Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What are the current requirements and risks around R&D tax relief claims for drinks brands?
R&D tax relief claims for FMCG drinks brands are increasingly scrutinised by HMRC and require careful consideration before submission. **Current situation:** - HMRC now requires R&D claims to be filed via an approved agent rather than directly - Government has become "much stricter" on what qualifies; members report increased investigation activity and repayment demands on previous claims - Several brands are choosing not to proceed with claims this year due to heightened risk **Qualification rules:** - **Data Fox** was used by members but is now "much more cautious" given stricter enforcement - New variants, bottle designs, and cosmetic changes do **not** qualify — claims require "proper science involved" - Members strongly advise exercising caution and understanding exactly what HMRC will accept before claiming **Caveats:** - Many FMCG brands (not just drinks) are currently under investigation for previous claims, with significant repayment demands - The landscape has shifted materially in recent months; historical claims that passed may no longer meet current criteria
How should early-stage FMCG alcohol brands approach finding angel investors?
For seed-stage FMCG alcohol brands, a direct LinkedIn search strategy is most effective. Start by searching for "Angel Investor" combined with "Alcohol" or "FMCG" on LinkedIn to identify potential investors. Members report this yields suitable candidates and recommend prioritizing those you already have mutual connections with, as those warm introductions tend to be most effective. The key is then systematically reviewing the results and evaluating which investors align best with your brand's vision and needs.