NORTH-EAST firms are being warned to be on their guard against taking part in a telephone survey that leads to a £300 bill.

The North-East Chamber of Commerce says that a number of companies have approached them to warn of the survey.

Rachel Spence, head of policy with the chamber, explained: "Firms are asked to take part in a telephone survey on business management.

"They are then sent an unrequested publication on personnel and quality management and a £300 bill.

"Anyone who returns it is told that it has not been received or it has arrived after the return date.

"Any queries about the bill receive a fairly hostile and legalistic response from the people involved."