As a VAT registered business I am able to supply instruments under the Assisted Purchases scheme.

The rules are not complicated. There is very little extra work and no financial implications to the business.

• The scheme only applies to LEA schools.
• The goods must be the subject of an Official Order.
• The goods must be used in school as part of the pupil's curriculum work.
  (It is not necessary for the tuition to take place in school.)
• The goods must be portable and (officially) they should be delivered to the school.
• The amount of the assistance is the VAT, 15% of the retail price.

If you wish to take advantage of the scheme it is best to consult the school first, so that it can order the goods you want. However, the procedure can be worked the other way round if you tell me the name of the school and the goods you want. I then generate a pro-forma invoice to the school, with your name standing in for an order number. (I can email this to you in pdf format so that you can print it and take it to the school office.) If the school agrees to make the order they can contact me (by fax or mail) and give me the all important official order number. I then supply the goods with an invoice bearing that number in addition to your name.

You are billed by the school, and pay only the ex-VAT value of the goods. In the fullness of time the education authority pays me the full invoice amount.

If you are wondering why I have quoted 15% you need to consider the maths more closely. The VAT rate is 17.5%, but with this scheme the tax is being removed, not added. The 15% figure is not absolutely accurate, but more than good enough for most purposes. The formal invoices I generate are accurate to the last penny. This is not a cosy private arrangement, these facilities should be available from any retailer who is VAT registered.