Whether you are looking to launch a start-up, expand your current business or make your operations more resource efficient, you will most likely require some financial support.

Information about direct financial support offered by us is available on our Grants and Funding page.

You can also find out about other funding opportunities, as well as other types of support, by visiting the Worcestershire Growth Hub website, by calling 01905 677 888 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our Open Portal gives you instant online access to manage and view your Business Rates account.

Sign into your Open Portal account

Using Open Portal can save you time, effort and money. There is no need for you to visit us, ring us or write to us - you can view and manage your account or claim online at a time that suits you.

Find out more information about Open Portal

Once the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has set your Rateable Value, we then multiply it by either:

The standard non-domestic rating multiplier which is 51.2p. This applies to properties with a Rateable Value of more than £51,000.

OR

The small business multiplier which is 49.9p. This applies to all occupied properties not entitled to a mandatory rate relief and with a Rateable Value of less than £51,000.

We then apply any discounts – known as rate reliefs – you may be entitled to, and this gives you your final bill.

For example, if a property has a Rateable Value of £100,000, it won’t qualify for small business rate relief, so we would use the standard non-domestic multiplier which is 51.2p.

We multiply £100,000 by 51.2p to give us £51,200. The property doesn’t quality for any discounts so the total amount due for 2023/24 would be £51,200.

The Rateable Value, the multiplier being used and any discounts applied are all shown on your bill.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for giving each business property in England a Rateable Value.

The Rateable Value for your property is an estimate of what it would cost to rent your business premises for a year on a valuation date set by law. Currently all Rateable Values are calculated as if the property was being rented on 1 April 2021.

We use your Rateable Value to work out how much you need to pay in Business Rates.

If the details of your property have changed or you believe your Rateable Value is too high, then you should tell the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).

You can do this yourself or you can appoint an agent to do it for you.

A step-by-step guide to challenging your Business Rates valuation can be found on the Government’s website.

Please do not contact us about issues with your Rateable Value as we are unfortunately unable to help.

Our Economic Development team works to support businesses and the growth of the Malvern Hills district economy.

We offer a range of services to support businesses for example:

• we help to bring forward land and premises to attract investment
• offer advice on funding opportunities and business grants
• support training and apprenticeships as well as supporting our town centres and
• promote the district as a tourism destination.

If you need help please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..