Experts in Business Rates
After working collectively in the industry for numerous years, we wanted a better way to help clients with their business rates. Our aim is to ensure a class leading and trustworthy service by being 100% transparent with our clients. Let us handle your business rates.
Over
SAVED IN A SHORT TIME
Our dedicated efforts have resulted in substantial savings for our clients, showcasing our efficiency and commitment to maximising financial benefits in the business rates sector.
That is not all, our aim is to save businesses over £1,000,000 within 3 years.
About Us
We wanted a better way to help clients with their business rates. We know how confusing it can be and that bills are on the rise every rating period. Our aim is to ensure a class leading and trustworthy service by being 100% Transparent with our clients. Not only do we focus on getting reductions, we want to be innovators within the sector. Having already worked in the field under a RICS surveyor, we know what methods are more likely to get a reduction from the VOA without charging an extorionate amount.
We ensure the process is stress free. We make business rates simple.
Services
TFS Group provides a service for architectural plans, practices and construction by working alongside ARB registered architects. We can help with planning permission applications and building regulations submissions too. We carry out Feasibility studies to help understand if we can turn your dreams into reality by seeing if the ideas are viable while aligning with regulations and budgets.
We are also a provider of energy-efficient heating and home improvement solutions across Greater Manchester. We specialise in air source heat pumps, boilers, loft and cavity insulation, ventilation systems, and solar panels, helping homeowners and businesses reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. From initial survey and system design to installation and aftercare, our mission is to make homes warmer, more efficient, and future-ready.
History/ Timeline of business rates
Business rates in the UK have ancient roots in local property taxes for poor relief (Poor Relief Act 1601), evolving into a general local tax (the "Rates"), and were fundamentally reformed by the Local Government Finance Act 1988, introducing the current system of National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) from 1990, featuring a national multiplier set by central government, though rates are still collected locally, with regular revaluations to update property rental values.
Ancient Origins (Pre-1990)
Poor Law: The system traces back to the Elizabethan Poor Law Act of 1601, which required parishes to levy local taxes (rates) to support the poor, a practice formalized by acts like the Vagabonds Act 1572.
General Rate: This evolved into a general local tax on the rental value of both domestic and non-domestic properties, with local authorities setting rates, leading to varied costs across the country.
Revaluations: Periodic revaluations were intended (e.g., every five years after the 1925 Act), but often delayed, meaning property values became outdated.
The 1990 Reform (Current System's Foundation)
Local Government Finance Act 1988: This act abolished domestic rates (replaced by the poll tax, then Council Tax) and introduced the current system for businesses.
Uniform Business Rate (UBR): A single national rate (multiplier) set by the central government was introduced, applied to a property's Rateable Value (RV).
National Pool: All collected business rates formed a national pot, redistributed to councils via formula grants, reducing local discretion.
Modern Era & Evolution (Post-1990)
Revaluations: Properties are revalued periodically (typically every few years, e.g., 2017, 2023, with the next in 2026) to reflect market rental values, affecting bills.
Devolution: Scotland and Wales have developed their own systems, with Wales gaining control over business rates in 2015.
Ongoing Reform: The system remains a topic of debate, with ongoing discussions and government papers exploring potential reforms to address fairness between online and high-street businesses.
