The Leicestershire branch of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) are now offering free guidance to Leicestershire Chamber Members on practical property matters through a Business Property Helpline.

The RICS Helpline covers a wide range of topics including:

• Acquisitions
• Leases and rent reviews
• Maintenance and alterations
• Condition surveys
• Business rates
• Dilapidations and disposals

The helpline will endeavour to identify any potential pitfalls and property problems and then suggest possible solutions, recommend any necessary actions and advise if the matter may require legal expertise.

Companies can then decide whether they choose to deal with the matter themselves or if they would prefer to appoint a professional, in which case they will be given the names of three local practitioners, all of whom are fully qualified experts in their particular field.

The number to call is available to Chamber members through the Members' Only section of the Chamber website.