Business rates are, most agree, an inelegant but fundamentally just tax. Popular with governments for its ease of collection, its lack of subtlety has reached a point where critics and advocates alike agree it cannot continue in its current form.

The imminent revaluation of the rates is set to have a profound impact on businesses in certain areas of the UK, particularly areas which have experienced significant growth in property values in recent years.

From 1 April 2017, revalued business rates will be applied across the country, with the government keen to emphasise three quarters of businesses will see either a freeze or a fall in their rates.