UK Businesses Navigating the Merged RDEC Scheme Now Have a Clearer Path Forward

Catalyst Solutions launches a redesigned platform to guide companies through significant R&D tax relief changes

June 17, 2026 - Recent reforms to the UK’s R&D tax relief system have introduced significant changes to how companies claim, making the support of experienced R&D tax consultants increasingly valuable for businesses of all sizes.

To address this, Catalyst Solutions, a firm operating across three international markets, has launched a redesigned website giving UK businesses improved access to guidance on claiming R&D tax incentives under HMRC’s merged Research and Development Expenditure Credit scheme.

Understanding The New RDEC Scheme

The reforms introduced the merged RDEC scheme for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, a shift that has changed the landscape for businesses that previously claimed under separate schemes.

Under the old system, small and medium-sized enterprises and larger companies claimed through different routes, each with its own rate and rules.

The merged scheme consolidates those routes into a single relief, changing how the credit is calculated and how the resulting benefit is treated for tax.

For many companies, the practical effect is a different net figure at the end of a claim and a far greater emphasis on getting the underlying detail right.

Guidance For Businesses Claiming Relief

The updated platform provides detailed information on the reformed relief landscape, covering eligibility criteria, qualifying expenditure categories, and the full claims process, helping businesses understand what relief is available and how to access it.

It also explains the additional support available to loss-making, research-intensive small and medium-sized enterprises, which can access a more generous rate where qualifying R&D makes up a substantial proportion of total expenditure.

The site also outlines how Catalyst Solutions supports businesses at every stage of the claims process, from identifying qualifying activities and preparing technical narratives, to liaising with HMRC where required.

Supporting Compliant R&D Claims

With HMRC stepping up its scrutiny of claims in recent years, the firm places particular emphasis on thorough documentation and clear technical narratives that demonstrate the scientific or technological advance behind a project.

As specialist R&D tax consultants, the team aims to help businesses submit compliant claims while reducing the risk of an enquiry.

UK businesses investing in innovation can use the website to assess whether their activities may qualify for R&D tax incentives and to understand the steps involved in preparing a compliant claim.

The guidance is intended to be accessible to companies approaching the relief for the first time as well as to established claimants adjusting to the new rules.

For more information on R&D tax incentives in the United Kingdom and how Catalyst Solutions can help, visit https://catalystsolutions.global/rd-tax-incentives-uk.

About Catalyst Solutions

Catalyst Solutions is an R&D tax consultancy that helps businesses identify, prepare, and submit claims for R&D tax incentives and government grants.

With operations in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia, the firm works with companies across a range of industries to maximise the value of their innovation investment.

Contact

Laura Bacher

Catalyst Solutions

https://catalystsolutions.global

+44 20 3059 9588