BUSINESS finance was the theme for a talk given by colleagues from Haines Watts.

The firm of chartered accountants, which is behind the Thames Valley Young Entrepreneur of the Year Competition, gave the presentation to students involved in Young Enterprise, at Rushmoor Borough Council’s offices in Farnborough.

Jane Gregory, head of client services and David Smy, partner at the firm’s Sarum Hill office in Basingstoke, explained the basics and the importance of financial control covering areas like VAT and corporation tax.

Jane said, “We’re delighted to have been able to help Young Enterprise with this presentation. “People benefit a great deal from understanding about finance and business, even at a young age. “A basic knowledge can help them avoid common financial mistakes and business pitfalls.

“Our Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition is now in its fifth year and we have seen many candidates who have excelled in business because of their financial acumen.”

The finals for the 2014 candidates of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition will be held on November 5.

Young Enterprise is the UK’s largest business and enterprise education charity.

Every year it helps 250,000 young people learn about business and the world of work under the guidance of a network of 5,000 volunteers from 3,500 companies.