Business rates are one of the largest costs in commercial property. Handled poorly, they erode value. Handled well, they protect income and create room for reinvestment.

Form’s Business Rates team works closely with occupiers, landlords and investors to cut through that complexity, providing clear advice, identifying savings opportunities and helping clients navigate everything from valuations and reliefs to appeals and legislative change. Combining specialist knowledge with a proactive, people-first approach, the team plays a key role in protecting value across property portfolios.

We caught up with Andrea Barnes, Head of Business Rates, and Ademola Ogunsanya, Business Rates Account Manager, to hear more about the work behind the scenes and the people behind the process.

What does your role at Form involve day to day?

Andrea:
“I oversee the delivery of business rates services for our clients, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strategic advice across a wide range of portfolios. Day to day, that means managing the team, reviewing complex cases, supporting clients with appeals and savings opportunities, and keeping up with changes in legislation that could impact them.”

Ademola:
“Day to day, I’m reviewing business rates accounts and handling client queries. There’s also a lot of communication involved, whether that’s with clients, local authorities, or internally, to keep everything on track.”

What do you enjoy most about working in your team?

Andrea:
“Everyone brings a slightly different perspective, and there’s a strong sense of shared responsibility when it comes to getting the best outcomes for clients.”

Ademola:
“What I enjoy most is the constant communication. Working closely day-to-day means nothing gets lost, and we can quickly talk things through, solve problems, and make decisions.”

What’s one thing people might not realise about your role?

Andrea:
“How much strategy is involved. It’s not just about processing rates - it’s about understanding property, legislation, and timing to make informed decisions that can have a real financial impact for clients. It contains a lot of law and valuation.”

Ademola:
“One thing people might not realise is how much problem-solving is involved. It goes beyond numbers and admin and every case can be different, so you’re constantly having to think on your feet and find the best outcome.”

An ever-evolving industry.

With ongoing reform, shifting legislation and increasing pressure on operational costs, managing business rates has become far more than an administrative exercise. For businesses, it’s now a key part of wider property strategy, requiring a detailed understanding of valuation, occupation and timing to ensure portfolios are being managed as efficiently as possible. As the landscape continues to evolve, having specialist advice and a proactive approach can make a significant difference to both short-term costs and long-term decision-making.

What excites you about the future of your industry?

Andrea:
“How quickly business rates is evolving, particularly through better use of data and technology, which is making the system more transparent. That’s improving decision-making and allowing a more proactive approach to managing the tax base."

Ongoing reform is creating a chance to make the system fairer and more aligned with how modern businesses operate, which is what makes the work feel increasingly strategic and impactful.

Ademola:
“What excites me most about the future of the business rates industry is the increasing use of technology for better decision-making. With advanced software and access to real-time information, we’re able to provide clients with more accurate advice. Business rates can be quite confusing, so being part of making that clearer and helping businesses save money is definitely something I find exciting.”

Favourite place in Manchester or Leeds?

Andrea:
“Neither - get me home to Preston!”

Ademola:
“Campfield or Bonded Warehouse.”

Best part of the job?

Andrea:
“Helping clients achieve tangible savings and knowing the work we do has a direct impact on their business. And the problem solving!”

Ademola:
“Client and site visits.”

What’s your mood-booster song?

Andrea:
“Any retro 90s dance music.”

Ademola:
Yukon by Justin Bieber.

Coffee order?

Andrea:
“Earl Grey with milk!”

Ademola:
“White chocolate iced matcha.”

If you need support navigating your business rates or want to make sure you’re not paying more than you should, our team is here to help.

Get in touch with Andrea and Ademola to find out how we can review your position, identify potential savings and support you in managing your portfolio with confidence.