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Our research

Rocket into 2021 | Part 3

Over 2020, through the Covid crisis, we at GovGrant helped almost one thousand innovative UK companies, and over hundred investors, achieve value and investment returns

Somil Goyal | Investment Lead 3 February 2021

Our research

Rocket into 2021 | Part 2

We at GovGrant have 15 years’ experience of helping innovative UK companies, and their investors, achieve commercial value from innovation. With our Rocket into 2021

Somil Goyal | Investment Lead 22 January 2021

Our research

Rocket into 2021

We all know how hard and volatile 2020 was for the UK economy. UK public equity indices crashed 30% from close to all-time highs over

Somil Goyal | Investment Lead 14 January 2021

HMRC tax and policy

The new cap on the SME R&D tax credit scheme

Further to our blog outlining the impacts of the Finance Bill 2021 we have received an update to the guidance on the new SME cap

Stephanie Taylor | Senior Tax Manager 7 December 2020

Our research

All I want for Christmas is vaccines

The past couple of weeks have been littered with announcement after announcement about vaccines, Pfizer & BioNTech, Moderna, and Oxford University & AstraZeneca. All have

Adam Simmonds | Investment Research Analyst 2 December 2020

Intellectual Property services

Changes in Intellectual Property practices post-Brexit

Brexit? Is that still happening? Well yes, fortunately, or unfortunately (depending on which side of the fence you are on), and, consequently, there are changes

Akshay Thaman | IP & Policy Lead 2 December 2020

R&D tax relief

R&D tax credit calculator – What is it really telling you?

We know that a lot of competitors have a “calculator” on their website or examples of R&D claims. We’ve never felt that this was necessary,

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 19 November 2020

Intellectual Property services

The Patent wake-up call

For the first time ever, HMRC have independently reviewed the Patent Box scheme to understand if it is an effective tool in the government R&D

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 18 November 2020

HMRC tax and policy

Finance Bill 2021 – impact on R&D tax credits

HMRC have recently announced changes to the rules for R&D tax credits for SMEs. The new rules have been designed to target perceived fraudulent claims

Stephanie Taylor | Senior Tax Manager 13 November 2020

R&D tax relief

HMRC report failings in R&D tax credit claims

HMRC recently reported on the outcome of a first-tier tax tribunal case investigation into an R&D tax claim, in the case of Hadee Engineering Co

Stephanie Taylor | Senior Tax Manager 28 October 2020

HMRC tax and policy

Three challenges revealed in this year’s HMRC statistics

Now that I have had some time to digest the recent update from HMRC in respect of the R&D tax credits and Patent Box statistics,

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 6 October 2020

HMRC tax and policy

Latest R&D tax credits and Patent Box statistics are out

The latest Research and Development Tax Credits and Patent Box statistics have been released today by HMRC. It’s encouraging to see a year-on-year increase in

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 30 September 2020

R&D tax relief

When is a disruptor really a distraction?

I am a change agent, always have been. I love to challenge the status quo of our business, with a drive to improve the outcomes

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 22 September 2020

R&D tax relief

Furlough and R&D tax credits: Can you claim relief?

We have had some clarification from HMRC on how companies furloughing staff deal with claims under the SME R&D tax relief or Research and Development

Vanessa Cooper | Tax Director 16 September 2020

Accountants

Inside Accountancy podcast: Targeting tax incentives

As businesses look to recover from this year’s crisis, investment in R&D is a vital step for a sustainable UK economic recovery. In their latest

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 8 September 2020

HMRC tax and policy

The need for regulation in R&D tax advisors

There has been much talk about the regulation surrounding R&D tax advisors and it is a welcome conversation. I would love to work with like-minded

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 7 September 2020

R&D tax relief

Are Scottish businesses missing out when it comes to R&D tax incentives?

In the UK companies are able to claim tax relief for their R&D activity. This government scheme is designed to boost innovation by supporting businesses

Derek Granger 21 August 2020

Intellectual Property services

IP strategy – key to thriving in a post-covid world

As non-essential business begins to reopen after months of non-trading, and those on furlough start to return to work, many companies across the UK are

Akshay Thaman | IP & Policy Lead 15 July 2020

Our people

Covid-19 – business as usual and the new normal

As we pass the milestone of 100 days since lockdown started, it seems like a good time to take stock and reflect on how life

Ruth Hayes | Human Resources Manager 9 July 2020

HMRC tax and policy

HMRC’s hallmarks of Research and Development

In the recent HMRC consultation regarding the R&D tax credit cap for SMEs, they talked about a need to identify and rely on ‘Hallmarks’ of

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 8 July 2020

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant responds to the government launch of the R&D Roadmap

On 1 July 2020 the government released an R&D Roadmap to set out vision to attract global talent, cut unnecessary bureaucracy and cement the UK

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 1 July 2020

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant welcomes the BEIS announcement of R&D budget allocations for 2020 to 2021

It may seem like another era, but the UK budget on was less than 3 months ago. At that time the Chancellor set out his

GovGrant 5 June 2020

HMRC tax and policy

HMRC confirms the State Aid rules for each new Covid-19 loan scheme

GovGrant sits on the Research & Development Consultative Committee (RDCC) to represent UK’s business when it comes to the operational delivery of the R&D tax

Vanessa Cooper | Tax Director 29 May 2020

HMRC tax and policy

When HMRC investigates – what does it tell us about our industry

HMRC recently reported on the outcome of a first tier tax tribunal case investigation into an R&D tax claim.

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 22 May 2020

HMRC tax and policy

Speed of deployment – the measure of success for government support during Covid-19

In his first ever budget the Chancellor was bold and ambitious with his plans but since the 11 March the world and economy have changed beyond

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 15 May 2020

HMRC tax and policy

How will Covid-19 affect the going concern requirements?

Increased risk of material uncertainties In these unprecedented times, the audit of going concern assessments and reporting on material uncertainty related to going concerns are

Vanessa Cooper | Tax Director 11 May 2020

Intellectual Property services

In our hour of need is the UK’s patent process a help or a hindrance?

It is safe to say that the sudden emergence of Covid-19 and its impact has taken the world by surprise. It has brought economies to

Akshay Thaman | IP & Policy Lead 5 May 2020

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant – an active member of the CBI R&D working group

GovGrant – a seat at the table when policy is discussed Over the years our business has grown as a direct response to government initiatives

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 22 April 2020

R&D tax relief

Accelerate cashflow thanks to your R&D

R&D tax credits provide a real financial benefit to UK companies. As part of the UK governments commitment to R&D and innovation, it is one

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 7 April 2020

HMRC tax and policy

New grant funding announced for UK’s innovative businesses

On Friday 3 April the government announced that Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will invest up to £20 million in the funding

Akshay Thaman | IP & Policy Lead 6 April 2020

HMRC tax and policy

HMRC updates on R&D tax relief in the light of Covid-19

GovGrant, like many SMEs, is doing everything we can to share, support and advise UK companies at this time Yesterday we received an email update

Vanessa Cooper | Tax Director 3 April 2020

Our people

Leisure in Lockdown – at least your mind is free to wander

“What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.” The words of welsh poet W H Davies were

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 25 March 2020

HMRC tax and policy

Spring Budget supports R&D tax relief

The chancellor stands firm on the government’s commitment to R&D tax relief. The government have announced sweeping measures to turbocharge the UK economy and commitment

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 11 March 2020

HMRC tax and policy

What does this election mean for innovation in the UK

The golden rule in an office, never talk politics – well sorry, I feel that I need to break that rule! The election manifestos have

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 26 November 2019

Accountants

R&D Tax Credits: doing nothing is not an option

In their latest podcast, Accountancy Age spoke to GovGrant’s CEO, Luke Hamm, about the need for the R&D tax credit programme to be kickstarted in

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 15 October 2019

HMRC tax and policy

Government must do more to support innovation or risk losing our best businesses to competitors

Innovation tax specialist GovGrant comments on the annual HMRC tax credits statistics and says Government needs to demonstrate that it really is pro-business. Commenting before

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 10 October 2019

HMRC tax and policy

Good news in HMRC R&D tax credits report, but new policies needed to boost growth

Commenting on HMRC’s analysis of UK R&D tax credits in its report, published today Luke Hamm, CEO of innovation tax specialist GovGrant, which has helped

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 10 October 2019

Our people

Hertfordshire Business Awards 2019

GovGrant is delighted to be sponsoring the Innovation category at this year’s Hertfordshire Business Awards. This will be our third year sponsoring this category, which

Dominic Bartholdi | Director - Enterprise Clients 4 October 2019

R&D tax relief

Yorkshire firm gets £90,000 boost from tax scheme – and urges others to check if they’re eligible

Hebden Bridge-based Urban Cottage Industries has secured £90,000 under the R&D tax credit scheme. The company is a bespoke manufacturer of high quality, retro and

Dominic Bartholdi | Director - Enterprise Clients 8 July 2019

R&D tax relief

GovGrant urges separation of audit and consultancy in order to embrace contingent fees for consultancy services

The CEO of one of the UK’s leading innovation tax specialists has called for contingent fees to be fully embraced by clients seeking the best

Steve Phillips | Chief Financial Officer 3 July 2019

Our people

Unleashing Opportunities – GovGrant leads the way at SME event

GovGrant collaborated with four other firms aiming to help SMEs maximise their innovation opportunities at a June event in partnership with Business Funding Show. It

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 27 June 2019

R&D tax relief

GovGrant targets agritech and vertical farming to support innovation in food production

GovGrant, the innovation tax specialist that helps businesses secure tax breaks for their R&D and intellectual property, has targeted ‘vertical farming’ for future business development. GovGrant

GovGrant 13 June 2019

Our people

GovGrant’s Charlie Whitehead blogs on a fascinating day with the entrepreneurs of Manchester

Last month I attended Connected Investing held in Manchester University’s Bright Building. The Connected Investing event series is delivered through a partnership between UKBAA (UK Business

GovGrant 13 June 2019

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant CEO Luke Hamm asks whether the government should be upping the pace on its artificial intelligence strategy

The government’s latest Industrial Strategy report on artificial intelligence (AI) delivers some welcome headlines, but I have a nagging feeling that progress in creating a

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 11 June 2019

R&D tax relief

GovGrant urges action on innovation tax credit fraud but to keep the claim process simple

GovGrant CEO Luke Hamm has welcomed HMRC’s (HM Revenue & Customs) decision to crack down on abuse of the R&D tax relief system. GovGrant, which

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 7 June 2019

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant CEO Luke Hamm explores what lessons China’s industrial strategy can offer the UK

Luke Hamm is CEO of GovGrant, a specialist adviser helping companies take advantage of generous government tax incentives for innovation. You can’t keep China out

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 31 May 2019

R&D tax relief

Medtech and biopharma can drive the UK growth agenda and more support should be given

The UK’s biopharma and medtech sector is a world class sector with potential for stellar growth, according to Luke Hamm, CEO of GovGrant, which helps

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 3 May 2019

Our people

GovGrant appoints Bartholdi to spearhead sales and marketing

GovGrant, the innovation tax credits specialist, has appointed Dominic Bartholdi as head of sales. GovGrant, [which is based in St Albans] helps businesses take advantage of

Ruth Hayes | Human Resources Manager 27 March 2019

Our people

GovGrant posts record quarterly trading and says no evidence of Brexit ‘meltdown in SME innovation’

Strong sales uplift following significant increase in claims volumes Brexit having no impact on SME investment in innovation CEO calls for regulation to remove cowboy

GovGrant 7 March 2019

Our people

GovGrant signs up with Insurtech UK

Innovation tax specialist GovGrant is delighted to confirm today that it has been accepted as the research and development/intellectual property partner of Insurtech UK. GovGrant joins

GovGrant 6 March 2019

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant urges Chancellor not to go ‘down under’ for innovation and R&D tax policy ideas

Australian government proposals to restrict tax incentives for R&D and innovation have been delayed following an outcry from business and research groups. The proposals, intended

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 18 February 2019

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant CEO says urgent reform of UK Patent Policy needed

Hacker Young study identifies obtaining more AI patents as key to UK’s future growth System for obtaining patents stacked against SMEs

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 24 January 2019

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant calls for more R&D investment after latest EU stats rank UK at 11, well behind EU competitors

Commenting on the latest R&D figures from Eurostat [Estimates of Research & Development expenditure – 10 January], where the UK ranked 11th among EU member

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 11 January 2019

Our people

Employment Law and Innovation Funding – upcoming Cambridge event

Business financing – cash flow and employees are key assets in every organisation and while the full impact of Brexit on business remains to be

GovGrant 10 January 2019

Accountants

Accountants urged to champion innovation tax credits

Preliminary GovGrant research finds a potential 50% service gap in for UK businesses. Over a third, (38%) of UK accountancy practices may not provide their

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 8 January 2019

R&D tax relief

GovGrant featured in Envirotec Magazine

The government is giving more of a boost than ever before to the UK’s most innovative companies, according to the latest full-year statistics from HMRC.

GovGrant 19 December 2018

Intellectual Property services

GovGrant: Patents should make money for business, not just make people feel good

Luke Hamm, chief executive of innovation tax credit specialist GovGrant, will urge business owners to monetise their intellectual property (IP) and stop treating it like

GovGrant 12 December 2018

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant welcomes new government initiative to help small businesses

Luke Hamm, chief executive of innovation tax specialist GovGrant, has welcomed the government’s announcement that it is to introduce new laws to protect small businesses

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 10 December 2018

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant urges Herts businesses to claim credit for innovation after government announces local industrial strategy

GovGrant, the St Albans-based innovation and R&D tax credits specialist, has welcomed government plans to develop localised industrial strategies, including for Hertfordshire, but has urged

GovGrant 10 December 2018

Our people

GovGrant hands top business award to Ultima

Luke Hamm, CEO of GovGrant was on hand to give the 2018 Thames Valley Business Magazine award for best use of technology and innovation to

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 30 November 2018

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant CFO Steve Phillips reflects on the 2018 Budget and its impact on innovation and R&D

As is usual, politics took centre stage following the 2018 Budget. Labour was under scrutiny after the Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, indicated that, unlike his

Steve Phillips | Chief Financial Officer 9 November 2018

HMRC tax and policy

Webinar: Budget 2018: Has the chancellor delivered on tax and innovation?

Overview Title: Budget 2018: Has the chancellor delivered on tax and innovation? Date: Thursday, November 01, 2018 Time: 09:30 AM Greenwich Mean Time

GovGrant 30 October 2018

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant: Agri-Business a Key Sector for Investment and Active Policymaking

GovGrant, the innovation and R&D tax credits specialist, has welcomed the government’s commitment to the agri-tech sector following the outcome of a government-sponsored roundtable earlier

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 24 October 2018

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant urges boost for productivity and innovation in the October Budget

GovGrant, the innovation and R&D tax specialist, has urged the Chancellor to use the tax system to boost the UK’s army of inventors and innovators

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 23 October 2018

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant joins influential All Party Group for Design and Innovation

GovGrant, the innovation tax incentive specialist, has joined the All Party Design and Innovation Group (APDIG), a parliamentary body made up of MPs and Peers

Clive Flood | Chief Operating Officer 16 October 2018

HMRC tax and policy

Latest Govt stats highlight how SMEs are critical to the health of the nation.

Business powers our economy, even if Boris Johnson colourfully disagrees, and the Chancellor has a chance to underscore the government’s support for business – especially

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 15 October 2018

HMRC tax and policy

Innovation statistics: the government could do better says GovGrant

The Chancellor has announced that Budget day 2018, one of the busiest news days in the financial calendar, will be earlier than expected, on 29

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 1 October 2018

HMRC tax and policy

New government tax stats boost innovative UK businesses

The government is giving more of a boost than ever before to the UK’s most innovative companies, according to the latest full-year statistics from HMRC.

GovGrant 27 September 2018

Accountants

Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme explained

For any bricks and mortar business, one of the most significant investments they can make will be in plant and machinery. The natural temptation is

GovGrant 18 September 2018

Accountants

Webinar: Do you recognise client innovation to maximise their tax benefits?

When it comes to claiming R&D tax relief and offering Patent Box services, are you sure that you are doing enough to maximise your clients’

GovGrant 14 September 2018

Our people

The results are in; Staff survey shows GovGrant employee engagement is on the right track

GovGrant’s annual staff survey has been collated and from the 10 questions posed to the staff, there were some encouraging responses.

Ruth Hayes | Human Resources Manager 7 September 2018

Our people

GovGrant featured in The Business Magazine

Entrepreneurial businesses can capitalise on their innovations by taking advantage of government incentives. R&D tax relief adviser GovGrant’s chief executive officer Luke Hamm tells Tim

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 5 September 2018

Our people

Interview with Luke Hamm, CEO GovGrant

Tell me about your background and how/why you became CEO at GovGrant?

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 4 September 2018

Our people

‘It Pays to Innovate’ workshop hosted by GovGrant

We are delighted to be hosting our second ‘It Pays to Innovate’ workshop with Velocity Growth Hub next week. Seats are limited, but it’s not

GovGrant 30 August 2018

R&D tax relief

GovGrant featured in GTMA Aerospace Executive briefing

Charles Darwin said that ‘it’s not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one that is most responsive to

GovGrant 30 August 2018

R&D tax relief

Not enough insurtechs in FCA Sandbox – Insurance Times feature

This year saw only three insurtechs in the FCA Sandbox out of 29 firms in total.

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 24 August 2018

R&D tax relief

Innovation the key for better business

One of the more heartening aspects of this year’s Federation of Small Business (FSB) innovation survey is that SMEs know they need to innovate, particularly

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 22 August 2018

R&D tax relief

CEO featured in Insurance Times

The insurance industry is missing out on claiming back research and development (R&D) tax.

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 22 August 2018

R&D tax relief

Why SMEs are not accessing R&D tax credits

The Federation of Small Business (FSB) innovation survey stands out like a sore thumb. There are a huge number of SMEs not accessing or not

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 14 August 2018

HMRC tax and policy

GovGrant calls for UK’s innovative businesses to take up Government R&D support

GovGrant, the leading innovation tax relief specialist, has welcomed what the government has described as the ‘biggest increase in public R&D (research and development) funding

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 9 August 2018

R&D tax relief

Most small businesses are innovating

Results from this year’s Federation of Small Business (FSB) innovation survey make for interesting reading.

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 8 August 2018

Accountants

How AI is changing all our lives – even for accountants

The march of artificial intelligence is seemingly unstoppable. An AI-world is viewed with alarm or excitement depending, I suspect on whether the Terminator movies increase

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 31 July 2018

Our people

Steve Phillips – CFO at GovGrant – on life in the world of R&D and Innovation

Q. You’ve had a number of senior roles in private equity-backed businesses, and in private equity, so what was the attraction of joining GovGrant?

Steve Phillips | Chief Financial Officer 30 July 2018

R&D tax relief

GovGrant featured in Insurance Edge

Insurtech is the buzzword in the insurance industry right now, with dozens of UK start-ups all trying out new ideas and often hungry for investment

GovGrant 16 July 2018

Accountants

Breakfast with your local innovation partner

Come and join us for a free breakfast seminar on Tuesday 24th July 2018, in the heart of St Albans.

GovGrant 10 July 2018

Accountants

Who ya gonna call?

We are working more closely than ever with accountants to help businesses secure the grants that are so vital to encourage continued innovation which not

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 3 July 2018

Intellectual Property services

Whose idea was it anyway?

Anyone old enough to remember the BBC comedy series Harry Enfield and Chums may recall the wonderful public information film pastiche sketches which always ended

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 26 June 2018

R&D tax relief

Shine a light on hidden innovation

Hidden innovation needs to be brought out from the shadows and into the spotlight.

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 20 June 2018

Our people

It all adds up for new finance chief

Business innovation funding and tax relief specialist GovGrant has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Ruth Hayes | Human Resources Manager 11 June 2018

R&D tax relief

Industry 4.0 A flashy catchphrase or the next industrial revolution?

The term “Industry 4.0” originates from a project in the high-tech strategy of the German government promoting the computerisation of manufacturing and adopted globally as

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 16 May 2018

HMRC tax and policy

Can the government help fund your manufacturing business?

It is certainly in the best interest of the UK to bolster the manufacturing capabilities of UK companies, especially during turbulent times when international trading

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 15 May 2018

Our people

New boss at innovation specialist GovGrant

The company responsible for securing millions of pounds in Research and Development (R&D) tax credits for small or medium sized businesses (SMEs) has appointed a

Ruth Hayes | Human Resources Manager 26 April 2018

R&D tax relief

There’s a revolution going on way out west

It may be best known for cider and clotted cream, but there is a revolution going on in the South West of the UK with

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 24 April 2018

Our people

GovGrant in Europe’s top 100

Business innovation funding and tax relief specialist GovGrant has been shortlisted for a prestigious global award.

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 17 April 2018

R&D tax relief

R&D tax relief: what, when and how

If you have a company that does a lot of research and development, you will want to look into the R&D tax claims you can

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 3 April 2018

R&D tax relief

R&D tax relief: is it worth the effort?

Getting a tax credit for making your business better and more efficient, or for bringing a new product to light, is a great thing. It

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 27 March 2018

R&D tax relief

R&D spending, European trailblazers and Brexit implications

The new official bulletin on R&D spending statistics makes for fascinating reading from a business point of view. Produced annually by the Office for National

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 22 March 2018

HMRC tax and policy

Green Energy – every business can do it.

It is an essential element of the UK Industrial Strategy to encourage businesses to invest in green energy to ensure, we continue to reduce our

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 20 March 2018

R&D tax relief

What can make claiming a R&D tax credit complicated?

When assessing research and development projects, knowing which ones qualify for R&D tax credits can help you plan your strategy and budget. When spending money

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 13 March 2018

HMRC tax and policy

We have a seat at the table

Last night, GovGrant hosted a dinner at the House of Commons with a number of MPs, industry experts and our clients to discuss how government

Luke Hamm | UK Managing Director 8 March 2018

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