SMALL businesses are to get a helping hand in preparing for zero-10. Commerce and Employment and Treasury and Resources, in conjunction with the GTA University Centre, are running a series of free workshops aimed at small business owners.

The objective is to raise awareness and highlight the effect next year’s changes will have on their payment of tax.

Treasury minister Lyndon Trott will joined representatives from the income tax office in giving presentations on how the new system will affect the distribution of company tax, property rental, interest and other relief and allowances, social security issues and tax on real property.

‘Much has been reported about our economic and taxation reform and the impact it will have on a wider scale,’ he said.

‘However, we are really keen to ensure that the island’s small business community are fully up to speed with how the new tax structure will affect them and what they need to do to make sure that they are ready for those changes.

‘These workshops will provide us with the chance to do this and I hope as many local small business owners and employers as possible will take advantage of this opportunity.’

Each will conclude with a question and answer session where people will be able to raise any worries or concerns they may have on the changes.

Commerce and Employment deputy minister Carla McNulty Bauer was the driving force behind the workshop initiative.

‘We wanted to ensure that the island’s small businesses are getting the support that they need. Some of these firms don’t have easy access to professional advice, so we are pleased to provide this through Treasury and Resources’ tax specialists as part of these workshops,’ said Deputy McNulty Bauer.

Professor Richard Conder, chief executive of the GTA University Centre, said readiness for zero-10 was essential.

‘We are delighted to be supporting Treasury and Resources and Commerce and Employment with this initiative.’

The workshops take place between 8am and 10am on Monday 17 September at Beau Sejour and the same time on Monday 24 September and Monday 15 October at St James. To book a place contact the GTA University Centre on 721555 or admin@trainingagency.gg.