Bedminster’s retailers are taking advantage of a free business rates workshop being offered by Bedminster Town Team in partnership with commercial property experts from Colliers International.
Ratings specialist Ben Batchelor-Wylam spoke with several retailers who expressed concern about high rates bills at the first workshop held earlier this month.
After positive feedback a second session has been arranged for August 22 with all Bedminster retailers welcome to come along and quiz the experts.
Bedminster Town Team lead advisor George Grace said rates had become an increasingly crucial issue for many retailers.
He said: “The workshop allows retailers the time to ask questions and really understand why they’re being charged so much for their Business Rates.
“More importantly it highlights whether there are opportunities to save money without any having to speak directly with the local council or the Valuation Office Agency.”
George, who is also the founder of the TownCentred regeneration company which specialises in high street and town centre renaissance, said: “As part of our commitment to help traders and business people save as well as make money we are determined to ensure local people are getting the best value from their rates.”
Ben Batchelor-Wylam is widely regarded as one of the leading authorities on the rating system in Bristol and advises clients on a number of rates issues.
The Bedminster Town Team helped shape Bedminster’s bid for a share of the £1.2m ‘Portas Plan’ pot to regenerate Britain’s High Streets.
Bedminster in Bristol and Liskeard in Cornwall were among the first dozen towns selected to share the £1.2m ‘Town Team’ pot and receive a tailored support package from retail guru Mary Portas.
Bedminster used its funding for street art and theatre as well as a bicycle rickshaw service and the Town Team is already identifying fresh schemes to help improve the appearance and increase footfall in Bedminster.
