Star Pubs and Bars unveils partnership with Dunlop Heywood
Star will assess all of its pubs’ 2023 ratings valuations as they are received and alert any licensees it believes should seek a review. Draft rating valuations are expected to start arriving at pubs later this year.
Star Pubs and Bars has announced its new partnership with rating specialist Dunlop Heywood.
It revealed the partnership is set to help ensure that its leased and tenanted pubs are not “excessively” assessed and overcharged for their business rates.
According to the firm, Dunlop was appointed after an “extensive” tendering process. Star said it has used its buying power to secure a “comprehensive service at highly competitive rates” for its licensees and will receive no financial benefit from the partnership.
Star said it believes a “proactive stance” is essential and has tailored its new business rates support accordingly. Two services are available to licensees: a challenge to their current rates payable – to prevent any errors continuing onto the 2023 list – and pre-negotiation of their new draft rateable value with the Valuations Office Agency before it becomes effective in April 2023.
In addition, Star will assess all of its pubs’ 2023 ratings valuations as they are received and alert any licensees it believes should seek a review. Draft rating valuations are expected to start arriving at pubs later this year.
Successful challenges to the current rates payable could see licensees receiving savings backdated to 2017.
Chris Moore, Star Pubs and Bars’ property director, said: “Business rates have a massive impact on a pub’s profitability. Not only are they one of a pub’s highest overheads, but they are often used to determine other costs such as water bills and the late-night levy, too.
“After the challenges of the last two years, it’s essential that they don’t pay a penny more than they should. With assessments based on turnover, and trade having been inconsistent due to the pandemic, the likelihood of erroneous valuations being set on the new rating list is real.
He added: “It’s vital licensees act early so that their 2023 rateable value is accurate from the outset, and they don’t have cash unnecessarily tied up with their local council. This approach also gives pubs certainty, enabling them to plan with more confidence and reducing the need for time-consuming appeals.”
