EVANS & PAYNE LLP

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Lease Advisory News Government announces plans to ban upward-only rent reviews in commercial leases Release 10 July 2025 On the face of it, this is good news for tenants /small businesses. Whether it is in the long term remains to be seen if it leads to a reduction in supply of commercial property which in itself will push up rents. It will probably benefit the High Street in towns where there are lower levels of demand and higher vacancy levels. The government has announced plans to ban upward-only rent reviews for commercial leases. Upward-only rent reviews are common in UK commercial leases and mean the rent can only increase or stay the same at review. The announcement was made today (10 July) as part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which was introduced to Parliament. Commercial Rent Arrears (Coronavirus) Act 2022 Release 12th September 2023 Whilst the window on referring rental disputes to arbitration has now closed it was interesting to note that very few cases were actually referred to arbitration. The RICS had only 2 cases both of which allowed relief from payment of rent of 50% and with 3 months to pay. Green leases and lease renewals Release 12th September 2023 Recent case law held that a proposed alterations clause which sought to prohibit alterations which would reduce the EPC rating below E could not be imported into the renewal lease. It was reasonable however to require that the tenant maintained the EPC rating at the end of the new lease to prevent in action by the tenant on a terminal schedule of dilapidations. Green clauses in new leases are becoming more important with the MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) becoming ever more stringent. The interaction with MEES at lease renewal and upon receipt of a terminal schedule of dilapidations and also at rent review during the term of the lease, is a complex area upon which advice should be sought form surveyors and lawyers. Government provides further halt to business evictions and more support for high street firms Release 19th June 2020 Gov.uk The UK government will extend measures to prevent high street businesses facing eviction over summer New code provides support to shops and local firms planning their future recovery with their landlord Industry leaders back code and welcome measures to support affected businesses Click Here For More Details Renegotiating a leasehold during the Covid-19 crisis Release 23 March 2020 Property Reporter As the impact of COVID-19 on the UK economy becomes clear, an increasingly common question is: “What steps can I take concerning reduction (either permanently or temporarily) of tenants’ leasehold liabilities until such time as the consequences of COVID-19 have passed?” Click Here For More Details Forty six per cent of June Quarter Day commercial rent now collected Release 2nd July 2020 Co-Star by Paul Norman Commercial tenants in the UK have paid 46% of the 24 June Quarter day rent, up from 18.2% a week ago, according to the up-to-the minute. Click Here For More Details Landlords’ 'relief', reports Colliers, as 22% of retailers paid rents on time Release 26 June 2020 Co-Star by Paul Norman Colliers' figures find retailers have broadly paid the same rent now after June rent quarter day as they had at the same time after March rent quarter day. Click Here For More Details Office occupiers in 'dramatic' race to offoad space across UK and Europe Release 22 May 2020 Co-Star by Paul Norman Corporate occupiers in major European cities are already preparing to shed excess space in anticipation of the post-Covid-19 working world, according to of􀃨ce specialists from the Society of Industrial & Of􀃨ce Realtors (SIOR), which have reported a surge in enquiries from occupiers seeking advice on sub-letting surplus space. Click Here For More Details Debenhams to file for administration Release 06 April 2020 Co-Star by Paul Norman The famous department store chain has appointed FRP Advisory in what it has termed a “light touch” administration that will see the existing management team stay on under the direct control of the administrators. Click Here For More Details Office exodus predicted as Covid triggers home working revolution Release 06 April 2020 Co-Star by Paul Norman Landlords and agents are braced for a mass exodus from offices as a remote working revolution causes chaos on the commercial property market. Rents are predicted to fall sharply as companies seek out smaller, cheaper sites and there is a surge in employees working from home. Nine out of 10 agents and landlords expect firms to scale back office space in the next two years, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) revealed. Click Here For More Details Government extends support to stop business evictions this year Published 16 September 2020 by Gov.uk - Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP The government has extended support to prevent business evictions until the end of 2020. This move will help businesses over the coming months and protect people’s jobs. This is an addition to the £160 billion package of support available for businesses during the pandemic. Click Here For More Details Govt Confirms End Date for Commercial Property Moratorium on Evictions Published 08 December 2020 by Gov.uk - Chancellor of the Exchequer - Rishi Sunak Business eviction ban extended until the end of March 2021 Review of commercial landlord and tenant legislation to be launched Builds on the extra £280 billion government support for businesses during the pandemic . Click Here For More Details Ban on commercial evictions extended to 30 June 2021 and bailiff enforced eviction ban extended to 31 May 2021 to protect residential tenants. Published 10 March 2021 by Gov.uk - Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, and The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP Ban on commercial evictions extended to 30 June to ensure businesses are supported as they re-open Six-month notice periods and bailiff enforced eviction ban extended to 31 May to protect residential tenants Follows unprecedented package of support for businesses and renters during pandemic . Click Here For More Details

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors established since 1979 About Us CHECK . CHALLENGE . APPEAL THE NEW BUSINESS RATES APPEAL SYSTEM Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979 by the present Senior Partner Roger Evans FRICS. In March 2016 Evans & Payne changed from a Limited Company to a Limited Liability Partnership. Evans & Payne is also a long standing member of the Rating Surveyors Association. The firm’s main specialisation is the appraisal of Rating liabilities on behalf of Rate payers, on all classes of commercial properties nationwide. We are based in the West End of London, but our reach extends throughout the United Kingdom. We act for both occupiers and landlords and having a large portfolio of blue chip companies, trade associations as well as institutional occupiers. It is fair to say that since we were first established over 47 years ago, Evans & Payne has acquired a reputation as being one of the leading and most respected firms of specialist Rating Surveyors in the country. We have a very well established professional relationship with the Valuation Office and are experienced in dealing with the complexities of the modern Business Rates system. The firm’s compact and fairly flat structure ensures that all staff have a good grasp of work in progress. Our clients benefit from a single point of contact able to deal with all Rating matters regardless of their complexities.

Terms and Conditions Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors established since 1979 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY CHECK . CHALLENGE . APPEAL THE NEW BUSINESS RATES APPEAL SYSTEM Evans & Payne LLP- Chartered Surveyors carry out office and site activities. The company produces site surveys for the purpose of business rate appeals. The employees of Evans & Payne LLP are committed to implementing, continuously improving, and communicating this Environmental Policy Statement. Evans & Payne LLP will: » Make adequate budgetary resources available to implement this policy. » Implement an Environment Management System. This will be the responsibility of a nominated member of the management team. This will provide a framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets. » Consider environmental issues in the business decision-making process. » Comply with environmental legislation and approved codes of practice. » Raise awareness, encourage participation and train employees in environmental matters. » Monitor progress and review our environmental performance on an annual basis. Or, if our processes or legislation change. » Make the environment an agenda item at management meetings. » Reduce our pollution, emissions and waste where reasonably practicable. » Reduce the use of all raw materials, energy and supplies. » Use sustainable raw materials, energy and supplies where reasonably practicable. » Assess the environmental impact of all historic, current and likely future operations. » Expect similar environmental standards from our suppliers and contractors. » Assist customers to use our products and services in an environmentally-sensitive way. » Cooperate with our neighbours and the communities we operate in and to participate in environmental discussions. » Show a commitment to social and ethical principles. » Via our website, make this policy statement available to the public. Inquiries on Environmental Policy may be addressed to the Evans & Payne Compliance Team - info@evanspayne.com

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Client Testimonials Testimonials from some of our clients on work that we do to reduce their Business Rates Charles Pugh "The Charles Pugh Group have worked with Evans & Payne for many years now challenging rating decisions throughout the country. At all times we have found Evans & Payne to be highly professional and they have clearly delivered quantifiable benefits to our group. We would have no hesitation in recommending them as a business partner." Adrian Miller Finance Director. WPP " Evans and Payne have been WPP’s rating advisors for over 20 years and during that time have successfully managed all of our appeal work. They have not only delivered substantial savings but have always acted professionally and communicated effectively. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services to other businesses." M.Holliday, Director of Real Estate EMEA - WPP. Tata Group “Tata are satisfied to receive many reductions in our Business Rates over the years on our properties due to the hard work and determination from Evans & Payne. We are extremely happy to be a long standing client of Evans & Payne and we would not hesitate to recommend them to any company wishing to reduce their Business Rates.” Farroakh Parekh, Company Secretary, Tata Ltd Matt Roberts “At Matt Roberts we were satisfied to receive a reduction in our Business Rates due to the hard work and determination from Evans & Payne. We are happy to be a new client of Evans & Payne and we would not hesitate to recommend them to any company wishing to reduce their Business Rates.” Matt Roberts, CEO. The Portobello Group "Portobello Group have worked closely with Evans and Payne for several years and during that time we have achieved extremely good results at many of our retail sites in RBKC and LBHF. E and P's knowledge of the business rates system is exemplary, their professionalism and hands on approach speeds up the process every time. We are delighted to have them on board." Lee Clifford, Operations Manager Self Store " We are indebted to them for looking after all of our facilities over the UK over the years, and we are very grateful of the amount of savings they have made us. It really is a pleasure dealing with them, as we know they will do it precisely and professionally every time." Martin, Finance Manager Northstar Hub " Evans & Payne have helped Northstar dispute rates for over 10 years in two different London boroughs and as well as fantastic work they do, we find them to be excellent at explaining the process to us as laymen and supporting us throughout. I would highly recommend Evans & Payne." James Vaughan-Smith, Operations Director Aldridge Security Ltd " Evans & Payne have managed our sites for many years providing us great savings over those years, always providing up to date information on current legislation. We leave them to do what they do best, so we can do what we do best. Always Professional & Knowledgeable a perfect partner." Patrick Jokhan, Company Accountant. Keystone Group " At Keystone we have a number of properties and so its vital we have a partner who understands Business Rates inside out. Evans & Payne have demonstrated themselves as highly competent in all the machinations of Business Rates and the proper processes and procedures that govern them. Our relationship with Evans & Payne has proved invaluable with achieving corrective actions at some of our key sites." Malcolm Paice, Group Managing Director HPL Motors " We have worked with Evans and Payne for a number of years now and they have successfully challenged a number of rates bills saving us considerable money over the coming years. It’s "no win no fee" so if we don’t see any savings then we don’t pay anything. It’s the best solution for our business and ensures our ever increasing business rates are kept at the lowest they can be.“ Rick Chorlton, Finance Manager Brayleys Motors " At Brayleys we have saved money due to their hard work and determination in reducing our Business Rates. We are happy to be a long standing client of Evans & Payne and we would not hesitate to recommend them to any other business.” Mr Paul Brayley, Managing Director Cobley Transport “ Cobley Transport has worked with Evans & Payne for many years and have been very happy with the professional courteous service they provide. They have secured a reduced Rateable Value for all of our premises making large savings for our company. We have no hesitation in recommending Evans & Payne to anyone who is looking to reduce their business rates.” Cheryl Phipps, Administration Manager Fastlane Styling " Evans & Payne have successfully secured reductions in our Business Rates with their professional services. Their extensive knowledge of their field has proven very effective. Thanks to their hard work, we have the best Rateable Values possible. We would recommend them, without hesitation, to anyone struggling with inflated charges. " Abul Foyez, Business Owner.

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. CHECK . CHALLENGE . APPEAL THE NEW BUSINESS RATES APPEAL SYSTEM " We make it as simple as 1-2-3 " How to register Evans & Payne as a Trusted Helper If you cannot register on the Valuation Office Agency digital service, Evans & Payne can help you register and help set up your account. To authorise Evans & Payne as your trusted helper, you will need to complete the form below. Simply return the form to us and we will then send this to the Valuation Office to authorise us as your trusted helper and set up your account. You will also need to send us your latest Rates Bill along with your completed Trusted Helper Form so that we can complete the registration without further delays. Please click below PDF to download the Trusted Helper Form Once filled in please send the from back to an@evanspayne.com Trusted Helper form If you need guidance on this process, please either call us or email us and we will be happy to assist you. 020 7486 9597

Business Rates Revaluation 2023 - what does it mean for you? The Valuation Office has now published your new 2023 Rateable Value which will take effect on 1 April 2023. This represents your property’s Rental Value as of 1st April 2021. The Rating List will last for 3 years. The Valuation Date, 1st April 2021, was in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic making it one of the most controversial Revaluation dates in the last 35 ye ars. The announcement of your new Rateable Values was accompanied by the Cha ncellors' Autumn Statement. We have included an article covering the main pertinent points on our News page. Non Domestic Rating Act 2023 The Non Domestic Rating Act 2023 will introduce a Duty to Notify during the course of the 2023 Rating List which will require Ratepayers to annually notify the Valuation Office of any errors, omissions or changes to their property details. We expect the Valuation Office to slowly launch this new requirement at the end of April 2024. Failure of Ratepayers to respond to these Requests will result in Penalty fines payable by the Ratepayers This new Regulation will also require Ratepayers to advise the Valuation Officer of any properties not included in the Rating List and therefore not valued. Irrespective of the Duty to Notify, this requirement will also require Ratepayers to advise the Valuation Office within 60 days of any alterations made to a property. We have listed some of the value-significant factors which this may cover below: · Air conditioning or comfort cooling · New extensions not already included or added · Incorrect floor area being used · Converting less valued space into space valued at a higher rate · Mezzanine floors not valued or added · Heating not valued · Incorrect eaves height stated. · Plant & Machinery not valued · Solar panels, although there are Statutory periods when these will not be Rateable, but you will need to advise that they have added to your premises This list is by no means exhaustive but I am sure you’ll agree to fulfill these onerous annual requirements is going to be exceedingly time-consuming for Ratepayers. There will be a further requirement every year to provide your rental details to the Valuation Officer. We wait to see whether this will remove the requirement to complete Forms of Return or whether on receipt of this information it will require a fresh Form to be completed. In view of the proposed annual Duty to Notify it is, therefore, more imperative than ever that you look at instructing a Rating Agent for the 2023 Rating Period. At Evans & Payne LLP, we can prepare our assessment of your property in advance of any possible increase in your business rates liability. We can appeal to them immediately. The Regulations relating to changes to Rateable Value are exceedingly complex and Evans & Payne can advise you and help you to mitigate any potential increase. Please do contact us at the earliest opportunity for us to review your Business Rates liability position preferably in advance of the 2023 Business Rates Revaluation coming into effect on the 1st of April 2023. Please either call us or email us and we will be happy to assist you. Please either call us or email us and we will be happy to assist you. 020 7486 9597

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Why choose us? scroll Established over 45 years scroll We advise local business communities small and medium enterprises (SME) scroll Over 150 years combined unparalleled expertise in Business Rates We are governed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors scroll Client focused and to provide the highest level of service and client experience Using state-of-the-art property data software Your case is assigned to your own dedicated Rating Surveyor All our surveyors have over 20 years experience No Win = No Fee Our work is performance based If we cannot make any savings There is no cost to you whatsoever Lets keep it simple Act now on your Business Rates and instruct us INSTRUCT US NOW

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Choose Your Way To Register OPTION 1 Register by yourself or have someone else to do it for you in your organisation CLICK HERE TO START OPTION 2 You can appoint Evans & Payne to complete the registration process on your behalf, if you are not able to do Option 1. CLICK HERE TO START

Terms and Conditions Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors established since 1979 ANTI-SLAVERY POLICY STATEMENT CHECK . CHALLENGE . APPEAL THE NEW BUSINESS RATES APPEAL SYSTEM Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain. The Company has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or in any of our supply chain s. This policy applies to all persons working for us or on our behalf in any capacity, including employees at all levels, directors, officers, agency workers, seconded workers, vol unteers, interns, agents, c ontractors, external consultants, third-party representatives and business partners. This policy does not form part of any employee’s contract of employment and we may amend it at any time. Responsibili ty for the policy The Company has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with our legal and ethical obligations, and that all those under our control comply with it. The Company has primary and day-to-day responsibility for implementing this policy, monitoring its use and effectiveness, dealing with any queries about it, and auditing internal control systems and procedures to ensure they are effective in countering modern slavery. Management at all levels is responsible for ensuring those reporting to them understand and comply with this policy and are given adequate and regular training on it and the issue of modern slavery in supply chains. You are invited to comment on this policy and suggest ways in which it might be improved. Comments, suggestions, and queries are encouraged and should be addressed to Harris Makhdumi. We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers, and other business partners, and as part of our contracting processes, in the coming year we will include specific prohibitions against the use of forced, compulsory, or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude, whether adults or children, and we expect that our suppliers will hold their own suppliers to the same high standards. We are also committed to ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply chains, consistent with our disclosure obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Compliance Prevention, detection, and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our business or supply chains is the responsibility of all those working for us or under our control. You are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy. You must notify your line manager OR a Company Partner as soon as possible if you believe or suspect that a conflict with this policy has occurred or may occur in the future. You are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery in any parts of our business or supply chains of any supplier tier at the earliest possible stage. If you believe or suspect a breach of this policy has occurred or that it may occur, you must notify Harris Makhdumi as soon as possible. You should note that where appropriate, and with the welfare and safety of local workers as a priority, we will give support and guidance to our suppliers to help them address coercive, abusive, and exploitative work practices in their own businesses and supply chains. If you are unsure about whether a particular act, the treatment of workers more generally, or their working conditions within any tier of our supply chains constitutes any of the various forms of modern slavery, raise it with Harris Makhdumi. We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith their suspicion that modern slavery of whatever form is or may be taking place in any part of our own business or in any of our supply chains. Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery must be communicated to all suppliers, contractors and business partners at the outset of our business relationship with them and reinforced as appropriate thereafter. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats, or other un favorable treatment connected with raising a concern. If you believe that you have suffered any such treatment, you should inform your line manager immediately. If the matter is not remedied, and you are an employee, you should raise it formally using our Grievance Procedure, which can be found in the current employee handbook. This Modern (Anti) Slavery Policy and Statement is intended for businesses in all countries, especially the United Kingdom. Communication & awareness of this policy Training on this policy, and on the risk our business faces from modern slavery in its supply chains, which forms part of the induction process for all individuals who work for us, and updates will be provided using established methods of communication between the business and you. Breaches of policy Breaches of this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for misconduct or gross misconduct. We may terminate our relationship with other individuals and organizations working on our behalf if they breach this policy. Contact: Harris Makhdumi – hm@evanspayne.com

Terms and Conditions Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors established since 1979 Zero Tolerance Policy 2025 CHECK . CHALLENGE . APPEAL THE NEW BUSINESS RATES APPEAL SYSTEM At Evans & Payne LLP we look to treat everyone with courtesy, professionalism and respect. Therefore, we politely ask that you do the same to our staff, that is without any violence, abusive, threatening or harassing behaviour. Our Staff have the right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times. They should be able to do their jobs without being physically or verbally abused Most people respect this. This behaviour will NOT be tolerated. Our staff and contractors have the right to work without fear from anyone. This could be verbal or physical or written abuse, which would cause them to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, threatened or in fear, which is totally unacceptable. Our ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY includes verbal or physical threats made in person, over the telephone or in any form of written communication. The Zero Tolerance Policy applies to all forms of communication physical or electronic form. To understand what we would consider inappropriate and non-acceptable behaviour to be, here are descriptions of those behaviours. VERBAL and PHYSICAL ABUSE Any display of a violent temper, shouting, raised voices, sarcasm, pointing fingers.  repeated or insistent points being made; not engaging with staff in a positive way; being pushy or trying to intimidate staff hostile or aggressive behaviour threats, swearing, spitting any mention or display of any object that could be used as a weapon. CREATING A HOSTILE WORKING ENVIRONMENT The intentional nonphysical action that can be considered intimidating or harassing or involves the explicit or implicit challenge to the safety, well-being or health of an individual. HATE CRIME Criminal offences will be perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by hostility or prejudice based on the victim’s disability, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation or gender identity. This would also include verbal abuse, physical assault, any form of damage to property, threatening behaviour, intimidation, or harassment. If a criminal offence is committed, it will be also recorded as a hate incident and later used as evidence in court. Using aggressive, threatening, or abusive language (including raising the voice, swearing and cursing, shouting over the phone or physically) threatens or intimidates staff in any way making them feel vulnerable and in fear. All instances of threats of verbal, written or physical abuse will be immediately reported to the police. We thank you for your cooperation. Evans & Payne LLP

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Choose Your Way To Register OPTION 1 You have opted to register yourself or someone in your company. Before you do this, the Valuation Office website will ask you for personal details for an ID check and to verify who you are. Valuation Office website will ask the following details: 1. National Insurance Number. 2. A valid UK passport. 3. Details of your latest payslip or P60. (if not available) 4. To go through a verification service run by a third party company TransUnion, which will be a number of personal questions relating to your credit file. https://www.transunion.co.uk/ If you still wish to proceed to register yourself or someone to do for you in your organisation, please click below next steps. CLICK HERE TO START If you do not wish to do this registration yourself and prefer to apppoint Evans & Payne to do it for you, please click below next steps. CLICK HERE TO START

Evans & Payne is a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors founded in 1979. The firm’s main specialisation is in undertaking Rating Appeals of virtually all classes of commercial property. Choose Your Way To Register Your Details