The R&D Tax Credit Bi-Annual Brief: What Businesses Need to Know About Risk, Readiness, and Opportunity in 2025
HMRC’s approach to R&D tax credits has shifted significantly in recent years, and in 2025, businesses continue to feel the impact of these changes.
From the introduction of the merged RDEC scheme and mandatory Additional Information Forms (ANFs) to sharper compliance checks and longer review times, claiming R&D relief in 2025 requires more strategy, evidence, and technical confidence than ever before. At the same time, MPA’s own data shows a noticeable trend: some eligible businesses have paused or scaled back claims due to perceived risk or uncertainty, leaving valuable funding unclaimed.
In this focused 30-minute session, Shaun Ennis, Innovation Director, and Jessica Cowling, Tax Manager, will share MPA’s on-the-ground insight from working with HMRC and hundreds of innovative companies across the UK.
They’ll cover:
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What HMRC’s current focus areas and enquiry trends really look like in practice - and what they mean for claim preparation.
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How the merged RDEC scheme and ANF requirements are changing both process and expectations.
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Why claim defensibility now depends on narrative quality, evidence, and cross-functional finance collaboration.
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How proactive planning, rather than year-end reaction, helps businesses secure and sustain the R&D funding they rightfully deserve.
Backed by real client experience, technical tax depth, and practical finance insight, this executive briefing will help you strengthen your R&D position, plan strategically, and approach 2025 with confidence.
Hosted by:
Shaun Ennis
Innovation Director, MPA
Overseeing the R&D Tax Credits, Grant Services, and Compliance and Enquiry Support. With extensive expertise in guiding businesses through complex funding landscapes, Shaun helps clients maximise claims while ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations. Before joining MPA, Shaun built a successful career in the IT industry, bringing a unique blend of technical knowledge and strategic insight to his role. Passionate about enabling innovation, he specialises in helping businesses unlock funding to fuel growth and drive transformative ideas forward.
Jessica Cowling
Tax Manager, MPA
With over a decade of experience advising businesses across a wide range of tax matters. She specialises in innovation-focused incentives, including Patent Box, R&D tax relief, EOTs, and share schemes, and plays a key role in MPA’s financial due diligence and advisory projects. Her work spans technical tax support, forward-looking planning, and strategic advice that helps businesses grow and remain tax-efficient at every stage.