Trusted Advice

Occupiers

Your rating system experts

We know the intricacies of the rating system so you don’t have to.

Working with occupiers of all sectors and sizes, we simplify the system for you, providing tailored solutions and regular reports to keep you up to speed. We can advise on any form of non-domestic rates relief, helping any business better understand their options.

Business Rates Consultancy for Occupiers

Business Rates Review

Our trusted advisers will review if you are paying too much in business rates and whether you are entitled to relief.

First, we’ll undertake a full measured inspection of your property to identify whether your Rateable Value is accurate. Then, following our forensic review of your rates assessment, we’ll outline our recommendations for next steps.

If an opportunity to reduce your rates is identified, we’ll make an appeal to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) on your behalf. Once successful, ensure that all overpaid amounts are backdated and refunded to you in a timely manner.

Empty or Underutilised Properties

Whether temporary or permanent, we can seek to reduce your liability on vacant and underutilised spaces.

Changing work patterns, refurbishment programmes, property moves and exits can all trigger empty or underutilised commercial properties. We can work with you to ensure any potential for securing relief is maximised. This proactive approach assists with planning and decision making while contributing to overall cost savings.

Enter & Exit Strategy

If you’re planning or in the process of moving between commercial properties, we can work with you to minimise business rates throughout the process.

Through positive liaison with the Valuation Office Agency and Local Authority, we have built a strong reputation for reducing our clients’ liability throughout the move process. This reduces the need to pay business rates on two or more premises at the same time.

Reliefs, Exemptions and External Disturbances

We have a proven track record in applying for and securing business rate reliefs and exemptions on behalf of ratepayers.

Taking a consultative approach, we’ll guide you through the many forms of reliefs and exemptions available to reduce your Business Rates liability. With legislation changing frequently, we’ll keep reviewing your circumstances to advise on eligibility for securing short-term reductions.

We can also advise on whether savings can be obtained as a result of external disturbances like building or road works undertaken by a local authority. We have a proven track record in securing sizeable reductions to Rateable Value where such scenarios exist.

Rate Management and Compliance

Outsource your rate payment and management process to our experts and eliminate the risk of non-compliance.

Director

07538142509

henry.edwardes@fore-view.co.uk

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FAQS

How are business rates calculated?

Business rates are set and calculated based on the rateable value (RV) of a property. This is decided by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Once the rateable value has been set, you can look up your business rates multiplier. Multiplying this by your RV will produce your ‘before relief (BR)’ figure. Finally, subtract any viable business rates relief you are entitled to. This should leave you with an approximate amount of business rates payable, though you should always verify this with a specialist.

What is business rate mitigation?

‘Business rate mitigation refers to a strategy to delay or reduce business rates. It can involve extending an exemption period, taking advantage of business rates relief schemes, and so on. Any chosen method for business rates mitigation must be handled with the correct justification and documentation. Get in touch with our business rates advisors to discuss your situation and develop a tailored business rates mitigation strategy

What is small business rates relief?

Small business rates relief is a form of business rate relief for when a property’s value is below a certain threshold. The requirements are that:
– The property’s rateable value is below £15,000
– The occupier only uses one property (though there are exceptions that allow you to claim small business rates relief across multiple properties).

What is business rates relief?

Business Rates Relief refers to a reduction in the business rates bill you pay as tax on a non-domestic property. There are many official forms of relief, such as if a property is:
– Empty, partly empty, or being refurbished
– In an enterprise zone
– A small business with low rateable value
– Beneficial to the local community or economy
– Is being affected by severe local disruption

You can find out more about potential business rates exemptions for your property by contacting a business rates specialist.

How can I reduce my business rates?

There are various ways to reduce or appeal your business rates via relief or mitigation. This can take the form of reducing the amount to be paid or extending a relief period. Common business rates mitigation schemes include ‘small business rates relief’ or ’empty property relief’. Occupiers may also choose to appeal their business rates based on errors in their rateable value. Attempts to reduce business rates should be handled by a qualified business rates advisor. Contact ForeView to discover the best opportunities to reduce your business rates today.

Is there VAT on business rates?

Business rates are a form of tax that is invested in local infrastructure and services. Because of this, it is not subject to VAT.