RVA Surveyors reduces business rates for successful pallet distributer
Case study:
Wooden Pallet Distributer | Cambridgeshire
KEY
FACTS
£18,958
SAVINGS
Storage & Premise
PROPERTY TYPE
March ’26
REVIEW COMPLETED
The Client
Based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, our client has almost 50 years of industry experience as a leading distributer and repairers of wooden pallets working with a wide range of clients nationwide. During the 2023 rating list RVA Surveyors were assigned by the client to complete an in-depth review of their business rates.
The Problem
Occupying two units on a small industrial estate since the end of 2022, one of our expert surveyors visited the property to conduct an inspection for any possible business rates reductions. While conducting their review, it was found the client was paying for both units individually which led to a Rateable Value (RV) of £60,250.
However, when a business occupies more than one premise (such as units, office space, warehouses etc.) and are adjoined or on the same site, these can be brought into one assessment and create one rates bill instead of multiple.
The Solution
When submitting a Merge to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), this is done through a Check as it is based on physical elements of the property. So, to make this a success, evidence must be provided to show that the client occupied both units. Photographs and documentation were provided including rental and lease records showing the clients’ occupation date and use of both units.
Not only would a Check to Merge create one assessment, but the larger the property, the lower the price per sq metre is placed on the premises, and in most cases can lead to lower business rates.
The Outcome
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) returned to accept our Check to Merge on behalf of the client, reducing the tone/m2 from £42.50 to £32.50 and lowered the Rateable Value (RV) from £60,250 to £47,250.
Overall, our client received £18,957.98 in backdated savings to the beginning of the 2023 rating list, and with the success of the Merge, we successfully secured the client lower business rates for the 2026 revaluation.
