PKF Smith Cooper invests in specialist tax services with new R&D manager

Award-winning accountancy and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper has recruited Piers Pye-Watson to the new role of R&D tax manager, as the Midlands-based company invests in the growth of its R&D services and continues to expand its specialist tax division.

Piers Pye-Watson joins PKF Smith Cooper with 12 years’ experience in tax and six of those spent specialising in R&D. Prior to PKF, he worked for Big Four company EY and Nottingham-based business G2 Innovation, where he gained substantial knowledge of the Midlands market and experience in helping local SMEs maximise tax relief through R&D. He has supported clients in a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, software and agriculture.

It has been a year of significant growth for the PKF Smith Cooper tax division, with fourteen new recruits hired during 2022, including a capital allowances consultant, and four promotions to tax partner. In October, the division was recognised by eprivateclient when PKF Smith Cooper featured on its annual ‘Top Accountancy Firms 2022’ list, which names the best UK tax advisory firms for domestic and international private clients.

Growth has been a firm-wide trend, as PKF Smith Cooper moved its Derby office to new premises in September to accommodate an expanding staff body and client base. In 2021, the business went from local to global when it joined renowned international accountancy network PKF.

Piers Pye-Watson, R&D Tax Manager at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “I am looking forward to helping the firm’s clients to navigate the complex and changing legislation that surrounds R&D, as well as providing clarity on project eligibility. With R&D policy undergoing a period of significant upheaval, businesses are in need of specialist advice and guidance more than ever before.”

Gary Devonshire, Tax Advisory Partner and head of innovation and property taxes at PKF Smith Cooper, commented: “I am thrilled to have Piers join the team and know that he will be a real asset to the firm and our clients. It has been a busy year for the tax division at PKF Smith Cooper, as we continue to enhance our service provision with a particular focus on developing our specialisms through the recruitment of industry-leading specialists.”

“In the current economic climate, it is vital that SMEs take advantage of the tax relief opportunities available to them and consulting tax specialists from the very start of a project is the most effective way for a business to maximise relief.”