SERVICES
Business rates advice for occupiers
Expert rates advisory for property occupiers and tenants.
Our full business rates service for occupiers covers rates assessments, mitigation and rebates, lease advisory and occupier valuations.
We advise on office space, industrial and retail premises, and specialist properties such as hotels, leisure facilities and museums. We review assessments, identify excessive liabilities and challenge them where appropriate, with the aim of securing refunds on past payments and reducing costs going forward.
We also help occupiers manage liabilities where premises are empty, partially occupied or affected by external factors such as major building work.
Our business rates services
Account management
We offer an end-to-end solution for occupiers, from auditing to representation in court.
- Forensic rate audit on past payments
- Identify and secure all reliefs and exemptions
- Provide empty rate mitigation strategies
- Full rate payment facility
- 24/7 web access to live rate liability position
- All refunds tracked, secured and validated
- Magistrates court representation
Appeals
Using our unparalleled market knowledge, we follow a step-by-step method to position your appeal.
- Determine if the rating assessment is legally valid
- Ensure the accommodation matches the assessment (area and demise)
- Review the rateable value
- Challenge excessive assessments and secure reductions
- Full representation at tribunal service hearings
- Monitor and react to any changes to the property or surroundings
Managing business rates as an occupier
For occupiers, business rates are a significant operating cost that can affect budgets, cash flow and day-to-day decision-making. Managing them effectively means understanding what you should be paying, reviewing liabilities regularly and acting quickly when circumstances change.
We help occupiers take a more proactive approach to business rates, so unnecessary costs are identified early and liabilities stay under control. With the right advice, businesses can improve cost certainty, reduce avoidable spend and support operational savings across their property footprint.
Find out how much you should pay.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases, business rates are the responsibility of the occupier listed on the rating assessment. This means tenants are typically liable for paying rates, making it important to understand and actively manage these costs as part of overall occupancy expenses.
Business rates are a significant fixed cost and can impact profitability, site selection and expansion decisions. Effective management of rates liabilities can help businesses control overheads and support long-term operational efficiency.
Businesses may reduce their business rates by checking their rateable value, identifying available reliefs and ensuring their assessment is accurate. Proactive management can help control costs and avoid overpaying.
Reliefs may include small business rate relief, retail, hospitality and leisure reliefs, and other sector-specific schemes. Eligibility depends on property type and circumstances, so it’s important to review available options regularly.
Tenants should consider challenging their rateable value if it appears higher than comparable properties at the relevant valuation date. This may happen where property details are incorrect or market evidence suggests a lower value. Reviewing your position first helps ensure a challenge is justified and avoids unnecessary time and cost.
Yes. We have a fully managed and tailored services to support property owners and landlords. You can find out more here.
Our business rates advisors help you to reduce, appeal and manage your liabilities.
