At Manchester Digital, we like to interview our members to find out a bit more about what they do and their work in the Greater Manchester digital and technology sphere. This week, we're speaking with Mo Qadar, Senior Business Development Manager at Sedulo.
Can you start by providing an overview of Sedulo's business advisory services, with a focus on your expertise in R&D tax credits? What makes your approach unique compared to larger firms?
Sedulo are one of the UK’s fastest-growing mid-tier business advisory firms, providing a full suite of personably delivered financial and business advisory services to SMEs, corporate entities, not-for-profits and private clients.
As a holistic business, we are one of the only advisors in the market who can offer R&D Tax advice, regulated compliance advice, and funding solutions. Our professional account managers are overseen by the regulatory structures of the wider Sedulo Group which means we abide by the fit and proper person criteria.
If you’re looking for experienced experts who are able to meet HMRC’s stringent criteria and deliver claims for some of the biggest household names in the UK, then you’ve come to the right place.
With experts across a range of financial disciplines and departments, we support every stage of your journey, from growth to exit, protecting your wealth for future generations.
From your experience working with tech companies, what are the most common challenges or misconceptions you find around claiming R&D tax credits? How does your team help navigate those hurdles?
One of the common misconceptions we find when speaking to tech companies is the definition of R&D Tax Relief (for tax purposes) and exactly how much companies can claim for. HMRC’s definition of R&D Tax Relief is intentionally broad, if you’re a company that spends money developing new products, processes or services; or enhancing existing ones, you could be eligible for R&D tax relief.
All of our work goes through a vigorous internal quality control process overseen by an ex HMRC inspector with 22 years’ experience. This is to ensure every claim is HMRC compliant before being submitted.
With your in-house technical specialists, how are you able to better support tech clients in maximizing their R&D tax credit claims compared to a more generalist advisory practice? Can you share a success story?
Our R&D team is made up of experts who have previously held notable positions at IBM, AstraZeneca, Grant Thornton, EY, and Deloitte. The team has led some of the largest R&D claims in the industry for major household names, from pure hardware and software developers, retail, manufacturing and financial services organisations to a-typical R&D companies such as pharmaceutical, and specialist chemical laboratories.
What are the key benefits tech companies in Greater Manchester can expect by working with Sedulo versus a larger, more traditional business advisory firm on their R&D tax credits? How do your flat fee structure and transparent process add value?
The claim process typically takes four to six weeks from kick off meeting to submission, we complete the technical narratives and costing assessment for you, this is designed to use up as little of your time as possible. Every client has direct access to Tax Managers and Partners within Sedulo, creating a seamless and transparent process.
Our flat-fee structure is designed to provide maximum service at no extra hidden fees or costs, which fits in line with our objective “To become a world class leading advisory firm.” The client will always
For a fast-growing tech startup in Manchester evaluating their R&D tax credit options, what would be your top 1-2 recommendations on choosing the right business advisory partner and getting the most out of the process?
Sedulo’s R&D Consultants uphold the highest of standards and due diligence when facilitating claims, we build genuine relationships with our clients so ensure the process doesn’t feel transactional. Sedulo has delivered world-class service to exciting, fast-growing businesses in Beauty & Fashion, Manufacturing and Engineering, FinTech, Sport, to name a few.
Our culture is underpinned by our Charter and we believe you should “Be interested in and interesting”. We allocate dedicated specialists aligning to your geographical presence, able to draw on the knowledge from our network of in-house experts across the country. This puts us in a unique position to offer joined-up advice that identifies risks and opportunities relevant to your business.
Thank you Mo! Learn more about Sedulo here.
