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Investment in team increased

HAVING identified over £90m of qualifying expenditure in the last two years, business advisors Haines Watts have recently strengthened their specialist Research and Development team, based in Northampton, by recruiting Emma Craig-West as Regional Head of R&D.

Emma has over 20 years’ experience in the tax industry, with the last 10 of those focused on research and development tax incentives within HMRC.

She’ll lead a further strengthened team that now includes Specialist Technical Consultants – Michael Stead, Kevin Povey, Katy Berrill and Steve Cerasale, as well as Navnit Nandhe (Project Coordinator) and Euan Davies and Nikhil Navare (Associates). Key sectors covered by their specialists include construction and property, engineering, manufacturing, IT and sciences.

Stephen Watts, Partner at Haines Watts, said: “The sector specialisms our technical consultants have provide credible coverage in some of the main sectors which have R&D activity, and therefore place us in a position of significant strength in the market. In addition, we’re delighted to have someone with Emma’s background and experience leading our growing team. In doing so, we’re confident we’ll continue to successfully secure significant cash back for businesses which in turn will enable them to reinvest this to help support the growth of their businesses.”

R&D tax credits are a tax relief designed to encourage further R&D spending, leading in turn to greater innovation and wealth creation across the UK.

Many companies fail to realise the work they carry out falls under the umbrella of qualifying R&D, as there’s a common misconception that only those employing people in white coats working in laboratories will qualify.

In reality, the ideas and inspirations that move industries forward have their roots in everyday innovation. For example, in the last year Haines Watts have successfully claimed R&D cash back for construction clients, architects, engineering companies and businesses involved in manufacturing.

As many tax advisors aren’t R&D experts, some companies simply aren’t aware the scheme exists. As a result, the Government has set aside additional investment to help educate small businesses on the merits of a claim.

Emma Craig-West said: “I’m delighted to have joined the Haines Watts team and very much look forward to being part of a proactive business that supports innovation in owner managed businesses, whilst maintaining the highest quality in R&D claims across all sectors.”

If you’d like to arrange a free scoping meeting, contact Emma on 01604 746760 or email her at

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