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At Novus Capital we provide a full-service funding approach.

Whatever your funding needs, we can help.

SERVICES

R&D Tax

Research and development (R&D) tax relief is a government incentive that supports UK companies working on innovative projects. 

 

R&D tax relief is available to a wide range of industries and sectors. Whether you're developing new products, processes, or services, or making significant improvements to existing ones. 


And it isn’t limited to traditional 'lab coat' research either. If your project involves overcoming technological or scientific uncertainties, you may qualify. Unsure if you’re eligible? We can help. 

MEET THE TEAM

Your Specialist R&D Tax Team

Our team has been designed with you in mind, tailormade to provide what you need to grow. Novus is home to a unique mix of former HMRC professionals, industry-trained technical specialists and BigFour Alumni, all handpicked for their experience and expertise.​

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Jenson Brook

MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jenson is a serial entrepreneur and former PwC and Deloitte alumnus. Over his career, he has raised £25m+ for UK businesses through government, debt, and equity funding, while leading two boutique tax consultancies during his seven years in London. Now, as Managing Director of Novus Capital and Founder of Britain’s Got Startups, Jenson drives our strategic direction.
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Alisa Lynch

INNOVATION FUNDING MANAGER
Ailsa brings a wealth of expertise from her academic and professional background. With a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry & Catalysis, she has worked in chemical engineering, advancing technologies, launching new processes and products, and supporting global clients. In 2021, Ailsa transitioned to R&D tax, patent box, and grants, spending three years at KPMG. She is also an ATT-qualified tax technician.

The R&D Tax Claim Process

A conversation is the easiest way to understand the benefits available to your business.

Claim Reviews

We get to know your business, understand what you do, which projects may qualify for R&D tax credits, and what R&D claims you have previously made. We help you understand the criteria for an R&D claim and any R&D regime changes which may impact your claim.

Check Ins

We regularly check in with your team to understand your projects throughout the year.  This will allow claims to be prepared easily and swiftly after the end of your accounting period.

Calculations

We prepare the financial calculations and analysis based on your P&L and accounts and information from the check-ins.  

Finalise Report

We prepare a report to support your R&D submission and the required Additional Information Form (AIF) to HMRC.

Submission

We prepare a report to support your R&D submission and the required Additional Information Form (AIF) to HMRC.

Why Us?

We are your reputable funding partner.

Members of the r&d Community

An organisation keeping R&D tax specialists accountable for continuing professional development and our work standard.

Ex-HMRC Inspectors

Industry professionals, including ex-HMRC inspectors, have helped design our R&D tax processes and will assist and advise on R&D tax enquiries and if necessary, Alternative Dispute Resolution with HMRC.

Success Guaranteed

We’ve assisted clients with claiming over £50 million in R&D tax benefits collectively and have never had a legitimate claim rejected.

Going the Extra Mile

We collect more detail compared to most advisors, which allows us to fully defend your claims if they were to be enquired into by HMRC.

R&D FAQs

If you have any unanswered questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team!

  • Research and Development (R&D) tax relief supports companies that work on innovative projects in science and technology.
     

    Companies can make an R&D tax claim that provides tax relief against their corporation tax liability or if they are loss-making, they may receive a cash credit.

  • The work that qualifies for R&D tax relief must be part of a specific project seeking to make an advance in science or technology. In addition to the advance, the project needs to seek advance through the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty. 

    It should be noted that you cannot claim an advance in the arts, humanities, or social sciences (including economics).

  • You need to be a limited company in the UK and have a ‘liability to UK corporation tax’.  You need to be carrying on a trade and have revenue expenditure in order to make an R&D claim. You also need to have a project that seeks to make an advance in science or technology through the resolution of scientific uncertainty.

  • Yes, some companies are now required to submit a Claim Notification Form (CNF), usually if you have not claimed R&D tax reliefs in the previous three years. You can read more about how to tell HMRC that you’re planning to claim Research and Development (R&D) tax relief by making a claim notification here or speak to the team at Novus Capital for more advice.

  • You need to prepare the claim which is where Novus Capital assists. Within the claim, you need to explain how each of your projects have looked for an advance in the field, encountered and overcame (or at least tried to overcome) scientific or technological uncertainty and could not be easily worked out by a professional in the field.

  • It’s important to understand the boundaries of R&D for Tax purposes, not R&D – this is where we can help you.

  • There have been many changes to the R&D regimes in recent years so the available rates of R&D tax relief will be dependent on:

    • The accounting period you are claiming for

    • If the business is an SME or large company 

    • If the business is profit-making, loss-making or break even.  

    In addition, the level of R&D activity or ‘intensity’ may also impact the available rates. A discussion with the Novus Capital team will help you better understand what may be available to your business.

  • There is always a chance that your R&D tax claim could be selected for an HMRC enquiry. However, preparing a comprehensive R&D report and ensuring that all claim details are accurate and complete helps demonstrate your company's compliance with HMRC submission requirements, reducing the likelihood of issues arising during an enquiry.

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