Innovation has generally been recognised as essential for value creation, both for individual companies and for the UK economy as a whole.
The development of new ideas, processes and technologies and their flow across different sectors is a significant driver of economic growth and productivity.
Recently, innovation has also been identified as crucial to the transition of the economy away from fossil fuels and carbon-intensive business activities.
Many factors affect whether and how businesses innovate. For example, the availability of skills and capital and government policy measures such as tax incentives.
However, none are more important than the company’s own culture, capabilities and internal systems – all of which are aspects of its governance.
Unless companies are governed in a way that is conducive to innovation, they are unlikely to be in a position to take advantage of new opportunities.
Research and Development (R&D) tax credits are a government incentive designed to encourage innovation across multiple industries.
This is an opportunity for you to reduce your corporation tax bill or receive a refund from HMRC-based on the number of working hours and relevant costs your business dedicates to R&D.
Under the scheme, SMEs can claim back up to 33 per cent of the costs associated with R&D.
Please talk to us about R&D tax credits and long-term finance. Our independent experts have many years of experience and success in advising businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Matthew McConnell
Partner, Kudos Accountants