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An HMRC R&D compliance check can be intimidating, even for businesses doing genuine innovation. This article walks you through what happens during a check, the information HMRC typically asks for, common issues that can arise, and how TBAT Innovation helps businesses respond confidently and keep their R&D tax credit claims strong.
HMRC is increasing its scrutiny of R&D tax credit claims, with more businesses receiving compliance enquiries months after submission. Understanding why HMRC enquiries are rising, and how to respond, can help businesses protect their R&D claims and reduce disruption. Learn what triggers HMRC R&D enquiries, what HMRC expects, and how to ensure your claim is protected.
Oxford-based startup A&B Smart Materials has raised an oversubscribed £1.5M Pre-Seed round to accelerate the development of fully biodegradable superabsorbent polymers for hygiene and agricultural applications. Winner's of the 2025 TBAT Innovation Challenge, the company is tackling the growing environmental impact of synthetic SAPs while targeting a global market projected to reach $17 billion by 2035.
TBAT Innovation has been recognised as Highly Commended in the Growth Innovation Champion category at the 2025 Innovation Awards. The commendation highlights the growing impact of the TBAT Innovation Challenge – TBAT’s flagship initiative supporting innovation-driven UK SMEs.
Since 2022, HMRC’s Mandatory Random Enquiry Programme (MREP) has been reviewing R&D tax relief claims to reduce error and fraud. While the programme is effective in improving compliance, it has also caused a significant drop in SME claims. This article examines the impact of MREP on SME behaviour, explores why businesses are withdrawing from claiming, and questions whether the programme is supporting innovation or discouraging genuine R&D activity.
We take an in-depth look at the latest R&D Tax Credit Statistics, covering the period ending March 2024, highlighting key updates and trends in the R&D tax relief landscape. It covers changes to the SME and RDEC schemes, the introduction of new requirements such as the Claim Notification process, and developments in HMRC compliance through the Mandatory Random Enquiry Programme.
HMRC has established the Research and Development Expert Advisory Panel (RDEAP) to help improve guidance and understanding of R&D tax relief across the UK. TBAT Innovation looks at who sits on the panel, the challenges it may face, and what its work could mean for businesses seeking support for their innovative projects.
The TBAT Innovation Challenge 2025 came to an exciting close with a dynamic showcase featuring some of the UK’s most forward-thinking and driven SMEs. A&B Smart Materials was crowned the overall winner for their pioneering work in developing bio-based Super Absorbent Polymers. Read our article for our full details of our Finalist Showcase.
Claiming R&D tax relief is a valuable way to recover costs from innovation projects, but it’s not always straightforward. From misunderstanding HMRC’s definition of R&D to weak record-keeping and inaccurate claims, there are challenges that can turn a straightforward application into a drawn-out enquiry. In this article, we explore the most common risks businesses face when claiming R&D tax and share practical steps to strengthen your claim.
Third-party technology, including software and license fees, is often overlooked when businesses prepare R&D tax relief claims, yet these costs can be eligible if directly linked to innovation activities. This article breaks down how companies can identify and justify these expenses in line with HMRC guidance.
Assists organisations in accessing research and development grant funding across a range of UK and EU schemes and industry sectors.
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