THE VAT man has long been seen as a figure of fear but now help is at hand for Swindon's small firms.

Customs and Excise and Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire are joining forces to provide help and advice for bosses.

Business Links across the country and Customs have signed a national agreement and now details are being finalised locally.

Customs has recently started a "training" team of 150 people to help firms fill in tax forms.

And there are schemes available such as the Cash Accounting Scheme, which means VAT on invoices only have to be paid when the company has received payment itself, thus easing cashflow worries. But all sides are quick to stress that client confidentiality will be maintained after a deal is finalised.

John Kiss, director of strategic partnerships for BLBW, said: "There's a recognition that the vast number of business people are not interested in fiddling the books, but just want to get it right.

"To do that we've got to make sure there's an available trainer. Customs and Excise has got a difficult job in being a police oficer and a helper, but it would rather spend money on helping firms get it right first time."

Mr Kiss hopes to have finalised the arrangement by autumn.

Under the plan BLBW would act as a referral body, and one that could direct its clients to the appropriate help.

Bob Thomas, senior business manager for Customs' south region, said: "Many think that red tape will hold them back but Customs is, in fact, working hard to make life easier for businesses so they can spend less time complying with their obligations and more time succeeding."

Anyone who wants to find out more about the initiative can contact BLBW on 0845 600 4141

Customs and Excise's national VAT advice line is on 0845 010 9000

Tom Morton