Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: March 23, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Business Rates Expert. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website businessratesexpert.co.uk and the services provided by Chris Hulme, trading as Business Rates Expert.

By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.

2. About Us

Business Rates Expert is operated by Chris Hulme, a RICS Chartered Surveyor specialising in pharmacy business rates. Our services include:

• Business rates review and assessment
• Appeals process support with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
• New pharmacy assessments
• 2026 Revaluation support
• Relief and exemptions advice

3. Services

3.1 Free Assessment

We offer a free initial assessment of your pharmacy's business rates situation. This assessment is provided without obligation and is intended to help you understand whether your rates may warrant further investigation.

3.2 Professional Services

If you choose to proceed with our services, the following terms apply:

• Acceptance Fee: £199 payable when you agree to proceed with our services
• Success Fee: 20% of any savings achieved over the rating period
• No Win, No Fee: If no adjustment is achieved, no success fee is payable

3.3 Scope of Work

The specific scope of work will be agreed in writing before we commence any chargeable services. This will include:

• The property or properties to be assessed
• The rating periods covered
• The services to be provided
• Fee arrangements

4. Client Responsibilities

When using our services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information about your pharmacy and business rates
• Respond to our requests for information in a timely manner
• Inform us of any changes to your circumstances that may affect your rates
• Pay fees as agreed in our engagement letter

5. Professional Standards

Chris Hulme is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and adheres to RICS professional standards and ethical guidelines. This includes:

• Acting with integrity
• Providing a high standard of service
• Acting in the client's best interest
• Maintaining confidentiality

6. Limitation of Liability

While we strive to provide the best possible service:

• We cannot guarantee any specific outcome from business rates appeals
• Our liability is limited to the fees paid for our services
• We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses
• We are not responsible for decisions made by the VOA or other authorities

7. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of Business Rates Expert and is protected by copyright law. You may not:

• Reproduce or copy our content without permission
• Use our branding or trademarks
• Create derivative works based on our content

8. Website Use

When using our website, you agree not to:

• Use the website for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with the operation of the website
• Submit false or misleading information
• Use automated systems to access the website

9. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy for information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal data.

10. Cookies

Our website uses cookies. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the content or practices of these third-party sites and encourage you to review their terms and policies.

12. Termination

Either party may terminate the service agreement by providing written notice. Upon termination:

• Any fees for work completed will remain payable
• We will return any documents belonging to you
• Confidentiality obligations will continue

13. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute:

• We will first attempt to resolve it through direct communication
• If unresolved, disputes may be referred to RICS Dispute Resolution Service
• These Terms are governed by English law
• The courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction

14. Complaints

If you have a complaint about our services:

• Please contact us directly in the first instance
• We will acknowledge your complaint within 7 days
• We will provide a full response within 28 days
• Unresolved complaints may be referred to RICS

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

16. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact: