CUSTOMS BUSINESS ADVICE OPEN DAY A SUCCESS IN CROYDON

22 Apr 2004 04:45 PM

Customs and Excise Business Advice Open Day held at Addington Palace, Croydon on Tuesday has been pronounced a huge success, with over 815 people attending.

Sponsored by the Big Small Business Initiative, the event brought together a host of business support teams from a wide range of private and public sector organisations.

Carole Upshall, Regional Business Head for Customs in London said as she opened the event:
"These events are part of Customs holistic approach to businesses. They are held in close proximity to local businesses, such as here in Addington Palace, providing a rounded event. We want to help new and young businesses to become compliant and work with Customs - so we can focus our resources on those in the Shadow Economy."

A wide range of business help and advice was available from organisations including The Patent Office, Business Link, the Child Support Agency, the Inland Revenue, HM Customs and Excise and the Croydon Chamber of Commerce.
All advice given was free of charge.

Over 800 local businessmen and businesswomen attended the event, with over 1,200 places filled at the free specialist seminars held throughout the day.

Notes for Editors:

1. Further information on the event can be found in HM Customs and Excise News Release 15/04

If using specific facts contained in this release please check the information is still current.

Issued by HM Customs and Excise Marketing and Communications Division

For the attention of News Desks
Any business needing help or advice can speak to the Customs and Excise National Advice Service 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday on 0845 010 9000
www.hmce.gov.uk