VOA refuses to deal with group of business rates agents
Action comes after investigations into serious breaches of agent standards.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA)Ā will no longer deal with an individual and 5 companiesĀ offeringĀ services to business rates customers.ĢżĢż
Murtada Abady andĀ theĀ companiesĀ connected to himĀ can no longer use our Check and Challenge service to manage business rates on behalf of customers.ĢżĢż
Murtada AbadyĀ isĀ also known as Jack Abady and Rico Banks.Ģż
TheĀ companies the VOA will no longer deal withĀ are:Ā
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Metro World LimitedĀ (trading as āOptimise Business Ratesā)Ā
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OverrattedĀ RatesĀ LimitedĀ (trading asĀ āRe-Rates UKā)Ā
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Rainbow Finance Limited (alsoĀ trading as āOptimise Business Ratesā)Ā
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Rateable Value ExpertsĀ
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RateĀ MastersĀ Limited (trading asĀ āMy Ratesā).
Mr AbadyĀ has previously usedĀ newĀ companyĀ namesĀ andĀ aliases to disguise his activities. The VOAās decisionĀ applies to any aliases or companiesĀ Mr AbadyĀ is linked to now or in the future.Ģż
We have written to affected customers.Ģż
Jonathan Russell, VOA Chief Executive, said:
We take breaches of our agent standards very seriously. WeĀ actĀ whereĀ we substantiate a breachĀ and referĀ casesĀ toĀ other authorities ifĀ appropriate.ĢżButĀ I urgeĀ customersĀ to still beĀ vigilantĀ and protectĀ themselvesĀ againstĀ unscrupulousĀ agents.Ģż
Do your research, follow our guidance and remember that, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.Ģż
How to choose a business rates agentĀ
Follow our guidance onĀ choosing a business rates agent.ĢżĢż
You do not need an agent to manage your business rates. You can useĀ ourĀ free online service to check and challenge yourĀ propertyās valuation.Ģż
We also haveĀ guidance on staying safe from scammers.ĢżĢż
We cannotĀ advise on contractualĀ issues. For help, contact theĀ Ā on 0808 223 1133 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).Ģż
Report concernsĀ
If you are concerned about poor behaviour by agents, send any evidence toĀ agentstandards@voa.gov.uk.Ģż
°æ³Ü°łĢżVOA agent standardsĀ set out clear expectations for business rates agents.ĢżĢż
We are aware of another business calledĀ āRerateĀ byĀ Formā,Ā based atĀ Suite 1,Ā Bonded Warehouse,Ā 18 Lower Byrom Street,Ā Manchester,Ā M3 4AP. There is no connection between this business and theĀ individual and companies listed above.ĢżāRerateĀ by FormāĀ isĀ not affected by this action.