About Us
Our mission is far from ordinary; we strive to weave a network of loyal clients whom we can support with reliable, personalised services within the often choppy and murky waters of the business rates sector.
Our Story
At the heart of our consultancy, stands Victoria Boateng - a seasoned advocate manoeuvring the business rates landscape with an unyielding dedication to her clients and unmatched prowess. Her journey of resilience started in 1995 in enforcement and finally Court Prosecution at Westminster City Council, a path that led her to contribute her talent to prestigious private-sector entities like Allsop, Montagu Evans, and CBRE.
After years of mastering this field within small and large corporate boundaries, Vix has chosen to challenge the norm by founding her own specialised consultancy—VS Boateng & Associates, reflecting the assertion of both her experience and persona.
VS Boateng & Associates is backed by VSM, a company which has been established for 13 years, primarily in the field of EPR mitigation and business rates recovery.
About Business Rates
Business rates, also known as non-domestic rates, are a tax on properties used for commercial purposes in the United Kingdom. These rates are set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) – an executive agency of His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The VOA assesses the Rateable Value (RV) of commercial properties based on their size, location, and rental value.
At VS Boateng & Associates, we stride alongside you in this journey of understanding, managing, and, when necessary, challenging your business rates. Armed with compassion, unwavering support, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of these processes, we aim to ensure your business thrives in a fair and just economic landscape.
Valuation Office Agency
The VOA, dedicates itself to assessing the Rateable Value of commercial properties across England, Scotland, and Wales. With a cycle that renews every three years, currently spanning 2023-2026, this process attempts to reflect the dynamic pulse of the property market. This regular reassessment seeks to ensure that your business rates align with the latest market conditions, protecting your interests.
The right to appeal your property's RV—a critical tool in your advocacy arsenal—is yours to wield. This right exists to confirm the accuracy of your property’s assessed value, ensuring it mirrors the reality of your property's size, its rightful rent values, and other significant factors that shape its essence.
Local Billing Authorities
While the VOA crafts the RV, the local billing authorities, typically your local council, step in as the custodians of rate collection. They are not just collectors; they are facilitators who also manage the vital task of processing applications for rate reliefs.
Rate Multiplier and Business Rate Calculation
At the heart of calculating the business rate lies the rate multiplier, also known as the Uniform Business Rate (UBR). This figure, set by the government, is the key to unlocking the sum due from each commercial property owner, or occupier. When multiplied by your property’s RV, it determines your contribution as a ratepayer.
Our Team
Madhuri Landge
Assistant Financial Controller
01908 660 552
Chewbacca
CEO Shadow
Our Team
Our Approach
Whether mitigating risks or championing your right to financial accuracy, we stand ready, humbly powerful, consistently dependable. Our dedication to your cause is unmatched, our advocacy, outspoken. Together, we are more than just a service; we are partners in stewarding your resources to secure the prosperity you deserve.
At the heart of our ethos lies a fiercely protective instinct for your financial well-being. We believe your business's expenditure journey should be as safeguarded as a castle keep — vigilantly guarded at every turn.
Prior to Expenditure
Before your capital takes flight, we ensure it’s fortified with knowledge and strategic forethought. Spending with wisdom is the lifeblood of your enterprise's future, and with us, you spend only what serves you best, nothing more.
During Transactions
As transactions unfold, we stand shoulder to shoulder with you, scrutinising every claim on your resources. We're not merely observers; we're active defenders, fearlessly challenging inaccuracies, particularly those arising from local government. Our experience teaches that vigilance here is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Post-Expenditure
And the journey doesn’t end once funds are allocated. With nurtured precision, we delve into post-spend phases, unearthing opportunities to reclaim any misallocated treasure. Our expertise is a beacon, guiding you back to financial rectitude.