Windscreen repair company clears up business rates liability with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Windscreen Repair | Cardiff
Specialises in expert windscreen repair and replacement services, ensuring safe and reliable solutions for drivers nationwide.
KEY
FACTS
TWO YEARS
ACHIEVED IN
£17,912
SAVINGS
Workshop
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Located in Cardiff’s Portmanmoor Road Industrial Estate, our client is a well-established provider of windscreen repair and replacement services. They support both individual motorists and businesses, ensuring vehicles remain roadworthy and safe.
Their site includes a workshop for repairs and an office space for administrative operations, both essential to their daily functions.
The Problem
A review of their business rates assessment revealed mistakes in the property’s valuation by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).
The assessment incorrectly listed the office area as larger than the workshop. However, in reality, the workshop occupied more space. This error inflated their rateable value (RV), causing them to overpay on business rates.
The Solution
To correct these inaccuracies, RVA Surveyors conducted a thorough inspection. The team confirmed the discrepancies and submitted a check with a revised floorplan and photographic evidence to support the updated valuation.
Since the Welsh rating system differs from England’s, the submission process followed a unique approach. However, discussions with the VOA did not begin until June 2024. At that stage, RVA also identified that a reduced tone should apply to the valuation. Working closely with the caseworker, the team ensured all necessary adjustments were made.
The Outcome
In July 2024, the check was successfully approved without any objections from the VOA. The survey data was updated to reflect the correct property layout, and the appropriate tone reduction was applied to the 2017 Rating List.
As a result, the client secured a fair and accurate business rates liability. This adjustment prevented unnecessary overpayments and ensured their assessment aligned with their actual property usage.
Savings achieved: £17,912
Surveyor comment
“By presenting precise evidence during the Challenge stage, we achieved a substantial reduction, directly benefiting the client.”
