Tax firm expands with major Sheffield acquisition

Claritas, one of the UK’s leading independent tax consultancies, has acquired the UK Tax Incentives & Reliefs business of Markel International.

The Tax Incentives and Reliefs business, based in Sheffield, employs 22 people who will all transition to Claritas as part of the acquisition. 

The team is led by Justine Dignam and brings a wealth of expertise across tax, science, and engineering.

Markel and Claritas have built a collaborative relationship over several years, through which a shared people-first approach and focus on high quality service have emerged.

This shared ethos, and the opportunity for a rewarding career in a thriving tax-centric business, makes Claritas a natural home for the Markel team.

Neil Galjaard, UK managing director of Markel, said: “We’ve built a successful and trusted relationship with Claritas over the past few years, and when they approached us about the I&R business, it felt like a positive next step. 

“Whilst we’re sorry to be saying goodbye to a fantastic group of colleagues, we’re genuinely pleased they’ll be joining a partner we respect and value. 

“This marks a significant and exciting extension of our relationship with Claritas, and we’re confident it will deliver great outcomes for all involved.”

Iain Wright, founding partner of Claritas said: “I am incredibly excited to welcome such a talented group of people to our team.

“The Sheffield team work with accountants across the UK to provide fantastic advice to companies in relation to R&D tax relief, grants for innovation, capital allowances and patent box relief.

“Our ethos has always been very similar to that of Markel and we look forward to giving our new colleagues the support they need to continue flourishing.”

For Claritas, the acquisition significantly strengthens the R&D Tax Relief, Grant Funding and Patent Box Tax Relief business, enabling it to better serve innovative clients and the accountants who look after them.