Case study:

Training Provider | North West 

is a UK-based training provider that offers a range of courses, primarily focused on health and social care, childcare, and education.

KEY
FACTS

SEVEN MONTHS 
ACHIEVED IN

£5,364 
SAVINGS

Office 
PROPERTY TYPE

The Client

The client operates a small business within this commercial unit situated at Unit 3, 557 Mauldeth Road West in Manchester. This space, consisting of both office and internal storage areas, serves as the backbone for their daily operations.

As a business, managing overhead costs like business rates is crucial for sustainability. Ensuring their property valuation accurately reflected the dimensions of their premises was essential to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

The Problem

An initial assessment had been carried out when the unit was split from a larger property in mid-2021 by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). However, this split was not handled correctly, and incorrect measurements were applied to the client’s unit. This oversight resulted in an inflated rateable value, as both the office and storage areas were overestimated.

Consequently, the client was paying higher business rates than warranted, and the inaccurate assessment kept them above the £12,000 threshold, disqualifying them from Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR).

The Solution

In April 2024, RVA Surveyors conducted an inspection and found that the actual property size was smaller than recorded. The office and storage areas had been overvalued due to inaccurate measurements.

To correct this, we compiled a detailed check case, including photographs from the inspection as evidence. We also requested a copy of the VOA’s floor plan in case of any disputes. This approach led the VOA to request a joint inspection, where RVA Surveyors ensured accuracy. After reviewing the revised measurements, the VOA accepted the updated figures and acknowledged the previous overestimation.

The Outcome

As a result of the accurate reassessment, the property’s rateable value was reduced below the £12,000 threshold, allowing the client to qualify for full SBRR.

By securing this correction, RVA Surveyors ensured that the client’s business rates now accurately reflected their actual occupied space, offering long-term stability and peace of mind.

Savings achieved: £5,364 

Surveyor comment

“Our joint inspection with the VOA confirmed that the property had been incorrectly measured, leading to an overvaluation.”