latest news, views and opinions in the UK wine and spirits sector. So why not find out how much you remember or what caught your attention in 2014 by taking part in our fun Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge.

Town centres 'hollowing out' over lack of local plans

EWGA acquires Heritage Wines and strengthens distribution across south west and London

Two of the UK's largest regional wine wholesalers have come together in a deal that sees Heritage Wines and its bonded warehouse acquired by EWGA.

Small business issues are high on the "political agenda" says leading Treasury minister

Small business issues are being placed firmly up the political agenda in the build up to next year's general election, according to the David Gauke MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Philglas & Swiggot wine merchant bought by industry consortium including Justin Knock MW

Independent London wine merchant Philglas & Swiggot has been bought over by Justin Knock MW and business partner Damien Jackman, backed by a consortium of investors from across the trade.

Vino Wines is gaining ground in Edinburgh

Quality wines combined with the canny idea to sell premium ready-meals is making Vino a destination wine store in Scotland.

Fine wine merchant AWC appoints David Murphy operations manager

Fine wine and spirits merchant AWC has appointed David Murphy, formerly of Wine Networks and Liberty Wines, operations manager, as its business grows. 

Borough Wines opens sixth shop in London

Independent merchant Borough Wines has opened its sixth London  shop, this time in Clerkenwell.

Will the real Brigitte Bardot/Bordeaux please stand up?

Kent wine merchant Taurus has sexed up its image with the arrival of a new (actually it is an antique) Citroen HY van as a key member of its delivery fleet.

Busines rates relief welcomed by drinks retailers and pubs

The 2% cap on business rates and commitment to a full "structural review", as revealed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Autumn Statement, has been broadly welcomed across all sides of the drinks industry - both on and off-trade.

Thousands of Scottish bar, restaurant and drinks retail staff banned from selling alcohol

Thousands of bar, restaurant and drinks retail staff in Scotland have had their personal licences revoked after failing to meet deadlines over refresher training.

Good Wine Shop opens third outlet

Independent merchant the Good Wine Shop is opening a third branch - this time in Surrey's Esher - with plans for up to two more outlets in the pipeline.

London Wine Fair on look out for niche wine importers for its Esoterica fixture for independents

Small, independent or niche wine importers have the chance to book a place in the Esoterica feature at the London Wine Fair that has seen 80% of last year's exhibitors book again for the 2015 show.

UK retailers need to target seven different types of shopper, says Kantar study

The changing face of  UK retailing is driven by the way consumers now behave and has created seven types of shopper, according to new research revealed today by Kantar Insights, the retail insights company.

Justin Keay is bowled over by the first Winchester Wine Festival

Not long ago, Winchester called to mind England's oldest public school and wealthy retired folk clutching their Daily Telegraphs and taking the inevitable black labrador for its daily constitutional. Whilst these images still hold true, a quiet revolution has taken hold in England's former capital city.

US Black Friday shopping extravaganza takes off in the UK

Despite figures from Kantar indicating that the UK has not yet fully embraced the US shopping extravaganza that is Black Friday, this morning major retail websites like Tesco Direct have crashed due to the demand in online traffic, and there have been reports of fights breaking out amongst shoppers in stores around the country. Black Friday it appears has arrived in the UK.

Rugby stars Ruan Pienaar and Robbie Diack launch South African wine