Warning over business rates cowboys

Small businesses, including pubs, are being urged to be wary of 'cowboy' rating surveyors attempting to take advantage of the recent rates revaluation.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has received a surge in calls from members complaining about rogue operators.

Many businesses are facing hikes in business rates after receiving news of their new rateable values from the Valuation Office Agency. This has led to a rise in companies offering to reassess businesses' rateable value, with a view to appealing for a reduction.

The FPB believes some are unscrupulous operators who charge substantial fees with little or no success in bringing their business rates down.

FPB senior member services representative Philip Moody said: "This is a problem that seems to come about every five years after the rates revaluations have been carried out.

"These cowboys spring up and start cold calling businesses offering to get them big reductions on their rates. However, in reality, it's often the case that any savings they make are minimal and are quickly dwarfed by the fees they charge."

The Publican​ has teamed up with the BII, Punch Taverns and Carlsberg to run a series of business rates roadshows over the next two months.

As well as providing expert advice about business rates 'A Seminar of Two Halves' will also include tips on making the most of the World Cup.

For more information and to find the roadshow closest to you click on the link on the right.