WIREDGOV

Hundreds of businesses from across North East Scotland will attend the Customs Business Advice Open Day tomorrow (Tuesday March 25) at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

The open day is an opportunity to obtain quality advice and information on running a business from a number of Government departments, agencies and public sector organisations, with over 40 stands under one roof.

The event is sponsored by the Big Small Business Initiative and the Scottish Executive, and supported by the Scotland Office and other Government departments and agencies.

The keynote speaker at the event will be Matthew Farrow, Head of Policy at CBI Scotland.

Customs' Deputy Head of Business Services Scotland Bill Forsyth said:

"Customs in Scotland are striving to cut the costs and complexity of the business tax system so that firms, whatever their size, spend less time and less money paying their VAT and other tax duties.

"This Customs Business Advice Open Day provides a unique opportunity for businesses in Aberdeen and North East Scotland. It brings together a host of public and private sector business support organisations under one roof to provide a wealth of free advice and information."

Customs staff on hand 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.

Notes to News / Business Editors
1. In addition to stands within the centre, Customs' mobile exhibition unit will be on display outside. Officers will be available to discuss business and law enforcement work with visitors.

2. The open day is organised by HM Customs and Excise in Partnership with Inland Revenue, Big Small Business Initiative, Health and Safety Executive, Office of Fair Trading, The Patent Office, UK Online for Business, Valuation Office, Trading Standards, ACAS, Child Support Agency, Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys, Job Centre, Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise.

3. Over 20 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 free and can be pre-booked by delegates.

4. For more information or to book a place at the seminar, visit www.bsbi.co.uk A similar event takes place at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh on Thursday March 27.

H M Customs and Excise are committed to providing first class information, advice and support to the business community. For answers to your queries or information on our services contact the National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000 or log on to www.hmce.gov.uk