The UK government is pushing hard for a cheaper, faster and greener construction industry. Even so, too many innovative firms aren’t getting the R&D Tax Relief they deserve.
Construction businesses often see themselves as problem-solvers, but not innovators. However, if the work they are doing tackles issues with wider implications for their industry and beyond, they could qualify for R&D Tax Credits. Examples include:
- Overcoming site or conservational issues.
- Developing or using new or “greener” products.
- Improving methods or techniques.
- New energy saving techniques.
- Improving safety
- Innovative logistical problem solving.
- Testing and prototyping.
R&D happens everywhere
These areas can often be overlooked for R&D Tax Credits Claims so if you have been involved in working in any projects dealing with these issues get in touch.
Unusual or difficult environmental or ground conditions - Each site is different and while standard practices are suited to most conditions, there are numerous instances in which a construction company is faced with conditions for which there are no established methods for tackling. They have no choice but to develop new methods and adapt tools and techniques before they can even begin. This can include, but is not limited to, challenges specific to:
- Location
- Logistics and access
- Site restrictions
- Timeframes
Health and Safety - Construction remains a dangerous industry and health and safety measures are continually being updated. As a result companies in the industry have to adapt to comply. This can result, for example, in advances in protective barriers, innovative scaffolding, platforms for safe working and automation of dangerous tasks.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) - Companies pioneering modular building techniques will be faced with a fresh set of challenges that has them delving outside of established industry knowledge, and as a result, their findings are of industry wide significance.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) - Central to the UK construction industry’s future ambitions is the adoption of information rich BIM technologies, process and collaborative behaviours that will unlock new more efficient ways of working at all stages of the project life-cycle.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your business and can help you assess the potential benefits which might be available to you under the R&D Tax Credit regime. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@jjmkconsultants.co.uk