"Reducing my clients' Business Rate Liabilities often involves tackling the problem from various angles, with success bringing a great sense of achievement and worthwhile cash savings to the businesses I represent."
Profile
Joining the FHP Rating Team in April 2008, my arrival coincided with the Government shake up of Empty Rate Legislation and the effective removal of 50% Empty Rate Relief. These changes could not have come at a worst time economically, with Vacancy Rates increasing.
I concentrate on providing bespoke Rating Advice to shopping centre landlords on all aspects of Business Rates, with emphasis on Empty Rate Strategy together with challenging the validity of rate demands and challenging the levels of rateable values in the 2005 and 2010 Rating Lists. This proactive, co-ordinated approach has mitigated rates exposure and produced substantial unforeseen savings on my clients' behalf.
Current Role
- Managing rate payments in respect of multi-let shopping centre schemes, mitigating liability and easing cash flow
- Obtaining 100% Empty Rate Relief for a 95,000 sq ft vacant office building in Birmingham City Centre
- Obtaining MCC allowances for a substantial shopping centre in Birkenhead
- Co-ordinating town centre negotiations as part of the RSA network
- Proactively instigating Empty Rate Strategy in respect of vacant retail units, reducing empty rate liabilities substantially
Interests
I cannot pretend to partake in outdoor healthy pursuits, as many of my colleagues do! For me, relaxation time involves lots of socialising with friends and family which may (on a fine day!) include a bike ride with the kids or a wander to the pub with our pooch!
Eating out and evenings with my girlfriends are essential out-of-work activities. Taking up the piano on my 40th birthday and attempting to learn to play at my ripe old age has probably been one of my most recent personal achievements!
