VAT relief for small businesses needed, says Tide boss The chief executive of business banking and financial services platform Tide has said the Government should provide VAT relief for small companies to help them cope with rising business costs. Oliver Prill said: “Small business owners are doing their best to keep their companies running, including getting help from their family and friends, but they need more support.” According to a survey of 1,170 Tide customers last month, one in five small firms fear they may not survive the year as costs soar.