Case study:

Metal Recycling Company | West Midlands

This metal recycling company is a scrap metal recycling company, specialising in the collection, processing, and recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

KEY
FACTS

19%
REDUCTION

BASED IN
WEST MIDLANDS

BACKDATED
SAVINGS
TO 1ST APRIL 2023

The Client

Located at Unit 2 Oak Lane, Kingswinford, the client operates in the metals industry, supplying essential materials to a wide range of sectors.

As a well-established business, they have consistently evolved to meet market demands while maintaining a strong focus on quality and customer service.

The Problem

During a review of the business rates, we identified a significant issue. The valuation still included a warehouse that had been demolished at the beginning of 2018. Despite its removal, the property continued to be assessed as if the warehouse was intact.

In addition to this oversight, we found errors in the valuation of unsurfaced, fenced land. While comparable properties were receiving a 25% adjustment, the client’s land had only been given a 15% reduction. This inconsistency placed an unnecessary financial burden on the business.

The Solution

RVA Surveyors immediately began working to correct the discrepancies. After confirming with the client that the warehouse was demolished in early 2018, we submitted documentation to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). We requested that the demolition be recognised as the effective date for reassessment. At the same time, we argued that the 25% adjustment applied to similar properties should also be granted to our client’s land.

To build a strong case, we submitted multiple rounds of checks and challenges. Initially, the VOA resisted the claims, referencing a lack of evidence in the council’s planning portal. However, we explained that no planning permission had been necessary because the demolition involved a simple structure—a single-sheet tin-clad warehouse, dismantled in just two hours.

Although the process was complex, we maintained consistent communication and provided supporting evidence throughout.

The Outcome

Eventually, our persistence paid off. On 16th July 2024, the VOA accepted both the warehouse removal and the land adjustment—without further objections.

Consequently, the client experienced a significant reduction in business rates liability. The final assessment accurately reflected the property’s current state, eliminating overpayments and ensuring long-term savings.

Savings achieved: £18,016 

Surveyor comment

“By identifying key discrepancies in the valuation, we successfully ensured the client wasn’t overpaying and secured a fair adjustment through the CCA process.”