The Link Between R&D Tax Relief and Business Growth

12 November 2024

The connection between business growth and research and development runs deep, but how can R&D tax credits play their part in supporting businesses? We take a deeper look at research and development, the benefits of innovation, the power of R&D tax credit relief, and how to enforce compliance strategies for maximum financial returns. 

Since its conception in 2000, the R&D tax credit incentive has become an advocate for business growth in the UK. By reducing the financial burden of innovation, the relief allows businesses to reinvest in further research and development, allowing them to strengthen their competitive edge. 

For businesses prepared to propel themselves to the forefront of their industry, understanding R&D tax relief can be incredibly advantageous, and so today we’re taking an in depth look at the direct link between R&D tax credits and business growth.

What is Research and Development?

The meaning of research and development is typically the process in which businesses, organisations or governments invest in developing new or improved products, processes or services. 

These projects generally apply systematic research to broaden subject knowledge, along with a development phase that seeks proactive solutions to specific problems. When combined, research and development leads to innovations that have the ability to significantly advance various industries.

How Does Innovation Impact Competitiveness?

Businesses that invest in research and development based innovation have a remarkable advantage throughout global markets – especially in rapidly changing industries. By introducing new products, establishing improved processes and presenting advanced technologies, businesses can:

1. Cater to evolving customer needs
2. Improve efficiency
3. Reduce cost of production
4. Enhance product quality

Additionally, businesses that prioritise innovation have the ability to adapt quickly to market trends, allowing them to maintain a significant competitive advantage over less flexible companies. This sets the path for sustainable business growth along with market competitiveness. 

Research and Development Tax Relief

R&D tax relief is a UK government funded incentive that aims to encourage businesses to invest in scientific and technological research and development. Through the relief, eligible businesses are able to claim a portion of the costs invested in qualifying research and development projects, allowing them to further invest in their own growth.  

With various relief schemes, SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) and large businesses are able to successfully benefit from R&D tax credits, so long as they adhere to HMRC research and development eligibility criteria.

HMRC R&D Tax Credits Eligibility

HMRC defines research and development as a project that seeks to achieve an advancement in science or technology, by overcoming an uncertainty that could not be easily solved by an expert in the field. Ideally the project should aim to produce one of the following:

• Product
• Process
• Service
• Software

In addition to understanding the eligibility criteria for research and development projects, businesses must be able to identify qualifying activities. Qualifying activities are tasks within the project, and in order to be eligible for R&D tax credits, they must meet the following criteria:

1. Aim of activity should be to advance knowledge
2. Activity should seek to resolve industry uncertainties
3. Each activity should be conducted using a systematic approach
4. Overall activity should not be easily replicated

Prior to determining qualifying activities, businesses can then begin to evaluate the overall worth of their claim, using the R&D eligible expenditure.

Return of Investment for Claiming R&D Tax Relief

The return on investment (ROI) for claiming R&D tax credits can be incredibly substantial depending on the total eligible expenditure. The exact amount that you may be entitled to depends on a number of factors including:

• The size of your business
• The annual turnover of your business
• The accounting period in which your project falls 

These factors help to determine the scheme under which your claim will fall. In order to discern how each scheme may affect your claim, the following table highlights the rates of R&D tax credits over the past few years:

Compliance and Best Practices 

In order to ensure that the R&D relief is protected from fraud and error, HMRC requires that claims are compliant. As incorrect or inflated claims can instigate enquiries and even damage a businesses reputation, it is absolutely crucial for businesses to adhere to the guidelines that are set forth by HMRC, so that they may make a successful claim. 

Some of the best practices to ensure that claims are compliant include: 

1. Keep up to date with changes to R&D tax credit policy
2. Assess eligibility against any changes 
3. Regularly update required documentation (during research and development process)
4. Work with an R&D tax credit professional to compile your claim

How Alexander Clifford Can Help 

As one of the UK’s leading R&D tax advisors, the team at Alexander Clifford ensures that each claim is compliant with the latest HMRC policy.

Combining their advanced knowledge of R&D legislation with their passion for various industries, the members of our team collaborate with businesses like yours to maximise your claim benefits. So far, this has allowed them to compile over 2,400 successful claims, resulting in a 5-star service. 

That’s what makes Alexander Clifford your trusted choice for R&D tax credits. 

Are you ready to claim your R&D tax relief? Enter your details below, or book an appointment with a member of our specialist team to get started.