The Charter Group, a national alliance of independent accountancy firms, has partnered with specialist advisers Jumpstart to offer services for claiming research and development (R&D) tax relief.

Gary Corbett, head of the Charter Group, said: 'Only 2% of British companies are claiming R&D relief, leaving £10bn unclaimed. Jumpstart provides a unique blend of technological and business expertise to guide companies through the complexities of submitting claims to HMRC. Working together with accountants, Jumpstart can find and maximise eligibility while accountants utilise its tax benefit.'

The new partnership will give the 54 member firms of the Charter Group, who have fee income in excess of £175m and more than 100 UK locations, full access to Jumpstart's range of services, and is the latest in a series of link-ups between the Edinburgh-based company and professional services groups.

Brian Williamson, managing director of Jumpstart Ltd, said: 'The accountancy profession has been quick to recognise the mutual benefits which arise from a relationship with a specialist adviser such as Jumpstart. Our alliance with Charter Group will significantly expand our reach and provide new opportunities for quality independent accountants to identify and take advantage of R&D relief schemes on behalf of their clients.'

Jumpstart says its long standing arrangement with accountancy network Peak Peformance has seen £4.5m recovered from HMRC in the course of 176 claims for 83 different clients since 2011. The company has recently entered into a three-year alliance with the Institute of Financial Accountants, and has a tie up with the 2020 Innovation network.