Biography
Darren is a tax director in the North West corporate tax team, specialising in research and development (R&D) tax relief.
Darren works with his clients to identify whether they are undertaking qualifying R&D, to maximise their claims, and articulate this to HMRC to generate tax savings and cash repayments. He has a track record of making successful claims across a broad range of sectors. This is particularly key for many businesses as they go through their growth journey.
He builds strong, personable relationships and my clients particularly value Darren’s clear, robust, and honest advice to balance maximising their claims with mitigating their tax risk as far as possible.
Darren has been with RSM for 15 years and started in the corporate tax team. He now has more than ten years’ experience in R&D tax relief, and is part of the firm’s national innovation group. In his role he has acted in respect of Patent Box for a number of clients. He complements this with his background in audit, accounts preparation and broader corporate tax areas, including capital allowances.
Darren is ATT qualified and has worked with everyone from small start-ups through to FTSE-listed businesses.He says:
"I’ve loved being able to help clients with something as complex as tax, particularly since working in innovation reliefs. Knowing you’re making a real difference to a business, helping to realise cash benefits and, in particular, making those initial claims for first-time claimants, I find very rewarding."
The role involves working with both finance and technical teams, and no one day tends to be the same. I am also lucky to work with a variety of tax-qualified staff, and those from a scientific or technological background, from across the firm nationally".
Away from work, Darren is married with three beautiful girls, who have all chosen to play football – which has led to Darren managing his eldest’s under 12s team. While this takes up a lot of time, it’s also a lot of fun. The family has a Labradoodle called Mabel, who ensures Darren goes on plenty of walks.
Darren’s RSM timeline:
- 2021: Promoted to Director
- 2018: Promoted to Associate Director
- 2007: Joined RSM as an Associate