Life sciences

Life sciences businesses operate in a highly regulated, fast‑moving environment where long development cycles, heavy R&D investment and constant funding needs place pressure on cashflow, governance and compliance. Many companies must make substantial investment long before generating revenue, and regulatory decisions often shape the trajectory of growth.

We help start‑ups build solid financial foundations by providing:

• Cashflow forecasting, runway planning and burn‑rate modelling
• Funding‑ready business plans and financial models
• Advice on innovation funding, grants and venture debt
• R&D tax relief and R&D‑intensive SME claims
• Finance systems, bookkeeping, payroll and management reporting
• Virtual, outsourced finance support for research‑led teams

This ensures early‑stage companies can manage cash constraints, satisfy investor expectations and stay focused on scientific development.

As businesses grow, governance, visibility and control become critical. We help scaling life sciences companies:

• Prepare for equity fundraising, due diligence and investor reporting
• Strengthen financial governance and assurance
• Deliver statutory audits and assurance reporting
• Manage complex domestic and international tax matters, including transfer pricing and IP structuring
• Access Patent Box tax relief
• Improve financial reporting and KPIs to support better decision‑making

This helps companies meet investor demands and regulatory scrutiny as they commercialise their products.

Yes. Through the Kreston Global network, we support companies expanding overseas by advising on cross‑border tax, international group structuring, overseas operations, and long‑term strategic planning. This includes guidance on licensing, structuring intellectual property and preparing for acquisitions or exit events.

We work with life sciences businesses at every stage, including:

• Early‑stage start‑ups
• Biotech companies
• Medtech and medical device companies
• Digital health and health‑tech businesses

We understand the commercial, scientific and regulatory pressures that shape each stage of the sector’s growth.

Start‑ups face long periods of R&D spend before revenue, close scrutiny from funders, and the need to prove financial discipline. Cashflow, burn‑rate control and ensuring compliant R&D claims are essential to securing and maintaining funding.

We support management teams with:

• Investor‑ready financial reporting and KPIs
• Enhanced governance frameworks
• Structured data rooms and due‑diligence documentation
• Audit and assurance services
• Forecasting and financial modelling

This builds investor confidence and positions your business for successful funding rounds.

Yes. We help life sciences companies identify qualifying R&D expenditure, prepare compliant R&D claims, including R&D‑intensive SME claims, and optimise Patent Box relief where applicable. This ensures companies fully benefit from incentives designed for innovation-heavy sectors.

We support businesses preparing for exit by providing valuation support, structuring advice, due‑diligence assistance, and long‑term financial planning. Whether planning an M&A transaction or a strategic sale, we ensure financial, tax and structural considerations are aligned with your goals.

Our team provides advisory support across:

• Scale‑up strategy and long‑term financial planning
• International group structuring and IP strategy
• Acquisitions and due diligence
• Regulatory, tax and funding changes as markets evolve

We act as a long‑term partner to help life sciences businesses navigate complexity and sustain growth.

Yes. For research‑led teams or companies without internal finance capacity, we offer virtual and outsourced finance functions including bookkeeping, payroll, management reporting and systems setup, ensuring high‑quality financial oversight while allowing scientists and founders to focus on innovation.

We combine:

• Deep sector expertise
• Practical, commercially focused advice
• Integrated tax, audit and advisory services
• International capability through the Kreston Global network
• Long‑term relationships and tailored support

This ensures you have a strategic financial partner who understands your science, your funding environment and your growth ambitions.