Meet the Streets Innovation Team
Streets Innovation is a close-knit team of tax professionals, industry experts, and innovation champions. Over the years, we’ve built our reputation by delivering precise, compliant, and genuinely valuable support for businesses looking to develop, fund, and protect new ideas.
Head of Streets Innovation
Who and Why?
Meet The R&D Team
Head of Streets Innovation
Daniel Jones
As a Tax Partner and specialist in the R&D Tax Credits field, Daniel has an extensive track record of successfully helping companies claim their share of generous innovation tax reliefs.
Daniel has collaborated with an impressive spectrum of clients, ranging from FTSE100 and 250 companies to startup businesses. During his time working in R&D Tax, he has been instrumental in unlocking close to £100 million in tax benefits for a range of businesses across the UK.
This expertise is significantly complemented by Daniel’s engineering and project management experience gained during his time serving in the Royal Engineers, where he was actively involved in the development and trialling of cutting-edge military equipment and spearheading construction infrastructure projects across the globe.
Since transitioning from the military, Daniel has used this unique blend of engineering and tax knowledge to assist a diverse range of UK firms, from small run hyper-car prototyping to multi-national engineering giants, making him an invaluable partner for businesses navigating the intricacies of R&D tax credits.
Senior Tax Manager
James Allen
From a young age, James had it instilled in him that there are three certainties in life: birth, death, and taxes.
After graduating with First Class Honours in Accounting and Finance from university, a chance reconnection with an alumnus introduced whom him to the world of Research and Development and the rest, as they say, is history. James began his career at an R&D tax specialist firm in Northampton, where he developed a strong foundation and a set of highly transferable skills. From early on, he was involved in both SME and RDEC claims across a range of sectors. He quickly discovered a passion for compliance, what he refers to as “having an argument with someone” and has been a specialism within the field ever since.
With over five years of experience in the R&D sector, James is currently pursuing his CTA qualification, having already passed all his ATT written exams. Throughout his career, he has worked with a diverse client base, from nuclear technology to cooling systems at CERN’s Hadron Collider, as well as with multinational FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies. Outside of work, James can often be found at the ice rink in Nottingham or Milton Keynes, cheering on his favourite ice hockey teams and offering referees a few choice words. He also enjoys quality time with his family, sipping piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain.
Find out more about James
Tax Manager
Jordan Wood
Having started his career as a school leaver in an Accounts Assistant role through an apprenticeship while attaining his AAT qualifications, Jordan has spent the past nine years specialising in Corporate Tax.
During this time, he achieved his ATT qualifications and focused specifically on Incentives & Reliefs, particularly Innovation & Creative Reliefs. With over nine years of experience as a tax-trained professional.
Jordan specialises in helping companies from start-ups to well-established household names access vital Innovation Tax Reliefs, including R&D Tax Credits and Patent Box.
Find out more about Jordan
Tax Assistant Manager
Callum Axon
Callum has a background in engineering, originally obtaining a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Liverpool John Moores University specialising in materials, thermodynamics and renewable energy.
As a graduate, he worked as a Nuclear R&D Engineer at EDF developing finite element analysis software and complex thermodynamic simulations for monitoring and predicting reactor core graphite brick integrity.
Following this experience, Callum made a shift to tax with a natural transition to R&D and creative tax reliefs as specialisms. With over four years’ experience, Callum prepares both financial and technical aspects of R&D and creative tax relief claims in addition to providing tax advice to clients from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. Callum is also an avid powerlifter with an interest in track and field, engaging is powerlifting meets and track and field events with his local club Nuneaton Harriers.
Find out more about Callum
R&D Associate
Naeem Ahmed
I joined the world of R&D tax in mid 2024 and have since enjoyed working with a wide mix of innovative businesses across fields like software, engineering, biomedical science, and beyond.
My role combines technical understanding, financial insight, and clear communication; helping companies make the most of the relief available for the work they’re doing to push boundaries.
Before stepping into R&D tax, my background included a degree in Mathematical Economics & Statistics from the University of Birmingham, along with experience in tutoring, delivering communication training through debating UK wide and internationally, hospitality, and tech sales — all of which helped shape how I work with people as well as how I pick up new ideas and concepts effectively.
Outside of work, I’m a big sports fan and used to play football regularly (until my ACL had other plans). I also enjoy travelling, weight lifting, gaming, trying out different cuisines, and spending quality time with family and close friends.
Find out more about Naeem
R&D Projector Coordinator
Laura Egan-Betts
Laura has always had a hands-on, practical nature and a passion for cars, which led her to take a part-time job at a well-known car parts store while studying for her A-levels.
She then spent around six years working in manufacturing before deciding to pursue a career change. Her interest in photography and curiosity about property made a role as an Assistant Manager at a lettings and estate agency a natural next step. However, after being made redundant, she returned to manufacturing, only to face redundancy again in December 2023.
In January 2024, Laura joined Streets as one of the Project Coordinators. Her role involves a range of administrative tasks, including scheduling meetings and supporting the team by gathering key information to keep projects moving. Throughout her varied career, Laura has completed numerous training courses, including fire marshal and first aid training, several health and safety qualifications, an NVQ in Improving Business Performance, a professional diploma in photography, and internal auditing, among others.
Find out more about Laura
Tax Associate
Freya Riches
Freya has previous experience as a senior veterinary nurse and research analyst for a market research company.
She holds a bachelor’s & master’s degree from Oxford Brookes University. She has worked in both Australia & the U.K. and has recently joined Streets Chartered Accountants as an R&D Tax Associate.
Outside of work Freya loves travelling and has visited 30 countries so far with plans to add to this. She visits Australia yearly to visit family and in her spare time can be found hiking all over the U.K.
Find out more about Freya
Associate Director - Grants
Dr Rehman Rafiq
Dr. Rehman Rafiq is an accomplished Grant Funding Manager with a PhD in Materials Science and over 13 years of experience in securing and managing major public funding.
He has successfully led the acquisition of over €55 million in grants from programmes such as EIC Accelerator, Horizon Europe, DTIF, Innovate UK, and the European Research Council. With deep expertise in proposal strategy, bid writing, and project delivery, Dr. Rafiq works closely with startups, SMEs, and research organisations across Med-Tech, Nanotechnologies, AI, ML, Recycling, Energy, Construction and Green Innovation sectors to turn ideas into funded realities.
Find out more about dr Rehman
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
Troy – I have probably watched it more times than I’d like to admit.
If you could hop on a plane right now, where’s the first place you’d go?
Madina, Saudi Arabia
What’s your signature dish when you’re cooking at home?
I am not allowed near the cooker – let’s just say that my speciality lies in takeaway ordering!
What’s your signature dish when you’re cooking at home?
I am not allowed near the cooker – let’s just say that my speciality lies in takeaway ordering!
What’s something on your bucket list that you’re determined to check off?
A full-blown road trip across Europe in a reliable car – no pre-plans
What is your go-to meal deal?
Being gluten intolerant, I would anything which tastes half decent.
What is your favourite resturant and whats your go-to dish there?
Royal Nawab in London – amazing gluten-free options, especially their lamb dishes.
What is your unpopular opinion?
Cricket is Hope
What did you want to grow up doing?
A professional cricketer – I was convinced I would be the next Waqar Younis bowling at 80mph and toe crushing yorkers at will.
What’s the best excuse you’ve heard (or used) for being late to a a Zoom/Teams call?
Not sure what happened. The link you sent was not a live link (although 4 others were there already using the same link)
Grants Consultant
Helena Grantham
Helena graduated from Loughborough University in 2018 with a 1st Class Honours degree in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Following this she undertook a PhD in Organic Chemistry investigating the use of continuous flow in the optimisation of photochemical processes for the synthesis of OLED materials. Helena then worked as a Research Scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, working with clients to design and synthesise drug and drug-like materials for their projects. Helena joined Streets as a Grants Consultant in March 2025 to utilise her background in science and writing to support clients in securing funding. With experience in research and technical documentation, she helps businesses translate complex ideas into compelling grant applications, ensuring alignment with funding criteria and strategic goals. Outside of work Helena keeps active by running and will rarely miss her local Parkrun on Saturday morning. She also loves baking and is the go-to person in her family for a birthday cake.Find out more about Helena
Grants Consultant
Madeline Whalley
Madeline graduated from Liverpool John Moores University in 2024 with a First-Class Honours degree in Biomedical Sciences.
After university, she gained hands-on experience working in an analytical laboratory as a Lab Technician, where she developed strong attention to detail, data handling skills, and a methodological approach to problem-solving. Combined with the scientific foundation and critical thinking developed through academic studies, these skills have been greatly transferable to her current role as a Grant Consultant, particularly when working with clients in the medical sector.
Outside of work, Madeline is passionate about staying active, whether that involves lifting weights at the gym, running, or hiking in the Peak District, which she is lucky to have right on her doorstep. She also has a love for music (she thanks her dad for her music taste) and plays the piano for fun, having completed Grade 6 in younger years.
Find out more about Madeline
Grants Project Coordinator
Sophie Wilmot - Allen
Sophie started her career at 18, in a R&D firm with no experience in anything to do with finance, let alone tax!
Sophie quickly found her feet learning the ropes and climbing through the ranks. After three years, Sophie decided it was time for a change, taking some time for herself and to travel. After doing a job outside of the finance, Sophie realised she missed it. Joining the grants team here at Streets, while still different from what she has previously done, Sophie feels much more at home with the team.
Outside of work, Sophie loves staying active whether she’s hitting the gym or getting a workout in at Reformer Pilates. While she prefers watching sports over playing them, you’ll often find her cheering from the stands at a Nottingham Panthers ice hockey game. Above all else, Sophie values time with her friends and family, and that’s where she’s happiest.
Find out more about Sophie
