Digital services company reduces business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Digital Services Company | Northamptonshire
Specialising in creating and maintaining websites, offering services such as logo design, SEO, website hosting, and maintenance.
KEY
FACTS
TWO YEARS
ACHIEVED IN
£10,074
SAVINGS
Office
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Operating from Units 01a & 02a, our client runs a business from office premises, providing essential workspace for their operations.
As a business occupying commercial property, managing costs efficiently, particularly business rates, was a priority. Ensuring they were only paying what they owed was crucial to their operations.
The Problem
A review of the client’s business rates assessment after the initial Valuation Office Agency (VOA) assessment revealed that their property was not structured in a way that would allow them to benefit from Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR).
Without the appropriate relief in place, they were overpaying on their business rates. Given the extended period over which this had occurred, it was essential to act quickly and rectify the situation to prevent further financial loss.
The Solution
To ensure the client could benefit from SBRR, our surveyor restructured the property’s assessment, splitting it into two separate units.
This adjustment lowered the Rateable Value (RV) for both the 2017 and 2023 rating periods, making the client eligible for the relief they had previously missed out on. With the revised assessment in place, our audit team then submitted an application to the local council, ensuring the client’s entitlement to SBRR was formally recognised.
The Outcome
Following our intervention, the council formally approved the SBRR application, significantly reducing the client’s business rates liability. This resulted in over £14,000 in savings across three rating years, providing a major financial boost to their operations.
By securing this relief, future rate assessments will be more accurate, ensuring they continue to benefit from fair and reasonable charges.
Combined savings achieved: £10,074
Surveyor comment
“A great example of how restructuring a property’s assessment can make a huge financial difference. By making the necessary adjustments, we ensured the client accessed the relief they deserved, preventing overpayments.”
