Business rates/ Grants

[Sprayme100]

Hi everyone, could somebody help me with a problem. I own a garage business and as a sideline I sell firewood as well. I don't sell an awful lot and the profit margins are small. I've recently purchased some 2 acres of agricultural land adjoining my business and am planning permission solely to store firewood and season it. I want to apply for a building on this land to store the wood in. My dilemma is I will incure business rates on the shed as the valuation office see this as a commercial venture. As the margins are so small and I will have to wait potentially a year or so to season the wood. I am forced to potentially forget the shed and apply for the wood to be stored on the land. However the valuation office tell me I will incure buisness rates even by storing and seasoning the wood on the land. I only want to season some wood I don't mind how I'm told to do it. Can anybody advice me on what to do without incurring business rates. Thanks a lot.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

2 options I can think of:

 

1 keep a very low profile, stay under the radar and if caught out / grassed up, claim it's for personal use as you're a hoarder / prepper!

 

2 (and if you've already talked to VO) fess up and take it on the chin. There are business rates (maybe rebate able??) potentially VAT, liability and 'contents' / stock insurance all to consider.

 

It's a world of admin / cost for limited return IMHO.

 

Good luck!