The new ratings taking place next year mean that business rates across the UK are set to increase. Historically, business rates are re-evaluated every five years, however there was a government decision to postpone the re-ratings in 2015, which means that it’s actually been seven years since they were last updated. Thus, current rates are based on the rental values set at the bottom of the 2008 market, so companies should prepare themselves for a sizeable increase next year when the new ratings take effect.