Roderick Bisset specialises in licensed premises rating valuation. He is currently representing a Sussex hotel chain at the Lands Tribunal and advises many independent pub chains throughout the county on their business rates.

As one of the profession’s most experienced advocates, Roderick has the following advice for ratepayers.

“If you believe that, as a direct result of the 1 July 2007 smoking ban, your takings have fallen and your accounts show the negative impact this legislation (The Health Act 2006) has had on your trade then you need to urgently talk to me! I can advise you on how to save money on your business rates, even if you have already appealed the original 1 April 2005 list entry.

Also as a hotel or a public house, if you have had a change in competition with the opening of either a new licensed premises or a large volume discount beer operator in your area then this too may represent a material change to your rating assessment and allow me a second appeal against your rating assessment.”

You need to employ BMH to constantly review the opportunities to reduce your rates.