We ask for 50% upfront and 50% on receipt of the Advance Assurance from HMRC. This way, we only really make money when you are successful. We like to think our interests are therefore aligned.

The prices above do not include Value Added Tax ("VAT"). VAT is typically charged at 20% on the prices shown above.

Very hard question as it depends on the complexity of your business and your application. However, if we had to say, it would typically be six weeks. We have had many Advance Assurance applications come back within days - but on the other hand, some applications can take longer than six weeks.

No - overseas-based companies can also qualify to raise money via SEIS and/or EIS if they have a permanent establishment in the UK. We have helped many overseas companies achieve this and it would be a pleasure to help you - just email Bronagh for more details at bronagh@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk 

Yes, you can. We can apply to HMRC for SEIS and EIS Advance Assurance at the same time. There is no extra Sapphire fee for making this joint application i.e., the prices are the same as above for a joint SEIS/EIS application. 

Not likely...

There two parts to the risk to capital condition:

• Growth and development, and
• Significant risk to investors.

For more information on this condition, consider reading EIS: The why and the what of the risk to capital condition.

Before resubmitting your application, consider adding a section addressing both parts of the risk to capital condition. We also recommend reviewing the entire application for anything that could be risk-reducing such as joint ventures, partnerships, etc.

This condition is very interpretation and has lead to many previous successful applications no longer qualifying. Most applications tend to already demonstrate that the company intends to use the money they raise for scaling up their business, but many businesses may no longer qualify due to being low-risk investments.

If the company resubmits the application without addressing this condition, prepare to receive many questions from HMRC on how the company meets the condition. We recommend addressing the issue, as any questions HMRC has will delay the process of receiving your advance assurance, assuming you meet the risk to capital condition.