Traditionally, business rates have often been viewed as a finance issue, with the primary focus on ensuring liabilities are paid on time.
However, according to Christine Banks, Head of Rates Liability Management, the growing complexity of the business rates landscape means organisations can no longer afford to treat rates management as a standalone finance function.
“Business rates impact much more than simply payments,” says Christine.
As organisations manage increasingly diverse property portfolios, business rates now influence a much broader range of activities across the business. From budgeting and forecasting to reporting and property strategy, the implications extend well beyond the finance team.
“They influence budgeting, forecasting, reporting and wider property management decisions,” she explains.
Christine believes this growing complexity means effective rates management requires collaboration across multiple teams rather than sitting within a single department.
A Wider Business Issue
For organisations with extensive property portfolios, business rates affect a range of departments, from finance teams and asset managers to estates professionals and operating teams.
According to Christine, ensuring everyone has access to accurate information is becoming increasingly important.
“Business rates management is no longer isolated to one department,” she explains.
The ability to share information and maintain visibility across a portfolio helps businesses respond more effectively to change and ensure key stakeholders are working from the same data.
“Having timely and reliable information allows businesses to make informed decisions and helps different teams work together more effectively.”
Better Information Supports Better Decisions
As the volume and complexity of information continue to increase, reporting and visibility have become more essential.
Christine believes that accurate reporting provides organisations with the confidence they need to plan ahead. Clear and accessible information can support everything from financial planning to operational decision-making.
“Good information supports good decision-making,” she says.
For organisations managing multiple properties, understanding liabilities and identifying changes quickly can help avoid unnecessary surprises and improve overall efficiency.
“It enables finance teams to budget effectively, asset managers to understand liabilities across portfolios and estate teams to respond quickly to changes.”
Managing Change Across Property Portfolios
While the introduction of the 2026 Rating List and ongoing legislative changes, maintaining oversight has become increasingly important.
Christine notes that the pace of change within the business rates environment means organisations need to remain agile and ensue they have robust processes in place.
“Business rates are constantly evolving,” she says.
Having the right systems and support can help businesses maintain confidence and adapt more easily as new requirements emerge.
“As changes occur, organisations need processes in place that allow them to react quickly and maintain confidence in their liabilities.”
For businesses with large and diverse portfolios, that level of oversight can make a significant difference to operational efficiency and long-term planning.
A Strategic Support Function
Rather than being viewed as an administrative necessity, Christine believes business rates management should be recognised as a strategic support function.
By providing greater visibility and supporting informed decision-making, effective rates management can contribute to wider business objectives and help organisations plan with confidence.
“Ultimately, effective business rates management helps businesses make better decisions,” she concludes.
Whether supporting financial planning, portfolio management or operational efficiency, the value extends far beyond simply ensuring bills are paid.
“It’s about providing visibility, supporting financial planning and giving organisations confidence that their liabilities are being managed correctly.
Need Support with Your Business Rates?
As business rates become increasingly complex, having access to accurate information and specialist support has never been more important. Dunlop Heywood's experienced team helps organisations gain greater visibility and confidence across their property portfolios.
Rates Liability Management Team manage ongoing portfolio liabilities on a dedicated, retained basis, while our Rating Audit Team handle all the ad-hoc, non-retained instances.
To find out how Dunlop Heywood can help your organisation navigate complexities of business rates, get in touch with Andy Upton at andy.upton@dunlopheywood.com or 07557 977309.
