Case Study

Renewable Innovation in Historic Buildings

    • Apr 18, 2025
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About the client

“We’re a mechanical, electrical, and low carbon consultancy with a presence across the Highlands and Central Belt. We also have a health and safety division, but our work with Leyton has focused on M&E and low carbon innovation — especially in the renewables space.”

Innovation

“Our main area of innovation has been applying renewable technologies within historic buildings. It’s cutting edge — we’re working to preserve heritage status while driving towards net zero.”

The Benefit

How would you describe the R&D tax claim process with Leyton?
“It was pretty slick. The first year was a learning curve for both sides, but over time the process has become much simpler — both in how we prepare documentation and how Leyton interprets and applies what we do.”

Has working with Leyton helped shape your understanding of R&D?
“Definitely. Some things we assumed were R&D, Leyton clarified weren’t. But other areas we didn’t think qualified, they flagged as eligible — explaining why. It’s been a learning process, and we now know what to look for in our projects.”

What does your collaboration with Leyton look like in practice?
“It’s a staged process. We outline project narratives first — well before quantifying hours — then meet with Leyton routinely to make sure we’re on track to claim appropriately.”

How did Leyton support you through your recent HMRC challenge?
“We really leaned on Leyton. They helped us identify the best route for our claim and categorised our workload accordingly. When HMRC raised questions, we had a meeting with them and Leyton sat in. They advised us post-meeting, helped decode the language, and guided us through the entire process.”

What was the outcome?
“It took time, but it was a positive outcome. HMRC weren’t disputing the content of our claim — just the calculation method. Leyton had advised on that, and without their support, it would have been much harder to navigate.”

Would You Recommend Leyton?

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Yes, and I already have. I’ve recommended them to other design consultants and architects. From what I’ve seen, they sit at the forefront of this space. I’ve been very happy with the process. Communication is strong, the team is consistent year after year, and we’re not re-explaining things to new consultants each time. That continuity has made it seamless.

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