Protecting your R&D tax claims

If your business is selected for a compliance check, the process can be complex, time-consuming, and potentially costly without the right support. That’s where we come in. Our Enhanced Compliance Cover ensures your R&D claim is not only compliant but confidently defended – giving you peace of mind and the best chance of a successful outcome.

Why compliance support for R&D tax credit claims matters

The R&D tax incentive is a valuable relief that rewards businesses investing in innovation. However, HMRC is increasing its scrutiny of claims, with compliance checks rising from 4% in 2017 to around 20% in 2024. Ensuring your claim is robust and defensible has never been more important.If your business undergoes a compliance check, it can lead to delays, partial revaluations, or even full rejections of your claim. In some cases, penalties may be imposed if HMRC believes reasonable care was not taken in preparing the claim. Without expert guidance, this process can be stressful, time-consuming and costly.

What is a HMRC compliance check?

An HMRC compliance check is a review process where HMRC examines an R&D tax relief claim to ensure its accuracy and legitimacy. These checks can be initiated randomly or based on specific risk factors identified by HMRC. 

They typically involve requests for additional information, documentation, or clarifications about the claimed expenditure and qualifying R&D activities. The aim is to prevent fraudulent or incorrect claims while maintaining the integrity of the incentive scheme.

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What are the outcomes of a HMRC compliance check?

Depending on HMRC’s findings, the possible outcomes of a compliance check include:

Acceptance in full

HMRC agrees with the original claim and approves it without changes.

Partial revaluation

A portion of the claim is disallowed, reducing the benefit received.

Rejection

The entire claim is denied

Penalties

If HMRC determines that a claim was deliberately inaccurate or lacked reasonable care, penalties may be applied.

Appeals and dispute resolution

Businesses have the right to challenge HMRC’s decision through an appeal or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.

Our Enhanced Compliance Cover

Our Enhance Compliance Cover provides expert support throughout the compliance check process, ensuring that your business can navigate HMRC’s queries with confidence. With a proactive approach and technical expertise, we help you achieve the best possible outcome.

What we do
01
Full support during compliance checks

From mandatory random enquiries to risk-based reviews, we manage every aspect of your claim review.

02
Mitigation of financial risk

We work to secure the maximum benefit while reducing the risk of penalties or claim rejection.

03
Expert defence for your claim

Our experienced team engages directly with HMRC, providing detailed responses to their queries.

04
Successful track record

We have helped businesses recover millions in claim benefits with a 100% success rate in Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADRs).

How our process works

01
Assessment & strategy
We analyse the nature of the compliance check and develop a tailored response.
02
HMRC engagement
Our team liaises with HMRC, managing all correspondence and defending your claim.
03
Resolution & outcome
We work towards securing a positive resolution, whether through acceptance, appeal or ADR if needed.

We’re proud to support SMEs through our enhance compliance cover

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Our clients, their success

Each client story highlights the challenges they faced, the tailored solutions we provided, and the exciting results we helped them achieve. What sets us apart is the trust we build and the relationships we nurture. It’s why so many of our clients return to us year after year—to navigate new opportunities, tackle fresh challenges, and continue unlocking their full potential. We hope their journeys inspire you on yours.

construction

Whilst we had complete confidence on the basis of the claim, we faced a long and exhaustive HMRC enquiry. Kene supported us every step of the way, challenging HMRC and ensuring a successful outcome. A big thank you to Kene. Would thoroughly recommend them!

product

Working with Kene has been an outstanding experience. Their Compliance Team is quick to communicate, highly professional and incredibly trustworthy – qualities that are so important in this space. Thanks to their expertise and attention to detail, they secured 100% of our claim benefit. We would wholeheartedly recommend their services to any business looking for a reliable and efficient R&D advisory partner.

product

We regret not coming to Kene sooner and trusting non-specialists on such a complex part of the tax legislation. We’re pleased to know that our future projects will indeed be eligible and help provide a vital cash boost for our business.

manufacturing

We have been so impressed with Kene Partners and the speed in which they put together our claim, without compromising quality. From the initial conversions to collaborating with the team, it was all seamless.

Read the full story here
product

We have already referred a number of our clients to Kene Partners so they can benefit from their expertise and help more businesses benefit from this generous government incentive.

Read the full story here
product

We have already referred a number of our clients to Kene Partners so they can benefit from their expertise and help more businesses benefit from this generous government incentive.

Read the full story here

Meet our compliance team

Client four
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Olly Newman
R&D Technical Manager

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.

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Client four
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Fergus Watson
R&D Tax Manager

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.

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Client four
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Haseeb Malik
R&D Tax Consultant

Haseeb works within the Compliance Team, where he plays a key role in guiding clients through HMRC compliance checks, ensuring claims meet the latest legislative requirements. He is responsible for internal compliance, reviewing in-progress claims and supporting the consulting team with insights gained from Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADRs), teleconferences and compliance checks.

With a BSc in Mathematics with Statistics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science from the University of Manchester, Haseeb has a strong analytical background. He has experience working across a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, engineering and construction, but has a particular passion for supporting software companies in maximising their R&D claims.

Throughout his time at Kene, Haseeb has generated approximately £1 million in company revenue through successful claim submissions. He is particularly proud of his work with Glasswall, Plai and ITEC Systems – all leading software firms – as well as his contributions to numerous successful ADR resolutions within the Compliance Team.

Outside of work, Haseeb enjoys spending time with his family, especially his nephew, and makes the most of his free time by playing video games and meeting up with friends. A keen traveller, he loves visiting countries with rich Islamic history, and as a practising Muslim, he takes great interest in deepening his knowledge of Islam.

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Client four
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Klara Adams
R&D Tax Consultant

Klara project-manages R&D claims across various industries, leveraging her technical background to draft detailed narratives that align with HMRC legislation. She is committed to making R&D tax more accessible for SMEs across the UK.

With a first-class BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Warwick and an MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures from Imperial College London, Klara has nearly three years of experience in R&D tax. Passionate about energy and sustainability, her expertise includes waste processing, electrification and energy infrastructure.

She takes pride in working with Powerday and Willshee’s Waste Recycling, helping them optimise their R&D claims while contributing to landfill reduction. During her studies, she also co-founded the Warwick Women’s Engineering Society to support women in STEM.

A self-proclaimed food enthusiast, gallery explorer and book addict, Klara's current record is reading an astonishing 215 books in one year.

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Client four
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Nathan Glover
R&D Enquiry Associate

Nathan specialises in preparing compliance check responses, leveraging R&D tax legislation, HMRC guidance and case law to support clients through complex audits and appeals. His expertise extends from first-response submissions to late-stage appeals, helping businesses navigate the intricate compliance process. He also plays a crucial role in preparing clients for teleconferences and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), liaising with tribunal litigators and HMRC mediators to advocate for fair and robust outcomes.

Beyond his work on compliance checks, Nathan is responsible for quality assurance across R&D tax claims, ensuring that submissions align with legislation and withstand regulatory scrutiny. He is also a key driver of Kene’s internal technical training programme, helping the team develop a strong understanding of R&D tax legislation and its practical applications.

Nathan holds a BA in History from King’s College London and an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). His analytical background stems from his time as a Research Associate at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (formerly Brookings India) in New Delhi. There, he collaborated on a HarperCollins-published book examining grassroots interventions that have driven social change in India. He later worked at a fintech start-up, Gather Investing, which aimed to democratise access to financial markets.

Passionate about policy, systemic inequalities and global affairs, Nathan takes a keen interest in how legislative frameworks shape business and innovation. His work in R&D tax allows him to support UK businesses in securing vital financial incentives to sustain and expand their research efforts. He is particularly committed to helping businesses navigate the often-challenging HMRC compliance landscape, ensuring that deserving companies can access the tax relief they are entitled to.

Outside of work, Nathan is a sports enthusiast, following football and cricket closely. He is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and an avid fan of the Mumbai Indians. His multicultural background – being half Goan and half Welsh – has given him a global perspective, having lived in Muscat, Paris, Mumbai and various parts of the UK. His love for travel and international affairs continues to shape both his professional and personal interests.

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Enhanced Compliance Cover – FAQs

We know that the R&D Grants Landscape can be dense and daunting, so we answered some of the most frequently asked questions in a clear and simple way below. If you still have a question or want to know more, please contact us, we’d love to hear from you.
How long does an HMRC compliance check take?
Compliance checks can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the claim and the level of detail required by HMRC.
What triggers an HMRC compliance check?
Checks can be triggered randomly or due to inconsistencies in financial reporting, claim size, industry trends, or HMRC’s internal risk assessments.
Can I challenge an HMRC decision?
Yes. If your claim is reduced or rejected, you can appeal the decision, request an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), or escalate the case further.
How can I avoid an HMRC compliance check?
While random checks are unavoidable, ensuring your claim is well-documented, accurate, and aligned with HMRC’s guidelines significantly reduces the risk of targeted reviews.
Will an HMRC enquiry affect future claims?
Not necessarily. If your compliance check is resolved satisfactorily, you can continue claiming R&D tax relief. However, repeated issues or penalties may attract further scrutiny.
How long does it take to receive grant funding in the UK?
The timeline for receiving grant funding can vary. After submitting your application, it may take several weeks to several months for the review process. Once approved, disbursement of funds can take additional time, depending on the grant’s administrative processes. Some grants provide upfront funding, while others may reimburse expenses in arrears after they have been incurred.
What kind of information does HMRC request during a compliance check?
HMRC typically requests technical justifications for the claim, financial records, project details, and evidence of eligible R&D activities. Having this documentation prepared can streamline the process.
Can I still receive R&D tax relief if my claim is under enquiry?
In most cases, payments are paused until the enquiry is resolved. This is why expert guidance is crucial to expedite the process and achieve a favourable outcome.

Contact us

Office location
Drop in and say hello
10 Devonshire Square
London EC2M 4YP
Call us directly
We're always at the other end of the phone
0207 118 8833
Drop us a mail
We aim to answer all emails within 24hrs
info@kene.partners

How do we calculate our fees?

At Kene , our fees reflect the quality of the service we provide. We always want to offer value, and our rates are an honest and competitive reflection of what we do – we apply the same diligence, rigour, and consistency to all our work. But we won’t cut corners or sacrifice client service in order to be that ‘cheap’ R&D consultancy.

As part of our commitment to outstanding service, we invest in our highly skilled and educated team of engineers, sector specialists, chartered tax advisers, and R&D specialists – our fees allow us to maintain that commitment.

Our full-service, end-to-end R&D tax claims are success-based. The fee is charged as a percentage of the claim which we agree upon before any work takes place. This fee covers the full scope of work including technical workshop(s), information gathering, report writing and full support in the event of an enquiry from HMRC. You will also be appointed a dedicated project manager who will be on hand to assist throughout the claims process.

Success-based; only pay if your claim is successful

Dedicated project manager and in-house sector experts

Full support beyond claim submission

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Solution

Find out if you qualify for R&D funding

Discover which UK government incentives your business could qualify for with our quick and easy self-assessment tool. In just a few minutes, you’ll receive a tailored report outlining the funding opportunities available to support your innovation and growth.

R&D tax credits, grants, Patent Box and R&D allowances are all schemes are designed to help ambitious businesses like yours thrive. Don’t leave potential funding untapped—it could be the key to fuelling your next big idea.

 1.   It takes less than 5 minutes
 2.  Answer a few easy questions about your business
 3.  Get a clear idea of your eligibility for R&D incentives

Why should you consider Grant funding?

Grant funding provides a unique opportunity to accelerate your business growth by securing financial support for your innovative projects. Below are our top five reasons why you should consider R&D Grant funding.

Non-repayable funding

In an initial consultation, we’ll determine if your business is eligible for R&D tax credits. We will clarify any legal provisions and seek the necessary financial information to initiate your claim.

Benefit

Before we submit your claim, you’ll see a final version of your comprehensive R&D report. We will handle any HMRC inquiries and provide ongoing support, including record-keeping guidance for future claims.

Benefit

Before we submit your claim, you’ll see a final version of your comprehensive R&D report. We will handle any HMRC inquiries and provide ongoing support, including record-keeping guidance for future claims.

Benefit

Before we submit your claim, you’ll see a final version of your comprehensive R&D report. We will handle any HMRC inquiries and provide ongoing support, including record-keeping guidance for future claims.

Benefit

Before we submit your claim, you’ll see a final version of your comprehensive R&D report. We will handle any HMRC inquiries and provide ongoing support, including record-keeping guidance for future claims.