TC Group has promoted Felix Medd from Associate Director to Director – Head of Research & Development (R&D), recognising his leadership in developing the firm’s specialist R&D tax advisory offering and strengthening support for innovative businesses across the UK.

Since joining TC in October 2024, Northampton-based Felix has played a fundamental role in the evolution of the firm’s national R&D service, helping businesses access valuable tax relief while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

His promotion comes at a time of significant change for the UK’s R&D tax relief regime. Recent reforms, combined with increased HMRC scrutiny, have created a greater need for specialist advice, with businesses seeking confidence that claims are both compliant and robust.

According to Felix, while the purpose of R&D tax relief remains the same – encouraging investment in innovation – the expectations surrounding claims have changed considerably.

“The most significant shift’s been HMRC’s approach to scrutiny,” said Felix. “While enquiry rates have reduced for firms that consistently prioritise compliance, the enquiries themselves can be detailed, time-consuming and constantly evolving.

“As a result, what makes a strong claim today isn’t simply meeting the technical criteria or maximising eligible costs. Businesses also need to be able to demonstrate how their projects satisfy the rules and ensure they have the evidence to support that position if challenged.”

For businesses investing in new products, processes, technologies or services, Felix believes many organisations are still missing out on support they’re entitled to claim.

“Ultimately, the bar’s been raised, but for companies undertaking genuine R&D, the relief remains one of the most valuable incentives available. The strongest claims are built throughout the life of a project, not retrospectively. Capturing the right information as projects progress puts businesses in a much stronger position and removes a significant amount of risk later on.”

As the R&D landscape has become increasingly specialised, many firms have reconsidered how they deliver support in this area. While some advisors have reduced their involvement, TC’s continued to invest in dedicated in-house expertise, technical development and quality assurance.

Felix believes that specialist support is now more important than ever.

“R&D has evolved into a highly specialised discipline. What businesses need today isn’t just access to relief; they need confidence that what’s being submitted on their behalf is technically robust, well-evidenced and sustainable.

“That’s why we’ve invested heavily in specialist capability, structured processes and continuous development within the team. Our focus is on helping businesses access the relief they’re entitled to while making sure they’re prepared for the expectations of today’s environment.”

Under Felix’s leadership, TC Group’s R&D team works closely with clients and colleagues across the wider business to identify qualifying activity earlier, reduce administrative burden and ensure R&D advice forms part of a broader strategic conversation.

“A joined-up approach helps businesses get the most value from the process,” he said. “By identifying opportunities early and integrating R&D discussions into wider tax and advisory planning, we can provide support at the right time and help clients make informed decisions about future investment.”

Felix’s career has been built within R&D advisory, with particular expertise in enquiry defence and helping businesses navigate HMRC reviews. That experience has shaped his approach to developing TC’s service offering.

“I’ve always looked at claims through the lens of how they would stand up to scrutiny in practice,” he explained. “That means focusing on consistency, quality and building processes that support clients over the long term, rather than simply maximising a claim in the short term.”

Looking ahead, Felix sees significant opportunities for innovative businesses despite the economic challenges many continue to face.

“Businesses are continuing to invest in new technologies, new products and more efficient ways of working. Innovation remains a key driver of growth and competitiveness. We’re here to support business owners throughout that journey, helping them access available incentives, manage risk and ensure they’re well positioned for future growth.”

Stephen Watts, Group Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of TC Group, welcomed Felix’s promotion.

“Felix has made a significant impact since joining TC and so this promotion’s hugely deserved. His technical expertise, leadership and commitment to delivering the highest standards of client service have strengthened our R&D offering, helping more businesses access specialist support while positioning the team for future growth. We look forward to seeing the team continue to thrive under his leadership and more businesses benefiting from his sound advice.”

Felix’s promotion reflects TC Group’s continued investment in its specialist advisory services and a continued commitment to helping businesses innovate, grow and create long-term value. Supported by a dedicated team of R&D specialists, he continues to work with local business owners and those across the UK to help them navigate change, maximise available reliefs, and invest confidently in future innovation.

About TC Group

TC Group’s an Accountancy Age Top 20 firm of business advisors and accountants, providing accountancy, tax, advisory, legal and financial planning services to businesses and individuals across the UK.

With more than 2,000 people across over 70 offices nationwide, TC Group supports more than 35,000 clients by combining national scale with local expertise, delivering proactive, relationship-led advice that helps clients achieve sustainable growth, safeguard wealth and navigate an increasingly complex business landscape.

TC SEM (a partner firm of TC Group) with offices in Leicester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, and Southampton, has been named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.

Find out more about TC Group’s R&D and innovation tax reliefs service, or reach out to Felix directly felixmedd@tc-group.com