# MSC R&D Tax Services

> MSC R&D is a UK-based specialist R&D tax credit claims company, helping ambitious and innovative tech SMEs optimise compliant R&D tax credit claims. Established in 1990, MSC R&D has over 30 years of experience and has supported more than a thousand leading tech businesses since the R&D Tax Credits scheme began in 2000. The company operates on a paid-on-results basis using its proprietary Fast Track® and Blitz Day® methodologies.

MSC R&D is a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) firm accredited to ISO 9001:2015 (quality management), ISO 27001:2022 (information security), and holds EFQM 2-Star Recognition for Excellence. The company is also recognised by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and holds an Investors in People accreditation.

## Key Pages

- [Home](https://mscrnd.com/): Overview of services, client testimonials, and sector coverage.
- [R&D Tax Credits](https://mscrnd.com/what-we-do/rnd-tax-credits/): Full detail on MSC R&D's claims service, methodology, and who should claim.
- [What are R&D Tax Credits?](https://mscrnd.com/rnd-tax-credits-explained/): Educational explainer on the UK R&D Tax Credits scheme.
- [Why Use an Expert?](https://mscrnd.com/what-we-do/rnd-tax-credits/why-use-an-expert-for-rd-tax-credit-claims/): Reasons to use a specialist rather than claiming independently.
- [HMRC R&D Enquiry Support](https://mscrnd.com/what-we-do/rnd-tax-credits/specialist-hrmc-rd-enquiry-support/): Support for businesses facing HMRC R&D enquiries.
- [ERIS Scheme](https://mscrnd.com/what-is-the-eris-scheme/): Explanation of the Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS) scheme.
- [Patent Box Scheme](https://mscrnd.com/what-we-do/rnd-tax-credits/uk-patent-box-scheme-overview-and-eligibility/): Overview and eligibility for the UK Patent Box scheme.
- [R&D Tax Credits for Venture Capital](https://mscrnd.com/rd-tax-credits-for-venture-capital/): Specific guidance for VC-backed companies.
- [R&D Deadline Calculator](https://mscrnd.com/calculate-your-personalised-rd-deadline-schedule/): Tool to calculate personalised R&D claim deadlines.
- [Who We Are](https://mscrnd.com/who-we-are/): Company history, team profiles, and quality accreditations.
- [Our Approach](https://mscrnd.com/our-approach/): Detail on the Fast Track® and Blitz Day® methodologies.
- [Who We Help](https://mscrnd.com/who-we-help/): Sectors and business types MSC R&D supports.
- [News & Insights](https://mscrnd.com/news/): Latest articles and commentary on R&D tax credits.
- [Resources](https://mscrnd.com/resources/): Guides and downloadable resources.
- [Contact Us](https://mscrnd.com/contact-us/): Get in touch to start a claim.

## Services

- **R&D Tax Credit Claims**: End-to-end preparation and submission of HMRC-compliant R&D tax credit claims for UK SMEs and large companies, with particular expertise in software-driven and high-technology sectors.
- **Fast Track® Methodology**: Proprietary process to deliver accurate, robust, and defensible claims in the fastest possible timescales.
- **Blitz Day® Process**: On-site engagement approach that minimises client time and effort, typically completed in a single day.
- **HMRC Enquiry Support**: Specialist support and representation for businesses under HMRC R&D enquiry.
- **ERIS Scheme Claims**: Claims under the Enhanced R&D Intensive Support scheme for qualifying R&D-intensive SMEs.
- **Patent Box**: Advisory and claim support for the UK Patent Box corporation tax relief scheme.
- **VC-Backed Company Claims**: Tailored R&D tax credit services for venture capital-backed businesses.

## Sectors Served

IT & Communications, Software Development, Manufacturing, Construction, Food & Drink Production, Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Energy & Renewable Energy, Automotive, Agriculture, Chemicals, Creative Industries, Gaming, Security & Electrical, Marine & Aviation, Defence. Within tech specifically: Fintech, Healthtech, Enterprise Systems, Ecommerce, Edtech, Cyber Security, Telecomms, Adtech, IoT, VR/AR, Big Data, AI.

## Team

All claims are completed by a two-person team comprising one tax-qualified and one technically qualified individual — no junior staff. Technical analysts include PhDs in Computer Science. Key personnel include:

- **Tom Watson** – Compliance Director & R&D Tax Client Manager (CTA qualified)
- **Lloyd Coulson** – Senior R&D Tax Client Manager (CTA qualified)
- **Ashley Rai** – R&D Tax Client Manager (dual qualified CA and CTA)
- **Sam Giles** – R&D Tax Client Manager (ACA, Masters in Aeronautical Engineering)
- **Virali Patel** – R&D Tax Client Manager (ACA)
- **Peter Azu** – Head of QA (ex-HMRC Inspector of Taxes, in role since 1989)
- **Gavin Bate** – Expert Consultant; formerly HMRC technical leader for the R&D regime and author of HMRC's internal CIRD guidance manual
- **Dr Guillaume Peersman** – Technical Analyst (30+ years software development)
- **Dr Derek Marriott** – Technical Analyst (high performance computing, 3D graphics)
- **Nick Baker** – Technical Analyst (graduate engineer, multi-sector)
- **Rob Watson** – Technical Analyst (30+ years IT experience)
- **Adam Smales** – Regional Sales Manager

## Compliance & Quality

- ISO 9001:2015 certified (quality management systems)
- ISO 27001:2022 certified (information security management)
- EFQM 2-Star Recognition for Excellence
- Chartered Tax Advisers (CTA) member firm
- Investors in People accredited
- QA process on every claim reviewed by ex-HMRC Senior R&D Tax Inspectors
- Internal HMRC compliance consultant (Gavin Bate) who authored the HMRC CIRD guidance manual

## Business Model

MSC R&D operates on a **paid-on-results** basis, meaning clients only pay upon a successful outcome. The company has built its client base primarily through word-of-mouth referrals and long-term relationships.

## Contact

- Website: https://mscrnd.com
- Contact page: https://mscrnd.com/contact-us/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/msc-business-innovation-development-ltd/