Islington Council

What's New

For the latest news and information relating to Business, click on the links below.

 

• Business Events
• Business Partnership - What's New
• Contract Opportunities

Business Rates Revaluation 2010

The national business rates revaluation comes into effect in April this year. For many businesses this may mean a rise in their business rates bills.

If you own or occupy a property, you can query the rateable value if you think it is wrong. For example, you might query the valuation if you believe it contains inaccurate information or if there has been a change to your property (eg partial demolition) or the neighbourhood that reduces the value of your premises.

You can do this yourself for free through the Governments Valuation Office Agency by visiting the VOA website (link on the right hand side of this page). You can check the details of your valuation compare it with others and access a wide range of information to answer your questions, as well as contacting the VOA to raise any issues. If necessary, the VOA will carry out further investigation and inform you of any decision.

Beware of unscrupulous ‘agents’

Some businesses prefer to employ the services of an agent to help them ensure that they understand the valuation and check the details of the new valuation. If you intend to use an agent there are some simple checks you can do to make sure you use the right professional:

• Make sure the agent is a member of one of the 3 main representative bodies: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, The Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuations or the Rating Surveyors’ Association.
• Get a recommendation from another business who have used an agent
• Ask agents for details of previous work carried out in businesses similar to yours
• Ask for a clear breakdown of fees you will be expected to pay
• Check the details of any contract or agreement you are asked to sign

In addition be wary of anyone ‘cold calling’, asking for payment up front or payment for lodging an appeal which is free.

• Valuation Office Agency

Business Turnaround Service

We’re delighted to announce that, with support from the corporation of London, we’ve been able to appoint a dedicated business recovery advisor as part of our business turnaround service. The advisor will provide expert, tailored support and assistance for vulnerable or struggling SMEs to help them adapt their business models and operational practices in order to survive the downturn. To take advantage of this service contact: John Mcnamara by emailing jmcnamara@centa.co.uk or phoning 020 7278 5757.

Recession Support

We've put together a booklet of useful advice and contacts to help your business get the support and help you need during the recession. so if you'd like to know where to go to get free expert business advice or information on exporting or expanding just click on the link below to download our 'Open For Business' recession guide.

Download Advice for Businesses to Survive the Recession (pdf - 1.8MB)