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Accountancy and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper has announced the appointment of Piers Pye-Watson to the new role of R&D tax manager, as the firm grows its R&D services and expands its specialist tax division.
Pye-Watson joins the firm with 12 years of experience in tax, with six of those years having been spent specialising in R&D. Prior to PKF, he worked for EY and Nottingham-based business G2 Innovation, where he gained “substantial” knowledge of the Midlands market and experience in helping local SMEs maximise tax relief through R&D.
He has also supported clients in a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, software and agriculture.
The new R&D appointment follows the firm’s onboarding of 14 new employees during 2022, which included a capital allowances consultant and four tax partner promotions.
Pye-Watson said: “I am looking forward to helping the firm’s clients to navigate the complex and changing legislation that surrounds R&D, as well as providing clarity on project eligibility. With R&D policy undergoing a period of significant upheaval, businesses are in need of specialist advice and guidance more than ever before.”
Gary Devonshire, tax advisory partner and head of innovation and property taxes at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “I am thrilled to have Piers join the team and know that he will be a real asset to the firm and our clients. It has been a busy year for the tax division at the firm, as we continue to enhance our service provision with a particular focus on developing our specialisms through the recruitment of industry-leading specialists.
“In the current economic climate, it is vital that SMEs take advantage of the tax relief opportunities available to them and consulting tax specialists from the very start of a project is the most effective way for a business to maximise relief.”
