The VAT feature in QuickBooks is already in the system even if you didn't set it up, GCBraham.
Turning this off is currently unavailable. Since you're not VAT registered and is not obligated to any reports, you can use the No VAT code instead. Transactions under this code won't be reported to any VAT returns.
To learn more about this, please refer to this article: Common VAT Codes.
Drop by again and post a question here if you have other concerns with Quickbooks.