A MUSEUM display manufacturer is set to purchase one of the buildings in which it operates thanks to tax credits from its research and development programme.

Sherburn-in-Elmet based Workhaus and its sister company Glasshaus secured a five-figured repayment after accessing tax credits through its accountants Garbutt + Elliott.

Workhaus and Glasshaus were set up by Jim Ibbetson in 2001 and 2013 respectively. Since their launch the businesses have designed, constructed and installed display cases and museum exhibitions around the world, including for Damian Hirst’s Treasures From the Wreck of the Unbelievable exhibition in Venice.

The companies also developed a replica of a warrior tank for the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers Museum and the displays in the Undercroft at York Minster.

Both businesses have made significant investments in reserach and development (R&D) to develop unique installations, which feature in visitor centres, museums and historic buildings across the UK and Europe.

Jim Ibbetson, managing director of Workhaus and Glasshaus, said: “The projects we work on are often unique and require us to continually innovate and create new designs. We constantly undertake research and development to provide displays and cases that meet the specific criteria of individual projects.

“We knew about R&D tax credits but until we appointed Garbutt + Elliott we were unaware of how to access the repayments.

“The savings we have made will be used in the purchase of the building we currently lease, allowing us to expand the space and increase the services we provide to our customers, as well as creating a platform for us to continue our growth.”

R&D tax credits are a government incentive implemented to encourage innovation among UK companies.

Angela Mikola, tax consultant at Garbutt + Elliott, said: “Many companies are still unaware of the government’s R&D tax credits scheme, or how to make a claim, which can offset costs and provide significant saving.”