As the Government continues to adapt to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, garden centres are amongst those industries being hit hardest, having closed their doors during their busiest time, and sector specialists Malcolm Scott Consultants are encouraging them to take advantage of all grants and relief available to them.
Last month, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced £20 billion of business rates support and grant funding to help the most-affected firms manage their cashflow through this period.
In addition to the one-year 100 per cent business rates holiday for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, the Chancellor also pledged an increase in grants to small businesses eligible for Small Business Rate Relief from £3,000 to £10,000, and further £25,000 grants to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises within the rateable value bracket of over £15,000 and below £51,000.
Chris Primett, Director at MSC, said: “In guidance issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Garden Centres are specifically identified as beneficiaries of this package of relief and grants. The aim of Government has been to support these businesses through the initial lockdown period and subsequent uncertain times.
“It should not be overlooked that whilst the COVID 19 crisis continues to run its course, the business rate system remains intact, as does its mechanism for disputing Rateable Values.
“We, in conjunction with our colleagues Harris Lamb, are experts in challenging rateable values, and in doing so creating refunds of overpaid rates to occupiers that can be backdated to 1st April 2017. It is essential that while planning or future operations within the sector, centre operators use this time to research any overpayments that they have made and redress the balance,” he added.
For further details contact Chris on chrisp@malcolmscottcons.co.uk