Andrew is a Partner in Newmark UK’s Specialist Rating team. He is a Business Rates expert, with particular experience of local authority, police and educational properties and those used for charitable purposes. Andrew is responsible for our firm’s advice to public sector clients in London and the South East and is involved in most of the valuations and negotiations. He also continues to take a leading role in national co-ordination and discussions with the Valuation Office for educational properties.
As well as making rating appeals and negotiating with the Valuation Office, Andrew’s advice includes rates budgeting and the various rating reliefs and exemptions – charitable, empty rates, properties used by the disabled, theological, and facilities ancillary to public open space. He is very experienced in representing clients at the Valuation Tribunal.
For Business Rates, Andrew’s key clients include the City of London Corporation, Southwark Council, Hillingdon Council, Cambridge City Council, Surrey, Sussex and Hertfordshire Police, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, two of the largest schools’ groups – Alpha Plus and Cognita, plus numerous independent schools and colleges.
Council Tax also forms a significant part of his work. As well as challenging the A-H bands, Andrew advises on exemptions and complex situations where there is debate as to whether single or multiple assessments should apply. Clients include private households, religious orders, schools, universities, retirement villages and residential developers.