Partnership Process: From Referral to Payment
A straightforward, flexible process designed to fit your practice workflow.
Step-by-Step Process
Initial Discussion
Schedule call with Daniel (Partnership Manager)
- Discuss your practice, client base, and needs
- Review partnership terms and referral fees
- Ask questions, clarify concerns
Sign Partnership Agreement
Receive one-page Partner Referral Agreement
- Review terms (confidentiality, fees, process)
- Sign and return (email or DocuSign)
- Receive countersigned copy for your records
Refer Clients by Email
Identify client with potential R&D activity
- Email us client contact details
- Company name, contact person name & email
- Brief description of their R&D work (optional)
We Conduct Initial Assessment (Free)
Free R&D eligibility assessment
- We may request introductory email from you (optional)
- We contact client confidentially (no-obligation basis)
- Inform you of outcome (qualifies / doesn't qualify / needs more info)
Client Engagement (If Qualified)
Client decides whether to proceed with claim
- We inform you of their decision
- You choose level of involvement
- Full white-label, collaborative, or complete handoff
Claim Preparation & Submission
We work with client to gather information
- Prepare technical report & claim documentation
- Review with you (if requested)
- Submit to HMRC on client's behalf
HMRC Payment & Your Referral Fee
HMRC processes claim (typically 4-8 weeks)
- Payment received into our Client Monies account
- We invoice client
- We pay your referral fee
Ongoing Support (If Needed)
If HMRC opens enquiry, we handle defence
- You're kept informed throughout
- No additional cost to you or client
- Expert representation for all enquiry types
Work with Us Your Way
Every practice is different. We adapt to your preferred working style.
White-Label Service
- We work invisibly behind your practice
- Client sees your branding (if requested)
- All communications through you
- You maintain full client relationship
Collaborative Partnership
- We work alongside your practice
- Client knows both parties are involved
- You're copied on key communications
- Shared client relationship
Complete Handoff
- We take full responsibility for R&D claim
- Client knows they've been referred to specialists
- You receive updates only
- Minimal time investment from your team
You decide. We're flexible.
What We Need from You
Minimal time investment per referral: 5-10 minutes
Essential:
- Client contact details (name, email, phone)
- Brief description of their business/sector and number of technical staff
Optional (but helpful):
- •Introductory email to client (we can provide template)
- •Client's accounting period dates
- •Whether client has claimed R&D relief previously
We handle everything else—client interviews, technical assessment, documentation, HMRC submission, enquiry defence (if needed).
What You Receive
We keep you informed at every stage:
Confirmation email
Immediate - acknowledges receipt of referral
Assessment outcome
5-7 days - qualifies or doesn't qualify
Client engagement decision
When client decides to proceed or decline
Claim submission confirmation
When claim submitted to HMRC
HMRC payment notification
When HMRC settles claim
Referral fee payment confirmation
When fee paid to you
Optional: Regular progress updates throughout claim process (if requested)
Ready to Start?
The partnership process begins with a simple conversation. Let's discuss how Innovation Plus can support your practice.