Boat mooring company washes away high business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Boat Mooring Company | Cheshire
Specialising in mooring facilities by provide berthing and docking spaces for boats and vessels, catering to boat owners and marine operators.
KEY
FACTS
ONE MONTH
ACHIEVED IN
£14,000
SAVINGS
Mooring
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Operating from Preston on the Hill, Heatherfield, our client provides mooring services, offering secure docking spaces for boat owners.
Their site is essential for facilitating safe and accessible storage for vessels, making it a vital part of the local boating community. Keeping overhead costs manageable, including business rates, was a priority to maintain smooth operations.
The Problem
Upon reviewing the client’s business rates assessment, it became evident that their Rateable Value (RV) was initially set too high by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), making them ineligible for Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR).
Without this relief, they were facing unnecessarily high business rate charges, creating a financial strain on their operations. Addressing this overvaluation was key to reducing their costs and ensuring they were only paying what was fair.
The Solution
RVA Surveyors conducted a thorough assessment of the property, carefully reviewing its characteristics and comparing it with similar mooring sites in the area. We submitted an appeal to have the RV reassessed, arguing that the existing valuation did not accurately reflect the property’s size, usage, and market position. After a detailed review, the RV was successfully reduced from £17,250 to £10,000, making the client eligible for 100% Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR).
Once the RV was corrected, our audit team took immediate action, submitting an application to the local authority to secure the appropriate relief. The submission included all necessary supporting documentation, ensuring the process was smooth and efficient, successfully obtained full SBRR relief on their behalf.
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: £14,000
Surveyor comment
“Lowering the RV was a crucial step in ensuring the client could access SBRR. It took persistence, but the outcome means they are now paying zero business rates, which is a fantastic result for them.”
