Idiosyncratic, brimming with knowledge and always a sharp wit, Director Chris Grose is one half of our Rating Department, working alongside company legend, Martin Davenport. Business rates focused, with over 25 years of experience acting for occupiers, landlords, local authorities and NHS; Chris is well versed dealing with shops, offices, industrials and more specialised classes including schools, airfields, hospitals valued on the contractor’s basis as well as licenced properties on receipts and expenditure.
He is currently Junior Vice President of the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV).
He joined Hartnell Taylor Cook in June 2021 and we took a few precious minutes of his time to see how the past five years have turned out:
Looking back to your first day at HTC, what stands out now about the joining us/working here?
As it happens, I started a week late as Martin had forgotten he was going on holiday when agreeing my start date! Once I finally got to the office, I found everyone was very welcoming.
What do you feel has changed the most in the past five years in the work that you do?
Business rates is constantly evolving with legislation and process changes, however we have just started our 2nd revaluation since I have been here. Every change has made the process more complex and therefore increased the need for expert advice.
What changes to your role/work do you see happening in the next five years?
The government may get around to introducing a general anti-avoidance rule, which will have an effect on the advice we give landlords. Another exciting change is being included in the Government Commercial Agency (formerly known Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS)) RM6343 Estate Management Services 2 framework for the first time this year. This enables us to bring our business rates expertise to a wider range of public sector organisations. Combined with our Taxi Rank positions, we are well placed to continue to support the public sector achieve better value from their estates.
What keeps you motivated/inspired?
The constant changes to the system mean you have to keep abreast of legislation and case law. Having clients recommend you to others demonstrates that our efforts have not been in vain.
What do you enjoy most about your job / your team / HTC?
We’re friendly and collaborative, always willing to help each other.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their career in Rating, what would it be?
Best ask my daughter! She swore she was never doing rating as “it was boring and is all about spreadsheets”. She is currently approaching the end of her sandwich course working for the Valuation Office doing business rates and loving it!
