Metal processing company lowers business rates numbers with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Metal Processing Company | West Midlands
Specialises in producing a wide range of welded carbon and stainless steel tubes catering to various industries, including construction, automotive, and engineering, ensuring high-quality steel solutions.
KEY
FACTS
10 MONTHS
ACHIEVED IN
£74,992
SAVINGS
Warehouse
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Located at Dudley New Road, Netherton, Dudley, West Midlands, the client is a leading manufacturer of precision steel tubes in the UK. Our client, specialises in producing a wide range of welded carbon and stainless steel tubes.
Their products cater to various industries, including construction, automotive, and engineering, ensuring high-quality and innovative steel solutions. With a complex site, the client was concerned that their business rates did not accurately reflect the true characteristics of their property.
The Problem
The property’s valuation did not fully account for several factors affecting its usability and accessibility. The initial assessment by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) applied a -5% end allowance for restricted access, but this did not reflect the full extent of the limitations. The layout, consisting of buildings from different periods with varying configurations, had not been considered in the valuation. Additionally, differences in floor levels created further inefficiencies, impacting overall operations.
Furthermore, an uplift had been applied due to the eaves height, which did not accurately reflect the property’s functional characteristics. These factors led to an overvaluation, increasing financial pressure on the client.
The Solution
RVA Surveyors conducted a detailed inspection of the site, identifying key adjustments necessary for a fair valuation. We successfully argued for an increase in the access allowance from -5% to -7.5% to reflect the challenges in reaching and operating within the site.
A -5% layout allowance was applied to account for the varying ages and configurations of the buildings, while a -2.5% floor level allowance was secured to reflect inconsistencies across the site. Additionally, the existing uplift due to eaves height was removed, ensuring the valuation aligned with the property’s true functionality. These adjustments more accurately represented the operational challenges the client faced.
The Outcome
The revised valuation reflected a more accurate assessment of the property’s limitations. The increased allowances for access, layout, and floor levels, along with the removal of the eaves height uplift, resulted in a fairer rateable value.
This adjustment reduced the financial burden on the client, ensuring they were not overpaying on business rates.
Savings achieved: £74,992
Surveyor comment
“It was important to review every aspect of a valuation to ensure fairness. By addressing the overlooked access constraints, building layout, and structural variations, we secured a more accurate assessment for the client.”
