News Archive

HMRC Processing Times - Update

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Anyone that’s submitted an R&D claim since April will have noticed some considerable delays in the time it is taking HMRC to process - which has affected both SME and RDEC claims.

The delays have been caused by a combination of some recent staff losses and a very high volume of claims received, with the current processing time for SME claims at almost 4 months (well above their 28-day target).

We have many clients that have been waiting significant periods for processing and payment but their frustrations have been heard by HMRC, who are implementing steps to improve their overall service and communication.

As well as recruiting and training more staff, HMRC have introduced a recovery plan to bring SME claims back on track and to tackle the huge backlog of RDEC claims.

Communication has been improved, and (as members of the RDCC - Research and Development Consultative Committee) we are being provided with weekly updates on overall processing times and payment dates for both schemes.

Part of the problem was caused by the large number of claims submitted in April, so HMRC have reviewed their processes and have said they will be implementing changes, to more efficiently manage peaks throughout the year.

We are starting to see a slight improvement already and HMRCs aim is to have all of the processing and payment times (for SME and RDEC claims) back to normal by the 30^th September.

With the implementation of new processes there is hope that these long delays can be avoided in the future and that the 28-day target will be achieved moving forwards.

It’s not much consolation to the clients that have been waiting for such a long time, but there does seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel.

UK Salt Reduction Report

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MIXED PROGRESS FOR NEW SALT TARGETS

The government has released the first report on the amount of salt in our food since targets have been set and, although there have been some huge leaps forward, there is still too much salt in a lot of our food.

Products can be massively affected if you change the ingredients, recipe or process, so it’s no easy task for producers to simply reduce the salt content in their products.

It’s always worth remembering that if you spend time, money or resources when adapting or developing recipes or techniques, you could benefit by making a claim through the R&D scheme.

Milestone for R and D Tax

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We've just heard the great news that we have made a successful claim for our 1,000th client! 

This is fantastic news and shows how far the company has come since it was launched in 2012. Those 1,000 companies have shared over £88 million in R&D Tax Credits and the average claim our customers receive is £50,000.

It's a really super achievement and massive congratulations to Terry and the team - onwards to £100m!

Using specialists to claim your R&D

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I’ve heard of a few companies recently that are offering an R&D service for fixed fees or very small percentages and although you should never be overpaying, there’s a few questions to ask before you sign up.

1. Are they a reputable company and do the company have a track record of successful claims?

2. Could they be putting your business at risk by giving you incorrect advice?

3. Do they fully understand the scheme and are they going to help you understand the rules?

4. Will they help you maximise your claim by including all allowable costs?

5. Are they going to help you support your R&D claim by preparing a detailed technical justification in the format required by HMRC?

6. If HMRC decide to investigate your claim, are you going to be supported through that process? If there is any doubt in your mind it is always a good idea to talk to a specialist. The consultations are free and the advice you receive will equip you to make the best decision for your business.

As with everything – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! 

5 Star Rating for Services

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Alman Consulting achieved a top “5 Star” rating for a recently completed project funded by the Manufacturing Advisory Service.  The client manufactured systems sold as capital equipment into the Business to Business Industrial Sector.

The project was to create demand for the company’s products and identify key decision makers in relevant target areas.  The process analysed existing sales to clarify the best target areas for new business, produced a list of companies to approach, created the appropriate marketing message and contacted those businesses to locate the key personnel.

This was achieved with the added bonus of immediate requirements being identified that led to new orders exceeding £140k.  The comment from the client was that they were “very pleased with what had been delivered” and they expected more business would come as a result of the project.

R&D Tax Claim obtained for Website Designer

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Alman Consulting has succesfully helped a website design company to claim a substantial R & D Tax refund.  Previously the company did not even realise that they did Research and Development.

In addition to the basic website design, they created software products and applications.  These had to run on PC's, laptops, i-Pads and mobile phones and the company needed to do substantial work, at their own risk, to remove the uncertainties of working on these different platforms.

We helped the company by writing the technical justification to support the claim submitted by the clients accountant.

Pro-Active Sales Strategy

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Alman Consulting has just completed a MAS supported Pro-Active Sales and Marketing Strategy project.  The Manufacturing Advisory Service funding enabled the company to undertake this work which was essential to develop the strategy for growth.

The project addressed issues of account segmentation and key account management which enabled the company to ensure retention of existing customers at the same time as finding new customers in the most advantageous target markets.

Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credits

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How would you feel if we gave you a cheque for £43,000?

We help you recognize, identify and quantify your research and development (R&D) activities to complete successful claims, working with your own accountants.  In the last year we have handled in excess of 110 claims and £43,000 was the average financial benefit for each client.  At the outset many clients did not appreciate that their development work or process improvements qualified.  They do now!

Our team covers the UK, our success rate is 100% and there is no cost to you if a claim fails for any reason.