Industrial manufacturer reduces business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Industrial Manufacturer | West Midlands
Specialising in designing, engineering, and the production of high-performance components for agriculture, marine, and general engineering sectors.
KEY
FACTS
1 YEAR
ACHIEVED IN
£10,018
SAVINGS
Warehouse
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Located at Mushroom Green, Dudley, the client operates within the agricultural supply industry, offering a wide range of products and services tailored to the farming and rural sector.
Their premises includes both older and more modern buildings, reflecting the company’s long-standing presence and evolution over time. The mixed nature of the property meant that certain valuations were not considered initially in their business rates assessment.
The Problem
The client’s rateable value (RV) had been set at £90,500 by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), a figure that did not accurately account for the differing condition and age of the buildings on site.
Despite significant variation in construction quality and utility between older sections and newer additions, the entire property had been assessed as a whole. This led to an inflated liability, as the assessment failed to reflect the true state of the entire premises.
The Solution
To resolve the issue, RVA Surveyors carried out a detailed inspection of the property. During our review, we identified a strong case for a downward adjustment, based on the mixed age and condition of the buildings. Subsequently, we submitted a Challenge to the VOA, arguing that an end allowance should be applied to recognise the disparities across the site.
By presenting comparable assessments and submitting supporting evidence including site specifics and valuation comparisons — we successfully demonstrated the need for a revised valuation approach.
The Outcome
The VOA accepted the revised measurement and approved the proposed adjustment. As a result, the rateable value was reduced from £90,500 to £84,500. This change not only reflects a more accurate valuation of the premises, but also translates into meaningful annual savings on the client’s business rates.
Furthermore, it ensures that their costs now more fairly represent the space in use, giving the business a stronger financial footing for future planning and investment.
Savings in liability achieved: £10,018
Surveyor comment
“This reduction wasn’t just about square footage, it was about accuracy. The revised figures finally reflect how the site is actually used, cutting unnecessary costs and giving the client room to plan ahead with confidence.”
