Business rates are a tax levied on non-domestic properties.
It is beneficial to understand and adopt methods of creating relief in vacant properties and appealing rateable values as substantial savings can be made.
Business rates are a tax levied on non-residential properties in the UK.
The funds generated by local authorities go towards local services and improvements within the community.
Vacant properties are commonly eligible for empty rates relief.
The owner or tenant is invariably responsible for paying business rates on premises.
However, vacant commercial properties may qualify for an exemption.
Professional advice is valuable to minimise the rates payable through an appeal or relief procedure.
Depending on individual circumstances, a ratepayer may be eligible for relief through a reduction in the business rates bill.
The types of relief available vary, depending on the location, type of property and the ratepayers circumstances.
The rateable value assigned to each commercial property is an estimate of the rental value as of the latest valuation date. The rates payable are calculated when the local authority applies the multiplier known as Uniform Business Rate (UBR) to the rateable value.
Appealing the rateable value is a lengthy and significantly complex process. Our team and partners can ascertain accurate rental values for the period and ensure (where supported by open market evidence) the assigned rateable value is readjusted appropriately to minimise cost.
Emma joined the team in June 2018 as an executive assistant, having previously worked as an estate agent in sales. Emma enjoys baking, walking her dog, and is very creative in art and crafts in her spare time.
Misty became part of the Lorenz family at the start of 2023. As Head of Office Welfare, she has the momentous job of maintaining client satisfaction and ensuring her colleagues are at the top of their game from 9-5.30 with consistent tail wags and hugs.
Yolandi moved to London from South Africa in January 2022, and joined the team in July 2022 as an executive assistant.
With previous experience in the same role at a law firm in South Africa, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her position.
Christina joined the team in September 2019 as an executive assistant, having previously worked as general manager for hospitality group The Piano Works.
Christina has a BA and Masters in English from King’s College London, and she enjoys regularly attending yoga, spin, and box fit classes, as well as playing badminton.
Gill has been an integral part of the team since its formation in November 2007. With vast experience working as a Legal PA in London for various UK law firms, Gill currently serves as the Operations Manager & Executive PA to Anthony Lorenz.
Her extensive knowledge and skills ensure the smooth functioning of the company’s day-to-day operations.
Gill is a music fan often attending concerts and collecting vinyl records. She also is an enthusiast of historic trains and planes often visiting museums and train / air shows.
Sam joined The Lorenz Consultancy in January 2022 as an Associate Director, bringing more than a decade of experience in various aspects of commercial property, including agency, lease advisory, and management.
He is a qualified professional, having received certification in October 2016.
With a specialisation in transactional disposals and acquisitions across various asset classes, Sam’s niche lies in central London offices and retail & hospitality, and his focus is working in the expanding agency department in lettings and lease acquisitions.
Additionally, works closely with the lease advisory team, further strengthening firm. Sam is also a registered counsellor, providing support to APC candidates.
Sam is a football enthusiast supporting Arsenal FC, and enjoys frequent travelling with South America being a favourite destination. He also plays multiple instruments and is a member of a band as the drummer.
Bailey became part of The Lorenz Consultancy team in October 2016 and was promoted to Associate Director in 2021. His expertise lies in providing advice to both tenants and landlords on the acquisition and disposal of commercial property in the UK, with a particular focus on office spaces in central London. Bailey also collaborates closely with the professional department to facilitate successful negotiations for lease renewals, rent reviews, and lease restructuring.
Bailey is a Formula 1 and Rugby enthusiast, and enjoys golfing and is a member of West Sussex Golf Club, where he has an impressive handicap of 1.
Andrew is head of agency who joined The Lorenz Consultancy team in March 2008, the inception of the agency department. With a strong focus on the core West End and Central London, Andrew specialises in acquisitions and disposals across various sectors, including office, retail & hospitality, and industrial. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our firm, helping clients to identify and capitalise on opportunities in the competitive London & UK market. Andrew also collaborates closely with the professional department to facilitate successful negotiations for lease renewals, rent Reviews, and lease restructuring.
Andrew grew up and continues to reside in North London. In his free time, he enjoys staying active and participating in sports, including tennis, football, and golf. He spends most weekends playing golf at his local course.
Frank is an Associate Director at The Lorenz Consultancy and has over 10 years of experience working in property, qualifying as a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2016.
His primary focus is Lease Advisory, where he works alongside Anthony Lorenz & Richard Russell in rent reviews, lease renewals, lease restructuring, and asset management for a wide range of clients. He has experience in providing both written and oral evidence at third party and in Court.
Outside the office, Frank is a football enthusiast who brings a competitive spirit and dedication to the team. He won The Property Cup 2022 alongside a team of peers in the industry.
Richard is our Head of Lease Advisory, who joined our team in July 2016. With over 25 years of experience in the commercial property industry, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our firm. His focus includes rent reviews, lease renewals, lease restructuring, and asset management across London and the UK.
Richard has represented both landlords and tenants in negotiations, and he is experienced in preparing expert witness reports for arbitration, expert PACT, and court procedures.
He also has a strong background in portfolio strategy, helping clients identify opportunities within their portfolios and advising across all commercial property sectors, including offices, retail, leisure, and warehouse/industrial.
Outside of work, Richard enjoys a family lifestyle with his wife and two daughters.
Anthony Lorenz is a highly respected figure in the London commercial property market with over 55 years of experience in the industry. Anthony founded Baker Lorenz in 1972, focusing on agency and professional work, including rent reviews, lease renewals, and lease restructuring. Under his leadership, the firm quickly became a nationally recognised name in the industry.
In 2001, Baker Lorenz was acquired by Hercules PLC and merged with Dunlop Heywood to become Dunlop Heywood Lorenz.
However, Anthony’s passion for delivering exceptional service to clients led him to form The Lorenz Consultancy in 2007.
Anthony enjoys spending time in his Mayfair home entertaining clients and friends in the evenings. On weekends, he retreats to his 13th-century country home, where he enjoys an equestrian lifestyle and plays competitive polo throughout the summer.
