An agile platform to adapt to changing regulations. A team of R&D tax claim and sector specialist: ex-HMRC, ATT qualified, AML trained, AML registered and supervised by HMRC.
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Meet your R&D Tax Specialist
Behind every claim is a team of tax, finance, and technical experts – supported by EmpowerRD’s innovative platform. Together, they ensure your claim is compliant, robust, and optimised.
Our R&D Tax Credit specialists
Stuart Millar, FCCA
Head of Tax
Stuart leads EmpowerRD’s tax strategy, bringing over a decade of experience in R&D tax relief, including senior roles at a Big Four firm. He has supported companies across technology, life sciences, manufacturing, and other innovation-driven sectors.
At EmpowerRD, Stuart is responsible for embedding best practices across every stage of the claims process. He ensures claims are aligned with HMRC’s guidance, fully supported, and resilient to enquiry.
- ✔ Chartered Tax Adviser with 10+ years of R&D tax leadership
- ✔ Specialist in applying R&D tax legislation correctly and clearly
- ✔ Experienced in managing HMRC enquiries and complex claims
Katie Pearce
Head of Claim Quality
Katie oversees the accuracy and compliance of every claim EmpowerRD submits. She leads our multi-stage review process, which ensures narratives and financials are thoroughly checked before submission.
Under her leadership, EmpowerRD has maintained an enquiry rate of less than 5%, far below the industry average.
- ✔ Expert in HMRC’s claim review process and requirements
- ✔ Focused on accuracy, compliance, and best practice
- ✔ Ensures every claim meets the highest quality standards
Dr Matthew Rix, BSc (Hons), MRes, PhD
R&D Tax Consultant & Technical Report Writer
Matthew holds a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry and previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry developing APIs and medicinal compounds. His scientific background enables him to engage directly with clients’ competent professionals and translate complex R&D into HMRC-compliant technical reports.
At EmpowerRD, Matthew leads technical interviews, reviews documentation, and drafts narratives that clearly evidence R&D activity and uncertainty.
- ✔ PhD-level scientist with cross-industry expertise
- ✔ Skilled in cost apportionment analysis and document reviews
- ✔ Specialist in translating technical projects into compliant reports
Yasmin Lakin, ATT
R&D Financial Consultant
Yasmin specialises in financial compliance and claim optimisation. ATT qualified, she brings experience from Deloitte and Source Advisors, where she developed strong technical knowledge of R&D tax relief.
At EmpowerRD, she reviews claim costs, financial documents, and amended tax returns, helping companies identify eligible expenditure while ensuring accuracy and compliance with HMRC rules.
- ✔ Expert in subcontractor costs, EPWs, and grant funding treatment
- ✔ Reviews CT600s, tax computations, and AIF submissions
- ✔ Provides detailed feedback to strengthen claims and avoid pitfalls
Dr Elizabeth Olisa, BSc (Hons), MRes, PhD
R&D Technical Consultant
Elizabeth recently completed her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London, where her research focused on lithium-sulfur batteries. She has also worked in medical device manufacturing and as part of international electric vehicle projects.
At EmpowerRD, she applies her academic and industrial experience to assess complex R&D projects and support clients in presenting their innovations to HMRC.
- ✔ PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London
- ✔ Specialist in advanced battery research and manufacturing processes
- ✔ Experienced in technical project evaluation across multiple sectors
Vishnu Pillai, ATT
Head of Client & Claim Operations
Vishnu ensures every client experiences a smooth, efficient claims process. With a Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering from Imperial College London and ATT qualifications, he combines technical knowledge with operational expertise.
Vishnu leads the client and claim operations team, making sure deadlines are met, communications are clear, and the claims process is seamless from start to finish.
- ✔ ATT qualified R&D tax professional
- ✔ Over 7 years in R&D tax consultancy and operations
- ✔ Committed to delivering a consistent, high-quality client experience
The EmpowerRD Platform
Your Digital R&D Specialist
Alongside our people, our platform acts as an additional expert in the claims process. Built by R&D tax specialists, it ensures nothing gets missed and every claim is compliant before submission.
- ✔ Compliance built-in: legislative prompts, multi-stage reviews, and risk alerts keep claims robust.
- ✔ Efficiency unlocked: the platform manages structure, cost categorisation, and document storage.
- ✔ Expert focus: by taking care of the admin, the platform frees our specialists to concentrate on complex technical, tax, and financial judgement calls.
- ✔ Transparency and control: you can track progress, review feedback, and store all claims securely in one place.
Proudly supporting over 1,200 UK innovators
£0+
of UK R&D contribution to the UK economy uncovered
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Clients served
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In successful claims awarded
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All time HMRC enquiry rate
