Printing company lowers business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Printing Company | West Yorkshire
Specialising in multiple production industries, from design and pre-press services to final print and distribution supporting a high-volume output for both local and national clients.
KEY
FACTS
4 MONTHS
ACHIEVED IN
£33,058
SAVINGS
Factory
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Our client’s business specialises in multiple production industries, from design and pre-press services to final print and distribution. Their operations are spread across several adjoining units, supporting a high-volume output for both local and national clients.
Located in Unit 3B Acre Park, Dalton Lane, Keighley, this client operates within the commercial printing and packaging industry.
The Problem
The client’s premises consisted of four separate but physically connected units, each of which had historically been assessed and valued independently for business rates purposes.
As a result, the combined rateable value (RV) was based on the highest tier of the quantum pricing scale a method used by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) that applies rateable values by comparing them with actual rental values in the area. In this case, the fragmented assessment placed the client in a less favourable pricing band, leading to higher overall business rates than necessary.
The Solution
RVA Surveyors conducted a comprehensive inspection and review of the site and identified that the four units were functionally and physically integrated, operating as a single business entity. By presenting this to the VOA, we made the case for a merged assessment to reflect the reality of the property’s use.
In addition, by combining the units into one overall assessment, we were able to request a new valuation under a better level of the quantum pricing system. Larger, joined-up properties usually get a lower rate per square metre, so this worked in the client’s favour. We sent all the necessary information to support the change.
The Outcome
Following our submission, the client’s four units were successfully merged into one, resulting in a significantly lower overall RV. The shift to a lower quantum pricing tier produced meaningful annual savings in business rates.
As a result, beyond the financial benefit, the client now has a more accurate and equitable valuation that reflects how the property operates as a unified space. This case highlights the value of strategic property reviews and how intelligent restructuring can lead to substantial long-term cost efficiencies.
Savings achieved: £33,058
Surveyor comment
“The client’s four connected units were being treated as separate spaces, which pushed them into a higher price bracket under the quantum system. By showing that the units worked as one large space, we were able to get them revalued as a single property and that meant a lower rate per square metre.”
