If you’re not sure whether your new 2010 rateable value is correct, get Bisset Moffatt Hill to advise you. We’ll analyse your rent and property and compare this to the market conditions of April 2008 (this is the valuation date) and thereafter quickly tell you whether to appeal.

If you haven’t yet appealed your current 2005 assessment or there has been some physical change to your premises since you last appealed, let us know immediately. It may be possible to appeal (or re appeal) the assessment and get further savings. However don’t leave it too late. You only have until the 31st March 2010 to do this.

How else can you save costs?

1. If you are a small company and do not receive small business rate relief (SBRR) we can help you. Send us your rate demand so we can check and thereafter write to the Charging Authority to instigate this.

2. Consider relocating? You can gain extra rate relief by moving to smaller premises. When the new rating revaluation comes into force next April, businesses below the rateable value £18,000 (£25,500 in London) can pay the small business NNDR at £0.407

Those relocating to a property below £12,000 RV can claim small business rate relief at -1% per £120 RV below £12,000 RV up to a maximum of -50%.

3. Empty rate relief.

As you will be aware, there is now less relief available to business than before, due to government interference and reform. However, don’t miss out on what’s still available:

• Vacant premises with a rateable value less than £15,000 are totally exempt.
• Office and retail premises, (with an RV greater than £15,000) receive three month’s rate relief.
• Industrial and warehouse premises, (with an RV greater than £15,000) receive six month’s rate relief.

In general, premises that remain empty beyond these relief periods will attract the full-occupied charge. (Even though it says empty rates on your demand). However in certain circumstances it still may be possible to reduce this charge. Call Bisset Moffatt Hill for specific advice on empty rates mitigation.

4. Reconsider how you use your space? Can you sublet or assign part of your premises and pass on the rent and rates burden? More directly, have you explored the possibility of renegotiating your lease by exchanging something that is of benefit to your landlord, such as extending your lease term or relinquishing a future break option, in return for a lower rent or a rent-free period.

5. Finally, if your lease is coming up for renewal, now is the time to relocate. Consider moving to neighbouring offices of comparable size, but with better incentives and lease terms. Call Simon Moffatt at Bisset Moffatt Hill moffatt@bmh.co.uk for further advice on this or any of the above issues.