Felix Key, a technical R&D specialist, has joined PKF Smith Cooper in a newly created director role, as we continue to invest in our specialist tax capabilities.
Before making the move to PKF Smith Cooper, Felix worked as a technical lead for a tax consultancy firm, managing the delivery of R&D claims for both SMEs and large corporate (RDEC) clients. His career began in commercial engineering, which is where he first learned the value of innovation incentives in fuelling business growth and that he could use his technical capabilities to deliver solutions to claimants.
In his new director role, Felix will help our clients claim the tax relief they are entitled to through the government’s R&D tax credit scheme, using his technical knowledge and extensive experience to make our firm-wide claims process more robust.
Felix commented: “I have seen first-hand how R&D tax credits can be a funding lifeline for eligible businesses, giving them a financial safety net to further invest and engage in innovation.
“HMRC is now committing to open compliance checks on 20% of all R&D claims, but this should not deter organisations from accessing the tax relief they are entitled to.”
“Seeking specialist support can streamline the claims process and reduce the likelihood of triggering a compliance check. I am looking forward to using my skills, experience and technical background to help PKF Smith Cooper clients make the most of these innovation incentives.”
In July 2022, PKF Smith Cooper promoted four team members to tax partners and since then we have invested heavily in our tax division, with new hires and further promotions growing our specialist expertise and reputation for delivering market-leading tax compliance and advisory services across the Midlands.
Gary Devonshire, Tax Partner and Head of Innovation & Property Taxes at PKF Smith Cooper, commented: “We have really focused on growing the specialist R&D expertise within our tax division over the past couple of years to make sure our clients have access to the highest quality support and an all-encompassing service that covers all their tax needs.
“Felix is a significant addition to our growing R&D team. His technical understanding of the composition of R&D claims is second to none as is his ability to navigate any enquiry process with HMRC using his technical background. His unique experience and skill set will maximise claims for our clients and contacts with the robust level of specialist technical input now demanded from HMRC. The recruitment of Felix will make the claims process more efficient for our clients and contacts.”
