I’m Chris Wright, Manager at RH&L, and I specialise in business rates, commercial disputes, support and operational solutions for retail, hospitality, & leisure businesses and the night‑time industry.

A major part of my career has been spent helping independent operators and business owners handle disputes, whether that’s with their landlords, pub companies, suppliers, local authorities or rating agencies (VOA). I have supported countless businesses through issues around their rents, service charges, dilapidation’s & repairs, business rates, compliance, valuations and unfair trading practices.

My dispute experience began through my involvement with the Fair Pint campaign, where we challenged unfair practices affecting tied pub tenants and helped push the industry towards much needed reform delivering “fair and lawful dealing” and the “no worse off” principle which led to more transparent and equitable agreements. This work contributed to a national movement that helped bring in the Pubs Code in England & Wales in 2016, giving tied tenants formal rights and a pathway to dispute resolution. I’ve also been involved as a stakeholder the creation of a Scottish Pubs Code in 2025, supporting operators seeking clarity and fairness north of the border.

In 2012 I founded the Pubs Advisory Service, supporting tenants and independent operators through complex disputes on rates, rents and renewals and providing guidance on rights, appeals and negotiation strategies.

Today at RH&L, I use that experience to help a wider range of businesses with:

• Business rates disputes and appeals
• Commercial Landlord, pub company and supplier disputes
• Landlord and Tenant Act
• Dilapidation surveys & disputes related to repairs
• Negotiations and dispute resolution strategies
• Operational and compliance issues that lead to disputes
• Evidence gathering, report writing, publication of key documentation and guidance

I know from my vast casework just how stressful disputes can be, especially for independent operators. My role is to break down complex issues into clear steps, support you through the process and help you get the fairest outcome possible and avoid racking up costs with expensive law firms.

I keep everything personal and straightforward, real conversations, honest advice, practical support that has worked for hundreds of business owner and operators year in year out.

Contact us for help with your business rates by clicking the “speech bubble” icon on the right hand-side of the page.

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