Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about VacatAd's business rates relief services

Business Rates Basics

Business rates are a tax on commercial properties in England and Wales, paid by the occupier of the property. They're calculated based on the rateable value of the property as determined by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), multiplied by the business rates multiplier set by the government each year.

The VOA determines rateable values based on what the property could reasonably be expected to let for on the open market on a specific valuation date. They consider factors such as location, size, use, and market conditions. Valuations are typically updated every five years during revaluation cycles.

Business Rates Relief includes various schemes to reduce rates bills, such as Small Business Rate Relief, Empty Property Relief, and Charitable Relief. Empty Property Relief provides 100% relief for the first three months, then 100% relief for properties with rateable values under £2,900, or no relief for higher-value properties unless they qualify for other reliefs.

VacatAd Services

Business rates mitigation involves creating compliant beneficial occupation of empty properties through technology installations like Wi-Fi networks and monitoring systems. This resets the Empty Property Relief period, providing significant savings while maintaining property security and preparing it for future occupation.

We assess your property's rateable value, current rates liability, and vacancy period to calculate potential savings. Our technology-first approach typically achieves 50%+ savings on business rates through compliant beneficial occupation, with detailed projections provided during your free consultation.

Our technology-first approach is non-disruptive, compliant, and adds value to your property. Unlike traditional schemes, we install professional Wi-Fi networks, security cameras, and monitoring systems that benefit future tenants while ensuring full legal compliance with VOA requirements.

We have a 100% success rate across 250+ UK properties. While results depend on individual circumstances, our compliant approach works for most commercial properties including offices, retail spaces, warehouses, and industrial units. We provide a free assessment to determine your property's suitability.

Process & Implementation

Our process begins with a free consultation to understand your property's specifics and potential for rates mitigation. Following this, we enter into a licence to occupy, allowing us to implement our advertising technology for a minimum of 13 weeks. Our streamlined process is designed to be hassle-free for property owners, providing a clear path to saving.

We maintain strict compliance through genuine beneficial occupation using professional-grade technology installations. Our systems include 4G/5G routers, Wi-Fi networks, and monitoring equipment that create legitimate business use. All installations meet VOA requirements and local authority regulations.

We use non-intrusive digital advertising and technology services that benefit the local community. Our Wi-Fi networks provide public access while our monitoring systems enhance property security. All advertising is compliant and adds value to the property and surrounding area.

Our strategy is built on established legal principles of beneficial occupation. We ensure genuine business use through technology installations and maintain comprehensive documentation for local authorities. Our approach has been tested across hundreds of properties with 100% compliance success.

Legal & Compliance

We use licence to occupy agreements that create legal beneficial occupation of the property. This legitimate business use resets Empty Property Relief periods and qualifies for various rate relief schemes while maintaining the property owner's rights and future plans.

Our technology installations create genuine beneficial occupation as defined by VOA guidelines. We maintain detailed records of business activities, ensure continuous occupation monitoring, and provide comprehensive evidence to support rate relief claims. Our approach fully aligns with VOA requirements for beneficial occupation.

We maintain close relationships with legal experts, monitor VOA updates, and stay current with legislation changes affecting business rates. Our team regularly reviews compliance requirements and adapts our approach to ensure continued effectiveness and legal compliance.

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