Manufacturing accountancy in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has one of the strongest manufacturing bases in the UK, from aerospace and engineering to food processing and advanced materials. We work with manufacturers who need an accountant that understands the difference between a balance sheet and a shop floor.
Talk to us about manufacturingManufacturing accountancy is about cost control, capital investment, and claiming everything you are entitled to. Most NI manufacturers we meet are under-claiming on R&D tax relief because their previous accountant did not understand what qualifies. Product development, process improvement, tooling design, software for production — all of it can be eligible.
Capital allowances are another area where money gets left on the table. If you have invested in plant, machinery, or buildings in the last two years and your accountant has not reviewed your capital allowances position, there is almost certainly a saving to find.
We work with engineering firms, food processors, precision component manufacturers, and fabrication businesses across Belfast, Lisburn, Craigavon, and the wider NI manufacturing corridor.
What manufacturing businesses ask us
R&D tax relief
Identifying qualifying activity across product development, process improvement, and tooling. Preparing robust claims that withstand HMRC scrutiny. SME scheme versus RDEC for larger groups.
Capital allowances
Annual Investment Allowance on plant and machinery. Structures and Buildings Allowance on qualifying factory builds. Full expensing on qualifying assets.
Stock and WIP valuation
Raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. Absorption costing. Standard versus actual costs. Getting the year-end valuation right for tax.
Grant accounting
Invest NI capital grants, Assured Skills funding, InterTradeIreland innovation vouchers. Accounting treatment and tax implications of each.
Supply chain costs
Input cost volatility, currency exposure on imported raw materials, and the impact of the Windsor Framework on GB-sourced components.
How we help manufacturing businesses
Corporate tax planning
Year-round corporation tax planning, R&D claims, and HMRC enquiry support.
View serviceBusiness accounts
Year-end accounts, bookkeeping, and management information you can actually use.
View servicePayroll
Weekly, monthly, and four-weekly payroll with full RTI and pension compliance.
View serviceVAT
VAT registration, returns, MTD compliance, and EU/non-UK supply advice.
View serviceBusiness advisory
Strategy, financing, succession, and the conversations that move the bottom line.
View serviceFrequently asked about manufacturing accountancy
Does R&D tax relief apply to manufacturing?
Yes. Any project that seeks a technological advance by overcoming uncertainty qualifies. This includes new product development, improving manufacturing processes, developing new tooling, and creating bespoke software for production. Most NI manufacturers have eligible activity.
How much can we claim through R&D tax relief?
SMEs can claim an effective tax saving of up to 21.5% of qualifying expenditure. For a £200,000 qualifying spend, that is a potential saving of up to £43,000. We review your projects, calculate the claim, and handle the submission.
What is the Structures and Buildings Allowance?
A 3% annual writing-down allowance on the cost of constructing or renovating non-residential buildings. If you have built or extended your factory since October 2018, you may be eligible.
Can you help with Invest NI grant applications?
We prepare the financial projections, business plans, and supporting documentation that Invest NI requires. We also advise on the tax treatment of any grant received.
Talk to an accountant who understands manufacturing in NI
15-minute call. No commitment. We will answer your questions and outline how we work with manufacturing businesses across Northern Ireland.
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