Amped PCR is an innovative UK life sciences business focused on making high-performance molecular biology reagents more accessible, reproducible and practical for real-world laboratory use.
At a glance
| Company | Amped PCR |
| What it makes | Amped Universal qPCR Master Mix, a premium mastermix for a broad range of molecular biology applications |
| Field of technology | Molecular biology reagents |
| Origin | Incorporated in 2022 by co-founder and director Benjamin Davis |
| Engagement | R&D tax relief claim preparation for a first-time claimant |
About Amped PCR
An innovative life sciences business built around practical laboratory performance
The company was incorporated in 2022 by co-founder and director Benjamin Davis, who has a BSc in Molecular Genetics and brings a strong scientific background to the business.
Amped PCR develops its Amped Universal qPCR Master Mix, a premium mastermix designed for a broad range of molecular biology applications, including hydrolysis-probe and intercalator dye workflows, SNP genotyping, microbiome and metagenomics studies.
With a focus on performance, reliability and practical laboratory use, Amped PCR is building products designed to integrate into both research and industrial workflows.
The challenge
Navigating the complexity of a first R&D tax relief claim
This was the first year Amped PCR had made an R&D tax relief claim and the first year LimestoneGrey had worked with the business.
Like many innovative companies approaching the relief for the first time, Amped PCR was navigating a regime that has become increasingly complex, with a number of additional procedural and compliance requirements introduced in recent years.
One of those requirements is the R&D claim notification process. When Amped PCR approached LimestoneGrey for specialist support with its first claim, the relevant notification deadline had already passed.
This situation highlights how changes to the R&D tax regime can have unintended consequences for genuine innovative businesses, particularly those approaching the relief for the first time.
It also highlights an important point: the technical strength of a company’s R&D is only one part of the picture. Understanding the wider rules, deadlines and compliance requirements is now equally important.
Our approach
Bringing scientific knowledge and R&D tax expertise together
Our first priority was to work closely with Ben and the team to understand Amped PCR’s business, its R&D activity and the wider context in which that work was being undertaken.
Ben brought deep scientific and commercial knowledge of the business, while LimestoneGrey brought specialist R&D tax expertise. By combining those perspectives, we were able to build a robust claim that accurately reflected Amped PCR’s qualifying activity and wider circumstances.
As this was the company’s first claim, we also worked together to establish a clear and practical framework for future years. This included discussing how the R&D tax rules apply to the business, the importance of supporting records and the compliance requirements that need to be considered alongside the technical work.
The result was a collaborative process that brought together Amped PCR’s understanding of its own innovation with LimestoneGrey’s experience of the R&D tax regime.
A broader view of the claim
Looking beyond the claim to the wider financial picture
Our work with Amped PCR also demonstrated the value of bringing wider tax and accountancy experience into the R&D process.
While LimestoneGrey is dedicated to R&D tax relief, the broader accountancy background of the team means we are able to consider a claim in the context of the company’s wider financial position rather than in isolation.
In Amped PCR’s case, we worked collaboratively with the company’s existing accountant to ensure the accounting treatment and the R&D claim aligned appropriately.
That joined-up approach is important to us. Our role is not to replace a company’s accountant or create conflict with existing advisers. Instead, we aim to work alongside them, combining their knowledge of the business with our specialist R&D expertise to provide a more complete service.
For clients, that means a claim supported from both a technical and financial perspective.
The outcome
Building a strong foundation for future claims
The result was a clear, robust and well-supported first R&D tax relief claim, together with a stronger understanding of the compliance requirements that will support future claims.
The process also created a joined-up approach between Amped PCR, LimestoneGrey and the company’s existing accountant, ensuring that the wider financial position was considered as part of the claim process.
For Amped PCR, this first year of working together provided not only support with the immediate claim, but also a stronger foundation for managing its R&D tax position going forward.
From LimestoneGrey
“We’ve really enjoyed working with Ben and the team at Amped PCR. Ben has an impressive understanding of both the science behind the product and the direction he wants to take the business, which made the whole process very collaborative. Our role was to bring our R&D tax expertise alongside that knowledge and work together to build a robust claim. Amped is an exciting business, and we’re looking forward to continuing to support the team as the company develops and grows.”
Matthew Jones, Managing Director, LimestoneGrey Limited
In Amped PCR’s words
“As this was our first R&D tax relief claim, having LimestoneGrey support us through the process was extremely valuable. They took the time to understand our business and explain the rules clearly, while also working closely with our accountant to ensure the wider financial position was considered. The process felt collaborative and joined up, and we came away with a much clearer understanding of what we need to consider going forward. We’re pleased to have LimestoneGrey supporting us and look forward to working together as the business continues to grow.”
Benjamin Davis, Co-founder and Director, Amped PCR Limited
If this looks like your company
Reagent development, assay chemistry and formulation work often contain qualifying activity, though whether any particular programme does turns on its own facts. Our life sciences and biotech pages set out where the line falls. If you have not claimed before, read claim notification first and check your own date with the deadline checker — it is the one deadline with no way back. A loss-making, R&D-intensive company should also check whether it qualifies for the higher ERIS rate. If you would rather talk it through, contact us: a first conversation costs nothing and the fee is agreed before any work starts.
Sources
- Amped PCR’s website, for the company and its product.
- Published with Amped PCR’s agreement. Both quotations are given as approved.
Every claim turns on its own facts: a past outcome is not a prediction for your company.