Case Study: Philip Clay Design
We achieved a 19% reduction in business rates liability for Philip Clay Design Ltd at an early stage of the process. Their rateable value decreased from £81,500 to £66,000, and the amount of rates they pay from £45,232.50 to £36,630.
This successful outcome demonstrates that the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) can accept adjustments to rateable values quickly at the Check stage. In many cases, rateable values are inaccurate, and these errors can be challenged effectively.
Background
Philip Clay Design Ltd is a bespoke furniture manufacturer based in High Wycombe, occupying a warehouse property.
They suspected that their valuation might be inaccurate and asked our team to take a closer look.
The Challenge
Our review identified discrepancies in the property’s assessed size and classification.
The VOA initially listed the property at 798.94 m², but our surveyors confirmed a smaller floor area of 766.72 m².
The bigger issue, though, was a canopy area that had been mistakenly treated as a loading bay, which pushed up the rateable value unnecessarily. We demonstrated that this space should be classed as a canopy instead — and that correction alone led to a £12,769 reduction in rateable value for that section.
19%
Total Reduction %
£15,500
Total Reduction £
£8,602.50
Annual Savings
Results
Following our submission, the VOA accepted our evidence and reduced the total rateable value to £66,000, delivering a 19% reduction in liability.
The process moved quickly – the Check was submitted on 13 May 2025 and approved by 10 July 2025.
This case is a great reminder that accurate evidence and a proactive approach can secure substantial savings early in the process.
Takeaways for Businesses
Inaccuracies in valuations are more common than many businesses realise, and it always makes sense to check and challenge them.
Even small corrections can lead to meaningful savings on business rates.
Get in touch with a team of experts to review your property and ensure you’re not overpaying.
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