Sectors
Science and Technology
Strategic financial guidance to help technology and science businesses scale innovation, secure investment, and achieve global growth.
Powering innovation with expert financial strategy
The Science and Technology sector is driven by those who look at the world and see how it could be better, faster, and smarter. Whether you are an early-stage software developer, a scaling biotech firm, or an established advanced manufacturing enterprise, your primary focus should be on your product and your market. However, the operational reality of building a tech company often involves navigating complex funding rounds, fierce competition for global talent, and intense financial scrutiny.
At Armstrong Watson, we understand the unique lifecycle of a technology business. The journey from a bootstrapped start-up to a successful international exit requires far more than standard accountancy. It requires a strategic financial partner who can help you secure investment, commercialise your Intellectual Property (IP), and build a scalable operational infrastructure across borders.
We provide the "straight-talking," professional advice you need at every stage of your growth. We handle the financial and regulatory complexities, giving you the clarity and confidence to focus on what you do best: innovating.
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Contact the teamFrequently asked questions
Clear, expert answers to the common financial and strategic questions we receive from ambitious businesses across the science and technology landscape.
You should apply before you pitch to investors. The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) offer massive tax breaks to individuals investing in early-stage, high-risk companies. Having 'Advance Assurance' from HMRC proves to potential angels and venture capitalists that their investment in your tech firm will qualify for these crucial tax reliefs, making you a highly attractive proposition.
HMRC’s definition of R&D is based on resolving a "scientific or technological uncertainty." Routine coding or building a standard e-commerce site won't qualify. However, if your team is developing bespoke algorithms, integrating disparate legacy systems in novel ways, or significantly advancing existing technology architectures, you may have a strong claim. We help you isolate the eligible technical work from the commercial activity.
International expansion introduces complex transfer pricing, double taxation risks, and varying state tax liabilities. Leveraging our HLB International network, we provide joined-up, cross-border tax structuring. We ensure your new subsidiary or branch is established efficiently, protecting your global profits and ensuring compliance in both your home market and overseas.
Cash flow is often tight in scaling tech firms, making it hard to match multinational corporate salaries. An Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) allows you to offer key staff tax-advantaged share options. This gives your vital employees a direct stake in the future value of the company, incentivising them to stay and drive the business toward a successful, lucrative exit.
If your company holds a qualifying patent (granted by the UK IPO or the EPO), the Patent Box regime allows you to apply a lower, 10% rate of Corporation Tax to the profits earned from those patented inventions. Calculating the exact proportion of profit derived from the patent is highly complex; we manage these calculations to ensure your intellectual property actively drives down your corporate tax liability.
Yes. Innovate UK (and many other grant-awarding bodies) require independent, reasonable assurance reports to verify that the grant funding was spent strictly according to the project parameters. We have specific expertise in conducting these grant audits, ensuring your claims are approved quickly and smoothly without jeopardising future funding applications.
You need to ensure your business is "investor-ready" today. This means conducting a thorough review of your IP ownership, ensuring your employee contracts and EMI schemes are perfectly compliant, and stress-testing your digital and financial infrastructure. Furthermore, our Financial Planning team will work with you as a founder to structure your personal assets, ensuring you are prepared to manage your wealth tax-efficiently post-sale.
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What our clients say
We're committed to delivering the best client experience. Hear from those who have worked with us and discover how we've helped them achieve their goals.
Working with Armstrong Watson has been a truly positive experience for our business. From the outset, their team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, flexibility and transparency throughout the audit process. What stood out most was their ability to make a complex and often challenging process feel straightforward and collaborative.
The quality of communication and responsiveness gave us confidence at every stage, and their proactive approach ensured that any issues were addressed quickly and effectively. This level of service is a significant improvement compared to our previous audit experience and has reinforced that choosing Armstrong Watson was the right decision.
Beyond the audit itself, we value Armstrong Watson as trusted advisors who understand our business and provide insights that help us plan for the future. Their commitment to building strong client relationships and delivering real value sets them apart and we look forward to continuing this partnership.
Kristof Van Hof
Finance manager, Crestron TIG
As a well established and profitable electronic components manufacturer based in the North East , the shareholders had reached a stage in life when it was apparent a company sale was required. They approached David Wilson who was very responsive in finding potential buyers. Agreement with the first potential buyer chosen did not progress due to the final terms of their offer being insufficient. The second buyer, a private equity company, had a prolonged due diligence process which required considerable tenacity and astute negotiation to navigate. David and his team were admirable throughout and successfully concluded the sale.
Tony Hemming
Chairman (until May 2024), Isocom Components 2004 Ltd
Completing the audit against a COVID 19 backdrop, the Armstrong Watson team showed a pragmatic approach to auditing both going concern and impairment, giving clear communication on what information they needed and why. This was done in a way that supported the management team and wider Board to have everything signed and delivered on time and within our governance structure.
Anthony Hill
CFO, iPortalis
When changing independence rules in the Big 4 meant I had to outsource my consolidation I was nervous about using an independent firm. I needn’t have been. Simon has the experience of my audit lead in the Big 4 but the time to meet me face to face and work through it – he wasn’t just there at the end but with me on the journey.
Anne Caudwell
Head of Finance, Giacom World Networks Limited
Engineered Assistance Ltd design and manufacture specialist mobility equipment for the healthcare sector, and are based in West Yorkshire.
The Armstrong Watson team helped us prepare R&D tax relief claims since the company was first incorporated and have saved us huge amounts of tax which we have consequently been able to reinvest in our technology.
The team have a great understanding of the R&D tax relief rules and his advice has been invaluable in not only preparing accurate claims for HMRC, but also maximising the tax relief available. I would definitely recommend Armstrong Watson to any company who think they might be able to make a claim.
Dane McGee
Managing Director, Engineered Assistance Ltd
Case studies
Client story
Corporate Finance Team supports acquisition of R & A Kay Inspection Services by BES Group
Client story
Corporate Finance team supports sale of Isocom Components to Foresight Group
Client story
Outsourced bookkeeping and preparation of group management information for international company
Exus Software Limited (Exus) is a global leader in debt collection and recovery technology, with headquarters in London and operating R&D in At
Client story
The cost of using specialist Corporate Financiers will be far surpassed by the value they add
Background
Founded in 2009, Integrity is an IT solutions and consultancy business, delivering IT Solution packages to small businesses and
