Business Rate Expert Advice
Saving you money on your rating liability
We understand that business rates represent a significant cost for your business to your bottom line and navigating this increasingly complex area can be challenging.
Our team of specialists based across the UK make it their priority to help occupiers of commercial property, developers and investors to save money on their business rates.
From challenging and reclaiming historical overpayments and assessing your current liability, to helping you to plan for the future, our business rates experts can help.
Revaluation 2023
You can challenge your property valuation on the 2023 Rating List until March 2026. Our business rates experts can help.
Revaluation 2026
The next revaluation is due to take affect from 1st April 2026. Keep abreast of the latest developments.
Business rates consultancy services
We work all types of organisations from SMEs with one property to investors and large corporates with extensive portfolios, including St John Ambulance and JoJo Maman Bébé.
Our business rates advisors cover a range of asset types, from industrial, logistics and offices, to marine and leisure property and have taken care of clients across the length and breadth of the UK.
Having reached somewhat of an impasse with the valuation officer ourselves, we were delighted that, with just two weeks until our case was heard at tribunal, Vail Williams came on board and completely turned things round for us. They pulled together an excellent argument at very short notice and got the result that we knew we deserved.
Adam Park, Chief Operating Officer, Renaissance Capital Partners.
“Vail Williams were clear, concise and proactive. Their application to the Council was accepted first time, creating a saving of over £70,000 over the current valuation period, far more than we anticipated. Needless to say, we were very pleased!”
Charles Hylton-Potts, Partner, Peacock & Co. Solicitors.
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Business Rates FAQs
What is business rates advice and how can it benefit UK businesses?
Business rates are a tax on non-domestic properties, such as commercial properties. As rules and legislation are constantly changing in regards to business rates, it’s essential to get professional advice. Our specialist team, have a wealth of experience understanding business rates and can help your business save money through different benefits and tax relief.
Do I pay business rates on an empty property?
Empty properties could be exempt from business rates for a limited time.
However, it’s best to speak to our specialist team for more advice on how when and how this may be applicable.
What tax reliefs are available?
- Small business rate relief: this is for eligible businesses with a low rateable value.
- Charities: may be eligible for relief.
- Retail, hospitality, and leisure relief: can be available for certain businesses in these sectors.
How can I check if I have overpaid business rates?
An audit of your business rates account can confirm whether any historic overpayments have been made to the local authority.
A review of the valuation applied to the property would also determine whether the rateable value is correct, with appropriate appeal recommendations to follow thereafter.
How long does a business rates appeal take?
The timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it progresses to appeal. Some cases may be resolved within months, while more complex disputes can take longer.
Officially, the VOA has 12 months to resolve the initial ‘check’ stage of the appeal process, with a further 18 months to resolve the more formal ‘challenge’ stage. If no resolution is achieved, the case would progress to an official appeal and hearing at the Valuation Tribunal – this should take no more than 6 months.
Can business rates be backdated if a reduction is agreed?
If a successful check/challenge/appeal results in a reduced rateable value, adjustments can often be backdated to the relevant valuation period, which may lead to refunds of overpaid rates. The backdated reduction will depend on the timing of the appeal resolution and the effective date of the valuation.
What information is needed to review my business rates liability?
Typically, this includes rate demands, lease details, property information (obtained via a survey of the property) and any previous correspondence with the Valuation Office Agency or local authority.
