Business Rates

Business Rates are a tax based on the rateable value of a property.

The Valuation Office Agency, or VOA, is a Government  department who are part of the Inland Revenue, and they calculate the Rateable Values, or RVs, which are applied to commercial premises.  It is important that each RV is correct, and all businesses have the right to have their Rateable Value reviewed since the VOA is under a duty to maintain an accurate rating list.

Should you Appeal?

Business Rates can form a large cost to any organization.

But we will not simply submit an appeal on every property.  Deciding whether to appeal against a Rateable Value can give a mixed result – as the Valuation Office Agency can increase the assessment figure if they feel that, upon further consideration, it would be proper to do so.  It is for this reason that we offer our clients a free initial assessment as to whether we believe it is worthwhile submitting an Appeal in the first instance.  

Our Experience

We act for a wide range of owners and occupiers, including specialist hotel operators as well as office and industrial occupiers.

By instructing us you can be confident that your property will be dealt with by an experienced professional.   Unlike some businesses, your instruction would be handled by a qualified Chartered Surveyor, and we do not charge up-front fees simply for submitting an appeal, nor do we charge a rolling fee, year after year, which can easily mount up, for 'monitoring' matters.  Our fee basis is clear and simple, being based on a percentage of any reduction achieved.  We do not believe in hidden extras or charging clients for simply completing and submitting an Appeal form.