Case study:

Wholesale Distribution Company | West Yorkshire

Specialising in distributing video games, accessories, consoles, toys, and digital products. They supply these products to the UK, Europe, and over 60 countries worldwide.

KEY
FACTS

10%
REDUCTION

BASED IN
SHIPLEY

BACKDATED
SAVINGS
TO 1ST APRIL 2023

The Client

Located at Unit 4, Sapper Jordan Rossi Park, Shipley, our client operates a distribution business within a well-established commercial estate. Their unit plays a crucial role in their daily operations, providing the necessary space for storing and dispatching goods efficiently.

With business rates being a key financial commitment, ensuring a fair valuation of their premises’ business rates was essential for managing costs effectively.

The Problem

Upon reviewing the client’s initial business rates assessment by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), we found a potential overvaluation. Their property had been assigned a Rateable Value (RV) of £67,000, which we thought was too high. We compared this with similar properties in the area.

A neighbouring unit, with similar size and function, had recently secured a reduction in its price per square metre due to a reassessed annual rent. Since our client’s property was in the same scheme and shared identical features, it was clear their valuation should also be revised.

The Solution

To build a strong case, RVA Surveyors conducted a thorough inspection of the neighbouring unit’s revised valuation. We directly compared it to our client’s premises. Both properties shared the same location, layout, and operational purpose. Therefore, it made sense that the same reduction should apply to our client’s property. We used this evidence to submit a ‘Challenge‘ under the Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) process to the VOA. We requested a reduction in the RV from £67,000 to £60,500. Given that the neighbouring unit had been reassessed, it seemed fair that our client would receive the same adjustment.

The VOA caseworker agreed with our argument. They acknowledged the validity of our case and applied the revised price per square metre to our client’s unit.

The Outcome

Following our successful challenge, the client’s RV was reduced, leading to a direct decrease in their business rates liability. This correction aligned their valuation with that of the neighbouring unit, ensuring they were not unfairly overpaying compared to similar properties within the estate.

By preventing inflated business rate charges in future assessments, the client can now focus on their core operations without the burden of excessive costs.

Savings achieved: £7,104 

Surveyor comment

“Commercial estates often see inconsistencies in business rate assessments, even for identical units. By leveraging recent reductions in neighbouring properties, we were able to secure a fairer valuation for our client.”