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PKF Smith Cooper has announced the appointment of Felix Key, a technical R&D specialist, in a newly-created role as research and development tax director, as the firm continues to invest in its specialist tax capabilities.
Key, who will be based at the firm’s Midlands office, will help clients claim the tax relief they are entitled to through the government’s R&D tax credit scheme, using his technical knowledge and experience to make the claims process “more robust”.
Prior to his appointment, Key worked as a technical lead for a tax consultancy firm and managed the delivery of R&D claims for both SMEs and large corporate clients.
His career began in commercial engineering, which is where he first learned the value of innovation incentives in fuelling business growth, and that he could use his technical capabilities to deliver solutions to claimants.
Key said: “I have seen first-hand how R&D tax credits can be a funding lifeline for eligible businesses, giving them a financial safety net to further invest and engage in innovation.
“HMRC is now committing to open compliance checks on 20% of all R&D claims, but this should not deter organisations from accessing the tax relief they are entitled to.”
He added: “I am looking forward to using my skills, experience and technical background to help PKF Smith Cooper clients make the most of these innovation incentives.”
In July 2022, PKF Smith Cooper promoted four team members to tax partners, and since then, has invested heavily in its tax division, with new hires and further promotions growing the company’s specialist expertise and reputation across the Midlands.
Gary Devonshire, tax partner and head of innovation and property taxes at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “We have really focused on growing the specialist R&D expertise within our tax division over the past couple of years to make sure our clients have access to the highest quality support and an all-encompassing service that covers all their tax needs.
“Felix is a significant addition to our growing R&D team. His technical understanding of the composition of R&D claims is second to none as is his ability to navigate any enquiry process with HMRC using his technical background. The recruitment of Felix will make the claims process more efficient for our clients and contacts.”
