A KEY seminar to help rural enterprises to select the best business structure for success is being held in Helmsley next week.

A commercial lawyer and a taxation strategist will present a series of workshops at the half-day seminar at The Black Swan Hotel being staged by Yorkshire Forward-funded Support From Assured Professionals.

The seminar will help rural businesses, or those considering starting one, to select the best structure for their business, whether it is sole trader, partnership or limited company, all of which have different, far-reaching legal and financial implications.

The legal aspects will be discussed by Charles Walker, head of the company commercial department at York-based lawyers Harrowell Shaftoe.

He said: "Running a rural enterprise involves so many issues that choosing the right business structure often gets inadequate consideration. It can make the difference between being able to grow or finding important options closed off."

Taxation issues will be explained by senior tax consultant Duncan Meredith of accountants Garbutt & Elliott, York, who said: "Choosing the right business structure is vital to obtaining the maximum tax relief. Whether sole trader, partnership or limited company, issues arise at all stages and often it is a question of timing, especially the decision to switch format by incorporation."

The seminar on March 17 will run from 10am to 1pm. Places cost £20 per person, including light refreshments, and can be booked by contacting Karl Elliott or Sarah Angus on (01904) 629513 or sarah.angus@ynycc.com.

Updated: 15:52 Wednesday, March 09, 2005