How to claim R&D tax credits

Will is a senior leader within our Consulting team, focused on operational excellence, revenue enablement, and driving cross-functional alignment. With over a decade of experience in the innovation funding sector, he has worked alongside some of the UK’s most forward-thinking founders and executives across digital, clean-tech, medical, and manufacturing industries – supporting the successful delivery of over £100 million in funding.

A Chartered Manager and certified Change Management Practitioner, Will brings deep expertise in internal operational improvement, specialising in scaling teams, evolving product offerings, and enhancing client value. His approach centres on creating high-performing, data-informed teams and fostering cultures where innovation and performance thrive together.

Before joining Kene, Will led the Grants function at tax service and software provider within its EAP Innovation Funding practice, where he was responsible for service delivery, product development, and organisational transformation.

Whether he’s advising clients on funding strategy or building internal capabilities, Will is passionate about unlocking the potential of people and data, combining commercial insight with a strong understanding of the UK’s innovation landscape to deliver measurable impact.

Claire leads the Client Success Team, working closely with clients to help them access funding opportunities through grants, R&D tax relief and Patent Box. She is also focused on building processes that enhance the client experience, ensuring compliance with HMRC’s evolving legislation and safeguarding client success in an increasingly regulated landscape.

With over 17 years of experience in customer-facing roles across finance, automotive and tech sectors, Claire has a proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and improving operational efficiencies. As an experienced project manager, she has successfully designed and implemented strategic process improvements that enhance customer engagement. Before joining us, she spent two years delivering compliant R&D claims at a R&D tax and grants specialist – expertise she now brings to Kene to help develop out our Client Success function further.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys music, seaside walks and discovering new food experiences with friends and family. A passionate traveller, she has already visited five of the Seven Wonders of the World and hopes to tick off the final two soon.

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Claire is a chemist with a strong background in synthetic chemistry, biotechnology, and research funding. She began her career as a synthetic chemist at a contract research organisation, delivering custom synthesis projects for pharmaceutical clients. Following this, she returned to academia to pursue a PhD, and later worked as a post-doctoral researcher on projects involving enzyme evolution and biocatalysis.

During her time in research, Claire contributed to the FP7-funded SUPRABIO project, exploring innovative biorefinery concepts. She later transitioned into research project management, leading the IBCarb network – a UK-wide glycoscience initiative promoting collaboration between academia and industry. In this role, she was responsible for applying for and awarding research funding, successfully securing several grants including CarboMet, an EU Coordination and Support Action under Horizon 2020 FET-OPEN.

Now as Grants Lead at Kene, Claire supports SMEs in securing national and European R&D grant funding, including schemes such as Innovate UK, Defra, DSIT, DESNZ, EIC Accelerator, CBE JU, Horizon Europe, and Eurostars. She is PRINCE2 qualified and specialises in guiding clients through all stages of the grants process, with a particular focus on the chemical, pharmaceutical, bioeconomy, and materials sectors. Claire also contributed to the AgriChemWhey BBI JU Flagship project, further deepening her expertise in bio-based innovation.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys cycling, climbing, and gardening, where she’s recently taken up the challenge of growing her own veggies!

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Laura is an experienced marketing strategist with over 13 years of expertise spanning media, agencies and in-house roles. As Head of Marketing, she leads the company’s marketing and brand strategy, driving growth, innovation and engagement across all channels.

Since joining us in 2020, Laura has played a pivotal role in building and scaling the marketing function, spearheading a major brand refresh, launching a new lead-generation-focused website, and implementing high-performing multi-channel campaigns. Under her leadership, marketing has contributed significantly to revenue growth and strengthened Kene’s positioning as a trusted SME partner.

With a Master’s in Marketing (MSc) and ongoing pursuit of CIM Chartership, Laura combines strategic vision with data-driven decision making. She is passionate about brand storytelling, customer insights and optimising marketing efficiency through automation and AI.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys ballet lessons, scenic walks around Surrey and keeping up with her toddler.

Ella is responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations, ensuring seamless alignment between people, legal and system processes to support the company's strategic goals. She provides clear direction and leadership, driving high performance within the operations team while liaising with key stakeholders across the business to ensure operational efficiency.

With a 2:1 in History with Spanish from UCL and over 15 years of experience in financial services, Ella has a deep understanding of operational strategy within both the public and private sectors. Her expertise includes client relationship management, regulatory compliance and process optimisation.

One of Ella’s most significant achievements was transitioning key institutional clients onto a new technology platform with revised commercial terms. Having built strong relationships with major clients over the years, she ensured a smooth transition while meeting their specific needs behind the scenes. More recently, she has led the review and drafting of Kene’s legal documents, ensuring they provide transparency for clients while offering essential protections for the business. This project has allowed her to gain deeper insights into Kene’s products and services, making it one of the most rewarding aspects of her role.

Outside of work, Ella is a proud mum to an energetic and cheerful five-year-old. She loves spending time with family, exploring new places, and being by the sea – the beach is her ultimate happy place.

As a Business Development Manager, Tom plays a key role in leading and mentoring a team of business development consultants and associates. He ensures that revenue targets are exceeded while fostering a positive and collaborative culture. Working closely with the Head of Business Development and other departments – including marketing, consulting and operations – Tom helps align strategies with annual goals and objectives.

With over a decade of experience in sales and account management, Tom began his career in the health and fitness industry in New Zealand before returning to the UK, where he worked across both leisure and corporate travel. Since joining us in 2021, he has helped high-profile clients maximise their R&D funding opportunities. From supporting Ogi Fibre in enhancing their claims process to working with Castore, the UK’s fastest-growing retailer, Tom is passionate about helping businesses innovate and grow.

A dedicated endurance athlete, Tom has completed two Ironman races and over ten marathons. He thrives on working towards ambitious goals, whether in sport or business, and finds that the discipline of training helps him stay focused and present for both colleagues and clients.

Fun fact: Tom is in the top 1% of Monzo users at the café next to the office – proof of his unwavering commitment to good coffee!

Ross graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2017 with a degree in Business and Marketing Management. Prior to working at Kene Partners, he previously worked in the golf travel industry as a Senior Sales Consultant, looking after a mixture of corporate and private clients, sending them all over Europe.

Since joining Kene Partners in 2021, Ross has built a varied portfolio across the engineering, manufacturing, construction, marine, automotive and healthcare industries. Having grown up in the Midlands, he is extremely passionate about supporting innovative forward-thinking businesses in the area.

Outside of work, Ross enjoys spending time with his family, walking in the Peak District, supporting Liverpool FC and playing golf when the British weather permits.

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Arwyn leads a sub-team within the consulting team, managing a portfolio of clients, accountant relationships and new business generation. He also contributes to R&D tax strategy alongside senior leadership.

With an MSc in Chemistry from the University of Bath and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London, Arwyn has four years of R&D tax experience and a background in chemical engineering. His expertise includes construction, civil engineering and materials science.

He is particularly proud of his work with Engcon Construction, successfully defending an HMRC enquiry, and helping Electroglass optimise its R&D claims.

A dedicated sports fan, Arwyn enjoys football, rugby and grassroots matches. He’s also a keen runner and podcast listener. One standout fact? He was a 12lb newborn!

Having started out at one of the Big Four accountancy practices for several years, Fergus has extensive experience with R&D tax claims. His focus is on the financial side of claim preparation, obtaining and calculating all relevant expenditure to ensure these are accurately captured in each client report before submission.

As our finance guru, Fergus also provides financial training to the rest of the team and supports our internal finance operations. He has efficiently optimised our internal structure to ensure benefit payments are instantaneous.

When not working, Fergus enjoys long walks in the country and exploring different cities.

Vish plays a key role in the end-to-end delivery of R&D tax claims, leading a sub-team within the consulting division and contributing to strategic projects that drive efficiency and process improvements. He also develops and delivers training plans for the consulting team, ensuring best practices in R&D tax claim preparation.

With an MEng in Materials Science and Engineering from Imperial College London, Vishnu is ATT qualified and working towards CTA and ADIT certifications. He has seven years of experience in R&D tax, covering sectors including engineering, construction, software, financial services and renewable energy.

He takes pride in helping clients navigate complex R&D legislation, streamlining their processes and structuring their businesses to keep innovation at the forefront. Some of his most rewarding work has been with companies that reinvest R&D tax benefits to drive further innovation.

Outside of work, Vish enjoys watching football and cricket and is an avid reader.

As R&D Technical Manager and Compliance Manager, Oliver leads HMRC dispute resolution, ensuring that clients navigate tax enquiries successfully. He also oversees internal training and quality assurance to maintain the highest standards across the business. With over eight years of experience in R&D consultancy, he has a deep understanding of R&D tax legislation, particularly in software-related claims.

Oliver’s academic credentials are extensive: he holds a BA in English and French, a Master’s in English and Creative Writing from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in English Literature from the University of Cambridge. His analytical background and structured approach enable him to dissect complex legislation and advocate effectively for clients in dispute cases. He is particularly proud of achieving successful Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) outcomes for businesses facing HMRC challenges.

Beyond work, Oliver is working to complete his PhD and volunteers weekly for a youth charity in Camberwell, supporting local initiatives that empower young people.

Adam Kene founded Kene in 2017 with a clear vision: to help businesses unlock funding and drive innovation. With over a decade of experience in R&D funding, Adam is passionate about simplifying complex processes, fostering client success and ensuring that the company remains ethical, approachable and results-driven. His leadership is defined by a commitment to sustainable growth, collaboration and delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and partners alike.

A graduate of Cardiff University with a BSc in Economics, Adam’s career has exposed him to a fascinating array of industries. From ambitious infrastructure projects like HS2, Crossrail and Battersea Power Station to sustainability-focused innovations such as biodegradable food packaging and ocean-plastic t-shirts, Adam thrives on finding creative solutions to complex challenges.

Outside of work, Adam leads a vibrant life in Suffolk as a proud dad, husband and part-time farmer. When he’s not tending to his flock of chickens or coaching rowing, he can be found racing Caterhams, motorcycling, or balancing the tranquility of rural life with the excitement of steering a rapidly growing business.

Fun fact: Kene's sister company, Konnect, was born from a serendipitous meeting with the Governor of Kazakhstan at the World Economic Forum in Davos—a testament to Adam’s entrepreneurial spirit and global outlook.

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As COO of Kene, Sage plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company’s vision. Collaborating closely with the CEO and Board, she translates strategic goals into actionable initiatives that drive growth and success. Sage is the engine behind the day-to-day operations, ensuring processes run smoothly, costs are managed effectively, and the organization remains focused, controlled and stable as it grows.

With qualifications as a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and expertise in corporate, international and R&D tax, Sage’s career is built on delivering exceptional results. She’s proud to have worked with clients who, through government incentives, have developed groundbreaking products, driven technological advancements and supported the UK economy by attracting top talent. Internally, Sage leads Kene’s operational and consulting teams to create a culture of high performance, productivity and shared values.

Outside of work, Sage enjoys the simplicity of outdoor life—running, walking and spending time with her family. A fan of historical fiction and dining out in London, she balances her love for the outdoors with moments of city indulgence.

Fun fact: Sage is also a trained personal trainer, adding another layer to her dynamic and driven personality.

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As CFO of Kene, Gemma is at the helm of the company’s financial strategy, planning and operations. She works closely with the Board and Leadership Team to ensure financial performance aligns seamlessly with business objectives and supports sustainable growth. Gemma’s expertise lies in maintaining robust financial controls, delivering accurate reporting, and implementing key financial metrics to drive informed decisions and operational efficiency.

A first-class graduate in Financial Economics from the University of Kent, Gemma qualified as a chartered accountant in 2015. With a decade of experience in accounting practice, she’s worked with clients ranging from ambitious startups to established enterprises across diverse industries. Her background as an auditor has sharpened her attention to detail and reinforced her commitment to transparent financial reporting.

Gemma takes pride in building and developing high-performing finance teams that thrive in fast-paced, growing businesses. Her connection with Kene runs deep, having first worked with the company as their external accountant before joining as a full-time team member—a move she’s delighted to have made.

Outside of work, Gemma is a proud mum to two young daughters who keep her and her husband on their toes! As a family, they enjoy holidays to sunny beaches or trips up North to visit loved ones in cooler climates.

Andy leads the Consulting Team, driving revenue delivery, ensuring high standards of expertise and fostering a progressive culture. He is committed to developing future leaders within the company.

With an LLB in Law from the University of Nottingham, ATT qualification, and 15 years of combined experience in legal insurance and R&D tax, Andy specialises in construction, aerospace, HVAC and software.

He is particularly proud of his work with Glasswall Solutions, an SME that has successfully expanded into international markets with the support of R&D tax incentives.

Outside of work, Andy enjoys being a dad, husband and dog walker. He also loves building, gardening, reading and enjoying a pint by the sea. A fun fact – he once made it to the world Perudo Championship Finals, only to lose to his own cousin and brother.