There are many misconceptions about Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief, which can create confusion about who is eligible and what activities qualify. The scheme is designed to support businesses that address genuine scientific or technological uncertainty, but myths often make it difficult to understand the boundaries of eligibility.

R&D Tax Relief remains one of the most powerful ways for UK businesses to reclaim part of their innovation costs, but many SMEs struggle with one question: what actually qualifies?

Winning a grant is an exciting milestone, but it’s not the end of the journey, it’s the beginning of a new responsibility. Once funding is awarded, funders expect clear evidence that their money is being spent responsibly and that the promised outcomes are being delivered. Many organisations focus heavily on the application stage but underestimate the importance of post-award compliance.

In the startup world, funding is often synonymous with equity. Founders are conditioned to chase investors, prepare pitch decks, and give up shares to keep moving forward. But for many early-stage startups, this can come too soon and cost too much. What if there was a way to fund development, validate ideas, and gain credibility without parting with equity or rushing into a round? That’s exactly what innovation grants offer.

Collaborative grants open the door to larger, more ambitious innovation projects. But to succeed, funders want more than a good idea – they want the right team to deliver it. Strong consortia bring together diverse expertise, reduce risk, and demonstrate the project’s real-world impact. Whether you're an SME, academic institution, or R&D leader, knowing how to build and present a well-structured consortium can significantly boost your funding success.

While construction and engineering are typically seen as practical, hands-on sectors, they are also rich with technical innovation. Often, businesses in these sectors are unsure how to assess whether their projects meet HMRC’s eligibility criteria.