Free help and advice for local employers and the self-employed

That help is at hand for businesses during January when HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) continues to bring its programme of free workshops to Ballymena.

The workshops are aimed at local employers, sole traders and those in partnerships and they will range from how to complete the Self Assessment return to how to pay Statutory Sick Pay.

Julie Jones, Business Advice Team Manager for HMRC said: “These are challenging times but our attitude has always been to assist businesses during good times and bad.

“These events allow us to bring our advice directly to the local business community and offer practical assistance where it is needed.

“It’s inevitable that some people will find tax issues daunting, especially those who are just setting out.

“HMRC runs a number of schemes to make tax as hassle free as possible, and at these events we will be happy to talk about our services, including on-line filing which is convenient and easy to use.”

The next workshop planned for January at HMRC Kilpatrick House, Ballymena is VAT on January 21, commencing at 10am and finishing at 1pm.

For information on booking a seminar place:

• Visit the website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/bst/advice-teams-area/nirelandtraining.htm or

• Email [email protected]

Local businesspeople can also contact the HMRC Advice Team on 0845 603 2691. Further workshops will take place in February and details of these will be released at the end of January.