Electronic safety specialist estate company reduces business rates with RVA Surveyors
Case study:
Electrical Safety Specialist | East of England
Specialising in help businesses across sectors including healthcare, education, retail, housing associations, and industrial sites stay legally compliant by offering services such as fixed wire testing (EICR), PAT testing, emergency lighting inspections, fire extinguisher and alarm checks and more.
KEY
FACTS
1.5 YEARS
ACHIEVED IN
£12,693
SAVINGS
Workshop
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Located at Stow Court Road, Cambridge, the client operates within the electrical services industry, offering a broad range of commercial and industrial electrical installations.
Their premises is classed as a light industrial unit, used primarily for office, storage, and operational purposes relating to their contracting work.
The Problem
A detailed review of the property’s assessment revealed that the property’s current rateable value (RV) appeared inflated upon the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) initial review.
The total price per square metre applied to the assessment was disproportionately high when compared with similar properties in the area. This overvaluation was causing the client to pay more in business rates than was fair for the type and usage of the space.
The Solution
RVA Surveyors submitted a formal Check to the VOA to correct the pricing issue, which was unfortunately rejected.
Without delay, we progressed to the Challenge stage, providing detailed evidence on comparable local properties and appropriate valuation levels. The supporting documentation outlined how the applied rate did not reflect the property’s actual characteristics or rental value.
The Outside
The VOA accepted our Challenge submission and amended the rateable value from £42,750 down to £32,000.
This adjustment brought the assessment in line with comparable units in the region and resulted in a substantial annual saving for the client. More importantly, the revised RV ensures their business rates are now based on a fair and realistic valuation.
Savings in liability achieved: £12,693
Surveyor comment
“After inspecting the site and comparing local evidence, it was clear the valuation was above market level. I’m pleased we secured a fairer outcome at Challenge stage, ensuring the client only pays what’s appropriate for the space they occupy.”
