Crewe town centre businesses get helping hand to fight rate increases
Crewe town centre businesses have been given a helping hand to fight rate increases - thanks to support from South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.
The independent membership organisation handed a lifeline to a number of Crewe and Nantwich traders facing a huge hike in their business rates.
One of the Crewe town centre businesses affected, was Vernon's Fish Bar, Victoria Street - who's rates were set to rise more than £30,0000.
Owner, Michael Vernon, said: "Crewe town centre footfall has dropped significantly making times hard for everyone.
"Yet, my rateable value was set to rocket from £22,500 to £55,000.
"Thanks to the Chamber's intervention, it's now £13,600.
"This support has proved a life-saver to my business and I can't thank Richard and the Chamber enough for their expertise and understanding."
South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce stepped in to help a number of Crewe and Nantwich shops and food outlets challenge rate increases of up to 150%.
Chamber business adviser, Richard Weilding, was happy the organisation could help them out.
He said: "Business rates are based on a property's 'rateable value' and following a Government reassessment, there were some nasty surprises in store for several landmark local businesses.
"Assistance was offered in the form of transitional relief over five years to allow time to absorb the extra cost however a number of properties principally located on Victoria Street in Crewe were faced with hefty increases of up to 150%.
"This along with rising utility costs and the significant drop in town centre footfall threw into question their future plans. Cheshire East's website advised appeal but past experience has shown this can take a considerable length of time, sometimes up to two years.
"The Chamber intervened on behalf of these individual cases. After an approach to our local MP and the Valuation Office Agency, the businesses received confirmation of a significant rate reduction within four weeks.
"Indeed all received reductions from their previous bills before the reassessment. We were delighted to help achieve this positive result on their behalf."
Mr Weilding, a former bank manager, is getting out to talk to Crewe and Nantwich businesses every week.
He added: "Both our local towns are going through difficult times and the Chamber remains committed to providing hands on support where needed particularly in our troubled town centres.
"We see this work 'in the field' as a key part of our responsibilities as a member organisation supporting local businesses.
"We're also looking at leases. Overall we want to see a significant reduction reflecting Crewe town centre's current rental values."
South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce has supported local business for more than 30 years.
Members benefit from access to HR, Legal, Health & Safety and Tax advice as well as a wide-range of networking and promotional opportunities.
Chief executive, Paul Colman, added: "Our goal is to promote the economic growth of our members and in turn, the local community.
"Lobbying local and national government in the interests of South Cheshire is a large part of what we do but equally important is meeting businesses face-to-face.
"We're taking time to visit them regularly to see how we can help on a practical basis."
Another recent case from the chamber has involved helping a Crewe town centre café obtain an alfresco licence to allow outdoor dining.
To get in touch with South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, call: 01270 504 700, or email: [email protected].
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