Rates Review & Audit
Thorough assessment of your current rateable value to check it accurately reflects your pharmacy's characteristics and market position.
Pharmacy Business Rates Specialist
Decrease Your Pharmacy Business Rates
Never before has pharmacy been under so much financial pressure.
Specialist chartered surveyor with 45 years' experience helping pharmacies across the UK ensure their business rates are accurate and fair.
45
Years Experience
RICS
Chartered Surveyor
100%
Pharmacy Focused
Time is running out to appeal your Business Rates before 31st March 2026...
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Your Right to Fair Pharmacy Rates
Every pharmacy owner has the right to ensure their business rates accurately reflect their property's true value. The UK rating system includes formal processes for checking assessments — and as a pharmacy specialist, I help you exercise these rights professionally.
Pharmacies have unique characteristics that affect valuation: NHS contracts, dispensing volumes, and healthcare regulations all play a role. A specialist understands these factors and can represent your interests effectively.
When Should You Review Your Rates?
NHS Funding Changes
Changes to pharmacy funding can affect your trading position and may be relevant to your rateable value assessment.
Pharmacy Relocation
If you've moved premises or there have been changes to your property, it's worth ensuring your assessment is current.
Local Area Changes
Roadworks, new competition, or access changes can all be relevant factors in your property's assessment.
Property Alterations
Changes to your pharmacy's layout, size, or facilities should be reflected in your rateable value.
2026 Revaluation
A new rating list from April 2026 means fresh assessments — a good time to ensure accuracy from the start.
Comparable Properties
If similar pharmacies in your area appear to have different assessments, it may be worth investigating.
Pharmacy Rates Services
Comprehensive support for all aspects of pharmacy business rates
Appeals Process Support
Professional representation through the Check, Challenge, Appeal process with the Valuation Office Agency. I handle all communications on your behalf.
New Pharmacy Assessments
For pharmacies setting up in new premises, ensuring your initial rateable value is fair and accurate from day one.
2026 Revaluation Support
Guidance through the April 2026 rating list changes, including the new multiplier structure and fresh assessments.
Relief & Exemptions Check
Review of your eligibility for available relief schemes and exemptions that may apply to your pharmacy.
Empty Property Advice
Guidance on rates obligations for vacant or partially occupied pharmacy premises.
Why Choose a Pharmacy Rates Specialist?
I'm Chris Hulme, a chartered surveyor with 45 years of professional experience. I specialise in pharmacy business rates because pharmacies have unique characteristics that require specialist understanding.
NHS contracts, dispensing patterns, Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments, and healthcare regulations all affect how pharmacies should be valued.
When you work with me, you get direct access to my expertise. No call centres, no account managers — just personal, professional service from start to finish.
Pharmacy Expertise
Deep understanding of pharmacy valuations and the factors that make your sector unique.
NHS Knowledge
Familiar with NHS pharmacy contracts and how funding structures relate to property assessments.
VOA Experience
Decades of experience working with the Valuation Office Agency on behalf of pharmacy clients.
Personal Service
Work directly with me throughout — personal attention and clear communication at every stage.
Transparent Pricing
£199 acceptance fee plus 20% of any savings. No reduction means no percentage fee.
RICS Standards
As a RICS member, I uphold the highest professional standards in everything I do.
How It Works
A straightforward process to ensure your pharmacy rates are fair
1
Free Assessment
Contact me with your pharmacy details. I'll review your situation and give you my honest professional opinion on whether your rates warrant further investigation. No charge, no obligation.
2
Detailed Review
If we proceed, I conduct a thorough analysis of your rateable value, examining comparable properties and all factors relevant to your pharmacy.
3
Professional Representation
I present your case to the Valuation Office Agency through the formal process, handling all communications and negotiations on your behalf.
4
Fair Outcome
The goal is ensuring your rateable value accurately reflects your pharmacy. If adjustments are made, you'll receive an updated rates bill accordingly.
Clear, Fair Pricing
£199 acceptance fee
+ 20% of any savings achieved over the rating period
No adjustment = No percentage fee
My interests align with yours — I only benefit when you do.
“Chris helped us from start to finish ensuring our pharmacy's business rates were accurate. His specialist knowledge of the pharmacy sector and personal approach made the process straightforward. Chris is Professional, thorough, and comes highly recommended.”Navid Kaleem - Derby Street Pharmacy, Stoke-on-Trent
Frequently Asked Questions
Business rates are a tax on commercial properties, including pharmacies. The amount you pay is based on your property's rateable value — an assessment of its rental value made by the Valuation Office Agency. All pharmacy premises are subject to business rates unless they qualify for specific exemptions.
There's no simple way to tell without professional review. However, if your circumstances have changed, if you believe your rateable value doesn't reflect your property's true position, or if comparable pharmacies seem to have different assessments, it may be worth investigating. I offer free initial assessments to help you understand your situation.
This is the formal system for reviewing business rates assessments. 'Check' verifies your property details are correct. 'Challenge' formally disputes your rateable value with the VOA. 'Appeal' takes your case to an independent tribunal if needed. As a chartered surveyor, I guide you through each stage.
Pharmacies have unique characteristics affecting their valuation — NHS contracts, dispensing volumes, healthcare regulations, and more. A specialist understands these factors and can present your case more effectively than a generalist. With 45 years of experience, I know how pharmacies should be assessed.
I charge a £199 acceptance fee when we agree to proceed, plus 20% of any savings achieved over the rating period. If no adjustment is made, you only pay the initial fee — there's no percentage charge. This means my interests align with yours.
Most cases are resolved within 3-6 months, depending on complexity. I'll give you realistic expectations based on your specific situation and keep you informed throughout.
From April 2026, a new rating list takes effect with fresh assessments based on April 2024 property values. This is an opportunity to ensure your pharmacy's rateable value is accurate from the start. I can help you prepare for and navigate this change.
For an initial assessment, I just need basic details about your pharmacy and current rates. If we proceed, I may request your rates bill, lease details, and information about any relevant changes to your property or circumstances. I'll guide you through exactly what's needed.
Let's Check Your Pharmacy Rates
Ready to ensure your pharmacy rates are fair? Contact me for a free, no-obligation assessment.
Send Me a Message
Get in Touch Directly
Chris Hulme
Chartered Surveyor | Pharmacy Rates Specialist
Phone
07768 863829
Response Time
Usually within 24 hours