0161 457 8100
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Innovation recognised and rewarded
Projects that aim to resolve scientific or technological uncertainty may qualify for R&D tax relief
Claim thousands back in R&D tax credits with a fully managed, HMRC-compliant claim
If you are a UK business innovating in your sector, you could recover thousands through HMRC’s R&D tax relief schemes. We manage the entire process, from initial eligibility assessment to final submission, ensuring your claim is accurate, compliant, and fully maximised.
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No win, no fee
Only pay when you get paid
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2,400+ claims submitted
Proven track record
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£63k average claim
Maximise your relief
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HMRC compliant
Full audit support
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£63,000
Average claim
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2,400+
Claims submitted
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Millions
Recovered for clients
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100%
HMRC compliant
R&D Tax Credit Calculator
R&D Tax Credit Calculator
Is your company registered in the UK?
Only UK companies paying Corporation Tax can claim R&D tax credits
Unfortunately, only UK-registered companies are eligible for R&D tax credits. If you are considering UK incorporation, we can advise you.
Is your company currently profitable?
This determines whether you receive tax relief or a cash credit
Estimated annual R&D spend
Include staff costs, materials, software, and subcontractors
£100,000
Annual R&D expenditure
Optional — leave as 0 if none
What industry are you in?
This helps us provide tailored guidance
Your estimated R&D tax credit
£0*
- This is an estimate — actual claim may vary
- We will conduct a full assessment to maximise your claim
- No win, no fee basis
Book a free consultation
Or call us on 0161 457 8100
* In most cases, this will be a repayment/refund of cash back into your account.
* This amount is only an estimation and could change due to HMRC’s ever-evolving guidelines.
R&D tax credit specialists
Why claim with Alexander Clifford?
Speak with experts who maximise your claim and handle HMRC — on a no win, no fee basis.
- No Win, No Fee Only pay once you’ve successfully claimed
- £63,000 Average payment secured per client
- 1000+ Businesses helped to boost their return
- Rated 5 stars Top Google reviews from happy clients
Prefer to talk? 0161 457 8101
Book a free consultation
What are R&D tax credits?
R&D tax credits are a UK government incentive designed to reward businesses that invest in innovation. They allow companies to recover a percentage of the costs associated with developing new products, improving processes, or solving technical challenges.
To qualify, your project must aim to achieve an advance in science or technology and involve resolving scientific or technological uncertainty that cannot be easily overcome using existing knowledge.
Tax relief or cash credit
Receive a Corporation Tax reduction or direct payable credit
Full claim support
We handle all R&D documentation and HMRC communication
How much can you claim?
The amount you can receive depends on your company’s financial position and the level of qualifying R&D expenditure.
Most UK businesses can recover between 15% and 27% of their R&D costs, depending on whether they are profitable or loss-making. However, many companies underclaim due to incomplete cost identification or misclassification of expenditure.
Many businesses under-claim R&D tax credits due to missed costs or incomplete project identification.
Use our R&D tax credit calculator to estimate your claim result based on your specific circumstances.
Example R&D spend
£100,000
Typical SME manufacturing or software development project
Your potential claim
£15k – £27k
Depending on whether you’re profitable or loss-making
- Profitable SME ~£15,000
- Loss-making intensive SME ~£27,000
Which R&D tax relief scheme applies?
There are two main R&D tax relief schemes in the UK. We will help you identify which one you qualify for.
Merged R&D Scheme
15% – 16.2% relief rate
The merged R&D scheme is the primary scheme for most UK businesses. It provides a taxable credit based on qualifying R&D expenditure, typically resulting in a net benefit of around 15%.
Who qualifies:
- Less than 500 employees
- Turnover under €100m or balance sheet under €86m
- Not controlled by large company
Profitable companies: 15% tax relief
Loss-making companies: 16.2% cash credit (from April 2023)
ERIS (Enhanced R&D Intensive Support)
Up to 27% relief rate
Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS) is designed for loss-making companies that invest heavily in R&D. If your R&D spend represents a significant proportion of total costs, you may qualify for a higher payable credit.
Who qualifies:
- SME making a loss
- R&D spend is at least 30% of total expenditure
- Qualifying R&D activities
Loss-making R&D intensive companies: 14.5% cash credit
Not sure which scheme applies? Our experts will assess your eligibility during your free consultation.
Who can claim R&D tax credits?
You do not need a laboratory or formal research team to qualify.
Most UK businesses that innovate are eligible for R&D tax credits, even if they do not realise it. If your business is solving technical problems or improving systems beyond standard industry knowledge, there is a strong chance your work qualifies.
Your project may qualify if it involves:
- Developing new products, processes or services
- Improving existing systems or processes
- Overcoming scientific or technological uncertainty
- Developing or adapting new systems or software
- Prototyping and testing new concepts
- Adapting existing technology to new applications
Company requirements:
- UK registered company subject to Corporation Tax
- Carrying out qualifying R&D activity in the UK
- Have accurate project records and financial documentation
- R&D spend must be related to the relevant field of trade
- Projects must seek a scientific or technological advancement
Did you know that R&D tax relief is not limited to scientific research? Many commercial and technical projects qualify where uncertainty exists.
Industries we support
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Food & Drink
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Energy
- Medtech
Common challenges when claiming R&D tax credits
Claiming R&D tax relief can be a complex process. Here are the most common obstacles businesses face when navigating the R&D tax relief process.
Significant time investment
R&D projects often span 12 months or more, with costs spread across staff, software, and subcontractors. Gathering this information retrospectively can be time-consuming and disruptive without a structured approach.
Unclear eligibility
Many businesses are unsure whether the work carried out qualifies as genuine R&D under HMRC criteria.
Incomplete technical records
Reconstructing project timelines and technical activity records can create gaps or inconsistencies in supporting evidence.
Misclassified expenditure
Incorrect treatment of R&D expenditure can reduce claim value or create compliance issues.
Risk of HMRC enquiry
Claims with weak technical justification are more likely to be challenged and trigger an HMRC enquiry.
Not all innovation qualifies
Commercial improvements do not always meet the threshold for R&D tax relief.
Is it worth the cost?
For smaller R&D tax relief claims, preparation costs may outweigh the benefit if it is not handled correctly.
How we address these challenges
We take a structured, evidence-led approach to ensure your claim is complete, accurate, and aligned with HMRC requirements.
Our process is designed to minimise your time involvement while maximising claim value, combining technical expertise with detailed financial analysis.
Eligibility uncertainty
Structured eligibility assessment
Our team reviews your projects against HMRC criteria, including technical uncertainty and baseline knowledge.
Documentation gaps
Guided data collection
We provide structured templates and work directly with your team to capture the required information.
HMRC enquiry risk
Fully compliant technical reports
We produce detailed technical reports that explain the scientific or technological advance, uncertainties and R&D work undertaken.
Cost classification issues
Detailed cost analysis
We identify and categorise all qualifying R&D expenditure to ensure nothing is missed and maximise your claim within the criteria.
Time constraints
Streamlined process management
We handle the process end-to-end, reducing the demand on your internal team.
Innovation vs R&D confusion
Expert technical guidance
Our team distinguishes qualifying R&D activity from general commercial development.
100% compliance guarantee
Every claim is fully HMRC-compliant
Expert-led process
Backed by technical specialists
What expenditure can you claim?
R&D tax relief covers a wide range of qualifying expenditure directly related to your R&D projects.
Staff costs
Salaries, wages, NIC and pension contributions for employees working on R&D projects.
Subcontractor costs
Payments to subcontractors or other external workers who are directly involved in R&D activities.
Consumables
Materials, utilities and items consumed during R&D work.
Software
Software licences and subscriptions used in R&D projects.
Cloud & data
Cloud computing costs, data storage and processing for research and development.
Prototypes
Building and testing prototypes, models and trials.
Calculate your R&D tax credit
Get an instant estimate in under 60 seconds
R&D Tax Credit Calculator
Is your company registered in the UK?
Only UK companies paying Corporation Tax can claim R&D tax credits
Unfortunately, only UK-registered companies are eligible for R&D tax credits. If you are considering UK incorporation, we can advise you.
Is your company currently profitable?
This determines whether you receive tax relief or a cash credit
Estimated annual R&D spend
Include staff costs, materials, software, and subcontractors
£100,000
Annual R&D expenditure
Optional — leave as 0 if none
What industry are you in?
This helps us provide tailored guidance
Your estimated R&D tax credit
£0*
- This is an estimate — actual claim may vary
- We will conduct a full assessment to maximise your claim
- No win, no fee basis
Book a free consultation
Or call us on 0161 457 8100
* In most cases, this will be a repayment/refund of cash back into your account.
* This amount is only an estimation and could change due to HMRC’s ever-evolving guidelines.
How it works
Our streamlined process makes claiming R&D tax credits simple and stress-free.
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Free consultation
We discuss your R&D activities and assess your eligibility at no cost.
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Build your claim
Our specialists gather relevant documentation to build a compliant claim.
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Submit to HMRC
We handle all communication with HMRC and respond to any questions.
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Receive your benefit
Receive your tax credit or cash payment directly from HMRC.
Typical timeline: 8-12 weeks from consultation to the final payment
Free Resource
Download the complete guide to R&D tax credits
Understand eligibility, maximise your R&D claim and avoid costly mistakes.
- What qualifies as R&D (with real examples from UK businesses)
- How to identify and maximise your eligible costs
- Common mistakes that lead to rejected or reduced R&D claims
- HMRC compliance requirements explained clearly
- Step-by-step claim process timeline
- Industry-specific guidance and case studies
17-page comprehensive PDF guide
Common R&D claim mistakes
Avoid these costly errors that could reduce your claim or trigger an HMRC enquiry.
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Underclaiming
Many businesses fail to identify all qualifying R&D expenditure, leaving thousands unclaimed.
⚠ Average underclaim: £12,000+
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Poor documentation
Weak technical narratives and missing evidence leads to rejected or reduced claims.
⚠ Top reason for HMRC challenges
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Compliance risks
Incorrect categorisation or overclaiming can trigger penalties and enquiries.
⚠ Penalties up to 100% of claim
Claim Submitted
We eliminate these risks
Our technical writers and R&D specialists ensure your claim is accurate, compliant and maximised. We also handle any HMRC enquiries, leaving you to continue your journey of innovation.
HMRC scrutiny is increasing
In recent years, HMRC has significantly increased scrutiny on R&D tax claims. Enquiries are more frequent, particularly where claims lack clear technical justification or supporting evidence.
A poorly prepared claim can lead to delays, reduced payments, or penalties. Working with specialists ensures your claim is robust, compliant, and defensible.
Robust documentation
We maintain detailed records that satisfy HMRC requirements
Expert enquiry support
We handle all HMRC communication and enquiries at no extra cost
Full compliance guarantee
Every claim meets current HMRC guidelines and legislation
Why choose an R&D tax specialist?
Not all R&D tax credit claim providers are equal. Here is how we stand out:
A specialist approach improves both the quality of the R&D tax relief claim and the level of supporting evidence.
Swipe sideways to compare all options
| DIY Claim | Standard Accountant |
Recommended
R&D Specialist Alexander Clifford |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical writing expertise | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| HMRC enquiry support | ✕ | Limited | ✓ |
| Maximised claim value | Low | Medium | ✓ |
| Time investment required | Very High | High | Minimal |
| Industry-specific knowledge | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| No win, no fee | N/A | ✕ | ✓ |
| Compliance guarantee | ✕ | Varies | ✓ |
| Average claim success | 40–60% | 60–75% | 95%+ |
Real results from real clients
A manufacturing company developing new production processes had not previously claimed R&D tax relief.
Medtech
Immersive Healthcare Education
Our client set out to deliver real-time, personalised learning inside mobile AR and 3D simulations for clinical education, to improve learner behaviour and surface knowledge gaps without breaking i...
Read case studyClient Benefit
£169,496.67
Energy
Waste to Energy Plant Technology
There are typically two types of waste to energy plant technology: conventional waste incineration involving the process of burning solid waste to produce heat and electricity, and advanced biofuel...
Read case studyClient Benefit
£82,570.25
Construction
Construction Site Surveillance
Our client developed a solar-powered camera system for high-level building installations, delivering continuous panoramic coverage without fixed wiring. Designed for rooftops and façades, it sought...
Read case studyClient Benefit
£11,602.63
Medtech
Immersive Healthcare Education
Our client set out to deliver real-time, personalised learning inside mobile AR and 3D simulations for clinical education, to improve learner behaviour and surface knowledge gaps without breaking i...
Read case studyClient Benefit
£169,496.67
Energy
Waste to Energy Plant Technology
There are typically two types of waste to energy plant technology: conventional waste incineration involving the process of burning solid waste to produce heat and electricity, and advanced biofuel...
Read case studyClient Benefit
£82,570.25
Construction
Construction Site Surveillance
Our client developed a solar-powered camera system for high-level building installations, delivering continuous panoramic coverage without fixed wiring. Designed for rooftops and façades, it sought...
Read case studyClient Benefit
£11,602.63
Pharmaceutical
Smart Antioxidant Delivery
Due to significant losses during digestion, effectively delivering antioxidants has always been a challenge. This clients’ innovative technology seeks to change that by using a pH sensitive deliver...
Read case studyClient Benefit
£9,703.03
Pharmaceutical
Preclinical Screening Platforms
Finding effective treatments for schizophrenia has been a complex and uncertain process, hindered by outdated methods and poor predictive models. With this clients’ ground-breaking platform however...
Read case studyClient Benefit
£20,000.00
What our clients say
Join hundreds of businesses that have successfully claimed with us
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about R&D tax credits
R&D qualifies when a project seeks to achieve an advance in science or technology and involves resolving technical uncertainty that cannot be easily solved by a competent professional using existing knowledge.
Preparing a claim typically takes a few weeks. HMRC processing times vary depending on complexity and review requirements.
Yes. A project does not need to succeed to qualify, as long as qualifying R&D activity took place.
Common triggers include weak technical narratives, inconsistent financial data and claims that do not clearly demonstrate genuine, qualifying R&D activity.
Supporting evidence is required. Where records are incomplete, they may be reconstructed, but this can increase the risk of gaps or HMRC queries.
Yes. Claims can usually be made for the previous two accounting periods, subject to eligibility.
No. Eligibility is based on the nature of the work, not formal research structures.
Yes. Loss-making companies may be eligible for a payable tax credit, depending on the scheme and level of qualifying expenditure.
