WHO I HELP

Start-ups. SMEs. OMBs. Corporate Clients.

HOW I HELP

Strategic tax advice. Innovative tax analysis. R&D claims. Innovations tax compliance.

“HELPING UK INNOVATORS CLAIM THEIR REWARDS ANF FUEL INNOVATION.”

Based in Leeds, Chris Tirant is an Innovations Tax Manager within AAB’s Corporate Tax team, specialising in Research & Development (R&D) tax relief. His role involves helping clients across engineering, manufacturing, construction, technology, and life sciences access the valuable tax incentives available for their innovative work.

With a background in engineering and a decade of experience in R&D tax, Chris brings a unique blend of technical and tax expertise to every engagement. This career path allows him to combine his technical curiosity with an enthusiasm for problem-solving, client service, and supporting innovation.

Today, Chris manages the delivery of R&D claims, leads due diligence reviews, supports HMRC enquiries, and mentors junior colleagues. What he enjoys most is collaborating with forward-thinking businesses, helping them uncover the hidden value in their projects and reinvesting it into further growth and discovery.

UNDERSTANDING INNOVATION

“No two days are the same in my role and that’s exactly why I love it. My week can include anything from speaking with clients about their latest innovations, coordinating project delivery with our internal teams, reviewing claims before submission, or responding to technical queries from HMRC.

I also spend time conducting due diligence, reviewing claims prepared by other advisers, and identifying areas of risk or missed opportunity. For clients involved in mergers or acquisitions, this work can be crucial in understanding both compliance and potential tax benefits.

What makes the work so interesting is the variety – one day I could be exploring software automation breakthroughs, the next looking at cutting-edge engineering or life sciences developments. No matter the sector, the goal remains the same: to help businesses recognise and maximise the value of the innovation they’ve invested in.”

ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

“My background as an engineer gives me an immediate understanding of the challenges clients face when developing new products or processes. I know what it’s like to troubleshoot designs, test prototypes, and push boundaries, which helps me connect with clients on their level.

When discussing a project, my focus is on asking the right questions, the kind that uncover the true innovation within their work. Many clients underestimate the R&D they do; others overestimate. My role is to help them see where their activity genuinely qualifies, interpret the legislation clearly, and present their work to HMRC in a way that demonstrates its value.

That process is as much about communication as it is about technical expertise. I take pride in making complex rules understandable and actionable, ensuring clients feel confident and informed from start to finish.”

TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

“The biggest professional challenge I’ve faced was making the leap from engineering into tax. It was a steep learning curve – suddenly I was immersed in legislation, compliance, and the ATT qualification, all while balancing work and family life.

But taking that step taught me the value of embracing change. It showed me that growth can come from being uncomfortable, from learning something entirely new, and from trusting yourself to adapt. The technical knowledge I gained has been invaluable, not just for understanding R&D in a corporate context, but for helping clients align innovation incentives with their wider tax strategies.

It’s an experience I now share with my team, encouraging them to take on challenges and see every new skill as a door to opportunity.”

SUPPORTING INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION

“Every client relationship starts with listening. Before we talk about the numbers, I want to understand their story, what drives their innovation, what challenges they face, and where they want to go next.

I’ve built some of my strongest relationships by being proactive and transparent. For example, a client once come to us who was new to R&D relief. By taking the time to explain the process, set clear expectations, and deliver early wins, we turned a one-off project into a long-term advisory partnership.

For me, it’s not about delivering a claim and moving on. It’s about becoming a trusted advisor – someone who understands the client’s business, aligns with their goals, and helps them grow through innovation.”

WORKING TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE MORE

“One of the things I value most about working at AAB is the culture of collaboration. Whether it’s within my immediate team or across the wider organisation, there’s a shared mindset that when we work together, we achieve more.

Within the Innovations Tax team, I enjoy mentoring junior colleagues and supporting their development. Seeing their confidence and knowledge grow over time is incredibly rewarding. Across AAB, the variety of expertise we have means we can deliver truly comprehensive solutions to clients and continually learn from one another.

We’re all driven by the same goal: helping clients innovate, grow, and succeed. That shared purpose gives every project meaning and keeps our work exciting.”

EVOLVING WITH INNOVATION

“I’m always looking for new ways to add value, both to clients and within our team. Right now, I’m developing my knowledge of the UK Patent Box regime to help businesses make the most of their intellectual property. I’m also exploring how AI and automation can streamline aspects of R&D claim delivery, improving accuracy and efficiency.

Innovation is constantly evolving, and that’s what makes this role so exciting. As technology and legislation continue to shift, so too will the opportunities for our clients. I aim to stay ahead of those changes, helping businesses claim the rewards they deserve while continuing to fuel the next wave of innovation.”