Cyber Security

BC&A Innovation

R&D Spotlight

Cyber security is a critical and rapidly evolving field. As technology advances, so do the methods used by cyber criminals to exploit vulnerabilities. Whether you’re developing new security software, improving existing systems, or creating advanced protection for clients, your work could qualify for R&D tax relief.

R&D tax relief is available to businesses that are pushing technological boundaries and solving problems that involve scientific or technological uncertainty. In cyber security, this often means improving protection beyond off-the-shelf solutions or developing new methods to counter emerging threats. Qualifying projects might aim to make measurable improvements to systems, processes, or security infrastructure that are not already widely available or straightforward to implement.

If you are innovating to stay ahead of cyber threats, improving resilience, or creating more robust security measures, you may be eligible for R&D tax relief. Here are some examples of qualifying activities in cyber security:

Developing New Security Software or Systems

Creating entirely new security platforms or tools, such as intrusion detection systems, network monitoring solutions, or threat analysis platforms, that go beyond existing commercial offerings.

Improving Encryption or Data Protection Techniques

Developing new methods of encrypting data, securing communications, or protecting user identities—especially where these methods improve speed, strength, or efficiency beyond standard practices.

Addressing Zero-Day Vulnerabilities or Emerging Threats

Researching and developing new defences to protect systems against previously unknown vulnerabilities or sophisticated cyber attacks that aren’t covered by existing security solutions.

Building Advanced Authentication Systems

Developing multi-factor authentication, biometric verification, or adaptive security systems that offer stronger protection while maintaining user accessibility.

Enhancing Security for Cloud or Hybrid Environments

Designing new methods to secure data and services in cloud-based or hybrid infrastructure, particularly where security challenges differ from traditional on-premises systems.

Automating Threat Detection and Response

Creating automated systems that use machine learning or advanced analytics to detect and respond to threats in real time, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Solving Complex Integration or Compatibility Challenges

Integrating new security features into legacy systems, third-party platforms, or highly regulated environments where standard solutions are not fit for purpose.

Cyber security is a constantly moving target, and businesses that are pushing technical boundaries to improve protection are often carrying out qualifying R&D. If you’re tackling technical challenges in this space, you could be eligible for valuable R&D tax relief.

Our Process

What to expect when working with
BC&A Innovation

1. Discovery Call

Book your FREE 15 minute discovery call today to discuss your R&D activity and we'll guide you on best next steps and estimated claim value.

2. Information gathering

Our technical experts and industry specialists will work with you to uncover all areas of work activity eligible under the R&D scheme, ensuring we have everything we need to support a robust, defensible and maximised claim.

3. Create R&D Tax Claim

Our technical experts will write your claim and supporting documents with a clear assessment of your eligible activity and costs, ensuring compliance with the scheme's governance throughout.

4. Approval & Submission

We'll share, for your approval, the claim draft and supporting documentation. We'll explain in detail how we have arrived at our assessment of your claimable activity, costs and claim value. When you're happy, your claim can be submitted as part of your standard end-of-year processes.

5. Liaising with HMRC

Should HMRC require any further information or have queries regarding your claim, we'll liaise with them to ensure speedy payment without any reduction in claim value.

6. Payment

Once your payment is received, we'll send it across the same working day and advise you on processes that can be put in place to make future claims even more hassle-free. Don't worry about claims going forward, we'll be in regular contact to remind you what is needed and when.

About BC&A Innovation

We've helped hundreds of businesses like yours secure millions in Research & Development tax relief

Our team recognises the importance of R&D in advancing UK businesses, big and small, and we understand the time burden, resources and complexities of claiming tax relief for that R&D. These constraints often leave companies failing to get the tax relief they’re entitled to or underclaiming significantly due to unclear, often confusing guidelines about what constitutes R&D. As experts in R&D tax relief, we’re here to unblur the lines and create robust, defensible and maximised claims on your behalf.

We’re experienced tax professionals, accountants and technical experts with a deep understanding of the R&D tax relief regulations. We’ve worked in many of the industries we now serve and are ideally placed to understand your business’ R&D Activities. As part of HMRC’s panel on R&D, we stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the guidance, to provide our clients with the most accurate and up-to-date advice.

At BC&A Innovation we take the burden of claim generation away from the business so you can do what you do best, while we do what we do best. We pride ourselves on our integrity, professionalism and commitment to our clients.

Not sure if you qualify for R&D tax relief? Book a FREE discovery call today.

Many of the businesses we work with were unsure if they qualified for R&D tax relief at first. A few had even been told by other agencies that they could not claim. Yet, with our help they were able to correctly identify eligible R&D projects and claim back vital funds.

As experts in HMRC’s definitions of Research & Development, we’ll be able to tell you if you should make a claim or not. We’re success fee based, which means it isn’t in our interest or yours to take forward claims that won’t pass HMRC’s stringent checks. If we say it’s worth doing, you can take that to the bank.

Ready for a discovery call? Think of it as a no-obligation chat where we can discuss the work you’ve undertaken and identify tax-saving opportunities. Our expert consultants are keen to speak with you.