alexanderclifford.co.uk

What It Is

Alexander Clifford is a UK specialist tax advisory firm focused on R&D Tax Credits/R&D Tax Relief. Its core offering is not general business software, but helping innovative UK companies identify R&D activities that meet HMRC criteria, organize eligible costs, prepare technical and financial claim documentation, and submit compliant claims. The website states that it has submitted 2,400+ R&D claims, served 1,000+ clients, and achieved an average client claim value of £63,000.

Core Features and Service Capabilities

Its services focus on identifying R&D activities, checking eligibility against HMRC criteria, writing technical reports, organizing claimable costs, and managing the claim process. Covered cost categories may include employee PAYE costs, subcontractors and externally provided workers, consumables, software, cloud computing and data licences, and prototypes. Case examples span sectors such as medtech, energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, AI/machine learning, software, and Web3. The site also mentions support during HMRC compliance checks, which can be valuable for higher-risk claims.

Pricing and Delivery Model

Pricing follows a “No win, no fee” model, meaning fees are charged only after a successful claim and delivered result. A free consultation is also offered. However, the website does not disclose the specific commission rate, minimum fee, refund terms, or payment methods. From a value-for-money perspective, the upfront risk is relatively low, but companies should still confirm the success fee, scope of liability, and support obligations in the event of an HMRC review before signing.

Pros and Cons

The main advantages are its highly focused positioning, with an emphasis on compliance, transparency, and simplifying the process. The team includes technical, financial, and commercial roles, making it suitable for translating complex R&D projects into claim documentation that HMRC can recognize. The downside is that it is not a typical SaaS platform: the available text does not show information about an online workspace, third-party integrations, APIs, permission management, data security certifications, or deployment options. For companies looking for software-based workflow management, the level of information transparency is limited.

Best Fit and Access from China

It is best suited to SMEs that pay tax in the UK, carry out genuine R&D activities, and lack in-house tax claim expertise—especially in sectors such as software, AI, engineering, and medtech. For Chinese companies without a UK taxable entity, the service has limited applicability. If the focus is China’s additional deduction for R&D expenses, companies should instead choose a local Chinese tax advisory firm or corporate income tax R&D expense service provider. The website does not disclose access or payment conditions from China, so these remain unknown.