There are currently three schemes offered to companies for R&D tax relief: 

1.    The Small Medium Enterprise ("SME") Scheme. 

2.   The Large Company Scheme. 

3.   The Research & Development Expenditure Credit ("RDEC")

Although R&D tax credits have been around for quite some time, many entrepreneurs are not aware that they can significantly benefit from them. It is important for entrepreneurs of start up companies to take advantage of any governmental incentivisation and support that may be available to them as this support directly impacts cash flows as well as shows investors that the business is being operated in an efficient and effective manner.

HMRC offer advance assurance to companies seeking to claim R&D credits in the future. This helps companies with estimating and budgeting for the benefits for three years.

This is where Sapphire can help you. We will complete the application, answer your questions, help you get to grips with what is required for a successful SEIS and/or EIS Advance Assurance application, and answer any follow-up questions HMRC might have.

The Start-up and Innovator visa categories are for non-European Economic Area nationals wishing to set up a business in the UK. To qualify for a visa, applicants must obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body - such as Sapphire Capital Partners LLP.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT CONTACT SAPPHIRE ABOUT A VISA APPLICATION, SEE PARAGRAPH BELOW.

Direct Application

Due to the large number of applications being considered we are not able to consider further direct applications at this time. If you wish to apply for a Visa please contact Seed Mentors.

Third-Party Review

Sapphire Capital accepts applications directly and through trusted third-party intermediaries (such as Seed Mentors Entrepreneurs Limited). For any direct applications, Sapphire Capital will outsource an initial review of the application to one of the trusted third-party intermediaries if we believe that the application may be of interest to us (and consequently we will, therefore, share your data with them). They may charge you a fee for their initial review which will be confidential to us and they may seek further information directly from you.

Fees 

Although Sapphire Capital does not charge any fees for considering applications, the third-party introducers (such as Seed Mentors Entrepreneurs Limited) who approach us may charge fees or seek equity for services they provide to their clients. Such arrangements do not involve Sapphire Capital.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IS USUAL AND SAPPHIRE CAPITAL WILL EXPECT TO TAKE EQUITY IN ANY COMPANIES WE ARE SUPPORTING WITH AN ENDORSEMENT (OF CIRCA 5% to 10%).