Minimising your rates burden
We act for clients across every sector — Trade Counter, Industrial & Logistics, Office, High Street Retail, Multiplex Cinemas, Serviced Apartments and NHS properties.
Using our expert knowledge we work to minimise our clients’ business rates burden and provide advice on all aspects of rating law and practice. Using our market-leading software we are also able to provide detailed rates liability forecasts.
We have expertise in negotiating rating appeals with the Scottish Assessor and the Valuation Office Agency in England and Wales, acting for ratepayers at Valuation Tribunal, and pursuing empty rates strategies to mitigate ongoing liabilities.
The 2026 Revaluation
A new Business Rates Revaluation took effect on 1 April 2026 across Scotland, England and Wales, updating Rateable Values to reflect current market rental levels. This is the first revaluation under the new three-yearly cycle.
If you believe your new Rateable Value is too high, you may have grounds to challenge it. Appeal rights remain available in England and Wales, and if you’re unsure whether your assessment is correct, get in touch to discuss whether a challenge is worthwhile for your property.
In Scotland, the statutory deadline for Revaluation appeals has now passed. However, there are still circumstances in which a Rateable Value can be altered during the life of the Valuation Roll, so please contact us if you believe your assessment is incorrect.
Business Rates Poundage
*RHL = qualifying Retail, Hospitality or Leisure use. The City of London operates a different set of multipliers.
Reliefs & Appeals
Appeals
In Scotland, occupiers can appeal new properties, alterations, Material Change of Circumstances, and Assessor errors. In England and Wales, additional rights are available including those relating to Transitional Relief. The CCA system (Check, Challenge, Appeal) remains the established route in England.
Reliefs
Business Rates reliefs are available, including Small Business Bonus Scheme, Empty Property Relief, Renewable Energy Relief, Rural Rates Relief, Fresh Start, New Start and Charitable Relief.
Rates relief in Scotland →
Rates relief in England & Wales →
New Premises / Alterations
Business Rates is often the third largest business expense behind rent and staff costs. If you are taking on new space or altering your premises, it is never too soon to plan your liability — and if in Scotland, essential to consider an appeal within the statutory window.
Empty Rates
We pursue a variety of empty rates strategies to help mitigate ongoing liabilities on vacant property.
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