Julie Chalmers

The focus of my work is in private practice, advising both occupiers and landlords in respect of business rates mitigation. I negotiate on various classes of property including retail, offices, industrials, golf clubs and garden centres alongside a number of licensed and local authority premises. This has included the preparation and presentation of cases at Valuation Tribunal as well as advising clients on non-appeal related matters to mitigate their rates liability including empty rates strategies and temporary relief applications.

I joined Gerald Eve in 2014 and have over 13 years’ experience in rating. I started my career at the Scottish Assessors Association where I was involved in both the 2005 and 2010 Rating Revaluations dealing primarily with industrial properties.

I’m responsible for the day-to-day management of The University of Manchester, University of Salford, Nelson & Colne College, Grosvenor Liverpool Fund, Blackpool Borough Council, Iceland Foods and The Fragrance Shop accounts. I advise them on rating strategy, provide budgetary advice and advise of changes to rating law.

MY RECENT PROJECTS

• First Hydro Company – Oriel Eyri Museum & Premises – I successfully negotiated the 2010 & 2017 Rating list assessment, overturning the existing valuation (replacement build cost) in favour of R&E approach, saving our client £689,783.
• Debenhams, Southport – I successfully negotiated the 2010 Rating list assessment reducing the base rate of £69.50m2 to £52.00m2 saving our client £450,000.
• University of Manchester – Reynolds House Data Centre – I successfully negotiated the 2010 Rating list assessment, reducing the base rate of £255m2 to £148m2 and saving our client £60,547 (after 80% charitable status applied).