If you run a small business in West Lothian, you may be eligible for business rates relief, which could help you save money. It applies to workshops, storage units, and trade counters at Mill Road Industrial Estate. This guide explains how it works and outlines the qualifications.

What business rates are and who pays them

Business rates are a property tax for non-residential buildings. West Lothian Council collects them. The money goes toward local services.

If you rent space at Mill Road, you’ll probably need to pay rates. Some leases include rates in the rent, but most don’t. If your lease is full repairing and insuring (FRI), you’ll be paying them directly.

Many smaller units have low rateable values. That means you might not have to pay the full amount—or anything at all.

About the Small Business Bonus Scheme

This is a government scheme that helps small businesses pay less in rates. As of 2025, here’s what you get:

• 100% relief if your property’s rateable value is £12,000 or less
• Partial relief if it’s between £12,001 and £15,000
• You can still qualify if you have more than one property, as long as the total value is under £35,000 and no single property is over £15,000

If you qualify, your rates bill will be reduced. Some tenants pay nothing.

What rateable values look like at Mill Road

Mill Road has a range of unit sizes. Some are small containers. Others are workshops or trade units. Many have rateable values under £15,000. That makes them eligible for full or partial relief.

For example:

• A unit at E-Net Park might have a rateable value under £10,000
• Smaller storage or trade units often fall well below the threshold
• Some shared buildings may have individually rated spaces

You don’t need to guess. You can look up the exact value online.

How to check your rateable value

Go to the Scottish Assessors Association website
👉 saa.gov.uk

Type in the address or postcode for Mill Road (EH49 7SF). If you’re not sure which entry matches your unit, ask your landlord or agent.

How to apply for relief

You apply through West Lothian Council. You can do it online or by filling in a form.

You’ll need:

• Your rates reference number
• The address of the property
• Details of any other business properties you have in Scotland

Start here
👉 West Lothian Council Business Rates Relief

Let the council know if you move in, move out, or change properties.

Questions we get from tenants

Do all Mill Road tenants qualify?
No. It depends on the value of the unit and whether you have other business premises.

If I get relief, do I still pay anything?
If you qualify for 100% relief, you pay nothing. But you still have to apply.

What if my landlord pays the rates?
If rates are included in your rent, you probably can’t apply directly. Check your lease.

Why it matters

Rates are a big cost for small businesses. Mill Road units are often sized to stay under the relief limits. That helps keep overheads low and leaves more money for tools, stock, or staff.

What to do next

If you’re based at Mill Road or thinking of moving in, check if you can get relief. The savings can be worth it.

See what’s available now
👉 millroadindustrialestate.co.uk/available-properties