Rateable value is the keystone of your business rates. However, it is not an exact science and is based upon a hypothetical opinion of value reached by the Valuation Office. It is a complex area and requires specialist rating expertise to challenge it. We work closely with our agency and valuation business and draw upon their in-depth market knowledge in order to effectively analyse data and query the approaches adopted by the Valuation Office.

Our rating surveyors have extensive experience in both the public and private sectors – many of them provide evidence at valuation tribunal and lands tribunal cases. We monitor all changing legislation and are well positioned to provide all of our clients with regular update newsletters throughout the duration of an instruction.

Our objectives

We deliver timely advice on whether it's appropriate to launch appeals, setting out a clear business case. We have the valuation expertise and specialist rating knowledge to ensure that your rateable value is at the lowest level. We actively respond to the government on any prospective changes to legislation and we will ensure that you are informed of any changes in the law that might affect your rate liability.

Co-ordination with other bodies

Colliers has always ensured it is fully involved and clients are represented on liaison and lobby groups. We are well represented across the RSA National Committee, RSA local retail committees and IRRV National Rating Committee, and we have direct dialogue with the CEO of the Valuation Office Agency. It gives us a strong voice in the rating industry and ensures that we fully aware of future legislative changes.

Prior agreement

We fully support the prior agreement process where it is appropriate, which will enable some valuations and fundamentals of the valuation approach to be agreed in advance of  the Rating List becoming live. This approach of entering into early discussions with the Valuation Office Agency is generally in respect of specialist properties such as ports and airports.

Material change of circumstances

Your rate liability could be affected by any number of temporary factors or permanent changes in the surrounding area. In order for  material change appeals to carry weight, it is important to ensure that all the underlying  issues are communicated in a timely manner and a co-ordinated response is put forward. We take a proactive approach in order to ensure that all factors are noted and reported. We maintain close communication with clients on MCC issues – and that means we have eyes and ears all over the country. We're actively involved in the RSA MCC process: by issuing email alerts to other agents involved in retail premises, we can co-ordinate a larger response, giving our appeals more weight.

Methods of valuation

Different properties require alternative methods of valuation such as the traditional rental approach, the contractor's basis and the profits method. Evaluating the right approach is based upon good market knowledge and understanding the nature of the property. We draw upon the experience and market knowledge of our agency network and valuation colleagues within their specialists markets.

Strategic advice

Colliers International is represented on the IRRV Council and the Rating Surveyors National Committee. Graham Ryall is the current Vice-President of the RSA and next year will be the President of the RSA. Both bodies work closely with the Government making regular representations on policy matters and other potential changes in legislation.

Case law

Our Rating team has always ensured that we are up to date with the latest case law affecting the industry. It is another valuable tool in our drive to minimise your rate liability. By pursuing cases to the lands tribunal, we set precedents and we support other parties involved in cases that have an industry-wide benefit.