Although the level of rates payable have nothing to do with landlords as they're set by the Valuations Agency and they can be arseh***s too. I'm not sure who uses who as a guide. Whether rents are influenced by the rateable value set by the VA or vice versa. Because even if a landlord decided to...
Here's an example of whats available at the moment in Portslade. Slightly smaller than you're looking for and also slightly more expensive.
Also don't forget business rates as they can be a killer. Usually roughly about 50% of the rent...
I don't know but if they upset you at all you can just flounce out. (It wouldn't have to be a permanent flounce, you could always go back at a later date).
Also try along Wellington Road, Portslade and Basin Road North and Basin Road South
As soon as you cross over the boundary from Hove to Portslade properties get much cheaper.
Although Boundary Road/Station Road, Portslade is considerably cheaper than Brighton / Central Hove I don't think the business premises in that road would be suitable for your business as you would require frequent vehicle access and there are too many restrictions.
However in that same area in...