WIREDGOV

Hundreds of businesses from Edinburgh, the Lothians and South Fife will attend the Customs Business Advice Open Day being held tomorrow (Thursday March 27) at Murrayfield Stadium.

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, Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise Small Business Gateway, and supported by the Scotland Office and other national, regional and local Government departments and agencies.

The keynote speaker at the event will be John Downie from the Federation of Small Businesses Scotland.

Customs Head of Business Services Scotland Ian Mackay said:

"The Customs Business Advice Open Day is making its first appearance in Scotland's capital and will provide a unique opportunity for businesses from Edinburgh, the Lothians and South Fife. 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.

"This event at Murrayfield Stadium demonstrates the benefit of closer working relationships in business. Customs staff will join over 30 other Government departments and agencies to explain the support they can give to Scottish companies."

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. 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.

2. 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.

3. For more information or to book a place at the seminar: www.bsbi.co.uk

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