1. Start with the business, not the scheme
We begin by understanding the company's priorities.
That may involve a new investment in Singapore, an existing R&D programme, a product under development or a planned expansion of operational capabilities.
Before recommending an incentive, we seek to understand:
- what the business intends to achieve;
- what activities and investments are involved;
- how the project is organised and funded;
- the relevant timelines and commitments; and
- how the project fits within the company's wider strategy.
This context matters because two companies undertaking apparently similar activities may have very different incentive options.
2. Be selective about what is worth pursuing
More applications do not necessarily mean a better incentive strategy.
An opportunity may appear relevant but become less attractive once its eligibility requirements, timing, financial implications or administrative obligations are considered.
We assess opportunities in their wider commercial context, taking account of the work required and the potential benefit.
That includes being clear when an incentive is unsuitable or when further information is needed before a recommendation can be made.
Our role is not to encourage companies to pursue every available programme.
3. Connect technical reality with financial evidence
R&D and innovation incentives often depend on activities that sit outside the finance function.
The underlying work may be understood by engineers, researchers, product developers or operational teams, while the associated expenditure and commercial decisions sit with Finance and management.
These perspectives need to describe the same project.
We bring them together through a coordinated assessment of the activities, expenditure and supporting documentation.
Technical analysis must reflect what was actually developed or undertaken. Financial analysis must be traceable to the relevant activities and costs.
The resulting application or claim should be consistent, supportable and aligned with the applicable incentive requirements.
4. Stay accountable beyond the recommendation
Identifying an opportunity is only the beginning.
A successful engagement may require technical interviews, financial analysis, supporting documentation, application preparation, discussions with the relevant authorities and subsequent substantiation.
Our involvement is structured around the requirements of the incentive and the needs of the company.
For R&D Tax, this means managing the specialist workstream from the identification of relevant activities through claim preparation and supporting evidence, including assistance with subsequent enquiries where required.
For Grants & Funding, it means connecting the initial funding strategy with the application, award conditions, project delivery and post-award claims.
The underlying principle is consistent:
Explore our detailed methodologies:
Working with your existing teams and advisers
Incentive work rarely takes place in isolation.
A finance team may own the tax position and financial planning. Technical teams understand the underlying activities. Management determines the investment priorities. Existing tax advisers or other specialists may already support the company.
We work within that environment.
Our role is to bring specialist incentive expertise into the process, coordinate the necessary inputs and translate the relevant work into clear deliverables.
For R&D Tax, we can work alongside the company's existing tax agent, providing the specialist R&D analysis and documentation for integration into the wider corporate tax process.
For grants, we coordinate the funding workstream with the project, operational and finance teams responsible for delivering the supported activity.
Adapting the approach to your situation
When planning a new investment or expansion
Incentive considerations are often most useful before significant commitments are finalised.
We help management assess potential funding routes in the context of the proposed project, investment economics and implementation timeline.
This creates an opportunity to consider relevant grants and investment incentives alongside the underlying business plan.
When reviewing existing R&D and innovation activities
For businesses already operating in Singapore, the priority may be to assess current technical activities and determine whether the company is making appropriate use of available R&D tax incentives.
We help identify the relevant work, evaluate the technical and financial position, and establish the evidence required to support the claim.
Both situations require a tailored assessment rather than a standard application checklist.
Clear advice. Direct involvement.
Our approach is senior-led and hands-on.
We place importance on understanding the underlying project, communicating clearly with management and maintaining a consistent technical and financial position throughout the engagement.
Companies should be able to understand why an incentive is relevant, what conditions apply, what remains uncertain and what needs to happen next.
That clarity is as important when we recommend against pursuing an opportunity as when we support an application or claim.
Discuss your project
Whether you are planning new activities in Singapore or reviewing your existing incentive position, we can help determine where specialist assessment would add value.
Tell us what your company is working on, and we can discuss the relevant incentive considerations and next steps.