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Customs Minister John Healey and Scotland Office Minister Anne McGuire today highlighted the range of new government initiatives on offer to businesses in the West of Scotland. During speeches at the Customs Business Advice Open Day at Glasgow University - the first event of its kind in Scotland - they explained how modern, joined-up government can directly help Scottish companies.

The Open Day - running from 9.45am until 5.00pm - is sponsored by the Scottish Executive and the Big Small Business Initiative, and supported by the Scotland Office and other Government departments and agencies. It brings together a host of public and private sector business support organisations to provide a wealth of free advice and information.

Customs & Excise Minister, Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Healey said:

"The Government is looking to support Scottish business in every way we can.

"In Customs we are cutting the costs and complexity of the business tax system, so firms spend less time and less money paying their VAT and other tax duties.

"This is the first event of its kind in Scotland, with Customs staff joining 30 other Government departments and agencies to explain the support they can give to Scottish companies."

Customs staff will provide information on all aspects of VAT and duties and explain some of the new initiatives aimed at helping businesses. These include:

- VAT Flat Rate Scheme, which could mean £1,000 savings a year for 37,000 small Scottish businesses;

- Annual Accounting Scheme that requires the business to only make one VAT return per year; and

- improved help and advice to prevent firms incurring surcharges for late payment of VAT.

Scotland Office Minister Anne McGuire said:

"The event here today demonstrates the commitment of this Government to work with and support business to achieve our shared objectives of a successful and growing economy in Scotland.

"This Business Advice Open Day provides a valuable opportunity for businesses in Scotland to get free advice from a wide range of organisations including Customs and Excise, the Inland Revenue, Health & Safety Executive, Office of Fair Trading, UK Online for Business, the Small Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise.

"Through the wide range of measures introduced in the budget, from the zero per cent starting rate for small businesses paying Corporation Tax to Research and Development tax credits for SMEs, the Government is promoting business innovation. At the same time, by sensible economic management the Government has created a stable environment for business to operate with the lowest inflation and interest rates for many years."

Notes to News / Business Editors:

1. Mr Healey is also visiting Customs' National Advice Service office in Glasgow - one of six UK-wide sites. The Service offers one point of contact for all business enquiries (0845 010 9000).

2. The open day brings together Customs and Excise, Inland Revenue, The Patent Office, Health & Safety Executive, Office of Fair Trading, UK online for Business, the Child Support Agency, as well as a wide range of other organisations including the Small Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise expertise, at a convenient time and place.

3. Whether just starting out, or well established, all sizes and sectors of the business community will have access to a wealth of invaluable advice and information. Entrance and all the information and advice provided, including the seminars, are entirely free of charge.

4. 25 presentations will be delivered during the day. Businesses attending will find experts on hand to answer their tax queries, while seminars on VAT, Importing and Exporting, Single Market Information, Duty Reliefs and Warehousing will also be held. These are also free and can be pre-booked by delegates.

5. Businesses seeking more information on the event should telephone 0121 697 4065. A second event will be held at Caird Hall, Dundee on Thursday, September 19. To book a place, call the same number or book online at www.bsbi.co.uk

Media enquiries only to:

Phil Rogers, HM Customs and Excise: 0131 469 7261 or
Paul Burgess, Government News Network: 0131 469 7262.