R&D Tax Credits by Sector
R&D tax relief is open to any sector, but what counts as an advance looks very different in software than in food science. We match you with a specialist who understands your field, because HMRC challenges most often turn on whether the technical case holds up.
Software and AI
Technical limits in performance, scale, data, security and machine learning.
Read guideManufacturing and engineering
New processes, materials, tooling, automation and prototypes.
Read guideLife sciences and MedTech
Discovery, formulation, diagnostics, devices and trials.
Read guideConstruction
Non-standard structural, geotechnical, services and low-carbon solutions.
Read guideFood and drink
Reformulation, shelf life, processing and packaging science.
Read guideEnergy, cleantech and agritech
Storage, hydrogen, renewables, decarbonisation and farming technology.
Read guideWhich sectors claim the most R&D relief?
Three sectors made three quarters of UK claims in 2024 to 2025: manufacturing (27% of claims), information and communication (27%) and professional, scientific and technical activities (20%), according to HMRC statistics. Together they accounted for 71% of the value claimed. Companies outside these sectors claim too, often for process and product work they do not think of as R&D.
Get matched with a vetted R&D tax specialist
Tell us what you do and roughly what you spend on development. We check the basics, then introduce you to a specialist from our panel whose sector experience fits your work.
- Free to use, with no obligation to appoint anyone
- Introductions only to firms that meet our panel criteria
- Fee terms in writing from the firm before you sign anything
- We flag claim deadlines we can see from your answers
Our matching service is free for businesses. Specialist firms on our panel pay us a fee when we introduce a business to them. That fee does not change the price a firm quotes you, and you are never obliged to appoint anyone we introduce.