MINISTERS OPEN DOORS FOR BUSINESS
12 Sep 2002 09:15 AM
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.