Electricians are among industries being targeted by new HM Revenue & Customs task forces.

Leicester accountancy firm Newby Castleman said businesses will be visited this year by HMRC representatives trying to cut the amount of tax lost through poor record keeping. The Government believes it can save £7 billion annually by clamping down on tax avoidance.

Ian Fawcett, tax partner at the Regent Road firm, said: "We are keen to issue this warning to avoid people being shocked by a knock on the door by the taxman."