Defending your R&D tax claim

As R&D Technical Manager and Compliance Manager, Oliver leads HMRC dispute resolution, ensuring that clients navigate tax enquiries successfully. He also oversees internal training and quality assurance to maintain the highest standards across the business. With over eight years of experience in R&D consultancy, he has a deep understanding of R&D tax legislation, particularly in software-related claims.

Oliver’s academic credentials are extensive: he holds a BA in English and French, a Master’s in English and Creative Writing from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in English Literature from the University of Cambridge. His analytical background and structured approach enable him to dissect complex legislation and advocate effectively for clients in dispute cases. He is particularly proud of achieving successful Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) outcomes for businesses facing HMRC challenges.

Beyond work, Oliver is working to complete his PhD and volunteers weekly for a youth charity in Camberwell, supporting local initiatives that empower young people.

Having started out at one of the Big Four accountancy practices for several years, Fergus has extensive experience with R&D tax claims. His focus is on the financial side of claim preparation, obtaining and calculating all relevant expenditure to ensure these are accurately captured in each client report before submission.

As our finance guru, Fergus also provides financial training to the rest of the team and supports our internal finance operations. He has efficiently optimised our internal structure to ensure benefit payments are instantaneous.

When not working, Fergus enjoys long walks in the country and exploring different cities.

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Haseeb works within the Compliance Team, where he plays a key role in guiding clients through HMRC compliance checks, ensuring claims meet the latest legislative requirements. He is responsible for internal compliance, reviewing in-progress claims and supporting the consulting team with insights gained from Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADRs), teleconferences and compliance checks.

With a BSc in Mathematics with Statistics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science from the University of Manchester, Haseeb has a strong analytical background. He has experience working across a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, engineering and construction, but has a particular passion for supporting software companies in maximising their R&D claims.

Throughout his time at Kene, Haseeb has generated approximately £1 million in company revenue through successful claim submissions. He is particularly proud of his work with Glasswall, Plai and ITEC Systems – all leading software firms – as well as his contributions to numerous successful ADR resolutions within the Compliance Team.

Outside of work, Haseeb enjoys spending time with his family, especially his nephew, and makes the most of his free time by playing video games and meeting up with friends. A keen traveller, he loves visiting countries with rich Islamic history, and as a practising Muslim, he takes great interest in deepening his knowledge of Islam.

Klara project-manages R&D claims across various industries, leveraging her technical background to draft detailed narratives that align with HMRC legislation. She is committed to making R&D tax more accessible for SMEs across the UK.

With a first-class BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Warwick and an MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures from Imperial College London, Klara has nearly three years of experience in R&D tax. Passionate about energy and sustainability, her expertise includes waste processing, electrification and energy infrastructure.

She takes pride in working with Powerday and Willshee’s Waste Recycling, helping them optimise their R&D claims while contributing to landfill reduction. During her studies, she also co-founded the Warwick Women’s Engineering Society to support women in STEM.

A self-proclaimed food enthusiast, gallery explorer and book addict, Klara's current record is reading an astonishing 215 books in one year.

Nathan specialises in preparing compliance check responses, leveraging R&D tax legislation, HMRC guidance and case law to support clients through complex audits and appeals. His expertise extends from first-response submissions to late-stage appeals, helping businesses navigate the intricate compliance process. He also plays a crucial role in preparing clients for teleconferences and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), liaising with tribunal litigators and HMRC mediators to advocate for fair and robust outcomes.

Beyond his work on compliance checks, Nathan is responsible for quality assurance across R&D tax claims, ensuring that submissions align with legislation and withstand regulatory scrutiny. He is also a key driver of Kene’s internal technical training programme, helping the team develop a strong understanding of R&D tax legislation and its practical applications.

Nathan holds a BA in History from King’s College London and an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). His analytical background stems from his time as a Research Associate at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (formerly Brookings India) in New Delhi. There, he collaborated on a HarperCollins-published book examining grassroots interventions that have driven social change in India. He later worked at a fintech start-up, Gather Investing, which aimed to democratise access to financial markets.

Passionate about policy, systemic inequalities and global affairs, Nathan takes a keen interest in how legislative frameworks shape business and innovation. His work in R&D tax allows him to support UK businesses in securing vital financial incentives to sustain and expand their research efforts. He is particularly committed to helping businesses navigate the often-challenging HMRC compliance landscape, ensuring that deserving companies can access the tax relief they are entitled to.

Outside of work, Nathan is a sports enthusiast, following football and cricket closely. He is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and an avid fan of the Mumbai Indians. His multicultural background – being half Goan and half Welsh – has given him a global perspective, having lived in Muscat, Paris, Mumbai and various parts of the UK. His love for travel and international affairs continues to shape both his professional and personal interests.