Adrian Smith, Tech RICS, Tech IRRV

Welcome to my website.

Non Domestic Rates can be a major expense for any business and it is advisable to examine this cost as you would any other. Checking that your bill has been correctly calculated, checking that you are receiving any rate relief to which you are entitled, and submitting a Rating Appeal to challenge your Rateable Value are all matters that should be considered.

Rating can be a complex issue and professional advice from a Rating Surveyor is recommended. Rating Revaluation 2005, effective from 1st April 2005, introduces new legislation making it possible to appeal against your 2005 rateable value at any time between 1st April 2005 and 31st March 2010, however, in most cases you will only be allowed to appeal once.

If you or your representative doesn’t get it right first time, it is unlikely that you will be able to appeal again.

It is therefore important to choose a Rating Surveyor with an established track record and a good reputation. I am a member of the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce and act for businesses throughout the area. In 2007 I became an Associate Member of the Rating Surveyors Association. The Rating Surveyors' Association (RSA) is a professional organisation representing the interests of experienced Chartered Surveyors who specialise in the field of business rates. The Association was founded in 1909 and now has over 400 members drawn from private practice, corporate bodies, the Valuation Office Agency and local authorities.

Since 2000, I have been a Rating and Council Tax consultant to Chartered Surveyors in the Humberside area as well as advising and representing many local businesses. Many of my clients in Hull and the surrounding area were referred to me by the Sirius Business Advice Centre and I'm pleased to have been a help to the local business community. Sirius is a DTI registered agency set up as a means of providing continuing support to the local economy and communities in Hull and the surrounding areas. I am also a member of the Managers Club, an online network of business people in our region.

I provide a comprehensive and efficient service, from initial advice, to submitting appeals and negotiating with the Valuation Office Agency. I also represent my clients' interests, when necessary, at Valuation Tribunal.

I have a great deal of experience in rating. In 1975 I joined the Valuation Office at the age of 18. During my time with the VO I worked in the Hull, Mansfield, Sheffield, Humberside and Rotherham offices and also worked with the specialist rating section on large industrials including BP Chemicals, Saltend, Hull.

I've covered all aspects of rating, including Shops, Offices, Plant & Machinery and Contractors Test as well as Valuation Tribunal presentation. I also have a great deal of experience in Council Tax having been involved since its creation.

In 2000, I moved from the Public to the Private sector and became a Rating Consultant. I would welcome the opportunity to act on your behalf. If you need advice, guidance or representation on any rating matter please e-mail me or see my contact page for more details.