Siddique Mohammed, Partner

At Bonham & Brook, our people are what set us apart, and Siddique’s story is a great example of why. He joined in 2021 with a strong background in technology and associated R&D compliance, bringing experience from Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) regime, a more tightly defined and technically scrutinised subset of R&D for tax purposes. Today, as a Partner, he acts as a bridge between our technical and commercial teams.

His Journey at Bonham & Brook

Siddique’s route into R&D tax started with engineering. He holds a master’s degree in engineering and later completed an MBA in Innovation and Technology Commercialisation, a combination that gave him both the technical depth and the commercial lens the work demands.

His career took him to Canada, where he built his expertise in the country’s well-established programme. He handled R&D projects and enquiries across Western Canada, working remotely well before it became the norm, with enquiries often scrutinised by PhD-qualified technical specialists in fields such as engineering and computer science. That experience gave him a strong grounding in technically rigorous R&D compliance, a standard he still brings to his work today.

He later moved to the UK and joined Bonham & Brook in 2021 to strengthen the business’s technical and R&D compliance capability. From his first days at Bonham & Brook, Siddique was involved in some of the business’s earliest HMRC enquiries, helping to establish its approach to enquiry defence and secure successful outcomes. Moving from engineering into tax and compliance paid off, as he became the person people turn to where technology and tax meet, supporting clients across manufacturing and software.

Challenges

The 2023 changes to the R&D tax relief scheme were a significant test for the whole industry, reducing the generosity of the main SME scheme while increasing the RDEC rate, primarily used by larger companies. This was followed by the merged R&D scheme for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, bringing the former SME and RDEC regimes into a more unified framework alongside enhanced support for R&D-intensive SMEs. For Siddique, that meant helping the business adapt, with a stronger focus on larger clients and on building long-term relationships with them.

Day to day, one of the most important parts of his role is giving clients peace of mind. With HMRC able to open compliance checks even after an R&D payment has been made, he helps clients understand and manage that risk, so that an enquiry doesn’t create unexpected financial exposure.

Achievements

Siddique delivered the largest invoice in Bonham & Brook’s history, working alongside Sebastian on a major technology client. He has also successfully defended very large, contested software R&D claims originally prepared and submitted by external providers, securing the full value claimed. One of those enquiry defences was handled remotely while he was at his own family wedding, a good example of his commitment to clients.

He is equally proud of how he works with colleagues. He supports sales calls with technical expertise, guides technical colleagues on client management and conversion, and coaches junior team members, which helps the business deliver more efficiently.

Culture

Siddique describes Bonham & Brook’s culture as flat and accessible, where people are encouraged to learn from every part of the business. That approach is reflected in B&B’s E.P.I.C. philosophy, bringing together Energy, Property, Innovation and Compliance and deliberately breaking down silos so that expertise is shared across teams.His role sits between the technical and commercial teams, which gives him a view of how each one works, and he has seen how much stronger the business is when those teams share knowledge rather than working in silos.

He brings optimism to that mix, and enjoys the variety of the work. He jokes that R&D engagements are a bit like weddings: lots of planning, plenty of questions, the occasional last-minute panic, and eventually everyone is very relieved when it’s successfully signed off.

Looking Ahead and Personal Reflections

For anyone joining Bonham & Brook, Siddique’s advice is not to work in silos. He encourages new starters to learn across the technical, financial, client success and commercial teams, to pick up commercial skills such as following up with clients and getting to a decision, and to stay curious and proactive. He sees the business as a place with no ceiling, where you can shape your own role and negotiate your own growth.

Outside of work, Siddique is, perhaps unexpectedly, a professional balloon artist. Yes, really. He can sculpt surprisingly intricate designs and originally picked up the skill making creations for his daughter. He is also a keen hiker who loves scenic walks that bring together nature, beauty and a sense of spirituality, and he recommends the Peak District, the Lake District and Exmoor.

Interested in Joining Bonham & Brook?

At Bonham & Brook, we are proud to foster an environment where people like Siddique can thrive, innovate, and lead. If you are looking to build your career in a company that values ownership, growth, and impact, we would love to hear from you.

To learn more, visit our Meet Our Team page and explore exciting opportunities on our Careers page.