Case Studies & Testimonials
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Excavating Below a Grade II Listed Wall: Structural Innovation Under Pressure
A structural engineering company was tasked with designing a basement under a Grade II listed wall with severe spatial restrictions. The project presented unique challenges, no precedent existed for safely transferring wall loads in such a confined area without disturbing the wall’s heritage elements. Existing structural modelling software failed to simulate the site-specific load profiles. The team developed and tested a new underpinning technique using micro-piles and non-invasive beams to transfer stress loads safely. The solution was approved by conservation officers and used as a reference design in future heritage works.PSS helped the company collate all experimental iterations, including simulation failures and construction trials, aligning the technical risk and advancement with CIRD 81900 to ensure a robust and compliant claim.
Retrofitting for Carbon Reduction: Structural Change for Net Zero Housing
In a landmark sustainability project, a design team retrofitted an existing concrete structure to meet net-zero carbon standards. Standard materials failed to meet performance and embodied carbon targets. Technological uncertainty lay in the use of carbon-sequestering materials that had no proven long-term load capacity data. The team engineered hybrid structures using steel and timber composites with recycled insulation. Real-world load testing was required due to insufficient manufacturer data.
PSS assisted in identifying the relevant experimental data analysis and uncertainty around material performance and code compliance, securing full R&D relief.
Stone Cladding Meets Safety and Aesthetics: A Hidden Fixing Challenge
A façade engineering specialist had to design a concealed fixing mechanism for heavy stone cladding panels used on a high-profile London hotel. The aim was to preserve aesthetics while ensuring structural safety and fire compliance. The team couldn’t rely on traditional systems; none could withstand the load and meet fire safety requirements. This led to the development of a new anchorage system involving bespoke stress simulations and fire-resistant fixings.
PSS provided technical narrative support detailing simulation models, prototyping, and stress analysis, tying the work directly to HMRC’s R&D definitions.
HVAC / MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Hybrid HVAC in a Georgian Property: Seamless Integration with Smart Control
A mechanical engineering firm was brought in to design a hybrid HVAC system in a listed Georgian property. With constraints around visual impact, zoning, and legacy infrastructure, the team faced considerable design limitations. There were no existing control algorithms for the dual energy source setup in this context. Custom zoning logic and seamless handover between gas and air-source systems had to be developed. The system cut energy consumption by 37% and remains a model installation.
PSS helped define the baseline limitations, assisted with capturing the control testing iterations, and ensured the R&D claim reflected the scientific challenges addressed.
Low-GWP Retrofit Using Legacy Infrastructure
Within this project, at an iconic Wharf, engineers were challenged to retrofit an apartment complex with low-GWP refrigerants using decades-old copper pipework. Full access to pipework was not feasible, and compatibility with R32 refrigerant was unknown. The team developed a phased flushing protocol, conducted chemical compatibility trials, and created a new leak detection regime. These methods allowed a safe and sustainable install.
PSS worked with the technical team to log commissioning risks, highlight technological gaps in manufacturer data, and present a compelling R&D narrative that passed HMRC scrutiny.
Smart Airflow with BMS Integration: Adaptive Environmental Controls
This company’s project required a modern HVAC retrofit that improved IAQ without compromising heritage compliance. Traditional systems were incompatible with legacy sensors and control frameworks. The team faced uncertainties around airflow velocity, temperature control, and live occupancy detection. They developed a new BMS logic loop, integrating real-time CO2 and temperature feedback with adaptive fan speed control. The system passed all compliance checks and delivered measurable improvements in IAQ.
PSS documented the trial-and-error process of airflow modelling and controller tuning, aligning the work to R&D tax relief guidance.
FINANCIAL SERVICES & FINTECH
Ethical Investment Screening Platform
A fintech firm sought to develop a platform that could identify and score investment funds based on ethical, ESG, and sustainability criteria beyond greenwashing. Market tools provided limited qualitative analysis, resulting in homogenous outputs. The team built a hybrid screening mechanism incorporating natural language policy reviews, sector-specific exclusions, and adaptive fund scoring based on committee-reviewed audits. No existing tool could provide these capabilities.
PSS supported the technical articulation of data parsing challenges, qualitative analysis algorithms, and policy validation workflows. The R&D claim stood out as a leading example of innovation in financial services.
Dynamic Investment Reporting Interface
A financial platform provider developed a customisable reporting suite that could generate real-time portfolio views, client-specific analytics, and interactive visual reports. The challenge lay in performance bottlenecks, visualisation rendering across frameworks, and securing data without sacrificing speed. The team created proprietary visualisation logic and caching strategies, and re-engineered legacy APIs for streamlined data handling. Integration with JWT and white labelling presented further technical barriers.
With PSS’s guidance, the uncertainties and architectural limitations were framed within the CIRD definitions, resulting in a robust and HMRC-compliant claim.
Fund Manager Audit Automation Tool
In an effort to automate the collection and audit of fund manager disclosures, a fintech client developed a new platform feature that integrated qualitative data inputs with automated logic-based policy scoring. Challenges included reconciling subjective inputs with objective scoring metrics and integrating third-party policy data in a format suitable for evaluation.
PSS worked with the development team to document these data fusion challenges, testing environments, and scoring algorithm development, supporting a strong and clearly compliant R&D claim.
MANUFACTURING
Bespoke Aluminium Fabrication Workflow
A precision manufacturing firm faced inefficiencies in its aluminium welding and finishing processes. Standard CNC workflows couldn’t accommodate the specific thermal expansion and curvature tolerances of custom extrusions. The team engineered new fixturing techniques, developed thermal tolerance algorithms, and redesigned component shapes. Multiple prototypes were tested under stress and load conditions.
PSS supported evidence collection of all test failures, design adaptations, and process recalibrations. The R&D claim was fully validated and contributed to improved production efficiency.
PSS supported the technical articulation of data parsing challenges, qualitative analysis algorithms, and policy validation workflows. The R&D claim stood out as a leading example of innovation in financial services.
Modular Scaffold Testing and Design
A company specialising in scaffold solutions developed a new modular system with integrated safety locking mechanisms. Industry guidance didn’t cover the structural loads of modular joints under lateral compression. Engineers created new simulation protocols and ran real-world destructive tests to define stress thresholds. Several locking designs were tested until a viable mechanism was finalised.
PSS helped draft a compliant claim documenting trial-and-error methods, baseline knowledge gaps, and design logic, leading to successful R&D relief.
High-Tolerance Steel Formwork System
An infrastructure manufacturer created a new reusable steel formwork system to streamline bridge component casting. The system had to maintain millimetre tolerance under repeated hydraulic pressure. The team used iterative steel shaping and thermal control modelling to achieve consistent deformation control. Previous systems failed due to tolerance drift.
PSS supported the documentation of prototype failures, simulation modelling, and physical tests. The R&D report met HMRC’s compliance thresholds and achieved full relief.
LIFE SCIENCES / MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Wearable Blood Glucose Monitoring System
A startup focused on wearable health tech attempted to develop a non-invasive blood glucose sensor using thermal imaging and optical refraction. Scientific uncertainty existed around data noise suppression and patient skin variability. Multiple iterations failed to deliver reliable outputs. Engineers developed custom AI smoothing filters, conducted human subject trials, and validated accuracy ranges.
PSS worked with the team to clearly define the unknowns, the experimentation process, and the technological barriers overcome, submitting a robust, valid and compliant R&D claim.
Compact Negative Pressure Isolation Unit
A medical manufacturer designed a compact negative pressure isolation unit for use in ambulatory vehicles. No current systems offered the required filtration within such a constrained form factor. The team trialled various airflow channel designs, HEPA integration points, and fan redundancy mechanisms. System prototypes were field tested for air leakage and pressure maintenance.
PSS captured the scientific trialling process, baseline absence of known solutions, and cross-disciplinary uncertainty resulting in a detailed, compliant R&D claim submitted on behalf of the company.
Custom Surgical Tool for Minimal Access Procedures
A surgical tools company attempted to miniaturise a resection device for keyhole surgery. The challenge centred around torque transmission through micro-components under sterilisation conditions. Prototypes repeatedly failed during steam sterilisation. Engineers iterated materials, joint designs, and rotation mechanisms until a working prototype emerged.
PSS supported claim development by highlighting the material science, mechanical engineering, and real-world validation uncertainties involved.
"Rob has successfully worked on and defended dozens of R&D claims over the years, for companies coming to him having been let down by their previous advisor or their accountant being unable to comprehensively respond to and understand the requirements from HMRC during a compliance check, as well as through his own clients who encountered enquiries, mostly through HMRC’s ‘Mandatory Random Enquiry Process’ (MREP). Here are some ‘redacted’ examples of how Rob has successfully defended these enquiries, leading to over £1.5m in R&D claims defended to date"
ENQUIRY DEFENCE CASE STUDIES
Successfully Defending AI-Driven Medical CRM Development
The company faced a rigorous HMRC enquiry into their R&D claim for the development of an AI-driven medical appointment and records management system. HMRC initially disputed the presence of scientific or technological uncertainty, focusing on the perception that off-the-shelf solutions already existed.
The company approached Rob, not as a current client, but requiring expert and professional assistance. Rob intervened with a detailed enquiry response that highlighted the bespoke AI modules created to process complex patient triage data, integrate with legacy NHS protocols, and meet GDPR constraints. Supporting evidence included architectural schematics, iteration logs, and a breakdown of failed prototypes. The defence clearly linked the work to CIRD81900 criteria and led to the full reinstatement of the company’s R&D tax benefit.
HVAC Retrofit Challenges in Heritage Properties
A company, who claimed for multiple HVAC retrofit projects faced HMRC scrutiny, with questions around whether the adaptations were simply standard engineering practice. Working alongside Rob, the company was able to demonstrate that their challenges stemmed from legacy infrastructure integration, refrigerant safety constraints, and proprietary zoning control logic. By documenting phased flushing strategies, real-time adaptive controls, and simulation environments, the defence aligned tightly with HMRC’s requirement for systematic resolution of technological uncertainty. The claims were subsequently accepted.
Software Integration Across Disparate Client Networks
A company came under enquiry for their R&D claims related to automation and software integration for multi-client IT networks. HMRC questioned the originality and uncertainty of the development work.
Rob provided an in-depth technical review highlighting that the company’s team was solving undocumented API limitations, developing dynamic PowerShell modules, and creating integration logic not available through standard platforms. Their work clearly involved a methodical, iterative approach with no guaranteed outcome. The submission met CIRD definitions and withstood HMRC’s challenge, leading to a successful claim outcome.
Historic Hotel Retrofit Enquiry
A company faced an HMRC enquiry concerning their 2023 R&D claim involving complex retrofit works at high-end hotel. The project's ambition was to upgrade a listed property with high-performance HVAC and control systems while working within stringent heritage constraints. HMRC initially questioned the eligibility of the work and whether the challenges encountered were routine.
Rob provided a comprehensive defence, outlining the bespoke integration strategies required to reconcile legacy system constraints with advanced BMS functionality, environmental monitoring, and sensor calibration. Through technical drawings, specification notes, commissioning logs, and structured clarification of technological uncertainties, Rob was able to demonstrate the project's alignment with CIRD81900 guidance. The claim was successfully defended after only 2 rounds of responses to HMRC and closed within 3 months. The case reinforced how historic refurbishment projects can involve genuine R&D activity.
AI Platform Development
A company received a rejection from HMRC concerning its 2023 R&D claim for their platform development project. Despite demonstrating clear algorithmic experimentation, integration of third-party APIs, and development of customisable real-time bidding tools, the claim was dismissed.
Rob challenged HMRC’s conclusions, providing expanded narratives for each stage of development, mapped against CIRD paragraphs 13–25. A comprehensive rebuttal was submitted with legal references, technical breakdowns of the AI-driven logic, and evidential walkthroughs of uncertainty resolution. The defence included reference to tribunal-relevant case law and presented the claim as both technologically robust and well-documented. The matter proceeded to appeal, with formal complaints raised in relation to the mismanagement of the enquiry process, the lack of timely and proper correspondence being sent by HMRC and the clear misapplication of the legislation. Not only was the enquiry closed, and the claim upheld in full, but the complaint raised was also upheld and fed back to the compliance teams for further development.
Sustainable Engineering Project
An engineering firm developing carbon-efficient refrigerant pipework and flushing protocols, underwent an HMRC compliance check into its 2023 R&D claim. The concern centred around whether the flushing, system compatibility testing, and occupancy-aware calibration efforts truly exceeded baseline knowledge.
Rob worked with the engineering team to define the starting baseline, explain manufacturer gaps, and walk HMRC through the trial-and-error involved in system adaptation. Evidence included installation logs, flushing sequences, pressure testing results, and expert annotations. By demonstrating a methodical process to resolve non-trivial uncertainty, the enquiry response helped secure the claim in full.
Client Testimonials
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We’ve been working with the team at PSS for a number of years now on our R&D claim. Throughout this time, they’ve always been proactive in explaining any changes or updates implemented by HMRC to the scheme as well as helping us understand the definitions of R&D and the requirements for eligible work and costs. They consistently make the process seamless and uncomplicated, enabling us to successfully claim as a business and be able to reinvest the tax benefit to continue our work and growth. We’re very happy to continue working with them and would recommend their expertise to others who need help navigating the R&D tax relief scheme
As an innovation-driven company building AI-powered learning solutions, we need partners who understand complexity and bring clarity. RSS Tax has been exceptional. They offer more than just compliance, they bring accounting fluency and an ability to translate our work into compelling, compliant narratives. Their approach makes a typically stressful process feel streamlined and confident. From legislation to storytelling, they get it, and that makes all the difference
We’ve been working with Rob, Conor and the team at PSS for a few years now on our R&D claims. They have always maintained a high level of professionalism, ensuring lines of communication are always open and providing regular updates on relevant regulation and legislation changes as well as the progress of our claims. They consistently demonstrate accountability to us and ensure they share all their work and calculations prior to any submission, ensuring we’re aware and approve of what’s being sent to HMRC. We’ve always been very happy with the level of work and service the team at PSS provide, and would have no hesitation in recommending them to any other eligible business
We are extremely grateful to PSS for the diligent and efficient advice, with our recent R&D claim. Their expertise and advice help to unlock the optimum amount of R&D we were able to claim, with a very quick settlement
Working with Perfect Support Services has been a brilliant experience from start to finish. As a Managed Service Provider, we were looking for a partner who could guide us through the complexities of R&D tax credits without it becoming a huge drain on our time and PSS Tax have delivered exactly that. Jack, in particular, has been outstanding: proactive, clear, and always approachable. He team took the time to educate us on the R&D process and requirements, explaining everything in a way that made sense without the jargon. They kept us fully in the loop at every stage and made the whole process feel streamlined and simple. Thanks to Perfect Support Services, we’ve now successfully completed several claims, unlocking valuable R&D tax benefits that we’ve been able to reinvest back into the business. We’re genuinely grateful for their expertise and would highly recommend them to any business looking for knowledgeable, reliable support with R&D claims
We’ve been working with Perfect Support Services Ltd for several years and have always been impressed by their professionalism and expertise in handling our R&D tax credit claims. The team consistently makes the process smooth and efficient, providing clear guidance and support throughout. Their in-depth knowledge has helped us get the most out of our claims year after year. Jack has also been a great point of contact, always approachable and reliable when we’ve needed assistance. We highly recommend Perfect Support Services Ltd to any business looking for trusted, long-term support with R&D tax relief.
As an accountancy practice, we work with clients across multiple industries and of varying sizes across a broad scope of accounting and tax services. Whilst R&D tax relief is something we’re can do; it’s not an area of expertise as with most accountancy practices. However, since working with the team at PSS it’s enabled us to work and focus on what we’re great at, knowing that our clients can access an equally great and professional service for the nuanced area of R&D tax relief. Several of our clients are now supported by the knowledgeable and competent team at PSS to great success. Even with one client having their claim enquired as part of HMRC’s Mandatory Random Enquiry Process, the team at PSS assured our client and ourselves that all was in hand, that they would deal with things directly, and work to a positive outcome. This was exactly what happened, with PSS closing the enquiry within only a few months, with full acceptance and no amendments. We have always been impressed with the work and diligence undertaken by PSS and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to businesses or other accountants who need a team of specialist tax experts to lean on.
The PSS team has been incredibly helpful with our R&D tax claims. Rob guided us through the process, helped us articulate and flesh out the technical details, and was always available when we had questions. We successfully claimed R&D for two consecutive years now and PSS has become our go to for anything R&D related!
I cannot speak highly enough of the team at PSS and the invaluable support they've provided for our clients. As an accountancy firm, we constantly seek to obtain good collaborations with other businesses, to meet our clients' needs, and partnering with PSS Ltd has been a game-changer.
The team's expertise in research and development has consistently delivered groundbreaking results, exceeding our expectations time and time again.
We have received nothing but great feedback from our clients who have had R&D claims put together by PSS, and I would have no hesitation in recommending them again and again.
We’ve been working with the team at PSS for a number of years now on our R&D claim. Throughout this time, they’ve always been proactive in explaining any changes or updates implemented by HMRC to the scheme as well as helping us understand the definitions of R&D and the requirements for eligible work and costs. They consistently make the process seamless and uncomplicated, enabling us to successfully claim as a business and be able to reinvest the tax benefit to continue our work and growth. We’re very happy to continue working with them and would recommend their expertise to others who need help navigating the R&D tax relief scheme
As an innovation-driven company building AI-powered learning solutions, we need partners who understand complexity and bring clarity. RSS Tax has been exceptional. They offer more than just compliance, they bring accounting fluency and an ability to translate our work into compelling, compliant narratives. Their approach makes a typically stressful process feel streamlined and confident. From legislation to storytelling, they get it, and that makes all the difference
We’ve been working with Rob, Conor and the team at PSS for a few years now on our R&D claims. They have always maintained a high level of professionalism, ensuring lines of communication are always open and providing regular updates on relevant regulation and legislation changes as well as the progress of our claims. They consistently demonstrate accountability to us and ensure they share all their work and calculations prior to any submission, ensuring we’re aware and approve of what’s being sent to HMRC. We’ve always been very happy with the level of work and service the team at PSS provide, and would have no hesitation in recommending them to any other eligible business
We are extremely grateful to PSS for the diligent and efficient advice, with our recent R&D claim. Their expertise and advice help to unlock the optimum amount of R&D we were able to claim, with a very quick settlement
We’ve been working with Perfect Support Services Ltd for several years and have always been impressed by their professionalism and expertise in handling our R&D tax credit claims. The team consistently makes the process smooth and efficient, providing clear guidance and support throughout. Their in-depth knowledge has helped us get the most out of our claims year after year. Jack has also been a great point of contact, always approachable and reliable when we’ve needed assistance. We highly recommend Perfect Support Services Ltd to any business looking for trusted, long-term support with R&D tax relief.
The PSS team has been incredibly helpful with our R&D tax claims. Rob guided us through the process, helped us articulate and flesh out the technical details, and was always available when we had questions. We successfully claimed R&D for two consecutive years now and PSS has become our go to for anything R&D related!
I cannot speak highly enough of the team at PSS and the invaluable support they've provided for our clients. As an accountancy firm, we constantly seek to obtain good collaborations with other businesses, to meet our clients' needs, and partnering with PSS Ltd has been a game-changer. The team's expertise in research and development has consistently delivered groundbreaking results, exceeding our expectations time and time again. We have received nothing but great feedback from our clients who have had R&D claims put together by PSS, and I would have no hesitation in recommending them again and again.