TAPERING OFF: KEY STAKEHOLDERS DISCUSS CAPITAL GAINS ACTION PLAN
-Expert debate will discuss the consequences of the taper relief cut-

(London 19/10/07) Outraged by the Governments proposed abolition of taper relief, the countrys leading entrepreneurs and opinion makers gathered together yesterday to hold an expert forum to discuss the current policy changes. Tapering Off was held in London to discuss the consequences of the taper relief cut, and what the actions of the business community must be moving forward.

Tapering Off was not just targeted at business owners: joining the entrepreneurs were advisers, government representatives and other interested stakeholders, all of whom engaged in expert debate and discussion to assess the economic and social repercussions of the policy change. They also discussed the options and actions available to business owners, investors and political groups.     

This event was been organised by the entrepreneur Oli Barrett, in his role as membership chair of EO London (www.joineo.com) . Expert speakers that attended include David Gauke (Shadow Minister for the Treasury), James Murray Wells (Founder of Glasses Direct), Raj Patel (Head of Policy at Make your Mark) and Mark Collins (Tax Partner at Baker Tilly). The event was co-hosted by the Supper Club, whose members are all innovative entrepreneurs running leading businesses in the UK.

Oli Barrett, the leading entrepreneur, commented:

"What is extremely clear is that this is an issue which many business owners feel strongly about and that seems to be because it affects not just them but their families, employees and investors too. There are 4.5 small businesses in Britain, so this is more than just a handful of people because those businesses employ 12 million people.
 
By holding this event, we are trying to bring together a range of stakeholders, from entrepreneurs, investors and accountants to the media, from government and from the opposition.  Signing a petition is all very well; however we think that if this is something people care about, they should be given a chance to join a conversation."

For more information on the change in Capital Gains Tax, or Taper Relief, visit www.taperrelief.com

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Notes to editor:

About TaperRelief.com

www.TaperRelief.com is a project organised by leading entrepreneurs and figures in the business community to create debate around Capital Gains Tax. High profile entrepreneurs including Oli Barrett, William Berry, Jamie Murray-Wells and Duncan Cheatle have joined together in order to debate the government legislation that has cut the historical Capital Gains Tax rate from 10% to 18%

Set up to provide all members of the concerned community with a forum to speak openly about the issues surrounding taper relief, the website will provide up to date information, film footage and news on this concern.

About Oli Barrett

Oli Barrett runs Connected Capital, an innovation company. Hes an ambassador for the UKs Make Your Mark campaign, and brought the concept of Speed Networking to the UK, something which he continues to host regularly. Other companies he has helped to launch, and remains a shareholder in, include SockRush.com (the sock subscription service), Soflow (the business networking site), and FriendsAbroad.com (the worlds largest language learning exchange).

After dropping out of University, Oli became a Butlins Redcoat (entertainer and compere) and worked with Hit Entertainment on the launch of Bob the Builder, going on to work with the BBC, Disney and Sony Wonder in New York. He founded his first company, Amazingyou at University, growing the team to 150 people in 9 cities and hosting events to connect students to young professionals for inspiration and opportunities.

For further information, please contact:

Beth Murray (PR121)
Beth.murray@pr121.com
0207 022 4953