the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

my friend and i are looking at renting a small unit to start strongman training with the hope of getting a few members in the future but mainly for our-selves to start with

how do business rates work?

does it go on the size of the unit?

would we need public liability insurance?

we cant afford to pay high costs at the minute and i know how this country likes to extract as much money from you as it can

the units we have been looking at are between 350-600 sq-ft with a rent of £40-£65 per week

any pointers folks?

cheers

matt

ScoobyNoob79

Afaik mate you don't have to pay rates if you're using for personal domestic use.

Or you could just say you use as a place of worship, definitely don't need to pay then

andy97

iTrader: (1)

If it's commercial building then rates are worked out on price per square ft. I doubt the local council would allow a freebie on the rates when they are trying to grab as much money as possible. Just ring the council and asked. Re insurance you need to check the rental agreement to see who is liable for the building insurance

Blue by You

iTrader: (23)

If you run a business from, or otherwise occupy, commercial premises you'll be liable for business rates.
If you have visits from the general public, whether or not they become subscribed members, you would be foolish not to have 3rd party liablility.

Business rates are the biggest rip off going IMO. We had premises of around 3000 sq ft and paid £8k a year in rates. And for that we couldn't even get a visit from the police when we needed it, not even a street light maintained outside the place.
Rip off.
End of.

Edited to add, there are specialist companies who will, for a fee, build a case to support an appeal against business rates. So that might be a way to reduce your overheads if you go ahead Shrek.

Hammer man

iTrader: (25)

Any unit/business that size will qualify for "small business rate relief". I'd opt for public liability and you should get that for not too much I'd guess.

Infected by sti

iTrader: (6)

You could have a waiver form where by anybody who uses the place does so at their own risk and off their own back so to speak, I've seen a few of these places where you have to sign the form on the way in like skate parks, go karts etc

daviee

Why not try sharing with one of the kids dance studios loads down our way and would not be getting used after 7.30 pm at night.

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

wheres that?

how about having it as a members club?

daviee

I live in Grenock but hit the link below
https://www.google.co.uk/#q=dance+st...nckley&spell=1
Again just to try before signing up for a years lease I am sure some would be glad to share the building with you.

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

thats a good idea,thanks i will ask around.we need to get some equipment 1st

mamoon2

Rates are the councils way of extorting money. They are based on valuations from peak property prices and aren't due to be reviewed for another 7 years.

The rates on our shop are well overpriced, i tried appealing but they weren't having any of it. They are a law unto themselves. No wonder the High St is dead.

Phone the council and they will tell you the rates on any building. You may get 100% rate relief if the unit is so cheap

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

ive just found a few small lock-up units to rent on a farm that are rate free and have cctv etc so maybe that will be worth looking into