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Manufacturing

R&D activities in manufacturing play a crucial role in driving innovation and product development, bolstering processes, and enhancing competitiveness across various industries. Government-supported R&D tax incentives have paved the way for transformative advancements in manufacturing, including optimised material usage, automation, and cost-effective operations, ultimately elevating product quality. However, the UK’s manufacturing sector grapples with challenges like low productivity, skills shortages, and political disruptions, all amidst the backdrop of ambitious Net Zero goals. In this pivotal moment, R&D is actively addressing issues related to carbon emissions, worker well-being, and operational efficiency.

 

Overview

Qualifying at a Glance

Even as an innovative business, you may be surprised to know the extent of manufacturing projects that can qualify for R&D tax credits. Examples of qualifying
R&D in the manufacturing industry include:

  • Creating sustainable alternatives – Researching and adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes to meet environmental regulations.
  • Personalising a product – Meeting individual customer preferences by finding a way to provide customisation to a product.
  • Integration of AI and Machine Learning – Exploring how AI and ML algorithms can optimise production processes, predictive maintenance, and quality control.
  • Improving a process – Innovating production methods and equipment to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and lower manufacturing costs.
  • Introducing robotics or automation – Implementing and optimising robotic systems and automation technologies to streamline manufacturing processes.
  • Finding a way to increase precision – Exploring additive manufacturing (3D printing), precision machining, or other cutting-edge techniques to improve production processes.
  • Quality control and testing – Developing new testing methods and systems to ensure the quality and reliability of manufactured products.
  • Waste reduction and recycling – R&D efforts focused on finding ways to minimise waste generation during manufacturing and exploring recycling and circular economy practices.

You are in a strong position to qualify for R&D claims if you have:

Created something new
Designed a different process
Improved an existing product in an appreciable way

Ask Yourself

  • Did you conduct R&D activities to develop new products, processes, or services or to improve existing ones?
  • Did the R&D activities involve the resolution of technical uncertainties or challenges that could not be solved by using existing knowledge?
  • Did your products or services require extensive trial and testing throughout the creation process?

If you are answering yes, you may qualify to claim back up to 33.4% of eligible R&D expenditure through HMRC’s R&D Tax Relief Initiative. Contact one of our R&D tax credit specialists to seek further advice on how to proceed with your R&D claim.

Do I Qualify

The claim process

We understand the complications that can often arise when completing an R&D claim, not to mention the significant amount of time it can consume, diverting your attention from driving your innovation forward. That's why we have streamlined a transparent and hassle-free process that follows a step-by-step approach from start to finish.

Throughout your R&D claim process, we maintain open lines of communication tailored to your preferences. Once we have compiled comprehensive technical and financial reports, we take the responsibility of submitting them and proactively follow up with HMRC, leading the communication on your behalf. Often, our next contact with you brings the exhilarating news of success and positive outcomes.

Step 1

We'll gain your authorisation via our client instruction form/NDA. This will enable us to discuss your R&D activities along with your current tax position.

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Step 2

We'll analyse the profit & loss (P&L) statement of the business while facilitating your technical call. This step aims to determine whether your case is feasible from both technical and financial perspectives.

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Step 3

Once our experts are confident that your case meets the R&D eligibility criteria, we will then gather all the required technical information and financial documentation according to HMRC's standards to support your case.

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Step 4

At this stage, we initiate a stringent compliance procedure that we have developed in-house to audit your R&D claim application. We verify whether it meets the defined standards before submitting it to HMRC to ensure a positive outcome.

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Step 5

After conducting a comprehensive review of your R&D claim, including all required documentation, the application will be forwarded to HMRC for further processing.

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Step 6

Our team maintains continuous contact with HMRC regarding your case. If any queries arise, we address them on your behalf using a highly systematic approach to maximise your outcome while minimising any delays in your repayment.

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Get Started

Our hassle-free and streamlined process is waiting for you to get started and to make you feel confident throughout your R&D claim application.
0161 457 8100 Start your claim

Your guide to
R&D tax credits

Gain access to valuable insights from our experts in R&D tax credits, empowering you with essential information to ensure a successful claim, ultimately injecting funds back into your account.