R&D Tax Relief Strategy
Multi-year tax planning for companies investing £500k+ in qualifying R&D
Partner-led expertise. Strategic approach. HMRC-compliant.
Book a Consultation →Stop Leaving Money on the Table
If you're investing £500k, £1m, £2m+ annually in genuine research and development, you need more than a compliance exercise. You need a strategic approach that maximises relief while building bulletproof defences against HMRC enquiries.
Most R&D advisors treat claims as transactions. We treat them as multi-year tax strategies.
Why Most R&D Claims Underperform
Reactive, not proactive
Claims are prepared after the fact, missing opportunities to capture qualifying costs throughout the year.
Single-period focus
No consideration of how this year's claim impacts next year's strategy or enquiry risk profile.
Weak documentation
Generic technical narratives that wouldn't withstand serious HMRC scrutiny.
Missed integration
R&D relief treated in isolation, not integrated with Patent Box, capital allowances, or broader tax strategy.
Compliance factory approach
Junior staff processing claims like widgets, no partner-level oversight or strategic thinking.
If you're working with advisors who operate this way, you're not getting the value you're paying for.
Strategic R&D Tax Planning: How We Work
Deep Technical & Financial Review
We don't just tick boxes. We work with your technical and finance teams to:
- Identify all qualifying R&D activities (not just the obvious projects)
- Map costs to projects with audit-grade documentation
- Assess technological advancement claims against HMRC's "competent professional" test
- Review subcontractor arrangements and overseas R&D considerations
- Identify any grant funding or Notified State Aid implications
Multi-Year Strategy Development
We look beyond this year's claim to build a defensible long-term approach:
- Optimal timing of claims across accounting periods
- Strategic decisions on SME vs RDEC scheme (where applicable)
- Documentation frameworks that strengthen year-on-year
- Integration with Patent Box opportunities
- Pre-notification strategy for high-value claims
Bulletproof Documentation
We prepare technical narratives and cost schedules that:
- Clearly articulate the scientific or technological uncertainties addressed
- Demonstrate systematic investigation and competent professional standards
- Withstand HMRC enquiry scrutiny from day one
- Build institutional knowledge for future claims
HMRC Compliance & Enquiry Defence
Everything we do assumes HMRC scrutiny:
- All claims comply with BIS Guidelines and CIRD requirements
- Documentation prepared to enquiry-defence standard
- Support through HMRC enquiries if they occur (included)
- No aggressive positions that create future problems
Ongoing Advisory
Innovation doesn't stop. Neither should your tax strategy:
- Quarterly or annual reviews as projects evolve
- Guidance on capturing qualifying costs in real-time
- Updates on legislation changes and HMRC practice
- Integration with your finance and product roadmaps
Who This Is For
You're a Good Fit If:
- ✓ You're investing £500k+ annually in genuine R&D
- ✓ You're an established SME (£2m-£20m revenue) or well-funded scale-up
- ✓ You have real development teams, not just light software engineering
- ✓ You're in tech, manufacturing, life sciences, or deep tech
- ✓ You want strategic tax planning, not just claims processing
- ✓ You value partner-led service and Big 4-level expertise
You're Not a Good Fit If:
- ✗ Your R&D spend is under £400k annually
- ✗ You're doing light software development or minimal innovation
- ✗ You're looking for aggressive claims that cut corners
- ✗ You want the cheapest option, not the best value
How Much Can You Claim?
Indicative relief values based on SME scheme rates
*Actual relief depends on your company's tax position, scheme eligibility, and qualifying costs. We provide exact calculations during initial consultation.
Why Work With Us?
You work directly with Steve Livingston FCA on every engagement. No junior staff, no handoffs.
We build multi-year tax strategies, not one-off claims. We're thinking about next year's claim while preparing this year's.
20+ years advising innovation companies, with KPMG training and deep technical knowledge—without the bureaucracy or inflated fees.
Every claim assumes HMRC scrutiny. No aggressive positions. Everything defensible from day one.
We don't just do R&D. We integrate with Patent Box, EIS structuring, and broader innovation tax strategy.
Common Questions
Do we qualify for R&D tax relief?
If you're developing new products, processes, or software that involve technological uncertainty and require systematic investigation, you likely qualify. We assess eligibility in our initial consultation.
What if HMRC enquires into our claim?
We defend all our claims at no additional cost. Our documentation is prepared to enquiry-defence standard from day one.
Can you work with our existing accountants?
Yes. We collaborate with your finance team and accountants to ensure seamless integration.
How long does the process take?
Initial claim preparation: 4-8 weeks depending on complexity. Ongoing advisory is year-round.
What if we've never claimed before?
We can review up to two prior years for eligibility. Many companies miss significant relief simply because they didn't know they qualified.
Ready to Maximise Your R&D Tax Relief?
Book a 30-minute consultation to discuss your R&D activities, assess your eligibility, and explore how strategic tax planning could benefit your business.
No obligation. No sales pressure. Just straight advice from someone who's been doing this for 20+ years.
Book Your Free Consultation →