ABGI UK Partners with VFD Pro to Help UK Businesses Unlock the Full Potential of Patent Box and R&D Tax Schemes
While approximately 65,000 businesses currently claim R&D Tax Relief, this is a significant drop from over 90,000 in 2021–2022, as HMRC tightens its scrutiny. However, only 1,600 businesses claim under the Patent Box scheme, despite it being a technically more attractive incentive.
Surely, with at least 65,000 businesses engaged in R&D activity, many more than 1,600 are producing saleable, patentable IP… Yet, many accountants, the first port of call for most business owners seeking tax advice, are unaware of the Patent Box scheme. It’s simply not on their radar. But it should be.
Why? The total benefit to those 1,600 Patent Box claimants was a staggering £1.47 billion. While 94% of this was claimed by large businesses (making up 25% of claimants), the remaining 6%, £88.2 million, was shared among just 1,200 SMEs. That’s an average of £73,500 per SME, per year in tax savings.
A Smarter Approach: ABGI UK Partners with VFD Pro
ABGI UK, one of the UK’s leading innovation funding specialists, has partnered with financial analysis experts VFD Pro to deliver a smarter way for accountants and UK businesses to identify and benefit from these valuable financial incentives.
The partnership has resulted in the creation of a unique IP Strategy Exception Report and related financial modelling tools, which automatically identifies businesses engaged in R&D-related activity and potentially qualifying for R&D Tax or Patent Box benefits.
This enables accountants and advisers to highlight and discuss the opportunity with their business owner clients.
Why ABGI Developed This Solution
Despite the availability of generous incentives for innovation, many qualifying businesses remain unaware or poorly advised.
“We’ve seen first-hand how many UK businesses miss out on substantial sums of money, simply because no one has flagged the opportunity, we wanted to change that.”
Jean McCarthy, Innovation Funding Specialist ABGI UK
ABGI partnered with VFD Pro to create a tool that seamlessly analyses accounting software, helping accountants and CFOs identify R&D activity and easily start conversations around IP strategy and the benefits of the Patent Box or R&D Tax Schemes.
From Financial Data to Funding Opportunity
The IP Strategy Exception Report and Related Financial Modelling exploits VFD Pro’s advanced analytics to highlight key financial indicators showing:
- Qualifying R&D activity
- Potential eligibility for the Patent Box and R&D Tax schemes
- Opportunities to leverage IP strategy for competitive advantage
The result is a clear, actionable set of reports and growth models helping businesses and advisers understand what’s possible, and how to significantly improve cash flow.
Partnership in Action
- ABGI UK brings deep expertise in R&D claims, Patent Box, and innovation strategy.
- VFD Pro provides powerful data analysis and opportunity flagging, integrated within its forecasting, reporting, and advisory tools.
Together, they bridge the gap between accounting data and innovation funding, helping advisers move from reactive to proactive support.
“The combination of real-time financial data with our specialist advisory process means more businesses will access the support they need — when they need it.”
Chris Barker, Innovation Funding Specialist ABGI UK
For UK Businesses and Their Advisers
With the Exception Reporting and Related Financial Modelling, accountants and business owners can now:
- Automatically identify R&D spending trends
- Spot early indicators of Patent Box eligibility
- Receive clear next steps and expert guidance
These insights can drive strategic decisions, from cash flow planning and reinvestment to exit strategies and enhanced business valuations.
Accountant, CFO, or Business Owner? Don’t Miss Out
ABGI UK is inviting accounting firms and UK SMEs to join the rollout and ensure that no opportunities are missed.
To register interest or request a demonstration, click here to contact the ABGI UK team.
About ABGI UK
ABGI UK is part of the global ABGI Group, operating in 19 countries and managing over £1.7 billion in innovation funding. ABGI supports UK businesses of all sizes to access R&D Tax Relief, Patent Box, capital allowances, and innovation grants — helping them fund growth through government-backed incentives.
About VFD Pro
VFD Pro helps accountants and business owners achieve better financial outcomes through interactive analysis, planning, forecasting, and reporting — enhancing financial management and delivering stronger results.
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