UK tax and advisory firm RCK Partners has expanded its Irish operations through a strategic partnership with Hogan Consulting, led by former European commissioner and Fine Gael minister Phil Hogan, as the firm looks to deepen its support for Irish businesses investing in research and development.

Consultancy.uk reported that the partnership will strengthen RCK Partners' understanding of the Irish market and enhance its ability to support innovative companies undertaking research and technological development in Ireland, amid renewed focus on the country's R&D tax credit regime following the publication of the government's Research and Development Tax Credit and Innovation Compass.

The Irish R&D tax credit, currently set at 30%, is due to increase to 35% for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026, reinforcing the strategic importance of informed advisory support for businesses navigating the regime.

Phil Hogan said he is pleased to be working with RCK Partners as they grow their operations in Ireland, noting that R&D tax credits can play an important role in supporting Irish businesses to thrive but that navigating the system can be complex, adding that the partnership will help more companies understand what support is available to them.

Sophie Spells, group CEO at RCK Partners, said Ireland has a strong and growing innovation economy with significant opportunity to support businesses investing in research and development, adding that working with Hogan Consulting enables the firm to deepen its understanding of the Irish market and that Hogan's insight and long-standing advocacy for Irish business will be invaluable as it continues to expand its Irish presence.

Hogan will also provide ongoing strategic advice to RCK Partners on the Irish market as the firm expands its on-the-ground team this year.

Access the full details of RCK Partners' Irish expansion and Hogan Consulting partnership here.