Business Rates
Based on rental values, Business Rates are a tax on the owners and occupiers of (non-domestic) commercial property. It is calculated that rates typically equate to 45% of annual rent, making it one of the largest overheads for businesses and substantially impacting on the profitability of many organisations.
The Knight Frank Business Rates team seek to actively secure savings and reduce rate liabilities for our clients, through the provision of a broad range of services which include challenging assessments, securing rate reliefs, carrying out historical audits and checking rate demands on your behalf as well as advice on the both the existing 2010 Revaluation and previous 2005 List.
Why Knight Frank for business rates
The team offer an unrivalled level of knowledge, experience and success in the field of rating and as a national service line we are positioned to ensure client needs are met, regardless of location. As a Knight Frank client you can enjoy the benefit of a dedicated case handler, committed to the provision of a streamlined service and representing your interest at every stage of the process.
Our Business Rates services
Our objective is to take the hassle away, represent your interests and secure results – leaving you time to focus on your business. Take a look and see what we do:
- A comprehensive review of the current 2010 List rating assessments, using our extensive market knowledge to identify any potential savings
- Lodging appeals within the strict statutory time limits.
- Monitoring any further opportunities to reduce the assessment throughout the life of the List
- Reviewing and identifying any opportunities for savings on the 2005 List
- Negotiating with the Valuation Office Agency and securing the best possible reduction
- Providing regular budget forecasts and reports detailing progress and savings secured
- Rate Account Auditing to include checking rate demands and ensuring all relief entitlements are claimed
- Providing strategic professional advice on empty rates avoidance
- Negotiating with the Billing Authorities on rate demands and Completion Notices
- Representing the client at Magistrates Court where appropriate
- Becoming directly responsible for all rate payments
- Ensuring clients are kept fully aware of all issues through our Business Rates Bulletins and regular meetings
Our expertise for working in specialist areas speaks for itself, below is a sample of property types we have successfully dealt with:
- Educational facilities
- Data Centres
- High security facilities within the banking sector
- Leisure Industry: hotels, casinos, theatres and health clubs
- Local Authority properties
- Out of Town retail warehouse facilities
- Public Sector facilities: Museums, criminal courts and police stations
- Rural Landed Estates
Newsletters & Recent Press
Newsletters
Business Rates - Facts and Figures 2010
Business Rates - 2009 Rates Data Card
Business Rates Brochure
Autumn Bulletin (London Focus)
Autumn Newsletter
Empty Rates Bulletin – 2008
Press
EGi 1st April 2009
Financial Times November 2008
The Telegraph November 2008
Empty Rates press release
Ports press release
Contact Knight Frank Business Rates Services
If you require any further information or would like to subscribe to our regular newsletter please contact us at:
Business Rates Help Desk: T +44 (0)20 7861 5012
or rating@knightfrank.com