Expert R&D funding support for ambitious SMEs

Our award-winning team has unlocked over £135m for businesses

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Transform your business with R&D funding

R&D funding provides essential support for SMEs, offering valuable incentives like tax credits and innovation grants. These opportunities empower businesses to invest in creating new products, enhancing processes, and driving progress in their industries. By leveraging R&D funding, you can confidently reduce financial risks, strengthen your commitment to innovation, and unlock new pathways for sustainable growth.

At Kene, we demystify the process. With expert guidance tailored to your business, we help you maximise your potential and turn innovation into impact.

Built for SME’s

We’re committed to building a future where every SME has the tools to innovate, grow, and make a meaningful impact. As your trusted partner, we simplify funding complexities, providing expert guidance and tailored support to help your business thrive with confidence and clarity.

Collaboration at our core
Your success is at the heart of everything we do. We tailor our approach to meet your unique needs, taking the time to truly understand your business and ambitions. By aligning with your goals, we help you unlock sustainable growth and long-term impact.
Making the complex, clear
Navigating funding can be daunting but we make it simple. Using clear, straightforward language and staying technical where it matters, we ensure every step is accessible, engaging, and built to instil confidence.
Unmatched technical know-how
Our team brings together engineers, chartered tax advisers, and PhD-qualified specialists, offering unparalleled expertise across diverse industries. We understand the technical and commercial intricacies of innovation, ensuring your funding support delivers maximum value.
Raising industry standards
We hold ourselves to the highest standards, always grounded in ethical, social, and environmental responsibility. With us, you can trust that your funding journey aligns with a greater purpose.
4.4 / 5
Trustpilot score
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Our funding experts have empowered 100s of businesses to innovate and grow

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successfully submitted across a large range of industries
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of clients would recommend us (and 100s have)

Our award-winning services delivered by our team of outstanding experts

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Solution

Find out if you qualify for R&D funding

Discover which UK government incentives your business could qualify for with our quick and easy self-assessment tool. In just a few minutes, you’ll receive a tailored report outlining the funding opportunities available to support your innovation and growth.

R&D tax credits, grants, Patent Box and R&D allowances are all schemes are designed to help ambitious businesses like yours thrive. Don’t leave potential funding untapped—it could be the key to fuelling your next big idea.

 1.   It takes less than 5 minutes
 2.  Answer a few easy questions about your business
 3.  Get a clear idea if you qualify for R&D incentives

Our clients, their success

Each client story showcases the challenges they overcame, the bespoke solutions we delivered, and the remarkable outcomes we helped them achieve. What truly sets us apart is the trust we foster and the strong relationships we build. That’s why so many clients choose to partner with us year after year—tackling new challenges, seizing fresh opportunities, and continuing to unlock their full potential.

Architecture

Signbox had conducted an R&D Tax claim in the past but by their own admission were unsure about the extent to which activity could be qualified and the process they should follow to make an effective justification.

Read the full story here
Printing

RMC were focusing on what they do best and were unaware that there was a smooth and simple way to claim R&D tax incentive from the government.

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Printing

Imageco were introduced to Kene through their industry association. They were previously unaware that they qualified for R&D tax credits, but since working with Kene Partners have received substantial sums to help fund future innovations.

Read the full story here
Engineering

CPMS wanted to simplify and streamline their R&D tax claim process – they chose Kene to assist them with their claim.

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Manufacturing

By engaging us to review a previous R&D claim, Augustus Martin were able to more than double their benefit, resulting in a £500,000 tax rebate.

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Software

Itec Systems had previously considered claiming R&D tax credits for their proprietary recruitment tool, Itris, but came to the common misconception that they didn’t qualify for this generous benefit.

Read the full story here
Construction

Ashe Group came to us after having been impressed with our professional approach and level of expertise in relation to construction R&D.

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Packaging

Benchmark Consulting were looking for a trusted adviser who could deliver a maximized and robust R&D tax credit claim, without the extra legwork.

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Manufacturing

ecoegg were introduced to Kene by their accountant. We have recently submitted their first R&D tax claim to reward their innovation and help create investment for new products.

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Product

Aetha Design Studio have innovation at their core. They were previously told by their accountant that they would not be eligible for R&D tax credits. After reviewing their work and identifying relevant projects, we have successfully claimed three years of R&D tax benefits for them to date.

Read the full story here
Food and Beverage

As a leading brand on the plant-based eating scene, Miami Foods pioneer healthy meat-free alternatives. Although they had previously submitted a claim through another R&D tax adviser, we were able to uplift a previous claim and increase their benefit by 396%, fully rewarding their R&D efforts and for furthering knowledge within the food and beverage sector.

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Construction

With over 55 years’ experience, Bryen & Langley are an award-winning construction company. They were introduced to us through their accountants, Creaseys, who spotted the potential to claim upon taking on their account.

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Education

Literacy Tree is a complete, book-based platform for primary schools that covers all requirements of the Primary English curriculum.

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Fintech

Based in London, Debite are on a mission to transform the financing landscape for start-ups that are commonly underserved by traditional lenders.

Read the full story here
Manufacturing

Established in 2000, Craftwood are a leading specialist in designing, crafting, and installing bespoke banqueting seating. Following a recommendation to enquire with Kene Partners, Craftwood made a proactive decision to pursue claiming R&D tax credits.

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Water & Waste

Solar Water are pioneers of economical, carbon-neutral water desalination to tackle freshwater shortages. Their innovative dome-shaped plants produce fresh water and generate electricity, representing a world-first in carbon-neutral hydro-infrastructure.

Read the full story here
manufacturing

We have been so impressed with Kene Partners and the speed in which they put together our claim, without compromising quality. From the initial conversions to collaborating with the team, it was all seamless.

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product

We have already referred a number of our clients to Kene Partners so they can benefit from their expertise and help more businesses benefit from this generous government incentive.

Read the full story here
product

We have already referred a number of our clients to Kene Partners so they can benefit from their expertise and help more businesses benefit from this generous government incentive.

Read the full story here
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Proud to be a B Corp

We believe businesses can be a force for good. That’s why we’re proud to be a certified B Corp, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Our commitment to shaping a sustainable future drives everything we do—from empowering SMEs to innovate and grow responsibly to embedding ethical practices at the heart of our work. We’re passionate about making a positive impact on our clients, communities and the planet.

Our strengths: a foundation build on ethics and responsibility
We prioritise employee welfare, inclusivity, and robust data security. Our commitment to fostering innovation through sustainable practices and delivering exceptional client service is reinforced by continuous feedback and rigorous quality standards.
Areas for growth: environmental responsibility
While shared office spaces limit access to certain data, we’re exploring ways to better monitor and reduce emissions, including those from commuting. We’re also focused on expanding our charitable contributions and welcome collaborations—so please get in touch!

Meet our team

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Adam Kene
CEO

Adam Kene founded Kene in 2017 with a clear vision: to help businesses unlock funding and drive innovation. With over a decade of experience in R&D funding, Adam is passionate about simplifying complex processes, fostering client success and ensuring that the company remains ethical, approachable and results-driven. His leadership is defined by a commitment to sustainable growth, collaboration and delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and partners alike.

A graduate of Cardiff University with a BSc in Economics, Adam’s career has exposed him to a fascinating array of industries. From ambitious infrastructure projects like HS2, Crossrail and Battersea Power Station to sustainability-focused innovations such as biodegradable food packaging and ocean-plastic t-shirts, Adam thrives on finding creative solutions to complex challenges.

Outside of work, Adam leads a vibrant life in Suffolk as a proud dad, husband and part-time farmer. When he’s not tending to his flock of chickens or coaching rowing, he can be found racing Caterhams, motorcycling, or balancing the tranquility of rural life with the excitement of steering a rapidly growing business.

Fun fact: Kene's sister company, Konnect, was born from a serendipitous meeting with the Governor of Kazakhstan at the World Economic Forum in Davos—a testament to Adam’s entrepreneurial spirit and global outlook.

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Sage Lakhani
COO

As COO of Kene, Sage plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company’s vision. Collaborating closely with the CEO and Board, she translates strategic goals into actionable initiatives that drive growth and success. Sage is the engine behind the day-to-day operations, ensuring processes run smoothly, costs are managed effectively, and the organization remains focused, controlled and stable as it grows.

With qualifications as a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and expertise in corporate, international and R&D tax, Sage’s career is built on delivering exceptional results. She’s proud to have worked with clients who, through government incentives, have developed groundbreaking products, driven technological advancements and supported the UK economy by attracting top talent. Internally, Sage leads Kene’s operational and consulting teams to create a culture of high performance, productivity and shared values.

Outside of work, Sage enjoys the simplicity of outdoor life—running, walking and spending time with her family. A fan of historical fiction and dining out in London, she balances her love for the outdoors with moments of city indulgence.

Fun fact: Sage is also a trained personal trainer, adding another layer to her dynamic and driven personality.

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Gemma Smith
CFO

As CFO of Kene, Gemma is at the helm of the company’s financial strategy, planning and operations. She works closely with the Board and Leadership Team to ensure financial performance aligns seamlessly with business objectives and supports sustainable growth. Gemma’s expertise lies in maintaining robust financial controls, delivering accurate reporting, and implementing key financial metrics to drive informed decisions and operational efficiency.

A first-class graduate in Financial Economics from the University of Kent, Gemma qualified as a chartered accountant in 2015. With a decade of experience in accounting practice, she’s worked with clients ranging from ambitious startups to established enterprises across diverse industries. Her background as an auditor has sharpened her attention to detail and reinforced her commitment to transparent financial reporting.

Gemma takes pride in building and developing high-performing finance teams that thrive in fast-paced, growing businesses. Her connection with Kene runs deep, having first worked with the company as their external accountant before joining as a full-time team member—a move she’s delighted to have made.

Outside of work, Gemma is a proud mum to two young daughters who keep her and her husband on their toes! As a family, they enjoy holidays to sunny beaches or trips up North to visit loved ones in cooler climates.

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Explore our latest insights

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Innovate UK pauses Smart Grants: what this means for SMEs
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Introducing Kene: our new identity, your same trusted partner
January 21, 2025
Navigating the complexities of Patent Box claims: expert tips and pitfalls to avoid
February 3, 2025
HMRC tribunal ruling: landmark decision on client-led R&D tax relief
February 3, 2025
Unlocking growth potential with Smart Grants: a comprehensive guide for SMEs
February 14, 2025
Navigating the post-award management of Innovate UK grants: essential guidance for SMEs
February 18, 2025
How to Navigate HMRC Enquires into R&D Tax Credit Claims
February 10, 2025
How to Know Your R&D Spend is Appropriate?
February 10, 2025