Live Q&A: How can independent retailers make the most of the festive season?

For many retailers, the months leading up to Christmas are the most important of the year they can turn an average trading year into a stunning one. But how can independents make sure they're doing all they can to capture as much of people's yuletide spending as possible? Join our live Q&A session, featuring a range of experts, to help you make sure you've got the right strategy in place to tempt shoppers through your front door

Post your questions to our panel of experts for the live Q&A session now and they will answer them during the live chat on from 1-2pm on Tuesday 30 October

It's never been so good to be small. Our disposable income may be back at 2005 levels, but the "small but often" way we spend it means small independent stores are flourishing once more.

Recent figures show that last year, more independent stores actually opened in Britain than shut (a net gain of 2,500 according to research by Local Data Company). This compares with a net loss of 200 "multiple" shops.