Case Study: Alser UK
We helped Alser UK Ltd, a shelving and joinery manufacturer based in Faringdon, achieve a 24% reduction in their business rates liability.
This significant reduction demonstrates how clear rental evidence can lead to strong results when challenging an assessment.
Background
Alser UK Ltd designs, manufactures, and installs shop shelving, bespoke joinery, counters, and related fittings.
The business occupies a two-storey warehouse and office at Unit 7, Pioneer Road, Faringdon, Oxon, SN7 7BU.
After the 2023 revaluation, their rateable value increased sharply from £79,500 to £129,000, raising their annual business rates from £40,704 to £70,434.
Believing this new assessment was excessive, the company asked us to review it.
The Challenge
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) bases its assessments on estimated rental values. Our first step was to look at the actual rental evidence.
Our investigation found that the rateable value at the Antecedent Valuation Date (AVD) was much higher than the rent the company was paying at that time.
Alser UK Ltd was paying £80,000 in rent when the VOA estimated the value for the current rating period — a clear sign that the rateable value was overstated.
We presented this evidence to the VOA, who accepted our findings and agreed to reduce the rateable value by 24%, from £129,000 to £98,000.
24%
Total Reduction %
£31,000
Total Reduction £
£16,044
Annual Savings
Results
The reduction lowered Alser UK Ltd’s annual business rates to £54,390, delivering a 24% saving and providing meaningful, long-term financial relief for the business.
This outcome shows how accurate rental evidence can drive a strong and successful challenge.
Takeaways for Businesses
- The VOA often relies on estimates — and those estimates aren’t always accurate.
- Checking and challenging your rateable value is worth the effort, especially after revaluation years.
- Strong evidence, such as current rental figures, can make all the difference in achieving a fair outcome.
Regular reviews help ensure you’re not overpaying and keep your costs aligned with true market conditions.
Get in touch with a professional team of assessors to find you how much you can potentially save.
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