Clare McCormick
Wollaston,Stourbridge
Summary
I am a senior Business Rates specialist with over 29 years’ experience spanning both local authority and private sector environments. I currently lead the Business Rates Finance Team and the historic rates audit service for Cushman & Wakefield in the Midlands, delivering significant financial savings for major national occupier and investor clients. As a Partner and trusted adviser, I manage complex rating portfolios, develop mitigation strategies for vacant assets, and consistently rank among the department’s highest fee earners. I currently serve on the IRRV National Council and am the Past President of the IRRV West Midlands Association, reflecting my standing and influence within the profession.
Overview
8
8
years of post-secondary education
29
29
years of professional experience
Work history
Partner
Cushman & Wakefield, Birmingham
Birmingham
2024.10 - 2026.08
- Currently lead the Birmingham Business Rates Finance Team and oversee the historic rates audit service, delivering financial savings and strategic rating advice to major national occupier, landlord and investor clients. Responsible for identifying appeal opportunities, developing new business, and implementing mitigation strategies for long-term vacant properties. Consistently one of the department’s highest fee earners.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Managing and developing the Business Rates Finance Team.
- Leading the historic rates audit service and generating fee income through audit, mitigation and discretionary relief applications.
- Identifying CCA opportunities and signposting appeals to patch surveyors.
- Advising investor and landlord clients on liability mitigation strategies for vacant assets.
- Pitching for and mobilising new contracts.
- Collaborating with other C&W service lines to identify rate-saving opportunities.
- Providing specialist advice on splits, mergers and Section 44A Certificates.
- Reporting on accruals, budgets and forecasting.
Associate
Cushman & Wakefield, Birmingham
Birmingham
2020.12 - 2024.10
Senior Business Rates Manager
Cushman & Wakefield, Birmingham
Birmingham
2014.05 - 2020.12
Senior Revenues Officer
Northampton Borough Council, Northampton
Northampton
2012.09 - 2014.05
- Managed the Corporate Debt Recovery Team and the Consortium Business Rates Recovery Officer, ensuring best practice across debt recovery, enforcement and partnership working. Delivered process improvements and contributed to major projects including rate relief reviews, business rates retention and the creation of the Northampton Enterprise Zone.
Consortium Business Rates Recovery Officer
Wellingborough Council, Northants
Northants
2006.09 - 2012.09
- Delivered the Council’s Business Rates recovery strategy, maintained system integrity, administered recovery proceedings, represented the Council in Magistrates’ Court, and produced performance and arrears analysis reports.
Debt Recovery Officer
Kettering Borough Council, Northants
Northants
2004.01 - 2006.09
- Managed Council Tax and Business Rates debt portfolios, administered billing, collection and recovery processes, and represented the Council in Magistrates’ Court.
Income Officer
Corby Borough Council, Northants
Northants
1997.10 - 2003.04
- Responsible for billing, collection and recovery of Former Tenant Rent Arrears, Sundry Debt and Housing Benefit Overpayments, including account maintenance, reconciliations and issuing recovery documentation.
Education
Honours -
Institute of Rates, Revenue & Valuation
2023.01 -
Diploma - Non-Domestic Rating Law, Valuation, Management
Institute of Rates, Revenue & Valuation
2020.01 - 2022.01
Master of Business Administration - undefined
University of Northampton
2012.01 - 2014.01
Post Graduate Diploma - Management Studies
University of Northampton
2009.01 - 2011.01
Technician - Council Tax Law and Non-Domestic Rating Law
Institute of Rates, Revenue & Valuation
2005.01 - 2007.01
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Client Advisory
- Regulatory Expertise
- Revenue Growth
- Commercially Driven
- Stakeholder Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Change Leadership
Timeline
Partner
Cushman & Wakefield, Birmingham
2024.10 - 2026.08
Honours -
Institute of Rates, Revenue & Valuation
2023.01 -
Associate
Cushman & Wakefield, Birmingham
2020.12 - 2024.10
Diploma - Non-Domestic Rating Law, Valuation, Management
Institute of Rates, Revenue & Valuation
2020.01 - 2022.01
Senior Business Rates Manager
Cushman & Wakefield, Birmingham
2014.05 - 2020.12
Senior Revenues Officer
Northampton Borough Council, Northampton
2012.09 - 2014.05
Master of Business Administration - undefined
University of Northampton
2012.01 - 2014.01
Post Graduate Diploma - Management Studies
University of Northampton
2009.01 - 2011.01
Consortium Business Rates Recovery Officer
Wellingborough Council, Northants
2006.09 - 2012.09
Technician - Council Tax Law and Non-Domestic Rating Law
Institute of Rates, Revenue & Valuation
2005.01 - 2007.01
Debt Recovery Officer
Kettering Borough Council, Northants
2004.01 - 2006.09
Income Officer
Corby Borough Council, Northants
1997.10 - 2003.04