Successful Merge of Vehicle Repair Workshops Creates Savings Over £9,800
Case study:
Vehicle Repair Shop | Warrington, Cheshire
RVA Surveyors were assigned to conduct an in-depth inspection of three workshop units in the lead up to the 2026 revaluation, leading to a merge of properties and significant savings.
KEY
FACTS
£9,820
TOTAL SAVINGS
Workshop
PROPERTY TYPE
June ’26
REVIEW COMPLETED
The Client
With over 20 years of serving the Warrington area, our client is a well-established car repair workshop offering a comprehensive range of vehicle repair services. Having previously instructed RVA Surveyors ahead of the 2017 rating list, they once again appointed us in preparation for the 2026 rating list to carry out a fresh inspection of their premises.
The Issue
Located on a small industrial estate within a residential area, our client occupies three adjoining units, having first taken occupation in 2010 before expanding into additional units in 2016 and 2023. Together, the premises comprise three vehicle repair workshops, office accommodation and a reception area, with a combined rateable value (RV) of £32,250.
Despite occupying all three units since 2023, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) continued to assess the units separately, resulting in the client receiving and paying three individual business rates bills.
Where a business occupies multiple properties or units, adjoining or on the same premises, it is possible to merge those assessments and create one business rates bill. During our inspection, we also identified inaccuracies in the VOA’s records. Several measurements were incorrect, and an area recorded as office space was being used as a reception area.
The Solution
We submitted a Check to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) requesting that the three assessments be merged into one and that the property description be amended to reflect the reception area correctly.
To support the case, we provided evidence including copies of the individual business rates bills confirming occupation of all three units, an updated floor plan prepared by our surveyor and photographs of the premises.
If a merge of assessments is successful, not only will it create one business rates bill, but it can also lead to a reduction in price per square metre (m2) and a further reduction in business rates liabilities.
The Outcome
Based on the evidence submitted, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) accepted the Check and merged the three assessments. As a result, the rateable value (RV) was reduced from £32,250 to £26,750, leading to overall savings of £9,820, backdated to April 2023.
Because our client instructed RVA Surveyors before the start of the 2026 rating list, we were able not only to reduce their current business rates liability but also to secure reduced liabilities historically and throughout the remainder of the current rating list.
