This is the most recent post on this topic
However, please be aware that HM Customs & Excise have now amalgamated with HM Inspector of Taxes into HM Revenue & Customs. This means that they now talk to each other!
You'll find them here
There's a lot of spurious advice out there so best to speak to HM R&C yourself. If, for example, somebody managed to reclaim VAT from pre-PPL stage (and I am surprised they got it but then, I claimed for things that strictly, I shouldn't have been able to!), it doesn't mean to say YOU can. Rules and guidelines change and much can be down to an individual inspector.
Be totally straight and honest with them and you'll find them very helpful.
Cheers
Whirls
PS - I may be doing a disservice to bank managers but NEVER ask a bank manager for taxation advice! Go to a professional accountant and preferable one that is a member of a professional institute working in public practice.