HELPING NORTHERN IRELAND BUSINESSES BECOME WEALTHY & WISE

15 May 2006 02:15 PM

A wealth of guidance and practical help will be on offer to small and medium sized enterprises at an event to be held in Belfast this Wednesday.

Free information on a wide range of topics - from tax, VAT and national insurance to importing and exporting procedures, environment law and funding for growing businesses - will be available at the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Business Advice Open Day at the Ramada Hotel, Shaw's Bridge, Belfast on Wednesday 26 April.

Organized by HMRC and sponsored by Invest N.I. the Open Day brings together a wide variety of organisations under one roof. The event is a unique opportunity to obtain quality advice in a relaxed and informal setting, either by visiting the many stands at the main exhibition, or by arranging a one-to-one appointment at a 'drop in centre' to discuss individual concerns in private.

A series of one hour seminars on specialist topics will also run throughout the day, offering in-depth help and advice on issues as diverse as The New Construction Industry Scheme, intellectual property, forthcoming age legislation and on-line security. Those thinking of starting a business will also benefit from information on starting a limited company, health and safety and funding.

Michael McGourty Deputy Director Local Compliance said:

"HM Revenue and Customs are keen to offer improved services for businesses. By bringing our services together at the Business Advice Open Day we are providing a one-stop shop to local business. There will be help on legal obligations, imports/exports, trading with the European Union and an opportunity to learn about recent developments in areas such as On-line services for Tax and VAT.

"There will be a variety of seminars covering topics such as Intellectual Property, Health & Safety in the Workplace, Environmental Issues, VAT, Tax, and National Insurance implications.

"We have a strong commitment to provide employers and businesses with help, support and advice, and we recognise the need to deliver the best quality service to all our customers so that they can meet their Tax and National Insurance obligations at the right time."

The HMRC Business Advice Open Day will be held between 09:00 and 16:30 on Wednesday 26 April. Seminars run from 09:15 to 16:15.

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.

Organisations taking part in the Business Advice Open Day include:

Age Positive Northern Ireland
Belfast City Council (First Stop Business shop, Environmental Health, Economic Development Unit)
British Freight Association
Companies House
Federation of Small Businesses
Health & Safety Works Northern Ireland
Labour Relations Agency
Netregs
Institute of Trademark Attorneys
Intertrade Ireland
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
Office of Fair Trading
Princes Trust
The Patent Office
The pensions Regulator
Trading Standards
AND MANY MORE

Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
Website www.hmrc.gov.uk