These improvements include the launch of a new Expert Advisory Panel of industry specialists; an expanded reporting channel for agents; and a user-friendly free online tool to help businesses check their eligibility before submitting a R&D claim. Together, these enhancements are designed to support business innovation, improve claim accuracy, and strive to make the system work for everyone.
The newly appointed R&D Expert Advisory Panel brings together six independent experts with real world experience, offering deep sectoral knowledge across manufacturing, technological development, life sciences and AI. Those appointed are:
- Dr. Zahra Jawad - Chief Executive Officer and founder of Creasallis
- Dr. Gareth Jenkins - Vice President of Science & Technology at Quotient Sciences
- Melissa Strange - Chief Financial Officer at EnteroBiotix
- Oliver Stevens - Head of AI and Machine Learning at Becoming
- Dr. Nektaria Efthymiou - Director of Network Platform and Security Research at BT Group
- Prof. Richard Scaife – Until recently, Regional Development Director at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
Jonathan Athow, HMRC’s Director General, Customer Strategy and Tax Design, said:
“HMRC welcomes the advisory panel and their sectoral insight and expertise. Along with the new guidance tool, we are delivering on feedback from agents and businesses, making it easier for genuine innovators to access the support they deserve, while protecting the system from abuse.”
The panel’s role is to enhance the administration of R&D tax relief, advise HMRC of emerging trends, provide sectoral insight, challenge and refine guidance and help shape clearer communications for both businesses and agents. The experts have been selected for their ability to translate complex and technical concepts into practical, balanced and impartial advice, as well as for their experience in navigating multi-faceted industry challenges.
Additionally, HMRC recently launched a new interactive tool on GOV.UK that helps businesses assess whether projects involve genuine R&D activities for tax purposes before submitting a claim for tax relief. This free tool is especially useful for those unfamiliar with the process, offering a simple way to check potential eligibility and reduce the risk of errors. It complements HMRC’s broader efforts to make the claims process more intuitive and reliable.
HMRC encourages businesses making their first R&D claim, or companies with limited experience or knowledge of R&D tax relief, to take advantage of the new online checker. These new service enhancements are designed to help businesses and innovators claim what is due - efficiently, accurately, and securely.
Following feedback from stakeholders, HMRC’s R&D Professional Bodies mailbox is now available to all agents allowing them to report concerns about misleading advice, poor technical knowledge, or potentially dishonest agent behaviour. This is part of HMRC’s broader effort to raise standards and protect claimants from bad practice.
