FIRMS could save "significant sums of money" on their business rates by appealing against their new rateable values, say chartered surveyors.

The 2005 Rating List was posted on the internet on Friday - www.voa.gov.uk. It will come into force on April 1 2005.

Chartered surveyors Humberts estimate that industrial firms in the South will experience increases of around 23 per cent.

Retail warehouses can expect rises of around 25 per cent, with rates on shops climbing by an estimated 20 per cent.

Head of Humberts rating department Robert Gardner said: "Many occupiers will see very large increases in their property's rateable value next year.

"Whilst smaller businesses with premises with rateable values up to £5,000 will receive 50 per cent rate relief - with tapering relief up to values of £10,000 - larger companies will bear the burden of this subsidy, making it all the more important that they quickly review their notifications."

Informal discussions with the Valuation Officer are possible between now and April 1, when appeals can be formally lodged.

More than 600,000 UK businesses are expected to appeal against the new rateable values in the 2005 Rating List.

"Taking advice on a possible appeal is still worthwhile even if the valuation increase is more modest, as there is still scope to make significant savings. We are generally successful in about 90 per cent of cases," said Mr Gardner.

For more information, click on www.mybusine ssrates.gov.uk