Specialist R&D claims · Merged scheme + ERIS
R&D tax credits for UK companies
If your company resolves genuine scientific or technological uncertainty, that work can attract relief under the merged R&D scheme. We prepare claims for software, AI, engineering, manufacturing and biotech companies, and we say so when the work does not qualify.
Merged scheme and ERIS figures apply to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024. Note: Example figures displayed
Where R&D shows up
Which companies typically qualify?
Six settings where qualifying R&D activity commonly arises. Whether yours qualifies turns on the technological uncertainty in the work itself, not on the sector it sits in.
AI and machine learning
Custom model training, RAG pipelines, fine-tuning LLMs for specific industries, agent orchestration, novel ML architectures. What a claim is worth follows your qualifying expenditure, not your sector.
Software and SaaS
Custom architecture, novel integrations, performance optimisations beyond published benchmarks, bespoke developer tooling and platform engineering.
Engineering and product development
Mechanical, electrical and electronic product design where the solution wasn't obvious to a competent professional. Prototyping, testing, iterative redesign.
Manufacturing and process improvement
Novel materials, production process improvements that resolve technical uncertainty, automation builds, quality control systems beyond off-the-shelf.
Custom software development
Custom CMS architecture, headless commerce builds, novel integrations between systems with no off-the-shelf connectors, performance-critical infrastructure.
Biotech, food tech and scientific R&D
Formulation work, process science, novel testing methods, scientific advance in a recognised field. Lab work, trials, iterative experimentation.
The process
How our R&D claims process works
Four steps from initial assessment to HMRC payment. Read down and the sequence advances with you.
- 01
Eligibility assessment
30-min call. We review your projects against HMRC's qualifying activity tests, and we are as explicit about the work that falls outside the guidelines as the work that falls inside.
- 02
Project scoping
We identify which specific projects qualify, apportion staff time, and quantify subcontractor and cloud costs.
- 03
Claim preparation
Full technical narrative + costing schedule. Built to HMRC's current standards, with proper documentation that holds up under enquiry.
- 04
Submission & monitoring
We submit, monitor HMRC processing, and handle any questions.
Get a directional estimate first
The free R&D Tax Credit Estimator runs your own qualifying spend through the merged scheme, so you have a figure in front of you before you talk to anyone. It sits with the rest of the calculators, and the corporation tax guide explains where the credit lands in your return.
Free 30-min eligibility check
Book a free R&D eligibility check
We review your projects against HMRC's qualifying activity tests. You leave with a clear yes or no, and a directional estimate of claim size.
- 24-hour response, usually same dayYou hear back from a person, not an autoresponder
- Fixed fees, agreed before any workIn writing, before anything starts
- One named accountant, not a team inboxThe same person every time you call
In the message field, please describe the type of custom development, engineering or process work your company does.
Book your free consultation
FAQ
R&D credit FAQ
Read the R&D library