If your business is investing in innovation, you may be entitled to claim a significant portion of those costs back from HMRC. At Folio Partners, we manage the full process, from identifying qualifying activity to submitting a robust claim and defending it, making sure you don't leave money on the table.
To qualify for R&D tax relief, a project must seek a genuine advance in science or technology, tackling an uncertainty that a competent professional in the field couldn't readily resolve. Routine development or minor improvements don't qualify. HMRC doesn't define eligibility by sector, and that's by design. It's about what your business is actually doing.
Certain industries commonly involve the kind of work that qualifies:
Not sure if your work qualifies? That's where Folio Partners comes in. Get in touch.
Once you've established that your project qualifies, the next step is identifying which costs are eligible. HMRC allows you to claim against both direct and indirect costs involved in the project. Indirect costs cover tasks that form part of the project but don't directly contribute to resolving the uncertainty. The direct cost categories, which form the core of most claims, include:
A successful R&D claim is built on expertise, attention to detail, and close collaboration with you throughout the process. Here is how it looks:
We work flexibly on fees, tailoring our approach to the nature and complexity of each claim. This may be on a contingency basis, a fixed fee, or a structure that includes an upfront element. Whatever the arrangement, we agree it clearly with you from the outset, so there are no surprises.
Every claim is different, but we typically aim to prepare and submit within 4 to 6 weeks of engagement. Once submitted, HMRC generally processes claims within 4 to 6 weeks, though this can vary. We keep you informed at every stage so there are no surprises.
Belle Chippington leads our R&D consultant team. With a BSc in Zoology and an MSc in Infection Biology, Belle brings a strong scientific foundation to her work, sharpened by experience in the pharmaceutical industry and R&D consultancy. Her background spans technical writing, client management, financial costings preparation and scientific innovation, with a particular interest in advancing sustainable solutions in the architectural sector.
