With business rates calculations becoming increasingly complex, many businesses are questioning whether they are paying the correct amount.
But despite these concerns, some organisations remain reluctant to seek specialist support, often assuming that a review will involve additional costs with no guarantee of success.
According to Dunlop Heywood’s Rating Audit Director, Rob Madden, that doesn’t have to be the case.
The Cost of Getting it Wrong
In today’s economic climate, every cost matters.
Ensuring business rates liabilities are accurate is not simply about reducing expenditure. For many organisations, it is about protecting cash flow and providing confidence that they are paying out what they should.
“Reducing a businesses’ rates is often the difference between whether they can be successful, or even survive,” explains Rob.
As the rating system becomes more complicated, the importance of reviewing liabilities has only increased.
Removing the Financial Risk
Businesses should never avoid a review because of the concerns about upfront costs.
At Dunlop Heywood, our Rating Mitigation & Audit team works on a no-win-no-fee basis, removing the financial risk associated with seeking specialist advice.
This means businesses can have their liabilities independently reviewed without worrying about paying for a service that delivers no benefit.
There are Two Possible Outcomes
Perhaps the greatest advantage of a review is that there are only two possible outcomes.
The first is that the charges are confirmed as accurate.
In this scenario, businesses gain reassurance and peace of mind, knowing they are paying the correct amount and that no further action is required.
The second is that errors are identified.
Where issues exist, Dunlop Heywood's specialists have the expertise to work with local authorities and secure the savings businesses are entitled to.
As Rob explains:
"Ratepayers should take comfort in knowing that if there is no saving, the process hasn't cost them anything. They can either have peace of mind in confirmation that they are paying correctly, or if not, we have the expertise to resolve the issue and secure a saving."
Confidence Has Never Been More Valuable
With additional multipliers, reliefs and variables making business rates calculations harder to understand, specialist support has become increasingly important.
"Given the new, more complicated rates system, ratepayers should consult a specialist to ensure what they are paying is accurate," says Rob.
Whether a review identifies savings or simply provides reassurance, the result is the same: confidence that you're paying only what you should.
Dunlop Heywood's Rating Mitigation & Audit team provides independent reviews on a no-win-no-fee basis, helping businesses secure savings and gain peace of mind.
