SERVICES
Business rates advice for occupiers
Expert rates advisory for property occupiers and tenants.
We offer a full business rates service for occupiers, including rates assessments, mitigation and rebates, lease advisory and occupier valuations.
We advise on office space, industrial and retail premises, and specialist properties like hotels, leisure facilities and museums. Weโll identify any excessive assessments and lodge an appeal with the Valuation Office, with the aim to secure a refund on past payments, and a reduction in rate liability going forward.
We also provide strategies to minimise rate liability if a premises is empty, partially occupied or is adversely affected by external factors such as major building work.
How we help occupiers with business rates
Account management
We offer an end-to-end solution for occupiers, from auditing to representation in court.
- Forensic rate audit on past payments
- Identify and secure all reliefs and exemptions
- Provide empty rate mitigation strategies
- Full rate payment facility
- 24/7 web access to live rate liability position
- All refunds tracked, secured and validated
- Magistrates court representation
Appeals
Using our unparalleled market knowledge, we follow a step-by-step method to position your appeal.
- Determine if the rating assessment is legally valid
- Ensure the accommodation matches the assessment (area and demise)
- Review the rateable value
- Challenge excessive assessments and secure reductions
- Full representation at tribunal service hearings
- Monitor and react to any changes to the property or surroundings
Find out how much you should pay.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases, business rates are the responsibility of the occupier listed on the rating assessment. This means tenants are typically liable for paying rates, making it important to understand and actively manage these costs as part of overall occupancy expenses.
Business rates are a significant fixed cost and can impact profitability, site selection and expansion decisions. Effective management of rates liabilities can help businesses control overheads and support long-term operational efficiency.
Businesses may reduce their business rates by checking their rateable value, identifying available reliefs and ensuring their assessment is accurate. Proactive management can help control costs and avoid overpaying.
Reliefs may include small business rate relief, retail, hospitality and leisure reliefs, and other sector-specific schemes. Eligibility depends on property type and circumstances, so itโs important to review available options regularly.
Tenants should consider challenging their rateable value if it appears higher than comparable properties at the relevant valuation date. This may happen where property details are incorrect or market evidence suggests a lower value. Reviewing your position first helps ensure a challenge is justified and avoids unnecessary time and cost.
Our business rates advisors help you to reduce, appeal and manage your liabilities.
