6. Exempted buildings and empty buildings relief Certain properties are exempt from business rates. You may not have to pay business rates on: agricultural land and buildings, including fish farms buildings used for training or welfare of disabled people buildings registered for public religious worship or church halls However, there are strict legal requirements for these exemptions. If you think your business’s property should be exempt you need to appeal to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). You don’t have to pay business rates on empty buildings for 3 months. After this time, most businesses must pay full business rates. Some properties can get extended empty property relief: industrial premises (eg warehouses) are exempt for a further 3 months listed buildings - until they’re reoccupied buildings with a rateable value under £2,600 - until they’re reoccupied properties owned by charities - only if the property’s next use will be mostly for charitable purposes

community amateur sports clubs buildings - only if the next use will be mostly as a sports club Contact your local council to let them know when your property becomes vacant. Last updated: 4 November 2016 Help us improve GOV.UK Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. What you were doingFREE Standard Delivery On orders over £40 FREE Next Day Click & Collect On orders over £20 International Delivery Find out moreNeed specific advice visiting Hounslow, Greater London? Visit the TripAdvisor Travel Forum for Hounslow and ask our Destination Experts and the travel community. My role & experience I am a Consultant in the Commercial Property team. I qualified as a solicitor in July 1979 after serving articles in a central London firm and joined a general High Street practice, becoming a partner in 1981.  I established the firm of Graham Whitworth & Co in Hounslow in 1985, becoming a partner in Cozens Moxon & Harts at Teddington upon merger with that firm in 2005 and a consultant to Morrisons upon its merger with Cozens Moxon & Harts in May 2013.

Although a general practitioner for much of my career, I have undertaken a significant amount of commercial property work for small and medium-sized businesses, charities and investors.  I like whenever possible to gain some insight into clients’ businesses, their objectives and the trading conditions in which they are operating, in order to provide a service tailored to their needs. My general practice background enables me to give realistic legal advice about commercial property and conduct transactions with an awareness of the potential impact of other areas of the law.  business for sale alcoa tnI have extensive experience of dealing with freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals; handyman services reading pasale and purchase of businesses with property assets; business for sale buxton uk

grant and renewal of business leases; licences for assignments, sub-lettings and alterations; transfer of Premises Licences for the sale of alcohol; and commercial and residential developments from site acquisition through to freehold and leasehold plot disposals including options, conditional contracts, overage provisions, service charge schemes, formation of management companies and planning agreements. My area of expertisei'll fix it for you handyman service I have a specific interest and expertise in charity land transactions including sales, purchases and leases as well as transfers of property following changes of trustees or incorporation of the charity.handyman services in state college pa My involvement with the community and associationsbusiness for sale vaal dam

I am a member of the Charity Law Association, a trustee of the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship and an active member of a local church Something you may not know I am a lifelong railway enthusiast and enjoy visiting heritage railway lines and travelling behind steam on main line excursions and holiday rail tours.  I recently had the opportunity to drive a steam train in Sardinia. Latest PostsDoes your business tenant want to assign his lease?For many businesses, purchasing or signing a lease is one of the biggest commitments they are likely to make. A careful and objective approach will increase the likelihood of finding a suitable home for your business. The cost implications should be carefully considered.  Properties which initially look within budget can look very different once the combined cost of business rates, insurance, maintenance and utility costs are added. Being aware of all the costs associated with taking on premises is paramount. The type and location of your premises should also be considered: There are three main issues to consider: Consider your customers, competitors and suppliers.

If your customers are based in a defined geographical area, it makes sense to locate your business where they can easily find and visit you. This is essential for retail businesses. Decide if it is most suitable for your business to be close to competitors or have exclusivity in an area. Consider if it is important to you to be close to specialist suppliers. You should also: Guided by your business requirements, you need to decide how much space you need, what access or on-site services are required, and also the security, comfort and appearance of your premises.  Some premises can only be used for certain types of business activity. These activities are grouped into categories and permission is only given for certain categories to operate on each premises. You can find further information about these categories on the planning portal website:  Planning portal - Change of use (external website)  If your business makes noise, creates or processes waste, or handles food, you might need a licence, and there are often additional regulations you need to adhere to.

In addition some businesses may need a  licence to operate.  A licence gives you maximum flexibility, but minimum security. You, or your licensor, can usually terminate the arrangement at short notice.  A lease gives you less flexibility, but more security. You agree to occupy the premises for a fixed number of years. You can buy the premises outright and acquire the freehold . Established businesses with spare cash might buy their premises as an investment. Once you have answered all of the above and have established how much your business can afford to spend — your search can begin.  Something you may want to consider as a means of keeping costs down when you start your business is whether you could run your business from home.  Typical home-based business could include freelance and consultancy services, arts and crafts, home baking, hair and beauty and pet car, generally those that have been developed from hobbies. Top of page We can offer advice and support to help you find new premises for your business within the East Riding of Yorkshire.