Punch Taverns issues warning on rogue business rates agents

The pamphlet warns that the fees are “pursued aggressively by debt recovery agencies. They can put your business at risk by lodging inappropriate appeals”.

It gives a brief explanation of what business rates are, why tenants should consult a business rates surveyor, available relief and what licensees need to do.

Punch Taverns is working with property agents Fleurets and Chesterton Humberts to provide its rating service.

Paul Crooks, portfolio manager responsible for Punch’s business rates service, said: “The leaflet was designed primarily to promote the rating service that Punch provides and to raise awareness of it to newer partners.  

“Our hope for the leaflet is that it will raise awareness of the rating service and assist licensees in reducing their business rates liability, which is one of the largest costs in running a pub, and protect them from a number of ‘rogue traders’ in the market who can charge thousands for a service we charge just £50 per annum for.”