Simply Business is quite right to report on the "injustice" of business rates, based as they are on arbitrary property values, themselves often the subject of speculation, rather than on real growth in turnover. Sudden increases in rates bills have led at least 20% of high street businesses to shut up shop. Retailers are often too daunted by the complexities of challenging the Valuation Officer, to file the online documentation. Time limits for claims exacerbate matters still

Few high street businesses are more useful than key cutters and dry cleaners. So when, after 25 years, a Greenock businessman, is reported by the Greenock Telegraph to be unable to continue running his high street shop, due to punishing business rates, serious questions are raised. In particular, can rates demands be successfully appealed? Is every aspect of the business, including an up to date survey, taken into account? Commercial Property Advisors (CPA) have enjoyed succe

Birmingham Live reports the encouraging news that, after London, Birmingham and Manchester recorded the highest number of business start-ups in 2018. Commercial Property Advisors (CPA) welcomes this achievement, and is anxious that ALL enterprises are fairly rated, and not distracted by the burden of excessive charges. CPA offers a free service to any enterprise wishing to appeal their rates bill. It will take care of all paperwork and surveys, and operates on a no win no fee

The Daily Express reports on a partial rates relief, for two years, on business premises with a rateable value of £51,000 or under. Though welcome, Commercial Property Advisors (CPA) does not think this of itself will cure the problems of the High Street. Businesses will still benefit greatly from a thorough examination of their rates bills, ranging from a fresh survey to detailed and comprehensive searches for grounds for appeal. Retail businesses, in particular, operate in

After the 2018 Autumn Budget, the BBC reported that, despite some relief being proposed for (generally smaller) businesses, many would continue to see their bills outstripping inflation. By making rate relief "revenue neutral", the Chancell or acknowledged that there would be winners and losers. Estimates were that for 510,00 enterprises rates would increase, while for 420,000 they would stay the same, and 920,000 would enjoy a decrease. In which category is YOUR business? Co