Howard has 37 years’ experience in the business rates sector, initially with the VOA and then from 1990 with GVA Grimley/Avison Young.

He has a wide depth of experience across the sector but specialises in the contractor’s basis of valuation. His clients in this sector include HM Prison & Probation Service, various leading Independent Schools, NHS Trusts and chemical plants. In addition he advises numerous independent gas and electricity network operators and has prior agreed the basis of valuation for this sector since 2010. Since 1997 he has been responsible for the development of Avison Young’s inhouse rating system which has been developed to meet the demanding requirements of both AY’s own users and their clients.

He sits on the Ecomms forum which meets on a monthly basis with the VOA to discuss and improve the electronic exchange of data between the agent community and the VOA. As a consequence of his involvement in AY Rating, he offers invaluable experience combining detailed knowledge of both rating and e-commerce.

He is a die hard Portsmouth fan and is still celebrating their promotion to the Championship.