UK Trade & Investment - Funding & Support
Financial Assistance/Grants
UKTI can help companies optimise their resources, and save time and money, by offering information and advice on funding, financing, recruitment, legislation, tax, visas, property and R&D opportunities.
For companies engaging in R&D in the UK, the following financial incentives apply:
R&D Tax Credits and Allowances: In addition to the normal 100% deduction, large companies are entitled to an income tax deduction of 30% of their current spending on qualifying R&D, and SMEs (employing up to 500 people) are entitled to an income tax deduction of 75% of their current spending on qualifying R&D.
Further information, please visit the HM Revenue & Customs website.
Grant for Research and Development is a scheme that benefits SMEs, facilitating activities in the R&D of technologically innovative products and methods, ranging from £20,000 to £500,000.
EUREKA - supports businesses, research facilities and universities that conduct pan-European projects developing innovative products, techniques and services.
The European Commission Framework Programme has doubled its R&D budget to €70 billion until 2013, and will focus on R&D projects in health, energy, security, biotechnology, nanotechnology, environmental technologies, and ICT.
For further information, please visit the European Commission website.
Incentives, Tax and Others
UKTI offers impartial advice on setting up in the UK, and can direct you to the sources of financial incentives available to you.
UKTI also provides aftercare services to give ongoing support to companies and facilitate new business opportunities.
Business Link can provide further information on the incentives available in each area, as well as offering access to the Grants Directory. Businesses with major investment projects may qualify for additional financial assistance through the Regional Growth Fund.
Companies located in Northern Ireland that have passed the Business Health Check, (cost free) are eligible for support from Invest Northern Ireland.
Incentives available to businesses in Scotland include local-scale small grants, to national funds, such as Regional Selective Assistance. Please contact Scottish Enterprise or Scottish Development International for more information.
Welsh Assembly Government delivers incentives such as property grants, innovation support and business improvement grants. Visit Business Support Wales for more information.
Business Accommodation Assistance
UKTI offers practical assistance throughout the relocation process, including visits to suitable sites.
Mergers and Acquisitions
UKTI offers unbiased advice suitable locations for your business, and their expertise of potential partners is unrivalled.
UKTI can introduce companies to a range of key contacts, including solicitors, accountants, recruitment consultants, government bodies and similar companies.
