Throughout the life of an organisation, nationwide or at the heart of your community, business rates are a constant. That’s why a lasting connection with industry specialists is so important. What makes Goodman Nash leaders in our field is our versatility. Nothing demonstrates this better than our relationship with Westmorland and Furness Council (formerly Cumbria County Council), whose assortment of properties poses the sort of challenge we relish.
Keeping costs down is vital to ensure council services are maintained at a high standard, which is why Goodman Nash is committed to keeping a finger on the pulse. While reviewing our client’s portfolio, our auditors (familiar with the full spectrum of rating regulations) identified many one-off opportunities to save. A multitude of property types across a variety of valuation methods, including offices, logistics, leisure, and other municipal buildings, all concealed billing errors dating back a number of years, amounting to a mind-boggling sum of overpayments, and a chance that the savings could be left behind. Quick to rectify the mistakes, with the help of our support team, we liaised with the relevant authorities and recovered overpaid rates of more than a quarter of a million pounds, which the council can now put to better use.
Goodman Nash has been appointed by Westmorland and Furness Council on a number of occasions, always delivering significant results. Their particular and notable successes in a number of our specialist property categories demonstrates their expertise and focus. We instruct, Goodman Nash deliver!
Valuation discrepancies can disproportionately inflate a property owner’s bills. All it takes, however, is a trained eye to turn a missed opportunity into a massive saving, as we did for many properties in Cumbria. Among other inconsistencies, our audit team, utilising our advanced software, identified a number of valuations that did not correspond with the facts on the ground. Our auditors worked tirelessly, establishing accurate plans, dealing directly with the Valuation Office, and monitoring alterations. In one particular example, we secured a six-figure refund for a single property. It pays to have a rating expert on side.
We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Westmorland and Furness Council. Changes in the rating world emerge frequently, and this may seem overwhelming – not to Goodman Nash! When an opportunity to recoup much-needed savings occurs, we will be there to lend a hand.