A Flintshire-based engineering firm can fund a staff training programme and purchase new equipment after its projects qualified for research and development (R&D) tax credits.

Skyner Engineering Services Ltd is a team of highly skilled engineers, with years of expertise in fabrication, manufacturing and design and development. They carry out all aspects of onsite service and maintenance, from complete factory shutdown and start-up to repairs, ensuring all quality procedures are followed.

Formed in 2017 by two brothers, the business has since gone from strength to strength, with a third brother becoming a director in 2020. The firm received a five-figure cash payment of R&D tax credits for the innovation demonstrated in its projects.

The business qualified for R&D tax credits for the work it was involved in in developing equipment for two of its largest clients. The projects were done in-house from start to finish and once the trials had been completed, the team was invited to install within the factories. The projects were not without their challenges, with technical uncertainties they had to overcome.

One example was when they were asked to develop a plate removal tool for the laminators on a conveyor belt machine, to minimise the health and safety risks to workers.

Skyner sought to design and manufacture a piece of equipment that would make the removal process semi-automatic, constantly making adjustments before they reached the workable solution that they desired.

While operators are still involved during the plate change process, Skyner's development reduces the physical exertion and repetitive aspect of pulling the plates off from the existing process.

This development has enabled their client to offer a more advanced system which is a much safer production process for workers. Overall, the development offers a far more efficient and safer process of plate removal for their client's workers, and the designs saved their clients valuable time and money.

Managing director Ben Skyner was first made aware of the government's R&D tax relief scheme by a previous employee, who recommended he should speak to Access2Funding.

Ben said: "The process was extremely easy; the team that dealt with our claim were very knowledgeable and helpful throughout. Any queries that we had were answered promptly either by telephone or email.

"The process was straightforward and completely risk-free. Definitely worth seeing if your business is eligible!

"We will be reinvesting the money received from the claim within the company, purchasing new equipment and putting it towards staff training and development."

Keisi Morina, regional R&D manager at Access2Funding, said: "Skyner Engineering is a fine example of an engineering company that regularly undertakes research and development but wasn't aware.

"There is a huge benefit to claiming R&D tax credits, and I encourage those in the engineering industry who are not claiming to look into their eligibility for this government tax relief scheme.

"We've been able to ensure Skyner Engineering continues to grow and innovate. It was fantastic working on their first claim, and I look forward to hearing about their future innovations!"

Research and development (R&D) tax credits are a government incentive designed to reward UK companies for investing in innovation, with the incentive being a reduction in corporation tax or a cash payment.

For more information on Access2Funding, visit Access2Funding.co.uk