VAT changes to boost spending at Optrafair

Optical practices will provide brisk business for equipment suppliers at Optrafair 2011, according to finance companies.

The timing of Optrafair next April and changes to VAT may encourage practices to invest.

Earlier this month Optician published research conducted with Birmingham Optical Group which found that a third of practices intended to invest in new technology at Optrafair.

The research, to be published in Optician 12.12.10, also shows 46 per cent of practices preferred to lease equipment.

Simon Wardle, principal of Professionals Financial Services, said changes to VAT could result in more cash being available to optical businesses.

'De minimus will be squeezed and it is the last year of the accelerated capital allowance, so for any practice looking at large capital expenditure, financial planning is vital,' he said.