Our Articles & News Letters
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Testimonial from Bryan & Dawn Pass, Longdown Activity Farm, New Forest
08 October 2024 14:01
Tackling the Business Rates appeal on our own was a daunting non-starter. With plenty of ‘no win no fee’ offers pestering us on a weekly basis we decided that we would request the help of a business we could trust. The knowledge and experience of Davies & Co was so apparent from the onset. They managed to explain the complicated workings in layman’s language and guided us through the whole process. Davies & Co eventually -
Glamping Site Operator wanted for land in the beautiful Shropshire countryside.
04 October 2024 09:42
We are looking for a Glamping Site Operator to partner with the landowner to design, build and run a 10-acre site with permission for 7 pods. Planning Permission has been granted with all the conditions discharged for 7 glamping pods, portaloo toilet and shower unit, storage shed and associated works. Site is located in the beautiful hamlet of Isombridge, between Shrewsbury and Telford and is close to the midland road network. Are you interested or do you know -
Planning Rules relaxation....
31 May 2024 11:58
Planning red tape slashed for farmers .... from 21st May 2024 .... Farmers will be able to convert their “unused farm buildings into new homes, farm shops and gyms” more easily thanks to new planning laws which came into effect on 21st May 2024. Find out more here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/planning-red-tape-slashed-for-farmers The government have said farmers “will be able to convert agricultural buildings and land into new lucrative business opportunities -
Helpsheet for NFAN Farm Attraction Members Business Rates – Revaluation 2026
31 May 2024 10:16
Helpsheet for NFAN Farm Attraction Members Business Rates – Revaluation 2026 Completion of VOA Form of Return (FOR) Many members will have been receiving from the Valuation Office a form; either a VO6030 or VO6036, to complete and return within a deadline of 56 days, to assist in the VOA’s assessment of the Rateable Value with effect 1st April 2026. The statutory basis for the Revaluation is that of the ‘physical circumstances’ on the farm attraction -
Testimonial from William Esse , Church Farm, Stow Bardolph
20 May 2024 09:50
We were recommended to contact Barry Davies after receiving notification from the valuation office that our rateable value was going to increase considerably. We had been reliably informed that his wealth of experience in dealing with the VO would be key in reducing our liability. After an initial consultation, he took the mantle and armed with a wealth of information started the complicated process of revaluation. He just kept on going, and after a lot of hard work came up -
Testimonial from Marita Ogilvie, Ogilvie Dogs
06 February 2024 10:21
In 2021 our small business was hit with a large rateable value based on incorrect comparables and information. With Barry's expert guidance and advice, we battled for two years overcoming many hurdles but, in the end, Barry succeeded and negotiated to lower this rateable value by 73%. We can not thank Barry enough, the last two years have been very challenging by paying this incorrect rate and it has been a huge mental strain for us. Our business can -
Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Winner 2024
19 January 2024 19:15
Congratulations to the Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Winner 2024 - The Ark Open Farm www.thearkopenfarm.co.uk. Sponsored by Davies & Co. and awarded at the National Farm Attractions Awards evening in January 2024. Photograph:- Farm Manager Stuart (centre) collecting the award from Lynn Brawn and Carol Blower of Davies & Co Chartered Surveyors, presented by Jules Hudson. -
Are you going to the National Farm Attraction Conference and Trade Exhibition?
20 November 2023 14:00
We are exhibiting at National Farm Attraction Conference and Trade Exhibition on 17th & 18th January 2024 at De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, Cirencester GL7 5FP. Exhibition times are 9am – 5pm on Wednesday and 9am until 4pm on Thursday. Want to find out about Planning for your new Farm Business then pop along and have a chat, we are on Stand Number 80, or get in touch beforehand. 01536 524808 or email info@daviesandco.co.uk -
Testimonial from Joseph Manning, Old MacDonald’s Farm
24 October 2023 13:11
Having known Barry for a considerable amount of time through NFAN and finding how easy he was to work with I had no hesitation in approaching him to help with reducing our Business Rates. Barrys professional manner, exemplary approach and attention to detail ensured that his communication with the VOA office secured a massive reduction in the Rateable Value of 55%. He is happy to give advice, very approachable, has lots of experience and will continue to be an -
Are you going to Farm Business Innovation 2023?
21 September 2023 12:44
We are exhibiting at Farm Business Innovation 2023 on 15th & 16th November 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham. Show times are 9am – 5pm on Wednesday and 9am until 4pm on Thursday. Want to find out about Planning for your new Farm Business then pop along and have a chat, we are on Stand Number FM540, or get in touch beforehand. 01536 524808 or email info@daviesandco.co.uk. -
Come and see us at The Glamping Show, 14th to 16th September, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire
17 July 2023 11:32
We are exhibiting at The Glamping Show on 14th to 16th September at the NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Want to find out about Planning or Business Rates for your new Glamping project then pop along and have a chat – you will find us on Stand number 112 (was 485). Also - listen to Barry’s seminar on 14th September at 11am. Topic: - Farming to Glamping – Planning Permission & Business Rates – Cutting through that Red Tape – Top Tips -
BIAC – National Rural Planning Conference
10 July 2023 10:41
We will be attending the BIAC - NATIONAL RURAL PLANNING CONFERENCE on 5th October 2023 at Whittlebury Park, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8WP For further information 01536 524808 or email info@daviesandco.co.uk -
Testimonial from Steve Carthew, Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Exeter
10 May 2023 11:23
“We were recommended by a number of businesses to contact Barry, because we were in receipt of a great many rating assessments in a short period of time, and we were at a loss of what to do. Barry took the time to really understand our business and then was able to apply his considerable knowledge to the issues facing us. He always took the time to explain each step of the very complex appeal processes in -
Testimonial from David Mort, Cockfields Farm Park, Oldham
05 May 2023 12:07
“Barry has supported us at Cockfields for a number of years now and has helped us tremendously on several occasions. The advice given has been invaluable and has reduced our Rateable Value by 43%. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending him.” David Mort, Cockfields Farm Park, Oldham -
Testimonial from Bob Ottaway, Audley End Miniature Railway
05 May 2023 11:19
"Barry’s communication with us and the VO was exemplary. The huge volume of work coupled with his dedicated approach and professional help resulted in 34% reduction in our Business Rates. Barry is very easy to deal with and never gives up and has an excellent knowledge of the area. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending him." Bob Ottaway, Audley End Miniature Railway, Essex -
Are you attending The Glamping Show, 14th to 16th September, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire?
18 April 2023 11:18
Need Planning for your Glamping Site? We are exhibiting at The Glamping Show on 14th to 16th September at the NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Want to find out about Planning or Business Rates for your new Glamping project then pop along and have a chat – you will find us on Stand number 485. Or if you prefer get in touch beforehand on 01536 524808 or email info@daviesandco.co.uk. -
Is Planning Permission needed for Storage Containers?
23 February 2023 10:42
We have spoken to several farms recently who have containers that are rented to 3rd party businesses and individuals for workshops and storage. Landowners and Farmers often believe that, because they are “mobile” these containers don’t need planning permission. But alas they do. This is because you are changing the use of the land. And so, they need full planning permission. You do not need permission if the shipping containers are being used for agricultural -
Testimonial from Martin Burton, Zippo's Circus, Berkshire
20 February 2023 12:15
An amazing Testimonial :- “I would highly recommend Barry to any business worried about their Business Rates. He successfully negotiated and reduced ours by 53%. The service was diligent and professional. His communication was excellent and the savings made far outweighed the costs charged.” MARTIN BURTON – ZIPPO’S CIRCUS, LONGCOPSE FARM, BERKSHIRE. -
Farming to Glamping - Cutting through the Red Tape
14 February 2023 16:56
Are you looking at having a Glamping Site on your farm? Then read “Farming to Glamping - Planning Permission & Business Rates - Cutting through the Red Tape – Top Tips” Please find our slides here from our presentation on Farming to Glamping, Cutting through the Red Tape given at the Glamping Show in September 2022 Download Presentation Slides -
Farm Retail Association - Secure Planning Permission and Reducing Business Rates
14 February 2023 16:53
Are you looking to open a Farm Shop, expand an existing retail outlet, play barn or restaurant – then read this: - “Planning Permission & Business Rates Top Tips” Please find our slides here from our presentation at the Farm Retail Association Show on 2nd March 2022 Download Presentation Slides -
Farm Business Innovation Presentation - Farm to Leisure
14 February 2023 16:48
Are you looking to open a Leisure Attraction or Farm Park on your land – then these slides will be invaluable. Read: - “Change of Use - Farm to Leisure Attraction – Planning Permission and Rates – Avoid the Pitfalls!” Please find our slides here from our presentation about Farm to Leisure at The Farm Business Innovation Show on 2nd November 2022 Download Presentation Slides -
National Farm Attractions Network Conference & Trade Exhibition!
24 January 2023 11:36
Great to catch up with some of our Farm Attraction clients and meet new ones too. Do you need to reduce your business rates or are you looking for planning permission? If so please get in touch. 01536 524808 info@daviesandco.co.uk -
Did you go to Farm Business Innovation Show?
15 November 2022 00:00
Was great to see you all at Farm Business Innovation Show at the NEC, Birmingham in November. We do hope you picked up lots of inspirational ideas. But if you didn’t manage to attend and say hello you can just give us a call or send an email. And remember – if you are looking for help with Planning or if you think your Business Rates are too high then get in touch with us. For more information -
Business Rates Revaluation 1 April 2023
26 September 2022 11:48
Business Rates are a tax on occupation of land and property The legal definition of Rateable Value is the Open Market Rental of your premises as at 1 April 2021 If you consider your Rateable Value is too high, or if you think it’s not been unfairly assessed, you have the right to appeal under the ‘Check, Challenge, Appeal’ system. John McCutchan of Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trails, East Sussex appointed Barry Davies of Davies -
Have you received your VOA.. Form of return yet?
26 September 2022 11:34
Diversified Farm Businesses.. .. Rates … Revaluation 2023 is underway have you received your VOA.. Form of return yet? It’s really important to submit your information in 2021 to make sure your Rateable Value assessment for 2023 is fair and not being overvalued. During this re-valuation period the Valuation Office (VO) adjusts the rateable value of business properties to reflect the various changes in the market. Rural diversified businesses are currently being -
Rateable Value - is yours too high?
26 September 2022 11:15
Do you think your Rateable Value is too high? Or maybe you believe it’s not been fairly assessed. For example, is the description of the internal areas incorrect, or maybe the agricultural exemption has not been applied. If so, you have the right to appeal under the ‘Check, Challenge, Appeal’ system. Rosemary Brown of Bluebell Dairy, Brunswood Farm, nr Derby received a surprise visit from their VOA Inspector in August 2018. The result of an inspection -
Find out how to realise capital – Regulated Tenancies
26 September 2022 10:49
Many farms and estates have redundant farm workers cottages either on the holding or in the surrounding villages occupied by former employees of the holding and many do not realise that these cottages are saleable on the open market despite the property being subject to a statutory tenancy. If you have a redundant farm workers cottage/house and you let it before the 15 January 1989 as part of that workers employment, even if no formal agreement was put in -
Why Should I sell my property as tenanted rather than with Vacant Possession?
26 September 2022 09:58
Regaining possession of a protected tenancy under the Rent Act may not be achievable for many years, and with rental incomes well below current market levels, selling a tenanted property can not only release capital it is a strait forward process with exceptionally low costs. If your property does become vacant then you may well be able to ask a higher price but purchasers may well be looking to chip the price and the additional costs of marketing, professional fees -
How to Secure Planning Permission for a Leisure Attraction – Farm Business Innovation 2022
26 September 2022 09:50
How to Secure Planning Permission for a Leisure Attraction – Farm Business Innovation 2022 Barry Davies will be giving advice at Farm Business Innovation 2022 on "Change of Use Farm to Leisure Attraction – Planning Permission and Rates – Avoid the Pitfalls!" To find out more visit the Farm Business Innovation website. -
Did you Attend the Glamping Show on 15th to 17th September 2022?
22 September 2022 12:32
If you did then I am sure that you would you like to see the excellent article on Farming to Glamping, Cutting Through the Red Tape from the experienced Chartered Surveyor Barry Davies? Then download the pdf here. If you are thinking of diversifying, and want to know how to manage the process then this article is essential reading. Whether you are concerned about Business Rates, Planning Permission, or the potential environmental impact of your proposed development “Cutting through -
Farming to Glamping – Cutting Through the Red Tape
14 March 2022 12:10
Farming to Glamping, Cutting Through the Red Tape is superb presentation from the experienced Chartered Surveyor Barry Davies. If you are thinking of diversifying, and want to know how to manage the process then this article is essential reading. Whether you are concerned about Business Rates, Planning Permission, or the potential environmental impact of your proposed development “Cutting through the Red Tape –Top Tips – Planning Permission & Business Rates” will be of great help. Download the