R&D Tax Relief Companies in the UK: A Practical Selection Guide
AC
Acumon Chartered Accountants·16 min read
Research and development tax relief remains one of the UK's most valuable incentives for innovative businesses, helping companies recover part of the costs of developing new products, processes and technologies. While the rules have evolved in recent years, the relief continues to provide meaningful financial support for businesses investing in innovation across a wide range of industries.
The UK market includes specialist R&D tax consultancies, chartered accountancy firms and multidisciplinary advisory practices, each offering different levels of technical expertise, industry knowledge and support throughout the claims process. Some focus exclusively on preparing claims, while others provide R&D tax relief as part of a broader tax and business advisory service.
This guide highlights a selection of R&D tax relief service providers operating across the UK. Rather than ranking firms, the aim is to provide practical context on the organisations offering these services, the types of businesses they typically work with, and the capabilities that may be relevant when selecting an adviser.
Acumon
Acumon is a UK firm of chartered accountants and advisors providing R&D tax relief services to businesses across the UK.
The firm works with organisations ranging from owner-managed businesses and growing companies through to corporate groups and UK subsidiaries of international businesses. R&D tax relief services are designed to help businesses understand available tax reliefs, support compliance and maximise eligible claims.
Acumon provides R&D tax relief services as part of its wider tax and advisory offering. The firm supports businesses throughout the claims process, including reviewing qualifying activities, assessing eligible expenditure, preparing supporting documentation and assisting with corporation tax compliance.
Acumon holds a Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence, enabling the firm to support organisations subject to enhanced regulatory oversight in the United Kingdom. In addition to its UK statutory audit registration, the firm also maintains audit licences in the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Jersey and Isle of Man. These licences enable the firm to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
R&D tax relief is available to many UK businesses undertaking qualifying research and development activities. Professional advice can help organisations understand the relevant legislation, prepare robust claims and manage their corporation tax obligations with confidence.
Acumon works with business owners, directors, finance teams and management to support R&D tax relief claims while helping organisations strengthen tax compliance, financial reporting and governance processes.
R&D Tax Relief Capabilities
Acumon provides R&D tax relief services across a wide range of organisational structures and sectors.
These include:
UK companies and corporate groups
owner-managed businesses and growing companies
UK subsidiaries of international groups
regulated organisations
organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions
innovation-led businesses
R&D tax relief engagements are typically led by experienced professionals with direct involvement throughout the engagement.
Regulatory Licences and Registrations
Acumon holds several audit registrations that enable it to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
These include:
UK statutory audit registration
Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence
Jersey audit licence
Isle of Man audit licence
Cayman Islands audit licence
British Virgin Islands audit licence
These registrations allow the firm to support organisations operating across both the UK and key international financial centres.
Core Services
In addition to R&D tax relief services, Acumon provides a range of services that support tax compliance, financial reporting and business growth.
These include:
corporation tax advisory and compliance
statutory external audit
group and subsidiary audits
Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits
charity and not-for-profit audit
internal audit and governance reviews
risk management and compliance support
R&D tax relief work is often delivered alongside discussions with management regarding corporation tax, financial reporting, business investment and long-term growth strategies.
Many organisations seek R&D tax relief support as tax legislation evolves, investment in innovation increases and compliance requirements become more complex.
Acumon works with organisations that are:
managing financial and tax obligations
strengthening governance and internal processes
supporting business growth
improving financial reporting
operating across multiple jurisdictions
responding to changing regulatory requirements
Early engagement can help ensure that R&D tax relief claims, tax compliance and supporting documentation remain aligned with current legislation and organisational objectives.
Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
Phone: 020 8567 3451
ForrestBrown
ForrestBrown focuses on R&D tax relief services for UK businesses carrying out scientific or technological development. Their work covers the full claims process, from identifying qualifying activities through to preparing supporting documentation and submitting claims to HMRC. They support businesses of different sizes, including SMEs and larger organisations, while also assisting companies that need advice on more complex R&D tax matters.
Beyond preparing claims, they help businesses improve the way R&D activities and costs are recorded throughout the year, making future claims easier to manage. Their support also extends to HMRC enquiries, claim reviews, due diligence and wider innovation tax projects, giving businesses access to specialist advice when R&D tax relief forms part of a broader commercial or tax consideration.
Key Highlights
Focus on R&D tax relief and innovation incentives
Support for SMEs and large companies
End-to-end claim preparation
HMRC enquiry support
Assistance with claim reviews and due diligence
Advice on improving R&D record keeping
Experience across a wide range of industries
Flexible fee options depending on project requirements
Streets Accountants combine R&D tax relief with wider innovation support, helping businesses identify qualifying projects and prepare claims that meet HMRC requirements. Their approach covers the whole process, from the initial review of business activities through to preparing technical and financial documentation and managing submissions.
Alongside R&D tax relief, they advise businesses looking at grant funding and Patent Box opportunities where these form part of a wider innovation strategy. Their team includes professionals with technical and scientific backgrounds, allowing them to assess projects across different sectors while supporting businesses with compliance throughout the claims process.
Key Highlights
R&D tax relief support for businesses across sectors
Address: Almondsbury Business Centre, Woodlands, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4QH, UK
Phone: 0117 332 3640
S&W
S&W supports businesses with R&D tax relief by combining tax knowledge with technical expertise from engineering, science, software and finance. Their approach covers the full lifecycle of a claim, helping businesses identify qualifying activities, assess eligible costs and prepare claims that reflect HMRC requirements. They work with companies across different sectors, from growing businesses to larger organisations carrying out complex research and development projects.
Their R&D team also looks beyond the preparation of individual claims. They help businesses introduce processes for tracking R&D activity throughout the year, review contracts, assess project eligibility and support long-term innovation planning. The use of technology and data tools forms part of their process, allowing businesses to organise technical and financial information more efficiently when preparing future claims.
Key Highlights
R&D specialists with technical and tax backgrounds
Support for SMEs and large companies
End-to-end claim preparation
Real-time R&D project tracking
Technology-driven claim management
HMRC policy and technical engagement
Industry-specific technical expertise
Support with innovation planning
Services
R&D tax relief claims
Eligibility assessments
R&D expenditure reviews
Claim preparation
Project tracking
Contract reviews
R&D training
Innovation strategy support
Contact Information
Website: www.swgroup.com
Twitter: x.com/S_W_Group
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/swgroupuk
Address: 45 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7BG
Phone: +44(0)204 617 55 00
Saffery
Saffery advises companies on R&D tax relief across a wide range of industries, helping them understand how the UK rules apply to their research and development activities. Their work includes assessing project eligibility, identifying qualifying expenditure and advising on the most appropriate R&D tax relief scheme based on a company's circumstances and accounting period.
Each engagement can vary depending on what a business needs. Some companies ask for support with reviewing existing claims, while others require assistance preparing technical documentation or responding to HMRC enquiries. They also advise on related areas such as R&D capital allowances and help businesses navigate recent changes to the UK R&D tax relief regime.
Key Highlights
Support for companies across multiple industries
Advice on current UK R&D tax relief schemes
Assistance with eligibility assessments
Flexible involvement throughout the claims process
Address: Midland House, 2 Poole Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5QY, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1202 204744
BDO
BDO advises businesses on R&D tax incentives available under the UK tax system, helping them identify projects that may qualify for relief and understand which incentives are relevant to their activities. Their support covers research and development tax relief alongside related innovation incentives, recognising that businesses may benefit from more than one scheme depending on the nature of their investment.
Many engagements begin with a review of current and recent projects to identify qualifying work and associated costs. From there, they assist with preparing claims, resolving R&D tax enquiries and considering incentives such as Patent Box, innovation grants and capital allowances where these are linked to research and development activities.
Key Highlights
Support with UK R&D tax incentives
Assistance across a wide range of industries
Review of qualifying R&D activities
Guidance on HMRC requirements
Support with R&D tax enquiries
Advice on related innovation incentives
Technical and financial specialists
Claims for businesses at different stages of growth
PwC helps businesses manage R&D tax relief claims while adapting to changes in UK legislation and compliance requirements. Their approach includes reviewing existing claim processes, identifying qualifying expenditure and helping businesses collect the information needed to support claims under the current R&D tax regimes.
Along with claim preparation, they look at how businesses record research and development activities throughout the year, making it easier to gather evidence and prepare future submissions. Their work often includes advice on related incentives such as Patent Box, capital allowances and international R&D considerations where these are relevant to a company's innovation activities.
Key Highlights
Support with evolving UK R&D tax rules
Guidance on merged R&D tax regimes
Assistance with claim documentation
Technology-enabled claim processes
Advice on wider innovation incentives
Support for complex R&D structures
Industry specialists across multiple sectors
Focus on HMRC compliance requirements
Services
R&D tax relief claims
Claim process reviews
Eligibility assessments
Documentation support
Patent Box advisory
Capital allowances
International R&D tax support
Process optimisation
Contact Information
Website: www.pwc.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PwCUK
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pwc-uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pwc_uk
Address: 1 Embankment Place, London, WC2N 6RH, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7583 5000
RSM
RSM assists businesses with R&D tax relief by helping them identify qualifying research and development activities, prepare supporting reports and meet HMRC's documentation requirements. Their team works with companies from a range of industries, supporting both new claims and reviews of existing submissions where additional technical input is needed.
The scope of their support also includes workshops, claim reviews and assistance during HMRC enquiries. Alongside R&D tax relief, they advise on related innovation incentives, including Patent Box and creative sector tax reliefs, giving businesses access to wider tax support connected with research and development projects.
Key Highlights
Support for businesses across multiple sectors
R&D specialists with technical and tax experience
Full claim documentation
HMRC enquiry assistance
R&D workshops and claim reviews
Advice on related innovation tax incentives
Local teams across the UK
Support with changing compliance requirements
Services
R&D tax relief claims
Claim preparation
Technical reports
R&D workshops
Claim reviews
HMRC enquiry support
Patent Box advisory
Creative sector tax reliefs
Contact Information
Website: www.rsmuk.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rsm.uk
Address: 4th Floor, The Capitol, 431 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6DA
Phone: +44 (0)1224 321133
DJH
DJH helps UK companies prepare R&D tax relief claims for projects involving scientific or technological development. Their process starts with reviewing a company's activities to identify qualifying work before moving on to preparing the technical narrative, calculating eligible costs and submitting the claim to HMRC. They support businesses from sectors including engineering, manufacturing, software and life sciences.
Alongside claim preparation, they advise companies on how to make the best use of the available tax relief and ensure each submission includes the documentation required under the current HMRC process. Businesses looking at related innovation incentives can also access support with Patent Box claims where appropriate.
Address: Pacific Chambers, 11-13 Victoria St, Liverpool, L2 5QQ
Phone: 0151 227 3463
Leyton
Leyton focuses on R&D tax relief and innovation funding for businesses investing in research and development. Their consultants review projects to determine which activities and costs meet the qualifying criteria before preparing claims that align with HMRC guidance. The team includes specialists from technical and financial backgrounds, covering industries such as engineering, manufacturing, software and science.
Beyond preparing claims, they assist businesses with reviewing previous submissions, identifying overlooked qualifying expenditure and managing the documentation needed throughout the process. Their wider innovation services include support with Patent Box, capital allowances and other tax incentives connected with research and development.
Kreston Reeves advises businesses on R&D tax relief as part of its wider corporate tax offering. Their support covers identifying qualifying projects, understanding which incentive scheme applies and preparing claims that reflect the technical and financial aspects of eligible research and development activities. They work with businesses across sectors including manufacturing, life sciences, agriculture and creative industries.
Each claim is shaped around the company's projects and circumstances, with support available from the early assessment stage through to submission. Businesses can also receive guidance on grants and funding where these are linked to innovation and investment in research and development.
Key Highlights
R&D tax relief within corporate tax services
Support across a range of business sectors
Guidance on qualifying R&D activities
Technical and financial claim preparation
Advice on available incentive schemes
Grant and funding support
Assistance throughout the claim process
Corporate tax expertise
Services
R&D tax relief claims
Eligibility assessments
Claim preparation
Technical documentation
Corporate tax advisory
Innovation funding guidance
Grants support
Compliance assistance
Contact Information
Website: www.krestonreeves.com
Twitter: x.com/KrestonReeves
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/kreston-reeves
Address: 2nd Floor, 168 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6RA
Phone: +44 (0)330 124 1399
TBAT Innovation
TBAT Innovation concentrates on R&D tax relief for businesses developing new products, technologies and processes across technical industries. Their team reviews projects to determine which activities and expenditure qualify before preparing the technical reports and financial information needed for an HMRC submission. They support companies in sectors including engineering, software, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and life sciences.
As a claim progresses, they coordinate with technical teams and accountants to ensure the supporting evidence is complete and reflects current HMRC requirements. Businesses can continue to receive assistance after submission through enquiry support, while related innovation services such as Patent Box and grant funding are available where they fit the project.
Address: Unit 3 Bradley Court, Maple Road, Trent Lane, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2UT
Phone: 01332 819 740
Frazier & Deeter UK
Frazier & Deeter UK advises businesses on R&D tax credits with support covering the full claims process, from identifying qualifying projects through to preparing submissions and dealing with HMRC where required. Their approach focuses on helping companies understand how the R&D tax rules apply to their activities while ensuring claims are backed by appropriate technical and financial evidence.
They can also assist businesses that need guidance on R&D intensity requirements, particularly where enhanced tax incentives depend on meeting specific eligibility conditions. This allows companies to plan future claims with a clearer understanding of the current UK R&D tax framework.
Address: Level 32, Leaf A, Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 203 318 3976
R&D Tax Services
R&D Tax Services focuses on helping UK businesses prepare R&D tax relief claims under both the standard R&D tax relief rules and the RDEC scheme. Their process begins with reviewing a company's projects before gathering technical and financial information to produce supporting documentation for submission to HMRC. They work alongside existing accountants, allowing businesses to keep their current financial arrangements in place.
Support continues after submission, with assistance during HMRC enquiries and advice on improving future claims through better record keeping and project documentation. They also review existing claims where businesses want an additional assessment of compliance or potential qualifying expenditure.
Address: 161-163 Elm Grove, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 1LU, United Kingdom
Phone: 02394 351 200
Page Kirk
Page Kirk helps businesses understand whether their development projects qualify for R&D tax relief and supports them throughout the claims process. Their advice is aimed at SMEs, startups and growing companies investing in innovation, with guidance on identifying eligible projects and preparing claims that meet HMRC requirements.
Where a business is developing patented technology, they can also advise on Patent Box alongside R&D tax relief. This gives companies access to related tax incentives without moving away from their existing tax and accounting arrangements.
The right R&D tax relief provider will depend on the type of work your business carries out, the level of support you need and the complexity of your claim. Some firms focus solely on R&D tax relief, while others offer it alongside broader tax and business advisory services. It is often worth looking at their experience in your sector, their approach to preparing claims and the level of support they provide if HMRC raises questions.
This guide is intended to give an overview of several UK firms that provide R&D tax relief services. It is not a ranking or endorsement, but a starting point to help businesses compare different approaches and decide which provider is the best fit for their own requirements.
AC
Written by the Acumon team
Acumon is an ICAEW-registered firm of chartered accountants and registered auditors
based in London, with offices in Pitstone, Aylesbury and Bournemouth. Need advice on
anything covered here? Talk to us.
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