The result has to have proven to be difficult and not easily obtainable. If the answers are easily accessible either by a professional source or journal then it does not meet the criteria. You need to breaking new ground and show that there has an element or risk and uncertainty regarding the result. It can’t just meet a commercial improvement (i.e. increased sales) but provides an advance in an area of technical knowledge.
•New ways to improve the manufacturing process.
•A new product or service.
•Software development
•Work on a prototype with trials and testing.
•Engages personal with specific expertise.
•Currently there are around 141,000 claims
•For SME companies the amount on average claimed is 55k.
•Manufacturing makes up for 30% of the claims with information and communications making 25% and scienctific 20%.
•The has been an increase of 14% of claims from the 2014 to 2015 year.
•A proportion of staff wages spent on the project. Exact time sheets or records don’t need to be kept but a reasonable estimation as a percentage of overall wages cost including employers NI, pensions, holiday and add on costs.
•External consulatant fees or subcontractor fees if experience is not available internally payable on invoice.
•Raw materials purchased.
•Proportion of overheads such as power, heating, telephone etc.
•Specialist as software if required.
•Some capital expenditure (must meet specific criteria)
