As the property landscape evolves, understanding business rates has never been more critical for commercial property owners, occupiers, and developers. In a timely podcast recorded live at UKREiiF, Dunlop Heywood’s expert panel breaks down the biggest challenges, reforms, and opportunities shaping the UK business rates system.
Speakers include:
- Richard Scott, Director
- Ruqayya Joji, Rating Surveyor
- Adam Brooke, Director
- Aaron Mcleod, Director
The panel explores the transition from the current 2023 Rating List to the upcoming 2026 revaluation, expected to bring sharp increases across sectors recovering from COVID-era reliefs. Notably, hospitality and leisure sectors, previously benefitting from up to 30% reductions, are seeing valuations return to or exceed pre-pandemic levels.
With the Labour government’s recent reforms, reducing retail relief, introducing new multipliers, and removing charitable relief for private schools, businesses face a more complex and shifting landscape. Add to that the push for annual valuations and new 'duty to notify' rules, and the pressure is on to stay ahead.
As one panelist put it, business rates are often "the third highest cost for a business after rent and wages". This makes a strategic approach not just helpful, but essential.
Listen now to understand what these changes mean, and how your business can turn challenges into opportunities:
