R&D Blog
Here at RIFT, we like to talk. You can get the latest on what’s happening at RIFT and the Research & Development news that matters to you, from our blog.
HMRC Statistics Show R&D on the Rise
As the latest statistics from HMRC show, research and development is surging as uncertain times call for innovation and ingenuity as the keys to survival. Here's our round up of the figures released today.
Is R&D Being Pushed Hard Enough by Government?
When Boris Johnson gave his inaugural speech as Prime Minister, he made a commitment to pushing even harder to place innovation at the heart of UK business. In his own words, “We will begin right away on working to change the tax rules to provide extra incentives to invest in capital and research.” Has he delivered on that promise?
Sun, Sea and R&D
“Green R&D” is a big deal these days. There’s a huge amount of work going into developing products and processes that are cleaner, safer for the environment and more sustainable. What was once, even relatively recently, seen as a possibly cool idea for the future is becoming a whole culture in itself, and not before time.
HMRC Addresses R&D Claim Delays
HMRC is currently working on SME claims that were submitted up to the 1st of May 2019. RDEC claims being worked on go back to the 21st of December 2018. For businesses whose claims fall outside of those timeframes, RIFT is chasing HMRC hard to get them sorted out as quickly as possible.
RIFT R&D and CONSTRUCTING EXCELLENCE: Bringing R&D Tax Relief to the Construction Industry
RIFT Research & Development are delighted to be working with Constructing Excellence. Together, we’ll be working to ensure that the British construction industry always gets the credit it deserves.
UK Construction: Is the Skills Shortage Stifling Innovation?
Innovation is so much a part of “business as usual” in the construction sector that we often lose sight of it, preventing so many businesses from realising its full benefits.
2019 KEiBA Award Winners Announced
The Kent Excellence in Business award show is always a fantastic event for us at RIFT. Kent’s business community is a dynamic and thriving environment, and the KEiBAs are a fitting way to pay tribute to that enthusiasm and innovative spirit. Read more about the winners...
RIFT and CIOB: An Innovative Partnership
RIFT Research & Development is delighted to be working with the Chartered Institute of Building. Together, we’ll be working to ensure that the British construction industry always gets the credit it deserves.
The NHS: 71 Years of Service
At 71 years old, the NHS is already 5 years older than the average man expected to live when it was formed in 1948, so we at RIFT thought it was well past time we paid tribute to the greatest of British institutions by talking about the impact of innovation in Medical Technologies.
ONS Report: R&D On The Rise
The Office for National Statistics has just released its report on the UK’s research and development expenditure for 2017, and it’s pretty encouraging overall.
2019: A year of Innovation, Alteration and Mitigation
The foundations of UK construction are rooted deeply in innovation. The same tools and attitudes that push challenging projects to completion up and down the country each year are currently being relied on to weather a storm of uncertainty in the industry.
The KEiBA 2019 Awards Are Open
If you know RIFT, then you know we love the Kent Excellence in Business Awards. As the event rolls into its 11th year in 2019, the celebrations kicked off in grand style...
RIFT R&D Round-Up 2018
We’ve had a terrific year here at RIFT R&D, which basically means that you have too! Across the UK, more and more innovative businesses are waking up to the benefits of the R&D Tax Credits scheme.
Budget 2018: The R&D cap#s back in style, but the fit's a little looser
We're at the point where calling a Budget ''a bit of a mixed bag'' isn't really saying anything anymore. What the taxman gives with one hand, he generally finds a way to take with the other.
HMRC's R&D tax credits report: What the numbers say and what they actually mean
The latest stats coming in from HMRC are short on big surprises, but what's there makes for encouraging reading overall.
The Mother of Invention
It’s no secret that we’re heading into a critical time for the whole UK construction industry. It’s going to take an estimated 158,000 new jobs to hit the targets for infrastructure and housing needs alone. With productivity lagging and razor-thin profit margins all through the sector, meeting those demands could be a tall order.
2018 KEiBA Award Winners Announced
As always, we had an amazing time at the KEiBA award show this year. Kent is a terrific place to build a business, and it's always inspiring to see so many innovative firms making their marks. There's no way of predicting what we'll see in the entries, which is why judging the categories is so challenging and exciting.
KEiBA 2018 Finalist Announced!
With a grand total of 329 entrants across 16 categories, the 10th annual Kent Excellence in Business awards event has been its most successful ever.
Constructing Excellence Awards
If you've followed any of our KEiBA coverage in recent years, then you know how we feel about award schemes in general.
More Art than Science
Open Bionics merge art and cutting edge science to produce $3,000 beautiful prosthetic limbs in a fraction of the time using 3D printing.
Iceland: Plastic-Free by 2023
When we talk about innovation, must of the time we mean making things faster, more effective or more efficient.
R&D Grant Funding
Getting the most out of your innovations has always been the key focus of RIFT R&D. It can be a rough road bringing your best ideas to life, and a lot hangs on getting the right financing at the right moment.
Kent Excellence in Business Awards 2018
2018 is a big year for the prestigious KEiBA scheme, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the awards event. We're big fans of the KEiBAs at RIFT, as both award winners and category judges in previous years.
R&D Mythbusting with RIFT
With 2017 coming to a close it's time to step back and check exactly where we are.
UK R&D Is Breaking New Ground
HMRC's latest statistics around Research and Development Tax Credits have been published, and they make for eye-opening reading. The average value of an SME claim is on the rise, and more SMEs than ever are making successful claims.
R&D Marches on Its Stomach
R&D in Armed Forces has always been a major source of everyday innovations, from road systems to the internet. The challenges of organising, operating and maintaining an army have had an impact right down to the food on our tables.
Self-Building Homes
From robot bricklayers boosting worksite efficiency to entirely 3D-printed buildings sprouting around the world, innovation is huge driving force in the industry.
2040 Petrol and Diesel Vehicle Ban
Evolution is a slow process, and once in a while it takes a swift kick to hurry it along. That's exactly what's happening in the petrol and diesel-only road vehicles world right now. A UK government ban coming into full force in 2040 means that fossil fuels are going the way of the dinosaur.
Virtual Reality Finds Real-World Uses
The launch last year of a range of virtual reality hardware options for home users did a pretty good job of opening the general public's eyes to the entertainment possibilities of the technology. The gaming world's been pushing for workable VR for a while, on and and off, but it's never really managed to get a serious foothold before now. However, even without a high-end headset, most people probably carry enough processing power in their pockets to support a basic VR experience, which is bringing the buy-in bar down for everyone.
KEIBA Award Winners 2017
Congratulations to all winners and finalists in the KEIBA 2017.
RIFT at London Tech Week
Join RIFT Research and Development at London Tech Week from 12th-16th June
R&D Tax Credit Claims Are Still Rising. What's Stopping You Claiming Yours?
According to the government's own statistics, R&D Tax Credits claims for small and medium-sized businesses rose 16% in 2014-15. That's a pretty good figure if you look at it in isolation, bringing the total number of different SMEs making claims to 39,360 since the scheme began. In fact, it's primarily SME claims that have been driving the uptake figures in the right direction for years now.
KEiBA and The Importance of Innovation
RIFT's dedicated Research and Development Tax Credits division gives us the opportunity to work with some of the most innovative businesses in the UK and we're delighted to be turning the spotlight on the brightest ideas from Kent businessess as we judge the KEIBA awards.
RIFT Wins Excellence In Customer Service Award
RIFT won the Invicta Chamber Excellence in Customer Service Award 2017 and retains ServiceMark with a UK leading score on the same day.
Offshore Wind Innovation Hub: More Than Just Hot Air
Building on the UK’s unique expertise in the offshore wind industry, the government is investing up to £1.3 million in a new offshore wind innovation hub run through the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and the Knowledge Transfer Network. As the UK's flagship research centre for renewable energies, ORE Catapult is a strong supporter of SMEs. They understand that smaller businesses are faster to react to opportunities and more creative in their problem solving, but too many are not claiming the R&D tax credits for their innovative work in this field.
KEiBA's New Medium Business of the Year Category
This year, KEiBA is launching a new category in the awards, celebrating the Medium Business of the Year. The award is open to businesses in any sector, and recognises a lot more than just commercial success.
Video Game Tax Relief in 2017: Power-Ups and Easter Eggs
It's time to reflect on how 2017's shaping up so far. Big things are happening in video games this year. Here's what you need to know to hunt down the industry's most valuable Easter eggs and make the most of your VGTR Claim.
RIFT in Partnership with Build UK
RIFT is delighted to announce a partnership with Build UK to support innovation in the the UK construction industry.
Grants and R&D Tax Credits
A lot of people don't realise this but grant funding and R&D Tax Credits aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, the idea of both cropping up in your books in the same tax year send accountants scurrying.
Jan Post Appointed as Chairman and Bradley Post as Managing Director of RIFT Group
We begin a new chapter in the RIFT Group's history in 2017 with Jan Post appointed as Chairman and Bradley Post taking on the role of Managing Director.
RIFT ranked in MegaGrowth50 with 127% Growth in 2016
Last year was the first time that RIFT had been selected for the MegaGrowth list and this year we are in 9th place with 127% growth on 2015. The list of MegaGrowth companies is very inspiring and there’s a fantastic range of talent, technology and business transformation on show.
Construction Expo 2016: shining a light on UK innovation
The Construction Expo 2016 showcases a UK construction industry in good health, but to hit the targets set out in the 2025 strategy the industry is going to have to adapt and innovate. Luckily financial support is available to companies who know where to look.
Cybersecurity: tools of disruption and protection
With the current push towards Cloud based services, the Internet of Things and Big Data, individuals and businesses are increasingly vulnerable. As a result, cybersecurity is a rapidly growing global industry and necessarily an area of continual innovation.
Partnered for Excellence in Finance
Good news in these gloom and doom times: RIFT R&D Tax Credits are delighted to announce that they have joined forces with the financial planning wizards, Aegis.
Congratulations To All KEIBA Winners and Finalists 2016
We had a fantastic time at the KEIBA awards last night. Here at RIFT we’ve been involved with KEIBA for many years, as entrants, sponsors and as judges. Congratulations to all winners and finalists.
In Kent, You're in Great Company
In the fifth of the series celebrating RIFT's sponsorship of the SME Business of the Year 2016 category in the KEiBAs, Jan Post talks about how proud we are of our Kentish roots.
We Love Enterprising Business
In the fourth of the series celebrating RIFT's sponsorship of the SME Business of the Year KEiBA, Jan Post talks about supporting a sector continuing to grow.
RIFT Group Awarded ServiceMark
RIFT group, known for its friendly, helpful and jargon free approach to tax matters is the first company is the first company in our sector, to be awarded Service Mark by the Institute of Customer Services. The ServiceMark is a national, independently assessed standard recognising an organisation's achievement in customer service, and its commitment to upholding those standards.
RIFT: Award-Winning Customer Service as Standard
In the third of the series to celebrate RIFT's sponsorship of the Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA), Jan Post discusses the value of good customer service and how winning awards is the icing on the cake.
The RIFT Guide to How Business Awards Are Always Rewarding.
In the second of a series, Jan Post, RIFT Group MD, talks about KEiBA and how seeing the real benefits go way beyond the glittering prize.
Thinking of entering the Kent Excellence in Business Awards? You’ll be in great company…
In the first of a series, Jan Post, RIFT Group MD, talks about KEiBA and what it means to Kent, The RIFT Group and the wider business community…
3,000 NAUTICAL MILES, 40-90 DAYS, 1 CHALLENGE – OUR BOYS ARE ALL AT SEA!
Follow the amazing adventures of Dan Parsons and Olly Clark – the incredible duo rowing the Atlantic in aid of two charities and co-sponsored by the RIFT Group.
Advance Assurance For R&D Tax Relief
R&D Advance Assurance: One Less Thing to Worry About Faster validation for SMEs? You might've heard rumblings across the Research and Development landscape about the UK government's new Advance Assurance scheme for R&D claims. So, what's all the fuss about? Is the system going to have a real impact, or is it just another hoop to jump through? Let's take a look and see what it's all about.
ICS Customer Service Awards 2016
ICS Customer Service Awards 2016 The RIFT Group is built on the idea that great customer service is great business. That's why we're delighted to be in the finals of the Institute of Customer Service's awards for 2016!
Q&A With Jan Post, RIFT Founder and MD
Jan Post, RIFT Founder and MD, talks about how she came to set up RIFT and gives a little insight into her day-to-day life.
All About Patents
If you already have patents, we can show you how use the Patent Box programme for even more ways to benefit. We have a 100% success rate on our clients' claims, so get in touch with RIFT R&D to make the most of your biggest ideas.
MEGAGROWTH 50 SUCCESS FOR ASHFORD’S RIFT GROUP
RIFT Group has won the bronze medal in the Megagrowth 50, a prestigious business league table which recognises the 50 fastest growing businesses in Kent.
The Biggest Innovations in Construction 2015
The construction industry was built on innovation, and its contributions are growing each year. Every project throws out its own unique challenges and obstacles, and the industry tackles them head-on with new materials, technologies and processes. It's a fast-moving, dynamic field to work in, so let's look at just a few of the biggest ideas coming out of it right now.
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
IP is an often misunderstood part of the law, and a lot of businesses aren't getting the best out of their innovations, so it's worth taking a closer look at how to protect your work and boost the benefits it brings you.
Great Britain: The World’s 2nd Most Innovative Nation!
The measurements have been taken, the results have been tallied and the verdict is in. The recently released Global Innovation Index 2015 shows that, after an enormous leap up from our 10th-place ranking back in 2010, Great Britain has held onto its number 2 slot in the league tables of the world's most innovative nations.
It's About Solving Problems, Not Equations
The UK government's Research and Development tax relief scheme is one of its most powerful tools for helping businesses to solve problems and push forward. It's already rewarding breakthroughs and ingenuity in every part of the economy, but word about it still isn't getting out far or widely enough. Financial services are right at the heart of the UK's economic hopes in the wake of the banking crash, but too many people still don't realise that they have a claim.
Cracking the Code
Literally hundreds of thousands of pounds in relief are being left on the table each year by software developers alone, simply because the message hasn't reached them yet. RIFT R&D is here to change that, and to get the scheme's rewards into the hands of one of today's most furiously inventive industries.
R&D in Construction: From the Ground Up
Of all the fields covered by the UK government's Research and Development tax relief scheme, the construction industry should be among those getting the most out of it. That it isn't yet is a great shame because construction firms, by definition, live right on the cutting edge of innovation.
Cutting your Corporation Tax bill down to size.
The Research and Development tax credits scheme is the strongest sign of the UK government's determination to help businesses with big ideas to solve problems, answer important questions and make a real difference. It's a great system, with an average SME claim worth £46,000, but it's just not visible enough.
Making inventiveness pay for British SMEs
At RIFT R&D Tax Credits we take pride in championing the small businesses that drive the UK forward. Tax relief and tax credits may not be glamorous - indeed for many it’s the stuff of nightmares - but it can be the difference between getting an idea up and running or staying stuck firmly on the start line.
RIFT Group Win KEIBA Customer Service and Commitment Award 2105
We were delighted to win the KEIBA award for Customer Service and Committment in 2015. RIFT was founded on the principles of helping others and it's wonderful to see that recognised at this level.
Why Is The Government Encouraging R&D?
Let’s face it; nobody enjoys paying tax, especially corporation tax that feels like it’s penalising success.
Don't take our word for it...
....take a look at 3 of our lovely customers video testimonials
Our radio campaign is live on LBC
Our radio campaign is now live on LBC!! Have a listen and let us know what you think?
RIFT Small Business Base Camp at Kent 2020
Setting up and running a small business is an exhilarating ascent into the unknown...
RIFT Research mentioned in the House Of Commons
Chris Heaton-Harris, MP for Daventry mentions RIFT Research and MD Jane Ollis in the House Of Commons.
RIFT Research at the Elite Business Event
This year we will be exhibiting on stand 120 at the Elite Business Event National Conference & Exhibition.
R&D? It's not all white lab coats
There are very generous tax breaks for companies that conduct research and development, and HMRC are even actively encouraging companies to claim. Yet, so many are not claiming and missing up out the chance of reducing their tax bill or getting a cheque back for their efforts.
UK manufacture has a healthy glow but...
October saw growth in UK manufacturing at a three month high in what is being called a ‘mini-recovery’ by economists.
New HMRC Guidance Notes for R&D Tax Credits
The Government has released more detail on the changes to the Research & Development Tax Credits scheme.
Changes to R&D Tax Credits Announced
RIFT Research & Development are delighted that the Chancellor has recognised
Your Clothes, Your Boots And Your Job
A third of all UK jobs could become obsolete due to advances in robotics in the next 20 years.
The Innovate UK Conference Beats Benedict
According to the government’s website the conference was the top trending hashtag on Twitter.
Maths problems solved at the click of a button
New mobile app that solves maths equations just by looking at them.
Government "not doing enough to promote R&D"
HMRC released its latest figures for R&D tax relief claims this month. RIFT Research and Development believe the government is just not doing enough to promote the availability of this valuable cash payment to small businesses.
Construction growth up 0.9%
Rift Research and Development urges construction companies to take advantage of R&D tax credits following release of new government growth figures of 0.9%.
CBI ideas for 500,000 more UK jobs
R&D tax credits are to play a central role in The Confederation of British Industry’s long-term initiative to reinvigorate UK economic growth.
Is the UK construction industry missing out on £millions?
Is the UK construction industry missing out on £millions?
Extreme Weather Calls for Innovation in Flood Defences
With flood warnings and transport disruptions still affecting much of Britain, reliable and innovative flood defence systems are growing in demand. RIFT R&D calls for any companies involved in projects combating this issue to contact them today, as they could be entitled to claim up to 25% of the relevant costs.
R&D tax breaks improve health science advances
As a blueprint for a universal flu vaccine is announced, RIFT Research and Development urges businesses carrying out vital healthcare research to take advantage of the current tax regime.
RIFT calls on David Beckham to follow his pie and mash dream
David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay have allegedly fallen out over their joint plans to open a chain of restaurants. RIFT calls on Beckham to go it alone and follow his dream of being a pie and mash mogul.
Companies working on cycle safety are a 'perfect example' of R&D
Innovative companies working to prevent deadly cycle accidents should be filing for R&D tax credit.
Anyone want some cash from the 'government innovation subsidy'?
RIFT Research and Development, want the government to seriously consider giving a new name to the ‘R&D tax credit’ scheme for small companies.
Fresh from the lab: BA student wins Dyson award
A student has invented a simple and yet genius way of reducing both food waste and the risk of food poisoning with a unique bio-reactive food label.
RIFT urges new Doctor Who to apply for R&D tax relief
The next official Time Lord will be announced this Sunday. To stay ahead of the new generation of extra-terrestrial enemies, RIFT urges the new Doctor Who to apply for R&D tax relief.
Technologists Challenge 'The Change'
Last week influential technologists, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators and business strategists in the world gathered in London for the RE.WORK technology summit.
Transport for London and Apple are the latest advocates of contactless payments
It seems there is a conflict between convenience and confidence in the UK when it comes to contactless payment.
Why the EU is encouraging R&D into new super-material
Graphene is an engineered nanomaterial with an extraordinarily vast range of useful properties. Its discovery is as important as ubiquitous silicon, and its discoverers, two Russian siblings studying at Manchester University, won the Nobel Prize in 2010. Since then the EU has ploughed a billion euros into encouraging multi-disciplinary R&D to further explore the practical properties of this super-material.
3D Printing – a new age of manufacture?
Widely touted as the greatest technological advance of our age, and quite possibly the instigator of the second industrial revolution, 3D printing is here. Does it deserve the hype?
Patents revamp could open up the European market to UK innovation
New patent laws will save UK inventors and entrepreneurs thousands in patenting costs and establish a better working relationship across 25 EU countries, ensuring that patent disputes are more effectively managed.
Made in Britain: a ‘Dragon’s Den’ Reject’s Success Story Highlights the Advantages of UK Manufacturing
Coinciding with Britain’s expected upturn in GPD this year, production is finding its way back to the UK, with many businesses inshoring production over manufacturing abroad. We believe generous research and development tax refunds for SMEs could help support this trend even further.
Organs-on-chips: a promising alternative to animal testing
Exciting new technology that will revolutionise drug testing has now secured the financial backing it needs. Emulate, the company commercialising the ‘Organs-on-Chips’ biotechnology, has been launched, after receiving $12 million in financing. Its answer to the pitfalls of drugs testing is an industry first: replica organs, the size of memory sticks, that mimic the functionality of human organs in the body so precisely as to make all other methods of testing obsolete.
Kent Is Open For Business In 2018
In terms of launching and growing a successful business, Kent has a lot to offer.
