MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING HELD AT

SPINVOX LTD. BREWERY COURT

MONDAY 15^th JUNE 2009 at 6.30pm

1.The President welcomed everybody and introduced Adrian Kelly who gave an interesting and informative insight into the business of Spinvox Ltd.

2.The President introduced Mike Newton, representing Waitrose and Ian Anderson of CBRE Planning Consultancy who gave details of the latest proposed planning application from Waitrose, moving to new premises at Chapel House. The outline plan was with WDC at the present time following a lot of public support from the initial consultation. A formal response from WDC was expected by 22^nd June following which a formal planning application would be registered and hopefully heard at the September Planning Committee meeting. It was envisaged that if all went well the store would be opened by Christmas 2009. Mike Newton confirmed that to date there was no plans or proposals for the Portland site.

3. Minutes of the last meeting were signed as a true record.

4.Sainsburys – Paul Deriaz gave a brief report informing that the plans were on   WDC web site. Various issues had been raised by BCC although it would appear that loss of car parking spaces and traffic generation did not seem to be of concern. It was highly unlikely that the plans would be considered before the August meeting of the Planning Committee.

5.Web site – Annie Mulady stressed the importance of members giving all information and contact details of their companies as soon as possible. The web site was an excellent way to promote business and any offers available.

6.Summer Event –Rod Braybrooke gave details of the Summer Event – Scarecrow Competition Trail which it was hoped would bring many visitors to the town. This was to be held over the weekend of 11^th/12^th July. Free parking had been obtained for the Saturday. Approximately 30 businesses had to date agreed to take part. He urged members to promote the event, details of which   would be found on our web site.

7. Due to time restraints the President requested any other business at this point and John Laker requested advertisers for his new book Illustrated Guide to Marlow. It was suggested that members discussed the detail with him following the meeting.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.30pm for networking and hospitality of Spinvox.

MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING HELD AT
LISTON EXCHANGE, LISTON COURT, MARLOW
MONDAY 18TH MAY 2009 at 6pm

1. The President welcomed everybody particularly those who were not yet members and thanked Comland for offering their venue for the meeting and also to Pip’s Sandwich bar for the BBQ. Unfortunately Stephen Funnel of Comland was unable to be present at the meeting but would hope to join us later.

2. Minutes of last meeting signed as a true record

3. Chamber web site - The President encouraged everybody to send their updated details in order that the web site could be completed for members. Also any offers/discounts they may wish to promote. Any ideas/comments as to how members envisaged the web site for the future, would be gratefully received.

4. Summer Event – Adam Marlow gave brief details of the summer event to be held on 11th and 12th July 2009. This would involve a scarecrow trail competition which it was hoped would encourage many visitors to complete a tour of the town. Restaurants would be encouraged to give samples of their food and shops would be encouraged to offer discounts either at that time or for the future. A meeting would be held by the committee on Tuesday 19th to discuss progress and details would be sent to retailers shortly. The success of the event depended on the enthusiasm and participation of the retailers.

5. Late Night Shopping Event – Thursday December 3rd. The Secretary informed the meeting that this would go ahead as planned. The evening would be self funding by specific events during the year. With regard to the Christmas lights, she stressed the importance of retailers/businesses donating (which would be separate funding from the LNS event) in order to hopefully obtain new lights next year as the present ones were coming to the end of their useful life.

6. Sainsburys – Paul Deriaz reported that the decision on the planning application would not now be in May but more likely July/August as there were several issues to be addressed ie design, parking etc. Annie Mulady informed the meeting that Waitrose staff had been given notice of redundancy.

John Laker asked if there were any plans for the Portland site. Richard Scott replied that the Marlow Town Council had written to John Lewis Partnership asking them to tidy up the area and they were apparently awaiting quotes to carry out this work. No plans for development were on the horizon.

7. Membership – The President reinforced the need to increase membership as this would allow the Chamber to have more sway on matters affecting businesses. The cost of membership was only £55 per annum.

8. Public Transport – Annie Mulady had written to First Great Western regarding the links and service of the local railway but to date had received no response. She would be chasing this up during the week.

9. Martins Matters – Martin Spittle reported on various tax, employment and business rates issues corresponding links as follows:

Rights for Employees flexible working arrangements
http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/employment/workandfamilies/flexible-working/index.html

Business rates deferral scheme
www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf

Online video guides for new and small businesses
www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxhelp

Mr. Spittle also stressed the importance of returning the survey sent by Paul Goodman MP to all businesses.

10. A.O.B. - The President asked members to let the committee know if they wished for a particular subject to be discussed at any future meetings.

It was suggested that meetings commence at 6.30 instead of 6pm and this was agreed for the next meeting

6.30 meeting
There being no further business the meeting closed at 6.45pm and was followed by networking and a BBQ
Next meeting to be held at the offices of Spinvox on Monday 15th June 2009.




 

RATES SEMINAR

Graham Birch FRICS

Bolton Birch — Chartered Surveyors

Tel: 01753 830393 

Monday 9th March 2009  

NOTES

Rates Poundage 2009/10 - this will increase to 48.5p (48. 1p for small businesses) from this year’s figures of 46.2p (4.5.8p). The reason for this is since 1990 when local rates abolished, the Government guaranteed rate poundage would rise by reference to the RPI benchmark fixed in previous September.  Rate bills are being prepared and issued now, and despite pressure from major businesses on the government to make a special adjustment in the light of the economic climate, it is probably too late for practical purposes for any amendments to be made. There is transitional relief in some cases which means increases are not paid immediately. If a reduced assessment is negotiated as at 1st April 2005 this will also be phased in over the years. Any transitional relief actually ceases as at 31st March 2009, and for the financial year 2009/2010 rate liability is calculated by multiplying the ascribed rating assessment by the new rate poundage. 

Rights of appeal — If the property has been improved/extended the rates will obviously be increased.  However if you think you have been over assessed it is not too late to appeal. Final date for appeal is 3lst March 2010.

Material Change of Circumstances — This could be caused by something physical and detrimental happening to your property or the locality in which your property is situated e.g. scaffolding next door for a considerable time could be genuine grounds for appeal. Over supply in the area — e.g. large office buildings empty, or an argument that there are lots of empty shops in location — these can create grounds for reduction in assessment. Likewise reduction in footfall in the area or a new shopping centre opening. The reasons for appeal must be physical not just because of the “credit crunch”.  

Small Business Rate Relief  - If assessment is less than £5,000 then entitled to 50% relief. Relief decreases if assessment from £5- £10,000. i.e. £7,500 assessment is entitled to 25% relief. 

Rating Revaluation – Assessments are based on the Open Market Rental Value as assessed by the Valuation Officer. 

Rent Return forms - The purpose of these forms is to provide the Valuation Office Agency with rental evidence upon which their assessments are then based. These are often, due to their complexity, completed incorrectly. E.g. Capital expenditure — This should relate to structural alterations to the shop or the upgrading of facilities – for instance installing air conditioning - not fixtures and fittings you may have introduced. Always get some advice when filling in the form. 

Methods of Valuation - Valued on a rental basis. Price is per sq.ft. Shops are zoned. The first 20’ of the High Street frontage is the highest value and decreases throughout the premises. The exception to this is the leisure business, i.e. pubs etc. which are valued on a quasi  profits basis. It is possible in the case of the majority of commercial properties to obtain from the Valuation Office website the breakdown of the actual valuation.  This will give floor areas, allowances etc. With effect from September or October of this year the Valuation Office Agency will have completed the preparation of the 2010 revaluation and it will then be possible for each commercial ratepayer to ascertain details of his newly ascribed assessment which will be effective as from 1st April 2010.  By Autumn 2010 the Government will will have decided poundage and transitional relief details. It is estimated that on average throughout the UK assessments will not go up by much more than 10% and it is therefore likely that the new rate poundage will be approximately 10% lower than the poundage for 2009/2010.  The likelihood is, therefore, that if an individual ratepayer’s assessment is to be increased by less than 10%, his rate liability in 2010/2011 will be very similar to his liability for 2009/2010.  

SUMMARY In summary the rates should not be too high for the rate payer in the immediate future but do GET ADVICE on filling in forms etc. Money well spent. Don’t be afraid to go for appeal if you feel you have a good case. However, if telephone calls are received by companies saying they will reduce your rates on a “no win no fee” basis, PLEASE ignore them. For the appeals to be carried out properly, a properly qualified Chartered Surveyor is required who will complete the task in a professional manner, and will conduct the appropriate research before providing any advice as to whether the existing assessment appears to be excessive.