Business rates are a large occupational cost and we will be delighted to carry out an assessment appraisal to ascertain whether an appeal should be lodged. If we have already lodged an appeal on your behalf please be aware that there are still many ways in order to achieve a reduction in your rates. Please contact Rating 2000 if any of the following are applicable:

1. Empty property
If part or the whole of your property or floor is empty we may be able to claim empty rates relief on your behalf either through the appeal process or certification. It may even be possible to backdate this rates relief.

2. Material Change of Circumstances (MCC)
Certain negative external factors can have a major affect on your enjoyment of the property. These factors may not necessarily be reflected in the rent that you pay, but could possibly be taken into account during the appeal process and if successful could reduce your rates liability substantially. One of the most common forms of a material change of circumstances appeal is for a disturbance claim due to neighbouring buildings works. MCC appeals nonetheless cover a wide range of circumstances. For instance a retailer's business could be dramatically affected by the movement of a pedestrian crossing. The enjoyment of an industrial property might be greatly hindered by the closure of roads on the industrial estate. We have the experience necessary to deal with all types of Rating appeals.

3. Refurbishment works
If you are planning to carry out refurbishment works or have carried out works over the past two years this could have a bearing on your rates. During the works you may be entitled to a void rate period nonetheless any improvements that you make could increase your rates liability on an on-going basis. At Rating 2000 we would be delighted to look into this matter on your behalf and establish a program which could decrease your rating liability.

4. You have reduced or increased space or have further premises
From the time that we take on your instruction to appeal against your assessment until the time the appeal is heard it is possible that your holdings have changed and this will have an affect on the amount of rates that you are entitled to pay. Companies expand and contract within a particular property or over several properties. If changes are either likely to take place or have taken place we can provide advice on the best course of action to take in order to reduce your liability further.

5. Valuation Office (VO) Notice for a Merger or Split
The Valuation Office must keep an accurate rating list. This means that the VO has to reflect any changes that have taken place to your premises by issuing a Valuation Office Notice (VON). If you receive a notice please pass on a copy to Rating 2000 as the original appeal may prove to be historic and a further appeal may need to be lodged against the notice or new assessment.