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RDEC for large companies
Large company R&D tax relief services
We take a proactive, agile approach to R&D tax relief services for large companies, tailored to your organisational structure and information systems. Our expert team flexes and scales to meet even the most complex client requirements.
We are experienced in submitting robust research and development expenditure credit (RDEC) claims, but our services stretch beyond end-to-end claim preparation to bespoke support for enquiries, development of in-house teams, due diligence and advice on international R&D programmes.
The government confirmed in the Autumn Statement 2023 that a merged R&D scheme will be introduced for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024. Find out more.
RDEC claim preparation for large companies
From internal teams and group businesses, to your CCM and external advisers, securing buy-in and demonstrating the benefits of your RDEC claim, we are experienced in engaging with and managing multiple stakeholders. In large businesses, R&D activity often intersects different departments, subsidiaries, sectors and jurisdictions. We take a holistic view, reviewing risks to ensure your R&D tax strategy fits with wider business objectives.
Claiming R&D tax reliefs shouldn’t be a box ticking exercise. We work with you to develop a contemporaneous approach, capturing information to support your ongoing claim preparation. This approach delivers greater insight into your R&D projects in real time, providing visibility on your investment in innovation.
To find out more about how we work with your existing partners, read our KnowledgeBank article How will ForrestBrown work with my accountant to deliver R&D tax relief services?

Changes to R&D claims 2024 & beyond
We take a closer look at specific considerations for larger businesses, groups and multinational enterprises around recent changes to R&D claims.
Success stories
A market-leading FTSE 250 PLC specialising in cyber security
“By taking the time to get to know us, ForrestBrown [has] been incredibly time-efficient. In the past we found our claims rather burdensome, but with ForrestBrown at the helm we’ve been able to crack on with running the business whilst they prepare our submission.”
A specialist construction group
We helped this specialist high-end bespoke construction group claim more than £3m+ in RDEC benefit.
A global branding agency group
“One of the best things about ForrestBrown are their sector specialists. Their in-house engineers were able to really connect with our tech team, and they pointed our areas of R&D that had been completely overlooked by our previous adviser.”
Private equity backed managed cloud services business
“When we spoke to ForrestBrown, the difference was clear. They’re a specialist team who provide an end-to-end service. They’re flexible and proactive, which makes claiming easy. I’d certainly recommend their service to other businesses.”
One of the largest global marketing and advertising agency networks
ForrestBrown helped this business with their RDEC claims resulting in more than £3.7m benefit to the group.
The experts you need to navigate your R&D tax advice
When claiming RDEC for your large business you want the best possible team on your side to efficiently handle complex information, understand the bigger picture and set you up for success.
We assemble a senior team of experts matched to your specific needs. They will then work tirelessly to protect your business and secure the best outcome for you.

Chartered tax advisers and accountants: to oversee your claim and analyse your costs.

Sector specialists: to identify project costs and the full extent of your R&D.

Quality assurance: from a dedicated team including former-HMRC inspectors.

Enquiry support: from lawyers and tax advisers to liaise with HMRC on your behalf.
How much does it cost to claim R&D tax credits with ForrestBrown?
Depending on your specific requirements, our fee can be charged as a percentage of the benefit you receive, as a fixed amount or on a time and materials basis.
It can cover an end-to-end service or a bespoke service to suit your requirements. We’ll always be transparent with you about what assumptions we have built into our fee proposal.
How we work with your advisers
At ForrestBrown, we understand that R&D tax reliefs are just one part in your wider tax strategy. That’s why we work seamlessly alongside your existing business partners, from M&A advisers and investors to legal advisers and accountants. We ensure that you get the best combined technical firepower, acting as an extension of your team. By taking a hands-on approach to your RDEC claim preparation, we free up in-house teams to maintain oversight and ensure compliance with your wider financial strategy.
When working on your RDEC study, claim preparation or consultancy project, ForrestBrown’s approach to working with your accountant is led by you. We prioritise collaboration with your advisers and always focus on the value we can deliver to you, working in harmony with your accountant or HMRC CCM to make sure they have everything they need.
Changes to R&D tax relief from 1 April 2024
SME R&D tax relief and the Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) will be merged for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, although an enhanced rate for R&D intensive SMEs will continue to be available.
The merged scheme moves to a single rate and set of qualifying rules with elements from the existing two schemes, including clarification of subcontracted out and subsidised R&D. Restrictions on overseas R&D also come into force from 1 April 2024.
ForrestBrown’s expert team is on hand to help businesses understand what these changes will mean and what they can do to prepare.
Our latest R&D insights

Speak to us
Get in touch to discuss your unique business needs and find out how we can support you with your RDEC claim preparation.
- Telephone
- 0117 926 9022
- hello@forrestbrown.co.uk