Property specialists appoint new head of rating

has made a key appointment within the business.

Aberdeen based property consultancy FG Burnett has appointed Richard Foster as Head of Rating where he will take charge of Client Rating Revaluation Appeals as well as ongoing rating work. 

Richard joins as a Director from the Regional Assessor’s office where he has gathered almost 12 years of rating experience most recently in the role of Senior Valuer. Richard originally hails from Sheffield and moved to Aberdeen in 2005 when he started his studies at the University of Aberdeen.   Whilst at university, Richard gained experience working in the Regional Assessor’s office in Aberdeen and joined full time after graduating. 

Richard Noble, Managing Director at Burnett’s commented: “This is an important appointment for us in a key area of the business, Richard brings significant specialist experience to the team, exactly what we are looking for at a time when Business Rates is high on the client agenda. 

We are at the mid-way point in dealing with 2017 Revaluation appeals with many still outstanding so this remains a critical time for many ratepayers still awaiting the outcome of their appeal. As the 2017 Roll matures and is updated to reflect changes in physical circumstances, there will be a growing number of appeals as business rates continues to be a high priority for clients.  Especially in the North East, where despite 50% of Revaluation appeals now resolved, there remains 70% of value under appeal. As the property market continues to adapt to the effects of the economic downturn, the rating burden remains significant, intensified following changes to rates relief on vacant properties. It is therefore expected that as owners and occupiers adapt to the new environment, demand for rating services will continue to grow”.  

Richard Foster commented: “I am delighted to join the highly regarded team at FGB at a time of significant change to the Rating system in Scotland. The implementation of the Barclay Review on Business Rates continues to edge closer following the close for written evidence on the draft Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill. This significant change to the system will require careful navigation of the new rules to ensure businesses pay no more than is warranted. In practice, with more frequent 3 rather than 5 yearly revaluations, the change in rateable values is likely to be flatter, but it will nevertheless remain a high priority for businesses and the best advice will give clients a competitive advantage. This presents an excellent opportunity to make a positive difference to clients and I am looking forward to developing this side of the business.”