In the high-stakes world of corporate finance, tax codes are often viewed as a burden, a dense fog of regulations that slows progress. However, for the most forward-thinking companies in the UK, these codes are actually a source of hidden capital. ForrestBrown Limited has spent over a decade proving that tax incentives are not just administrative hurdles, but strategic tools for growth. By acting as the bridge between complex government policy and technical breakthroughs, the firm has transformed the financial trajectory of thousands of businesses.
The High Stakes of Technical Misalignment
The primary problem facing the R&D sector is a “translation gap.” Highly skilled engineers and scientists speak the language of innovation, while HMRC speaks the language of tax law. When these two worlds fail to align, companies either under-claim their entitled relief or, worse, submit non-compliant reports that trigger invasive audits. In an era where the UK government is merging R&D schemes and tightening compliance, the “industry problem” is no longer just about finding money; it is about protecting the company’s reputation and financial stability through technical rigor.
Introducing Managing Director Tom McDanell
At the center of this mission is Managing Director Tom McDanell. With 17 years of specialist experience in tax incentives, Tom is a veteran of the “innovation funding” world. He joined ForrestBrown with a reputation for scaling professional services on a global scale, having previously launched a highly successful operation in the United States. Today, he leads ForrestBrown’s strategic direction, ensuring the firm remains the “gold standard” in a market that is increasingly crowded with low-quality providers.
A Passion for the People Behind the Projects
Tom’s personal motivation is driven by a belief that professional services should be as innovative as the clients they serve. He is as focused on internal culture as he is on external tax claims. By nurturing what he calls “the leaders of tomorrow,” he has built a team that is “inquisitive by nature.” For Tom, the goal isn’t just to process a claim; it’s to understand the chemistry, the code, or the engineering that makes a client’s project unique. This human-centric approach turns a dry financial process into a genuine partnership.
Building a Multidisciplinary Powerhouse
ForrestBrown was founded in 2013 by Simon Brown with the goal of disrupting the traditional accountancy model. The company was built on the idea that to advise on R&D tax, you need more than just accountants; you need a “multidisciplinary” team. Today, the firm employs chartered tax advisers, lawyers, former HMRC inspectors, and sector specialists ranging from software engineers to scientists. This structure allows the firm to defend a claim with technical authority that a generalist firm simply cannot match.
Growth Through Regulatory Turbulence
The firm’s greatest challenges have coincided with the UK’s most significant tax reforms. The transition to the “Merged R&D Scheme” in April 2024 created a period of intense uncertainty for UK businesses. Under Tom’s leadership, ForrestBrown moved beyond reactive advice, diversifying into “Grant Advisory” and “Location Strategy Consulting.” This evolution has seen the firm grow from a specialized R&D shop into a full-spectrum innovation consultancy, helping clients navigate everything from capital allowances to international expansion.
A Vision of Total Governance
Tom McDanell’s vision for the industry is rooted in “Total Governance.” He advocates for a transparent, compliant, and sustained funding environment. In a market where some firms promise “guaranteed success,” Tom has positioned ForrestBrown as the voice of technical honesty. His expertise in supporting the UK’s largest and most complex organizations has helped the firm secure over £600 million in funding to date, providing a massive injection of liquidity into the UK’s science and technology sectors.
Leading with Curiosity and Culture
Tom’s leadership style is defined by empowerment rather than micromanagement. He has fostered an environment where the “ForrestBrown values”, excellence, relationship-building, and curiosity, are practiced daily. This culture is reflected in the firm’s low staff turnover and its consistent recognition in the Tolley’s Taxation Awards. By prioritizing the development of his team, Tom ensures that the high-level technical expertise the firm is known for is passed down to every new associate.
The Future: Greener and Smarter
As we look toward the future, ForrestBrown’s outlook is focused on the intersection of technology and social responsibility. The “ForrestBrown’s Forest” initiative, in partnership with the charity Tree Aid, links the firm’s success directly to global reforestation, with thousands of trees planted in the drylands of Africa for every claim completed. Moving forward, as AI and green tech redefine the UK economy, Tom McDanell and his team are prepared to ensure that the businesses building the future have the capital they need to succeed. The firm remains a steady, expert hand in an ever-changing financial landscape.
