Collaborative R&D tax support for innovative businesses.
Knight R&D is a specialist R&D tax consultancy that works collaboratively with businesses and their advisers to prepare thorough, well-documented R&D tax claims aligned with current legislation.
Trusted support for complex R&D tax claims.
We exist to bring structure, clarity, and technical understanding R&D tax legislation continues to evolve, creating greater complexity for businesses preparing claims.
Knight R&D works collaboratively with clients and their advisors to support the preparation of clear, well-documented R&D tax claims aligned with current legislation.
We take a structured and hands-on approach, helping businesses navigate the process with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
How we work with you
Our process comprises a series of carefully navigated steps designed to ensure your R&D tax relief claim is robust and thorough in line with legislation.
Tailored to your business
We take the time to understand your business, projects, and ways of working so the claim process reflects your specific circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Collaborative from the outset
We work closely with your teams and existing advisers throughout the process, helping reduce internal time demands while maintaining clear communication at every stage.
Structured and well documented
Our approach is designed to support the preparation of clear, thorough, and well-documented R&D tax claims aligned with current legislation.
Practical and transparent
We believe clients should understand how their claim is prepared, the basis of the information included, and the process followed from start to finish.
Support beyond submission
Where additional clarification or support is required, we can continue working alongside clients and their advisors depending on the agreed scope of engagement.
Client Success Stories
UBIO
Knight R&D has worked with Ubio over multiple years, providing detailed, technically grounded advice to ensure their innovation is properly recognised within the R&D scheme.
Invevo Ltd
Knight R&D partnered with Invevo Ltd to ensure their technological advancements were rigorously analysed and translated into a defensible R&D tax relief submission.
Specialist furniture manufacturer
Following a recommendation from an existing client, the company engaged Knight R&D to undertake a structured “health check” of its historic claims.
What makes us different
Claim Defence as Standard
In addition to defending our own clients’ claims, our diligence in remaining fully conversant with HMRC’s understanding and expectations enables us to also regularly defend claims where we were not involved in the original submission.
Industry Leadership & Experience
Since Knight R&D was founded in 2016, we have continually strengthened as a team of experts with the appropriate technical qualifications, experience and understanding of what companies do to improve their products and processes.
Service Flexibility
Our service is delivered with a high level of flexibility, transparency and efficiency in the realisation that each company has different requirements and business models, to which we adapt our schedule and claim method accordingly.
R&D Guidelines Compliance
We apply a rigorous and detailed analysis of the relevant legislation, the government’s R&D Guidelines, and HMRC’s interpretations as set out in the Corporate Intangibles Research and Development (CIRD) manual.
Maximum Claim Focus
We enable our clients to receive their full entitlement by utilising an exhaustive approach to tax relief submissions which applies the qualifying criteria objectively and robustly, and requires no additional input from the claimant.
Awards and Accreditations
We enable our clients to receive their full entitlement by utilising an exhaustive approach to tax relief submissions which applies the qualifying criteria objectively and robustly, and requires nao additional input from the claimant.
Latest News & Insights
Stay informed and empowered by exploring our Latest News and Insights, where we share practical guidance, regulatory updates and strategic tips to help you make the most of every opportunity.
What’s changed in HMRC’s approach to R&D claims?
Over the past several years, HMRC’s approach to R&D tax relief claims has evolved significantly. While the core UK R&D tax legislation defining qualifying activity remains largely unchanged, the way claims are reviewed, scrutinised, and processed has shifted. For businesses submitting an R&D tax claim, understanding that shift is essential.
4 min read
Distinguishing qualifying engineering from non-qualifying engineering
In the context of UK R&D tax relief, not all engineering activity qualifies. Many technically capable businesses undertake complex projects, apply advanced skills, and solve demanding problems. However, the legislative threshold for R&D is not based on difficulty, commercial importance, or internal effort.
4 min read
Meet Knight R&D
Knight R&D was established with a clear objective: to deliver an R&D tax advisory service defined by technical depth, rigour and transparency. Our founder, Rupert Mayo, spent a decade advising on R&D tax relief within a ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm, having previously trained and worked as a scientist. That combination of technical grounding and tax…
3 min read
Testimonials
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and their success stories highlight the real impact of our R&D Tax Credit expertise. Explore their testimonials to see how our trusted approach has helped clients confidently navigate the claims process and secure the funding they deserve.
Confidence under HMRC scrutiny
They gave us real confidence during HMRC engagement, especially when dealing with more complex technical challenges.
Uncovering hidden value
They identified additional value in our claim that we hadn’t previously recognised.
Capturing complex innovation properly
Their structured and detailed approach ensured our innovation was properly understood and clearly presented.
An extension of the team
Knight R&D felt like a genuine extension of our team. They took ownership of the entire process while keeping us fully informed throughout.
Clarity where it was needed most
They brought clarity to areas where we previously lacked confidence, particularly around the technical and legislative aspects of the claim.
Book Your Consultation
Contact us to arrange an initial no-obligation consultation to find out how Knight can assist with your next claim or add value to your existing claim process.