TBAT Innovation
TBAT Innovation is an independent UK consultancy, founded in 2002 and part of The Dains Group, that helps SMEs access R&D tax credits, UK and EU grant funding, and innovation tax reliefs such as Patent Box and Capital Allowances. It serves UK R&D-active SMEs and technology-based enterprises across diverse sectors from offices in Castle Donington and Oxford.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersCastle Donington, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What TBAT Innovation does
TBAT Innovation Limited is an independent UK consultancy founded in 2002 by Sam Stephens and headquartered in Castle Donington, East Midlands, with a second office in Oxford at the Barclays Eagle Labs innovation centre. The firm operates within The Dains Group of Companies, a larger accountancy and advisory group, and specialises in helping UK SMEs and technology-based enterprises access research and development funding through R&D tax credits (including HMRC enquiry support and claim notification), UK and EU grant funding applications (Innovate UK, Horizon Europe), and complementary tax reliefs such as Patent Box, Video Games Tax Relief, EIS/SEIS, Capital Allowances, Creative Tax Relief schemes, and British Business Bank funding support. Its primary customer base is horizontal — UK SMEs conducting R&D — with secondary focus on start-ups in their first three years and technology-based enterprises in sectors including marine energy, electronics, manufacturing, and life sciences. Service delivery is via specialist consultants sourced from R&D-intensive backgrounds, supported by a Quick R&D Calculator tool that provides indicative claim estimates as a freemium lead-generation asset.
Revenue is generated through professional services engagements on a quote-based, bespoke basis; pricing is not publicly disclosed and engagements are typically initiated via website inquiry, phone, or referral. The company markets through a content-led, multi-channel approach — website blog and case studies, the R&D Calculator, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, email newsletters, and events — and runs the TBAT Innovation Challenge, a nine-month programme offering a £50,000 cash prize and £100,000+ support package, sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau (Headline), Barclays Eagle Labs (Platinum), Kappika Ventures and Pera (Financial), and a wider sponsor ecosystem spanning MedTech, design, life sciences, and recruitment. Scale signals include 4,500+ client projects delivered, over £107.5m in cumulative benefits secured for clients, £14.1m in grants secured for clients over the trailing 12 months, and a 77% grant application success rate. The company holds ISO 9001 accreditation and is GDPR-compliant, with all systems hosted by third-party providers.
TBAT Innovation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TBAT Innovation
- Legal name
- TBAT Innovation Limited
- Website
- https://tbat.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- TBAT Innovation is an independent UK consultancy, founded in 2002 and part of The Dains Group, that helps SMEs access R&D tax credits, UK and EU grant funding, and innovation tax reliefs such as Patent Box and Capital Allowances. It serves UK R&D-active SMEs and technology-based enterprises across diverse sectors from offices in Castle Donington and Oxford.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TBAT Innovation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- R&D Tax and Grant Funding Consultancy
- NAICS
- Business Support Services (5614), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)
- SIC
- Federal & Federally-Sponsored Credit Agencies (6111), Miscellaneous Business Credit Institution (6159)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Digital Development & ICT4D / GovTech Technical Assistance (BPADAEAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- National Development Banks & State Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) (BPADACAC), SME Credit Risk, Underwriting & Financial Data (B2B Fintech Data/Decisioning) (FSAGAJAM)
Keywords
Where TBAT Innovation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Castle Donington
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
TBAT Innovation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- R&D Tax Credit Advisory Services: TBAT assists organisations in preparing and submitting R&D tax credit claims to HMRC, providing technical and financial analysis to identify qualifying activities and maximise claim values. This is a professional services engagement model.
- Grant Funding Application Support: The company provides bid writing and grant claim management services across UK and EU research and development grant funding schemes such as Innovate UK and Horizon Europe. Services include identifying funding opportunities, crafting applications, and ongoing project claim management.
- Capital Allowances Tax Relief: TBAT helps businesses claim Capital Allowances tax relief to offset capital expenditure on assets used in the business, including R&D Capital Allowances for facilities, plant and machinery.
- Other Tax Relief Services: Additional services include Video Games Tax Relief, Patent Box tax relief, EIS/SEIS Support, Creative Tax Relief Schemes, and British Business Bank Funding Support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free R&D Calculator Tool |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels8 records
TBAT Innovation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TBAT Innovation is an independent UK consultancy that helps organisations access research and development funding through tax incentives and grant schemes. The firm prepares and submits R&D tax credit claims to HMRC, identifies and manages UK and EU grant funding opportunities (such as Innovate UK and Horizon Europe), and supports additional tax relief programmes including Patent Box, Video Games Tax Relief, EIS/SEIS, Capital Allowances, and Creative Tax Reliefs.
Product overview
TBAT Innovation is an independent consultancy offering a comprehensive suite of R&D funding and tax relief services. The core offerings include R&D Tax Credits and Grant Funding services, supported by specialized tools like the R&D Tax Calculator. Additional services cover Patent Box, Video Games Tax Relief, EIS/SEIS Support, Capital Allowances, and Creative Tax Relief Schemes. The company also runs the TBAT Innovation Challenge, a nine-month business programme for UK SMEs offering a £50,000 cash prize and £100,000+ support package. TBAT supports clients across the full grant funding lifecycle from identifying opportunities through application and claim management.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The Innovation Challenge: A business programme that supports innovative UK SMEs with funding, expertise, and commercial insight. The winner receives £50,000 cash to invest in R&D and access to a £100,000+ support package.
Products and services
- R&D Tax Credits Assists UK organisations in identifying qualifying research and development activities and preparing R&D tax credit claims for submission to HMRC, covering eligibility assessment, technical and financial analysis, and ongoing claim management. Targeted at UK SMEs and enterprises engaged in R&D.
- HMRC R&D Tax Enquiry Support Provides expert representation and support for businesses undergoing HMRC enquiries or compliance reviews into their R&D tax credit claims. Targeted at UK businesses with submitted or under-review R&D claims.
- HMRC Claim Notification Manages the formal notification process that businesses must submit to HMRC prior to filing an R&D tax credit claim, ensuring procedural compliance. Targeted at UK companies preparing R&D claims.
- Grant Funding Helps UK businesses identify suitable UK and EU research and development grant funding opportunities (including Innovate UK and Horizon Europe), prepare and submit applications, and manage post-award claims. Includes UK Grants, EU Grants, Funding Finder, and Grant Claim Management sub-services. Targeted at UK SMEs and technology-based enterprises seeking non-dilutive R&D funding.
- Patent Box Tax Relief Advises businesses on claiming a reduced corporation tax rate on profits attributable to patented inventions, including eligibility assessment and HMRC submission support. Targeted at UK companies that hold or exploit patents.
- Video Games Tax Relief Supports video game developers in claiming UK tax relief on qualifying production expenditure, including eligibility assessment and claim preparation. Targeted at UK video game studios and developers.
- EIS/SEIS Tax Relief Provides advisory and application support for businesses seeking to use the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) or Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) to attract investment, including qualification assessment. Targeted at UK early-stage and growth-stage companies raising equity.
- Capital Allowances Tax Relief Helps businesses claim capital allowances on qualifying capital expenditure, including R&D Capital Allowances for facilities, plant, machinery, and IT systems, providing 100% uncapped first-year writing-down allowances on qualifying R&D assets. Targeted at UK businesses making capital investments, particularly in R&D-intensive assets.
- Creative Tax Relief Schemes Advises UK creative industry businesses on accessing the range of HMRC creative tax relief schemes beyond video games, including eligibility and claim preparation. Targeted at UK creative industry businesses.
- British Business Bank Funding Support Provides guidance and application support for businesses seeking to access funding through British Business Bank programmes. Targeted at UK SMEs seeking growth or R&D finance.
- TBAT Innovation Challenge An annual business programme that supports innovative UK SMEs with funding, expertise, and commercial insight over nine months, including five free online workshops, structured mentoring, and access to a £50,000 cash prize plus a £100,000+ support package for the winner. Powered by Dains with headline sponsorship from Shakespeare Martineau and Barclays Eagle Labs. Targeted at early-stage UK SMEs developing innovative technologies.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over £107.5 million in benefit secured for clients
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use TBAT Innovation
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
TBAT Innovation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
TBAT Innovation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- DainscoreDains is the parent company and accountancy firm behind TBAT Innovation. TBAT is described as 'part of the Dains Group of Companies' and the Innovation Challenge is run 'by Dains'. Dains provides professional accounting support including first-year accounts for Innovation Challenge winners.
- Shakespeare MartineauflagshipHeadline Sponsor of the 2026 TBAT Innovation Challenge. Provides expert legal support to build strong foundations, protect ideas, shape contracts, and reduce risk for founders.
- Barclays Eagle LabsflagshipPlatinum Sponsor of the 2026 Innovation Challenge. Provides an Executive Coaching Programme to help founders strengthen leadership and navigate growth challenges.
- ForresterscoreWorkshop 2 sponsor covering 'Developing, Protecting & Preparing to Grow'. Provides detailed IP Audit services for Innovation Challenge winners to review IP portfolios and formulate IP strategies.
- Isosceles FinancecoreWorkshop 3 sponsor covering 'Investment, Traction & The Team'. Provides fractional CFO, accounting, HR, and advisory expertise to fast-growing businesses.
- Datalink ElectronicscoreWorkshop 4 sponsor covering 'The Launch & Scale Phase'. Provides client review and manufacturing strategy support (3-5 days of tailored engineering support).
- SOTAScoreWorkshop 5 sponsor covering 'MedTech & Life Sciences'. Delivers expert guidance on medical device compliance, regulatory strategy, and market access through a one-day regulatory workshop.
- Rhodes Wealth ManagementminorWelcome Drinks Sponsor. Offers complimentary Magic Number and Cash Flow Modelling session for Innovation Challenge participants.
- OPD (Oxford Product Design)coreDesign Award Sponsor. Provides cutting-edge product design consultancy services to accelerate product development for the Design Award winner.
- Sequel Consultants LtdcoreRising Star Award Sponsor. Provides innovator support services to life sciences and health tech startups and SMEs with marketing, business development, funding, and regulatory insight.
- Med-Tech InsightsminorMedia Partner providing expert-led coverage of the MedTech sector. Provides start-up zone exhibition stand at Med-Tech Expo for the Innovation Challenge winner.
- Med-Tech ExpominorMedia Partner and UK/Ireland's leading event for medical device manufacturing. Offers exhibition stand and pitch slot for the Innovation Challenge winner.
- Funding HerominorProvides pitching training session for Top 10 Finalists to help innovators craft clear, compelling pitches balancing story, numbers, and customer insights.
- CPHIminorOffers spot on Exhibition Stand in Start-Up Zone at CPHI Milan 2026 for eligible Innovation Challenge winners (pharma, biopharma, digital, sustainability, medical device sectors).
- MedTech Makers LabminorCovers accommodation and return flights to CPHI Milan for one person as part of the Innovation Challenge prize package.
- Health Tech EnterpriseminorProvides 3 days of Strategic Market Access and NHS procurement support for eligible Innovation Challenge winners.
- Pioneer GroupminorProvides Venture Team Support including office hours covering accelerator programme, UK funding resources, ecosystem support, and investment readiness.
- Health Innovation East MidlandsminorOffers bespoke consultancy package to help navigate the NHS, refine innovation, and progress towards real-world adoption.
- EMBS TalentminorProvides Recruitment Fitness Assessment, Employer Brand Development, and Digital Talent Platforms. Winner receives 5 days of free support.
- Crowd PullminorProvides PR Support and Strategy Sessions beginning with a discovery session and creation of tailored PR strategy aligned to business growth goals.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
TBAT Innovation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
TBAT Innovation social profiles
Digital presenceTBAT Innovation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
TBAT Innovation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TBAT Innovation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
TBAT Innovation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TBAT Innovation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TBAT Innovation
What does TBAT Innovation do?
TBAT Innovation is an independent UK consultancy that helps organisations access research and development funding through tax incentives and grant schemes. The firm prepares and submits R&D tax credit claims to HMRC, identifies and manages UK and EU grant funding opportunities (such as Innovate UK and Horizon Europe), and supports additional tax relief programmes including Patent Box, Video Games Tax Relief, EIS/SEIS, Capital Allowances, and Creative Tax Reliefs.
Is TBAT Innovation a public or private company?
TBAT Innovation is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was TBAT Innovation founded?
TBAT Innovation was founded in 2002. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is TBAT Innovation based?
TBAT Innovation is headquartered in Castle Donington, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does TBAT Innovation make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. R&D Tax Credit Advisory Services are the primary driver. The others are grant Funding Application Support, capital Allowances Tax Relief and other Tax Relief Services.
Does TBAT Innovation have an API?
No public API is recorded for TBAT Innovation.
What industry is TBAT Innovation in?
TBAT Innovation's product category is R&D Tax and Grant Funding Consultancy. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAEAL, Digital Development & ICT4D / GovTech Technical Assistance, with a secondary code of BPADACAC, National Development Banks & State Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). Its NAICS code is 5614 and its SIC code is 6111.