Dont be april fooled

From 1 April small businesses can benefit from rate relief

From 1 April 1.7 million businesses in England will be due to pay their new rates bills.

Small businesses with a rateable value of less than 15,000 (and less than 21,500 in London) may be eligible for small business rate relief. To receive this relief businesses must apply to their local authority.

Retail businesses have increased by more than any other type of commercial property under the new business rate revaluation that takes effect this Friday (1 April).

From 1 April businesses that believe their rates are incorrect can appeal.

Businesses should beware of unqualified, rogue advisers or consultants who make claims that they can definitely reduce business rates. It is important to ensure that the professional you hire is in fact who they say they are. The validity of an RICS member can be checked by calling RICS Contact Centre on 0870 333 1600 or by emailing contactrics@rics.org.

RICS have set up a helpline offering business rates advice. For a free half hour consultation with a local RICS firm call the RICS Business Rates helpline on 0870 333 1600.