HEINEKEN-owned pub company Star Pubs & Bars has announced that it is partnering with a property consultancy to offer lessees help with the upcoming business rates revaluation.
In Scotland, the next non-domestic rates revaluation was initially due to take place this year, however it was delayed until 2023 due to the pandemic.
Star Pubs said it has worked with consultancy Dunlop Heywood to provide “a comprehensive service at highly competitive rates” in order to help tenants and lessees challenge their new draft rateable value before it becomes effective from April 2023. Those lessees who have taken on their pub in the last six months will also be able to appeal their existing rateable value.
Star claims it will “receive no financial benefit” from the partnership.
Chris Moore, property director at Star Pubs & Bars, said business rates “have a massive impact on a pub’s profitability”.
“With assessments based on turnover, and trade having been inconsistent due to the pandemic, the likelihood of erroneous valuations being set on the new rating list is real,” said Moore.
“It’s vital licensees act early so that their 2023 rateable value is accurate from the outset, and they don’t have cash unnecessarily tied up with their local council. This approach also gives pubs certainty, enabling them to plan with more confidence and reducing the need for time-consuming appeals.”
