A month ago Carmarthen Town Chamber of Trade and Commerce invited Paul Oakley chairman of Cardigan & District Chamber of Commerce to speak about the Cardigan’s reaction to the Business Rate increase and how Cardigan Chamber invited Andrew West of Cooke & Arkwright, renowned Chartered Surveyors based in Cardiff to come and discuss the possibilities of revaluation of the traders Business Rates.
The success of the Cardigan Chamber’s meeting with Cooke & Arkwright prompted Carmarthen Town Chamber of Trade and Commerce to do the same.
So immediately after the AGM, Carmarthen Town Chamber’s new Chairman Gareth Scourfield welcomed Andrew West to discuss the possibilities of revaluation with Carmarthen’s traders.
Andrew began his discussion by giving an explanation of how the rates were calculated and on what date the rateable value was assessed. The 2010 rating list has an antecedent valuation date of 1st April, 2008. A somewhat contentious date as it was really before the recession had taken hold.
Andrew went on to discuss and explain the different aspects to be taken into account on rating revaluation in Carmarthenshire. In minimising liability he went on to say that rate liability can only be reduced by mounting a successful, reasoned challenge to the rating assessment. This is a complex valuation exercise combining an historic valuation date with statutory assumptions and case law guidance.
Andrew covered Small Business Rate Relief in Wales and then emphasised the need for using “concerted professional representation as it minimises liability" – so beware of the “Cowboys” and apparently there are quite a few preying on vulnerable businesses right now.
As a member of Carmarthen Town Chamber of Trade and Commerce you can take advantage of Cooke and Arkwright’s service on a “No win, No Fee” basis. To join the Carmarthen Town Chamber, email Gareth Scourfield (chairman)
