A team built on technical expertise and legislative insight.

Jeff Vernes is a Manager at Knight R&D with a background in applied mathematics, computational biology, and bioengineering, as well as a Certified Management Accountant qualification. His career began in corporate finance and consulting with NM Rothschild and AlphaSights, followed by nearly a decade in early-stage drug development startups in analytical and operational roles.

Jeff later moved into R&D tax consultancy, working at Knight R&D and EY before rejoining Knight R&D in 2024 as a Manager. He works with clients across a wide range of sectors, with a particular interest in engineering-led businesses.

Jeff has significant experience supporting clients through complex HMRC enquiries, helping them clearly articulate their R&D activities while preserving the value of their claims. Outside of work, he enjoys flying aeroplanes, scuba diving, and riding motorcycles, interests that reflect his appreciation for structured processes and disciplined risk management.

Shammi Adatia is a Senior Consultant at Knight R&D with a BEng in Biomedical Engineering. His career began in life sciences consultancy before returning to the biomedical engineering sector as a technician, eventually transitioning into R&D tax consultancy where he combines his technical expertise with client-facing advisory work.

Shammi specialises in supporting engineering and manufacturing clients, particularly those involved in product development, process optimisation, and materials innovation. He has also successfully supported clients through detailed HMRC enquiries by clearly articulating complex technical work against legislative criteria.

Outside of work, Shammi enjoys football, tennis, going to the gym, and cooking. He values the balance at Knight R&D between professional autonomy and a supportive team environment.

Matthew Blair is a Senior R&D Consultant at Knight R&D with an MSci and PhD in Chemistry. After completing his doctorate, he spent a year working in the chemical industry before joining Knight in 2022, where he was keen to apply his technical expertise while developing broader commercial and consulting skills.

Matthew particularly enjoys discussing clients’ R&D projects across a wide range of sectors and uses his research background to help identify and clearly articulate complex technical challenges. He has also supported clients through detailed HMRC enquiries, successfully defending their R&D work.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys playing football, running, and chess, and values the open and collaborative culture within Knight R&D and the wider K3 group.

Sotirios Kyriacou is a Senior R&D Incentives Consultant at Knight R&D with a BSc in Chemistry. He is passionate about science and technological innovation and enjoys applying this interest in a role that supports businesses developing new solutions.

Sotirios focuses on the technical aspects of R&D claims, working closely with clients to understand and articulate their innovations. He has also contributed to improving claims within specialist sectors, including dentistry, while continuing to develop his knowledge of R&D legislation.

Outside of work, Sotirios enjoys travelling, exploring culinary experiences, and playing tennis. He values the collaborative and friendly culture at Knight R&D.

Nikita Nikolaev is an R&D Tax Consultant at Knight R&D with an MSc in Information Management and Digital Business and a BSc in Management with IT. Since joining

Knight as his first role after university, he has applied his strong interest in technology and digital innovation to supporting clients across a wide range of industries.

Nikita specialises in preparing detailed technical reports that clearly describe clients’ R&D activities for HMRC submissions. He has also successfully supported enquiry defences, including securing a positive outcome for a client whose claim had originally been submitted by another consultancy.

Outside of work, Nikita enjoys going to the gym, playing football, and following sports. He also plays chess and keeps up with emerging technologies, particularly developments in AI and data analytics.

Matt Voce is an R&D Tax Consultant at Knight R&D with an MSci in Computer Games Development. After several years working as a bar manager, he was introduced to the role through a former colleague and has now been part of the team for over three years.

With a strong interest in software development, Matt’s expertise includes machine learning, game development, and distributed systems. He has also contributed to internal innovation, including supporting the company’s GenAI initiatives and delivering training to the team on using large language models in their work.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys hobbyist software development, particularly chess and web-based projects, and is currently preparing for his first triathlon. He values the supportive culture at Knight R&D and the collaborative environment across the team.

Tafadzwa Manduna is a Consultant at Knight R&D with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Since joining the firm as his first role after university, he has enjoyed applying his technical knowledge while continuing to develop his professional skills.

He specialises in supporting construction and process engineering clients, helping them navigate complex R&D tax claims. Tafadzwa is particularly proud of streamlining the delivery of a large portfolio of site-based projects for a client, enabling the team to meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality.

Outside of work, Tafadzwa enjoys drawing, painting, and creative writing, and values the supportive and collaborative culture at Knight R&D.

Matthew Smith is an R&D Tax Consultant at Knight R&D with a BSc in Computer Science. After working in the hospitality industry during and shortly after university, he chose to pursue a role that utilised his technical background without entering software development, leading him to R&D tax consultancy.

Matthew has developed strong expertise in technical writing and has built a strong track record supporting successful enquiry defences, helping justify the value delivered to clients following claim submissions. He values taking ownership of his work and enjoys the autonomy the role provides.

Outside of work, Matthew plays football weekly and appreciates the parallels between teamwork in sport and collaboration in a professional environment

Kyle Collins is an R&D Tax Consultant at Knight R&D with a PhD in Chemistry. He was introduced to the company through a former academic colleague and has since applied his analytical background to supporting R&D tax claims.

Kyle specialises in costing and data analysis, bringing a strong numerical and analytical approach to client work and helping ensure claims are delivered accurately and on time.

Outside of work, Kyle enjoys endurance sports including long-distance triathlons and ultramarathons, as well as rock climbing, jiu jitsu, and painting. He values the balance at Knight R&D between high professional standards and a relaxed, supportive working environment.

Manibarath Manivannan is an R&D Tax Consultant at Knight R&D with a BEng in Civil Engineering. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as a Site Engineer and Surveyor, where he gained first-hand experience managing R&D claims for construction projects.

He now specialises in supporting clients in the construction sector, applying his technical and industry knowledge to help deliver R&D tax claims efficiently. Manibarath has contributed to a range of engagements and has also independently managed projects, while acting as a key contact for major construction firms.

Outside of work, he enjoys kickboxing, weightlifting, watching movies, and has an interest in acting and modelling. He values the supportive and welcoming team culture at Knight R&D.

Jake Hood is an R&D Tax Consultant at Knight R&D with a Master’s degree in Chemistry and a Diploma in Cosmetic Science. Before joining Knight, he spent eight years working as a Senior Scientist in consumer goods manufacturing, leading new product development projects and working closely with clients to bring technical concepts to market.

His client-side experience with R&D tax relief sparked his interest in the field and led him to transition into consultancy. Jake now applies his technical and project management background to support innovative businesses, particularly within manufacturing and process-driven industries.

Outside of work, Jake enjoys producing electronic music, particularly drum & bass, house, jungle, and breaks, and has a strong interest in using software and AI tools to enhance his creative workflow.

Kane Kesler is an R&D Tax Consultant at Knight R&D with a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics. After graduating from university, he pursued a role that combined his interest in technology with exposure to the financial sector.

Kane enjoys working closely with professionals such as software engineers and product managers, translating complex technological R&D projects into clear and accessible reports that demonstrate eligibility for tax relief. His work spans a variety of industries, including telecommunications and cloud technologies.

Outside of work, Kane enjoys Muay Thai, learning Portuguese, and working out. He values the close-knit and supportive culture at Knight R&D, where colleagues collaborate and share knowledge to help one another develop.

Craig Davies is a Computer Science R&D Tax Specialist at Knight R&D with a First Class degree in Computer Science. After completing his studies, he joined Knight to apply his technical knowledge in supporting innovative businesses.

Craig enjoys working closely with clients to understand the technological developments taking place within their industries and helping translate these innovations into clear R&D tax claims. Through his work on projects such as the Ravelin claims, he has continued to develop his technical and analytical skills.

Outside of work, Craig has a strong interest in computing and enjoys building and upgrading his own PC. He values the friendly and supportive team culture at Knight R&D.