The Tax Relief People
At The Tax Relief People, we specialise in helping UK limited companies understand and claim R&D tax credits with confidence. Our experienced team guides you through the complexities of HMRC’s rules, ensuring you identify qualifying activities and maximise your claim in line with current legislation.
As R&D tax relief rules evolve and become more specific, many businesses miss out on valuable incentives simply because they aren’t sure what qualifies or how to compile a compliant claim. We sit on your side of the table, reviewing your past accounting periods, pinpointing eligible costs, and supporting you through the claim process so you can focus on innovation and growth.
Services
Expert R&D Tax Relief Support
We specialise in helping UK businesses and individuals identify and maximise legitimate tax reliefs and incentives, particularly where the rules are complex or often misunderstood. With deep expertise in areas such as R&D tax credits and other specialist reliefs, we help uncover opportunities that are frequently missed or overlooked.
We work closely with you to understand your activities and expenditure, assessing eligibility in line with HMRC guidelines and managing the technical detail behind the scenes. Rather than simply submitting claims, we focus on building robust, evidence-based submissions that stand up to scrutiny. Our role is to translate complex tax legislation into clear, practical outcomes, providing confident advice that complements your wider accounting and advisory support.
Team
The people behind the work
Martin Collins
Chief Executive Officer
During my career, I’ve had successes in both the PLC world and the SME sector as an owner-manager.
I’ve enjoyed the cut and thrust of challenges on the front line and have sat in negotiations around boardroom tables in the City, but my passion lies firmly with the SME sector.
I enjoy supporting and growing my own businesses, helping clients succeed, even when they don’t yet realise how successful they are.
I understand the importance of structured, organised businesses, while ensuring the drive and passion of the owner isn’t held back.
Experience allows me to help teams play to their strengths and support the rest, because the quality of advisors and support always makes the difference.
Tracy Eaton
Director
I started my commercial and financial career in 2002 at CVS, working with Martin on the management team and helping grow the business through to its sale to a FTSE 250 bank.
As General Manager of Finance and Operations, I oversaw the development of systems and processes, including implementing in-house IT systems to support efficient and profitable growth.
After the sale, I remained for several years, gaining senior-level experience within a banking PLC, including leading SAP Finance system implementations.
Since then, I have developed operational finance divisions for SMEs, balancing corporate controls, governance, and processes with flexibility, helping clients understand their business and celebrating their successes with them.
Jo Hancock
Chief of Staff
During my career, I have worked across multiple industries in both the SME sector and Corporate PLCs, focusing on organisational efficiency, strategic planning, and project and change management.
As a Hospitality Management graduate, I began in the hotel industry and discovered a passion for strategy, problem-solving, and delivering excellent customer service.
Over the next ten years, I developed these skills as Operations Manager and Director across hospitality, commercial vehicles, and pharmaceutical services.
I then moved into Project and Change Management, leading projects including office builds, business relocations, global finance system implementations, and CRM rollouts.
My heart lies with SMEs, where I now oversee operations, strategy, and team performance to deliver outstanding client service.
Emma Robison
Chief Operating Officer
As a Graduate in Economics, I worked in London’s financial industry for several years, developing a strong understanding of commercial finance.
This experience, alongside qualifications in HR and Business Turnaround, has equipped me to support my clients effectively.
I focus on providing commercial finance divisions nationally, regardless of company size or status.
Over the years, I have built strong relationships with well-known funders and many that are less familiar, creating a network of lenders who understand our strengths.
My experience allows me to assist with straightforward funding requirements or provide guidance and divisions for the unusual, the complex, and every challenge in between.
Mike Ball
Chief Commercial Officer
Until 2020, I was a Senior Partner in an international audit and advisory firm, and for the past 25 years, I have enjoyed advising clients ranging from start-ups to multi-billion-pound businesses.
I am an accountant by training, not intuition, and relish the challenges of working with business owners.
Overseeing more than 1,500 businesses, I have seen nearly every scenario.
Unlike many in the profession, I have owned and grown companies, advised on M&A, developed trading structures, and implemented national and international tax strategies.
I work alongside talented entrepreneurs and a skilled team, delivering services that I truly believe are second to none.
Alex Reynolds
Head of Accountancy & Tax
My career began training at a global accountancy practice, where I qualified as a chartered accountant and built a strong technical foundation across audit and advisory work.
I later managed a diverse client portfolio before being headhunted during an economic downturn into a Finance Director role within the construction sector.
Operating at board level through a recession gave me first-hand experience of cash flow pressure, funding constraints, and strategic decision-making under stress.
Today, I draw on both technical expertise and real-world commercial experience to advise SME and owner-managed businesses.
My work focuses on tax advisory, management buy-outs, group restructures, and tax-efficient planning, helping business owners make informed decisions with confidence.
Chelsea Stox
Business Services Manager
Starting out in manufacturing and growing into roles that champion operational excellence, I’ve always been rooted in the SME world.
I’m passionate about process improvement and efficiency, ensuring divisions are practical, realistic, and deliver real value.
In my current role, I work closely with the accounts team to manage statutory requirements and support projects that keep operations running smoothly.
I thrive under pressure, enjoy working to deadlines, and take pride in finding smart, effective divisions that make a genuine difference.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me catching up with friends over a glass of wine, exploring new places on long dog walks, or tackling my latest home renovation project.
Jackie Howard
Group Compliance Manager
I am an experienced Compliance Officer and qualified Chartered Accountant with over 40 years in professional services.
I began my career at KPMG and have since gained expertise across accountancy, legal, financial advisory, and banking sectors.
My focus is always on reducing risk and ensuring regulatory compliance. As a leader, I guide teams through complex challenges, fostering integrity, accountability, and collaboration.
I am passionate about process improvement and mentoring others, helping to build strong, high-performing teams.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, following both Arsenal football teams, and keeping fit, balancing my professional focus with personal interests.
Contact Us
Get in touch today to see how we can help
Please contact us by sending us an email us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0333 3055654.
Alternatively, fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
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