Switching R&D Advisors

Whether you're not satisfied with your current advisor, facing a HMRC R&D tax relief enquiry, or feel your previous claims haven’t captured all qualifying projects/expenditure – it may be time to switch.

Whatever your reason, we ensure a seamless handover and a more confident future for your claims.

What to Look for in an R&D Tax Relief Partner

Switching isn't just about improving service - it's about reducing risk and increasing claim quality. Here's what matters:

Tax and HMRC Experience

You need a team that understands R&D legislation and HMRC processes in submission and enquiry. Our Head of R&D is a former HMRC inspector, giving us insight into how claims are assessed, and what red flags to avoid.

Trust & compliance (ACCA-regulated):

• Your claim will be compiled and evidenced to stand up to HMRC scrutiny as a primary promise.
• As an ACCA regulated practice, we uphold Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation (PCRT). This imposes a stringent bar in expected professional judgment and due diligence for accountants, particularly in complex areas like R&D tax relief.

Specialist capability:

• Ad Valorem’s premium delivery model protects client outcomes through strong technical narratives and evidence-led claim architecture.
• Your claim will not be passed to junior staff. Our specialist team of R&D Tax Experts, Accountants and Technologists will work on your claim.

Up-to-Date Compliance Knowledge

The rules have changed significantly in recent years. We stay fully aligned with:

• The merged R&D scheme
• Pre-notification requirements
• The Additional Information Form
• HMRC’s updated guidelines and tribunal cases

With recent reforms introducing the new merged RDEC and Enhanced R&D Intensive Support schemes for accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2024, and increased regulatory requirements such as prenotification and the Additional Information Form, it’s more important than ever to work with specialists with in-depth understanding of the changes.

As a member of HMRC’s R&D Communication Forum, Ad Valorem receives insights and updates directly from HMRC. We monitor Tribunal cases to apply current insights and participate in HMRC consultations to stay at the forefront of this fast-moving tax-technical space.With recent reforms introducing the new merged RDEC and Enhanced R&D Intensive Support schemes for accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2024, and increased regulatory requirements such as pre-notification and the Additional Information Form, it’s more important than ever to work with specialists with in-depth understanding of the changes.

Deep Technical Insight Across Sectors

Our team’s experience spans a wide range of industries, including:

• Engineering & manufacturing
• Construction & electronics
• Software & fintech
• Agriculture, biomedical sciences, and more

We speak the language of innovation. From embedded systems to advanced materials, we uncover qualifying R&D activity and ensure it's captured clearly and credibly.

Our specialists are more than tax advisors – they are scientists, software engineers, entrepreneurs and R&D-experienced chartered accountants, who understand innovation from every angle.

Quality Assurance

All claims are subject to a rigorous quality assurance process carried out by our Head of R&D, Suzanne Clements, and our QA and Technical Policy Manager, Lisa Waller.

Bridging Innovation and Compliance

Every claim is carefully prepared to meet both technical and tax requirements. At Ad Valorem, our specialist R&D team combines deep tax technical knowledge with commercial understanding to ensure every claim is robust, clearly presented, fully defensible and compliant.

Switching When HMRC Is Already Asking Questions

If your current advisor isn’t equipped to handle a claim under enquiry, we can step in.

Our team has an outstanding track record in achieving full resolution for our clients.

In 2025, we successfully resolved 29 R&D enquiry cases, protecting £2m in tax benefit for clients and providing a clean slate for future claims.

Our enquiry support service includes:

• A full technical review of your existing claim
• Clear, credible responses to HMRC
• Insight into HMRC’s internal approach

Enquiries are resolved through:

• Detailed correspondence
• Timely and appropriate action
• Caseworker meetings
• Independent Review
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Tribunal listings