Mechanical Engineering Company reduces business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Mechanical Engineering Company | Suffolk
Our client are a mechanical engineering company working with clients in multiple sectors.
KEY
FACTS
£14,152
SAVINGS
Workshop & Office/Premise
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Established in 1985 and based in Martlesham, Suffolk, our client are a mechanical engineering company who work across multiple sectors including industrial and residential, water, rail and power. Taking occupation in 2006 at their current premises, our client previously occupied two units until September 2021, when the landlord requested that one of the units be returned.
The Problem
Although our client now occupied just one of the units, it was found during an in-depth review by one of our expert surveyors they were still paying business rates for both units which increased their liabilities dramatically, totalling £33,500.
To build a strong case for the reasons to progress in the Check Challenge Appeal process, evidence needs to be provided such as photographs, rental and lease documents. However, after our client returned the requested unit, a new lease was never officially provided and only agreed on the return of the unit verbally via email.
The Solution
While there was no documentation of the new lease which included the split of premises, the email correspondence could still be used as evidence to support the case.
To ensure the client’s liabilities were adjusted accordingly, RVA Surveyors informed both the local authority and Valuation Office Agency (VOA) of the split back in September 2021 through a Check, which would also reassign the unit to the current occupier and/or landlord.
The Outcome
With proof of the split through verbal communication via email between our client and the landlord, the split was formally approved leading to a successful reduction in liabilities dating back to the start of the current ratings list (01/04/2023) from £33,500 to £23,250, and a total of £14,152 in savings.
