WIREDGOV

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is hosting a Business Advice Open Day at the home of Newcastle United FC, St James Park to give North East entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to successfully kick off their business.

Hundreds of North East businesspeople have lined up to book their free place for the advice day which hopes to bring together the largest collection of business support teams, from a range of local, private and public sector organisations, all on one pitch.

Organised by HMRC and sponsored by Business Link, the North East Business Advice Open Day brings together a team of over 20 organisations and is specifically designed to offer businesses and individuals the opportunity to obtain quality advice to help reach their business goals. Experts will also be on hand to deal with practical issues in a relaxed and informal setting.

Visitors can visit the many stands at the main exhibition, attend one of the free business seminars or arrange a one-to-one appointment at a 'drop in centre' to discuss individual concerns in private.

Jane Mason, HMRC Event Manager said: "I am delighted at the number of local businesses who will benefit from the excellent advice given at this event. Advance bookings for the seminars are fantastic and show the commitment local businesses have to developing their skills and knowledge.

"Businesses that take advice have a far better chance of surviving, than those that don't. There is still time to book a free place or please walk in on the day and see what the event has to offer your business."

Free specialist seminars are to be held throughout the day offering in-depth help and advice on issues as diverse as: The New Construction Industry Scheme, intellectual property, forthcoming age legislation, exporting, and how to develop your workforce and even a seminar giving tips on how small businesses can win bigger contracts.

UK Trade & Investment, one of the key exhibitors will have an information stand at the event and International Trade Director David Coppock will lead a special seminar for delegates to find out about the range of support it can offer to companies.

Mr Coppock said: "North East companies already export more than £10 billion worth of goods and services every year and we're working hard with our many partners to help new and existing exporters reach new markets to boost this performance further.

Help your business reach its full potential and join us at this exciting event. Doors will open at 9.00 am on 26 September 2006 at St James Park, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Entry to the event is free of charge and you do not have to book to attend the main exhibition. Places at seminars are, however, limited and can quickly become oversubscribed. To avoid missing out on a place, bookings should be made in advance at
www.businessadviceopenday.co.uk or for further information, please contact the Business Liaison Team on 0121 697 4065.

Notes for Editors:

1. If you would like to attend the event for photograph
opportunities, to arrange an interview linked to this event or to meet you local HMRC Press Officer please contact the press office below in advance.

2. Organisations taking part in the Business Advice Open Day include: HM Revenue & Customs; Age Positive; Business Link; Child Support Agency; Companies House; Environment Agency; Federation of Small Businesses; Health and Safety Executive; n-e-life; Office of Fair Trading; Patent Office; Pensions Service; Princes Trust; Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors; Trading Standards; UK Trade and Investment and Workplace Health Connect.

3. To find out more about the range of services available through UK Trade & Investment, companies can call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk.

Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office Team

Website www.hmrc.gov.uk