R&D tax relief and grants for innovative businesses
Watch webinar recording:
Innovative businesses can often access valuable funding and tax incentives, but understanding what is available and whether your activities qualify is not always straightforward. From securing grant funding to making an R&D tax relief claim, getting the right processes and records in place is an important part of making the most of the support available.
Join Gravita Tax Director, Pieres Flowers, who leads our R&D team, and Audit Director, Alan Sanders as they look at both R&D tax relief and grant funding. Using practical examples, they will discuss the types of activities that may qualify, what businesses need to document and some of the common issues that can arise when claims are reviewed by HMRC.
The webinar is particularly relevant to innovative businesses in technology, life sciences, engineering, manufacturing and construction, whether you are considering R&D tax relief or grant funding for the first time or want to better understand the requirements.
We will cover:
- Grant funding available to innovative businesses and the role of grant audits
- What qualifies for R&D tax relief and how the relief works
- Examples from technology, life sciences, engineering, manufacturing and construction
- Common issues and areas of HMRC scrutiny
- The records and documentation needed to support R&D claims and grant funding
Speakers:
Pieres Flowers
Director, Tax
Pieres leads Gravita’s R&D advisory service and has specialised in this field since 2016. He works with companies from early-stage innovators to established corporates, helping them identify, evidence, and secure R&D tax relief while embedding processes to safeguard future claims.
He has delivered substantial claim portfolios, guided clients through complex HMRC enquiries, and built high-performing technical teams. His experience particularly spans software, biotechnology, engineering, manufacturing and construction, giving him the breadth to advise across diverse innovation challenges.
Clients value his ability to combine deep technical knowledge of R&D legislation with a strategic outlook. He focuses on preparing robust claims that can withstand HMRC scrutiny and advising on R&D tax planning so that businesses can approach R&D incentives with confidence and align them to their long-term growth objectives.
Alan Sanders
Director, Audit
Alan brings over 15 years of audit and assurance expertise within accountancy practice, complemented by two years as an in-house financial controller. His experience spans working with clients locally, nationally, and internationally, giving him a broad perspective on diverse business challenges.
Specialising in audits of owner-managed businesses, grant audits, and other assurance engagements, Alan also leads on accountancy firm audits. His sector knowledge is extensive, covering accountancy, leisure and tourism, manufacturing, retail, law firms, charities, wholesale, credit unions, motor franchises, food and drink, and construction.
Alan’s approach is pragmatic and client-focused, ensuring audits deliver value, clarity and confidence. He is passionate about helping owners secure the futures of their businesses through the active management of risk by utilising insights gained through audit and assurance engagements. He also combines this approach with his network of industry experts. He thrives on building strong relationships and helping organisations navigate complex financial landscapes with assurance and insight.
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