Tapered Plus

Research and innovation

North-East based Tapered Plus, is an independent roof design company, specialising in tapered insulation for flat roofs.

Challenge

Tapered Plus developed a state-of-the-art app which customers can use to specify roof requirements. The app ensures that customers receive exactly the right specification for their needs, making the design process much more efficient. Tapered Plus liaised with us to see what business support was available to save money on their cutting-edge innovation.

Solution

We advised Tapered Plus that they could access Research and Development (R&D) tax credits through their work on the app. With the help of accountancy firm Clive Owen LLP, Innovate Tees Valley Project Manager Suhail Aslam was able to assist Tapered Plus to recoup two-thirds of the cost of the development of the app.

Impact

Tapered Plus is continuing to work with the University to reclaim tax credits as it develops the app further and is based on Stockton’s Northshore at Fusion Hive, a business and innovation centre operated by Teesside University.

In many respects the building industry is quite old fashioned and hasn’t moved with the times, so developing an online app as we have done is something that is quite unique. It provides clients with exactly the correct information and makes the whole design process much easier.

Fusion Hive has been very good for us as a business. Just being able to network with like-minded businesses is extremely useful. It’s allowed us to see the bigger picture and think outside the box.

Aman Chahal, Director and Founder of Tapered Plus

This project is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, securing £300m investment.

The project will make a major contribution to the ambition of the ERDF Competitive Programme 2007-13 and by increasing the numbers and survival of business start ups in the region and increasing business productivity.