Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS) – Maximising Tax Relief for R&D-Focused SMEs

The UK Government introduced Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS) as part of its wider reform of R&D Tax Reliefs, offering additional financial support for the most innovative, R&D-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At FI Group, we specialise in navigating the nuances of this enhanced scheme to ensure companies undertaking substantial R&D receive the highest possible level of support. Backed by our expert consultants, PhD-qualified technical teams, and global presence, we help clients claim with confidence, even under increased HMRC scrutiny.

With a proven low enquiry rate and bespoke claim processes, FI Group is the trusted partner for ambitious businesses seeking to leverage ERIS to fund their innovation roadmap.

 

What Is Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS)?

ERIS is an uplifted version of SME R&D Tax Relief designed for businesses that spend a significant proportion of their expenditure on qualifying R&D activities. From 1 April 2023, this support became available to loss-making SMEs whose R&D intensity exceeds 40% of total expenditure. The threshold will drop to 30% from April 2024, widening eligibility.

Eligibility for R&D Tax Credits in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Determining your eligibility for R&D tax credits is crucial because many companies underestimate their chances of qualifying. We speak to companies every day who assume R&D incentives “don’t apply” to them – in reality, the definition of R&D for tax purposes is broader than you might think.

 

If your business is attempting to overcome scientific or technological challenges, there’s a strong chance you could qualify for a valuable tax reduction or cash credit. By understanding the eligibility criteria and confirming your R&D tax credit eligibility, you ensure your company doesn’t leave money on the table. In a competitive market, this funding can be a game-changer for SMEs and larger enterprises alike, improving cash flow and enabling further innovation.

 

Sector Eligibility for R&D Tax Credits in the UK

R&D Tax Credits are not limited to high-tech or scientific fields. If your business is innovating in any meaningful way, you could qualify. Sectors we commonly support include:

• Manufacturing and engineering

• Software and IT

• Construction and architecture

• Food and beverage

• Pharmaceuticals and life sciences

• Renewable energy and cleantech

• Financial services and fintech

Whatever your industry, FI Group can help assess your eligibility with sector-specific expertise.

R&D Tax Relief Application Process: Everything You Need to Know

 

Navigating the complexities of R&D Tax Credits can be challenging, particularly under the evolving and increasingly scrutinised UK tax landscape. At FI Group, we act as your trusted partner in navigating this landscape, offering a comprehensive and highly tailored R&D Tax Credit service. With a multidisciplinary team that includes PhD-qualified scientists, engineers, and specialist tax professionals, we work across every stage of the claim process; from initial eligibility assessment to HMRC submission and defence.

Our track record is underpinned by a significantly low enquiry rate, reflecting the rigour, accuracy, and compliance of our approach. We don’t just submit claims; we optimise them. Whether you are a scaling SME, a large enterprise, or part of an international group, FI Group ensures your R&D incentives are maximised while reducing risk and administrative burden.

With over 20 years’ experience and operations in more than 20 countries, including offices in England and Scotland, FI Group combines technical insight, tax expertise, and local knowledge to help businesses secure the incentives they deserve.

Understanding VGTR and VGEC: UK Tax Relief for the Video Games Industry

Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR) is a government-backed incentive designed to support the UK’s thriving video games industry. Available to UK-based video games development companies, VGTR enables eligible businesses to claim a significant tax relief or payable credit for qualifying production expenditure. It is part of the UK’s broader Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) framework, which also covers film, animation, and high-end television.

As of 1 April 2024, VGTR is transitioning to the new Video Games Expenditure Credit (VGEC), under the reformed AVEC regime. Existing VGTR claims can still be made for qualifying projects that began before the transition date. The credit now offers a 34% payable credit on 80% of qualifying UK/EEA production spend.

At FI Group, we help studios navigate this evolving landscape, assess eligibility, and optimise their VGTR and VGEC claims. With a strong UK presence and international tax expertise across 43 offices, our team ensures your claim is maximised and fully compliant with HMRC requirements.

As of 1 April 2024, the UK government has introduced a new Merged R&D Tax Relief Scheme, which consolidates the previous SME and RDEC schemes into a single, streamlined credit system. This change aims to simplify the R&D tax landscape, provide consistency across businesses, and target relief towards genuine innovation.

The merged scheme is based primarily on the mechanics of the RDEC (Research and Development Expenditure Credit), applying a 20% taxable credit to qualifying R&D expenditure. It applies to most UK companies undertaking eligible R&D, regardless of their size.

At FI Group, we help businesses navigate this new framework, ensuring they remain compliant and benefit fully from available relief. With expert teams of engineers, scientists, and tax professionals across the UK and in 20 countries worldwide, FI Group provides tailored, strategic R&D claim support.

Win More Contracts with Expert Bid Writing Support

In today’s competitive funding landscape, a well-crafted bid can be the difference between securing innovation funding and missing out. FI Group offers professional Bid Writing Services and Grant Writing Service support to UK businesses looking to enhance the quality, clarity, and competitiveness of their applications for innovation funding.

Our experienced consultants combine technical expertise, commercial insight, and a deep understanding of funding body expectations to craft persuasive and high-quality proposals. Whether you’re applying for Innovate UK grants, EU programmes, or other public sector schemes, FI Group’s bid writers ensure your project stands out.

Why High-Quality Bid Writing Matters

Funding bodies receive thousands of applications each year, but only a small percentage are successful. Poorly structured proposals, unclear innovation narratives, or weak commercial justification can all lead to rejection, even for technically sound projects.

At FI Group, our Grant Writing Services are designed to:

• Increase your scoring against funding criteria
• Clearly demonstrate innovation and commercial viability
• Translate complex technical ideas into accessible language
• Minimise ambiguity and highlight measurable outcomes