Case Studies

Learn more about our successful cases from different sectors.

Offices

From small business relief corrections to complex multi-occupier assessments, our clients have made substantial savings by correcting outdated valuations, merging assessments, and unlocking missed reliefs.

  • The Challenge

    Our client occupied a large office in central Bristol, using only part of the space while leasing out sections to third parties. Despite this shared occupancy, the property had never been reassessed during the 2010 and 2017 rating lists. A desktop review revealed their rateable value was disproportionately high compared to other local offices, placing an unnecessary financial burden on the business. With multiple occupiers and outdated assessments, the case presented considerable complexity and risk.

    CPA's Response

    We approached this case with precision. After detailed analysis, we identified that the property had been overvalued and incorrectly segmented. Our surveyors proposed merging the individual assessments into a single listing. Further, we worked with the relevant authorities to shift part of the business rates liability to the third-party occupiers. By demonstrating this via local evidence and historic data, we were able to challenge both the structure and value of the rating.

    The Result

    The revised assessment better reflected the property's actual use and occupation. The merged valuation and redistributed liabilities led to a combined saving of £149,000. The client avoided substantial overpayments and gained peace of mind knowing their business rates liability was finally fair and accurate.

  • The Challenge

    The client had been based at their Bristol office complex since 2011, unknowingly accumulating a hefty business rates liability across three separate assessments. Their combined rateable values were £47,950 (2017 rating list) and £55,050 (2023 rating list), totalling a projected liability of £226,000. Unaware of potential savings, the client continued to overpay—until CPA stepped in.

    CPA's Response

    After conducting a detailed inspection and measured survey, our team identified a critical opportunity: the office assessments qualified for full exemption from the rating list. CPA engaged with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and successfully argued for the assessments to be removed. This resulted in the remaining site qualifying for 100% Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR).

    The Result

    A full exemption on the three assessments was granted, and the client’s liability was completely eliminated for both rating lists. In total, the business secured savings of £242,491.82, offering vital financial relief and reinforcing the value of specialist advice.

  • The Challenge

    Portico Business Services Ltd found themselves liable for business rates on an office property that was no longer occupied. Despite the building being vacant while awaiting completion of a sale, the council had not applied any relief. Furthermore, the building was Grade II listed—an important detail that had been overlooked, potentially qualifying it for further exemptions.

    CPA’s Response

    Faye Aspinall conducted a thorough post-inspection review and immediately spotted two key opportunities: the property qualified for empty property relief and, as a Grade II listed building, it should be exempt from business rates altogether during vacancy. Armed with the correct evidence, Faye engaged with the local council to apply both forms of relief.

    The Result

    The council accepted the applications and awarded both reliefs:

    - Empty Property Relief: Saving the client £13,029.88

    - Listed Building Exemption: Saving a further £51,209.77

Retail Relief | Manchester | £8,815.30 Saved

Restaurant

When a Manchester restaurant was hit with an unexpected backdated bill, CPA stepped in fast to protect the business’s bottom line.

  • The Challenge

    In early 2025, a small restaurant operating from Cheetham Hill Road in Manchester, received a shock. Despite having occupied their premises for over two years, the council unexpectedly issued a backdated business rates invoice covering that period. The client had been under the impression—like many of their neighbouring businesses—that they were receiving full Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR). The sudden financial demand placed a heavy burden on the business.

    CPA’s Response

    CPA acted swiftly. Our surveyor visited the property the very day the client signed our agreement. A detailed inspection was carried out, and a Retail Relief application was submitted immediately. Thanks to our proactive approach and deep understanding of local council procedures, the relief was successfully granted just six days later. We also identified further discrepancies in the property's factual data under the Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) system. With supporting evidence prepared, CPA is now pursuing an additional potential saving of £1,505.27.

    The Result

    The client secured an initial saving of £8,815.30 through the Retail Relief process. CPA's intervention not only delivered fast results but also helped the client avoid the financial impact of an unjustified backdated charge.

Studios

CPA has helped creative spaces—from art studios to rehearsal venues by correcting misclassifications and applying appropriate reliefs. Whether reclassifying storage space or challenging overvalued assessments, our work has delivered accurate valuations and essential savings for independent studio operators.

Rehearsal Studios

Managing over 39 unmanned rehearsal studios, this client turned to CPA for a tailored strategy and saved over £1 million in the process.

£1 million+ Saved

  • The Challenge

    Operating a network of over 39 unmanned rehearsal studios with 24-hour access posed unique challenges for business rates mitigation. Each site, varying in size and usage, required an individual strategy to ensure maximum savings. Traditional approaches were ineffective—this client needed a partner who could understand their model and adapt accordingly.

    CPA’s Response

    From the outset, CPA recognised the importance of treating every property on its own merits. A dedicated account manager was assigned, supported by both audit and surveying teams. Using CPA’s proprietary data tools and in-depth inspection process, the portfolio underwent a comprehensive analysis—factoring in site usage, market rents, and applicable reliefs.

    The Result

    To date, the approach has secured over £1 million in business rates savings across the client’s national portfolio. The relationship continues with regular reviews, ensuring opportunities for future reductions are never missed.

Art Studio

Storage Adjustment & SBRR | London | £4,704 Saved

When an art studio in North London was overvalued due to a misclassified storage area, CPA stepped in to correct the record and secure crucial savings.

  • The Challenge

    The client's property had been fully assessed as office space, despite a significant portion—around 15%—being used for storage. This led to an inflated rateable value of £16,750 and an unfair business rates liability.

    CPA’s Response

    We completed a thorough review and spotted the discrepancy. We built a proposal that highlighted the structural characteristics of the storage area—breeze block walls, concrete flooring—justifying a lower relativity for that section. CPA submitted this to the VOA, requesting a revised valuation that reflected the mixed-use nature of the premises.

    The Result

    The VOA accepted the proposal:

    - RV reduced from £16,750 to £14,500
    - Total savings of £4,704
    - The client also became eligible for 16.66% SBRR, delivering further relief

Marina

Tone | Swansea | £91,000 Saved

When a major South Wales marina discovered its rates were based on flawed methodology, CPA’s sector expertise unlocked a £91,000 saving.

  • The Challenge

    Located on the scenic South Wales coastline, the client operated one of the region’s most prominent marinas. Despite years of operation, their business rates had never been analysed in detail, as they had assumed the Valuation Office Agency’s (VOA) assessments were accurate. However, marina valuations differ from standard property types; they are calculated using a highly specific method that incorporates receipts, expenditure, and income rather than square footage alone. This niche valuation process requires not just technical expertise, but industry-specific experience—something the client hadn’t previously sought out.

    CPA’s Response

    Recognising the complexity of this sector, CPA brought in a specialist surveyor with extensive experience in rating marina properties. A full review was carried out, and it became clear that the valuation applied by the VOA had not accounted for the correct methodology or the operational nuances of this site. A new assessment was proposed, and CPA entered negotiations with the VOA based on detailed financial evidence and industry-specific benchmarks.

    The Result

    The valuation was successfully revised, significantly reducing the rateable value and securing a £91,000 saving for the marina over the rating cycle. This bespoke approach to valuation means the client will benefit from the corrected rate for the remainder of the six-year cycle—freeing up funds that can now be reinvested into their operations and customer experience.

Shops

CPA has supported a range of retail businesses by correcting rateable value errors, securing Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR), and addressing council billing issues. Our tailored approach ensures shop owners pay only what they rightfully owe—often uncovering significant overpayments.

High Street Shop

When a high street shop in London faced inflated rates and a denied relief claim, CPA stepped in to overturn decisions and eliminate their liability.

Retail Relief & SBRR | London | £11,447 Saved

  • The Challenge

    When a small London-based high street business was faced with a rateable value they believed exceeded market rent, they attempted to secure Retail Relief—only to be rejected. Facing years of excessive charges, the owner turned to CPA after a short call confirmed the potential for savings.

    CPA’s Response

    CPA immediately challenged the council’s original Retail Relief decision, presenting a detailed case based on government guidance and the client’s trading history. Once this was overturned, CPA’s surveyors began an in-depth review of the client’s £20,000 rateable value. This resulted in a reduction that brought the business under the threshold for Small Business Rates Relief—and then further down to under £12,000, removing their rates liability entirely.

    The Result

    With multiple reliefs successfully applied, CPA secured a total saving of £11,447—providing financial breathing room for a growing local business.

Barbershop

After being hit with an inflated valuation based on incorrect measurements, this barbershop turned to CPA and saw their rates slashed by over £13K.

Check & SBRR | London | £13,842.63 Saved

  • The Challenge

    When Aisle of Style Barbers was added to the business rates list on 16 January 2023, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) based the assessment on incorrect measurements—a gross overstatement of 174 m². This inflated the rateable value to £18,250 and inflated their subsequent business rates liabilities.

    CPA’s Response

    We conducted a thorough site inspection on the day of signing and re-measured the property, confirming the true area as 81.54 m². Taking into account the fully air-conditioned interiors and accurate sizing, he submitted a revised Check to the VOA with correct factual data. The appeal led to a dramatic revaluation—bringing the rateable value down from £18,250 to £8,400—and the shop became eligible for 100% Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR).

    The Result

    Over the next three years (April 2023–March 2026), the client will save a total of £13,842.63. Alongside that, the updated rateable value triggers full SBRR—providing ongoing relief.

Cosmetic Clinic

Retail Relief | London | £139,756 Saved

When a cosmetic clinic was unfairly denied Retail Relief, CPA stepped in to challenge the decision with significant success.

  • The Challenge

    A high-end cosmetic clinic situated on London’s prestigious Harley Street faced an unexpected financial setback when their application for Retail Relief was rejected by the local council. Despite the government’s expansion of this relief scheme to support face-to-face businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, the client was denied access to the very support intended to help them through such hardship.

    CPA’s Response

    Our audit team stepped in to provide clarity and resolve. With a deep understanding of government policy and the nuances of the Retail Relief scheme, they carefully reviewed the decision against the updated COVID-era guidelines. CPA crafted a detailed appeal, highlighting the operational nature of the clinic and aligning it with the intent of the relief criteria.

    The Result

    The appeal was successful. The council overturned their original decision and granted the relief, resulting in a business rates saving of £139,756. For a small premises, this was a substantial and much-needed financial reprieve."

Industrial Sites

From open compounds to large-scale distribution centres, we’ve delivered substantial business rates reductions for industrial clients. By leveraging local comparables, correcting overvaluations, and challenging unfair assessments, we’ve helped businesses across the UK save on their liabilities.

Industrial Unit

Tone Relief | Gloucestershire | £37,439 Saved

When the owner of a 10,000+ sq ft property in Gloucestershire faced an inflated business rates bill—with no government relief in sight they turned to CPA for clarity.

  • The Challenge

    The owner of a 10,629 sq ft industrial unit in Gloucestershire was struggling with a significant annual business rates bill. Like many during the pandemic, their business had suffered, yet they didn’t qualify for any government relief. Unsure how to challenge their rateable value and with no clear path forward, they reached out to CPA.

    CPA’s Response

    CPA’s surveyors undertook a detailed review of the property and assessed its rateable value against comparable properties in the area. Using our data-driven valuation tools and extensive database, we identified that the unit was overassessed based on its cost per square metre.

    We submitted a check to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and negotiated on the client’s behalf to bring the valuation in line with accurate market data.

    The Result

    CPA secured a rateable value reduction for the client, resulting in a total business rates saving of £37,439. The client’s bill was brought to a more reasonable level, offering relief and stability at a time it was most needed.

Industrial Estate

When two compounds at Station House Industrial Estate were overpriced, CPA stepped in to correct the valuation, and saved the client over £26K.

Tone | Unknown | £26,291.41 Saved

  • The Challenge

    The client was being overcharged on two open compounds at their industrial estate, with rateable values set at £10,750 and £36,250 respectively. These valuations were not in line with comparable sites, creating an unfair burden on the business’s finances.

    CPA’s Response

    Our team carried out a detailed assessment using CPA’s proprietary data tools and comparison metrics. We identified that both valuations were significantly above market expectations. A formal Check was submitted to the VOA, presenting strong evidence for revised figures.

    The Result

    The VOA accepted our case:

    - Compound 10 RV reduced to £6,500
    - Compound 1 RV reduced to £23,250

Storage Premises

SBRR | Chippenham | £4,991.48 Saved

When a billing error left this storage firm nearly £5,000 out of pocket, CPA spotted the mistake and recovered the full amount, plus future peace of mind.

  • The Challenge

    County Green Storage discovered they were paying nearly £5,000 too much in business rates due to an error in how the council applied Small Business Rates Relief. Because of a miscalculation, the correct relief amount was never credited, and the client was unaware of the underpayment.

    CPA’s Response

    We reviewed the council’s calculations and identified the mistake. We contacted the council to present the correct SBRR figures and clarified the accurate relief entitlement. By providing supporting documentation and analysis, we successfully prompted the local authority to amend their decision.

    The Result

    The council corrected the miscalculation, awarding the full relief amount and resulting in a business rates credit of £4,991.48, which was passed to the client. This correction not only addressed the immediate over payment—but also ensured proper treatment going forward.

Distribution Centre

CCA Challenge | Wrexham | £567,347 Saved

A newly built distribution centre in Wrexham was overvalued due to unfair comparisons with prime locations along the M62 corridor.

  • The Challenge

    Our client owned a large, modern distribution centre built in 2019. Despite its location in Wrexham Industrial Estate—less favourable than areas along the M62 such as Liverpool, Warrington, and Manchester—it was assessed at the same rateable value of £55 per square metre.

    This overvaluation placed an unnecessary financial burden on the client and did not reflect fair market conditions for the location.

    CPA’s Response

    We conducted a detailed review and submitted a Challenge under the Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) process. Highlighting the unjust comparison with more prime locations, we made a compelling case for a lower rate per square metre.

    The Result

    The VOA agreed to a revised valuation at £45 per square metre, leading to £567,347 in business rates savings. CPA has already initiated proceedings for a further appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, targeting a revised valuation of £35 per square metre, which could double the client’s savings.

How Much Could You Save?

Whether you believe you're overpaying or simply want to explore your options, our team of RICS-regulated surveyors are here to guide you through the process.

Start Your Assessment

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!