--- title: SEIS & EIS Advance Assurance, Valuations & Board Support | Sapphire Business Advisers description: Fixed-fee SEIS and EIS Advance Assurance, fundraising readiness reviews, business valuations and non-exec director support for UK founders, from advisers who sit on the investor side. --- [![Sapphire Business Advisors](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hubfs/Sapphire%20Adviser%202026%20Assets/Sapphire%20Business%20Advisors.svg)](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk) [![Sapphire Business Advisors](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hubfs/Sapphire%20Adviser%202026%20Assets/Sapphire%20Business%20Advisors.svg)](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk) - [About us](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/about) - [Services](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/services) - [Why Us](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/why-us) - [Contact](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/contact) - [Pricing](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/pricing) - [Blog](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/client-success-stories) SEIS & EIS · Valuations · Board support # Get investor-ready, with advisers who sit on the investor side of the table. We help UK founders secure SEIS and EIS Advance Assurance, value their business, prepare for a raise and strengthen their board. Fixed fees, senior people, fast turnaround. [Book a free 15-minute call](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk#contact-us-popup)[See our fixed fees](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/pricing?hsLang=en-gb) ![Boyd Carson and Ben McMeekin of Sapphire Business Advisers in Belfast](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Experience%20across%20business%2c%20finance%20and%20investment..png?width=1100) ![](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hubfs/Graphic.png) × A free, no-obligation 15-minute call with a senior adviser about your raise. We can talk through SEIS and EIS Advance Assurance, a fundraising readiness review, a business valuation or board support, and tell you honestly what you need, and what you do not. Nothing to prepare in advance. Boyd Carson co-founded the Sapphire group in 2009. He spent 12 years in PwC’s M&A due diligence practice in New York, has founded and exited a number of start-ups, and is an Honorary Professor and an Assistant Instructor on Harvard University’s graduate course in venture capital. 17 years The Sapphire group on the investor side of the table, since 2009 Around 100 Advance Assurance applications approved 50+ Venture funds launched across the Sapphire group 300+ Portfolio companies across the Sapphire group ## How we can help [See all services](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/services?hsLang=en-gb) ### [SEIS & EIS Advance Assurance We prepare and submit your HMRC application, so investors can commit with confidence. From £500 + VAT Find out more →](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/seis-eis-advance-assurance?hsLang=en-gb) ### [Fundraising Readiness Review An investor’s honest view of your pitch deck, financial model and fundraising plan, in 48 to 72 hours. From £1,000 + VAT Find out more →](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/fundraising-readiness-review?hsLang=en-gb) ### [Business Valuations An independent valuation using the IPEV method, with a written report you can share with investors. From £5,000 + VAT Find out more →](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/business-valuations?hsLang=en-gb) ### [Non-Exec Director Support Experienced board-level challenge, investor reporting and governance support after you raise. From £500 + VAT per meeting Find out more →](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/non-executive-director-support?hsLang=en-gb) ## The people behind the advice ![Vasiliki Carson, Co-founder](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/About%20Us/Vasiliki%20Carson%20Home%20Square%20v2.jpg?width=800) Sapphire Business Advisers was founded by Vasiliki and Boyd Carson, who met in PwC’s M&A due diligence practice in New York. Between them they have more than 55 years in finance, across PwC, J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs in New York and Tokyo. Every project is led by a named senior adviser, and the person you speak to on your first call is the person who does the work. So when we review your application, valuation or pitch, we read it the way an investor would. [Meet the team](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/about?hsLang=en-gb#team) ## Why founders choose us [Read more about why us](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/why-us?hsLang=en-gb) 01 ### We know what investors look for We read your application, valuation and pitch the way an investor would. 02 ### Fixed fees, clear deliverables A written scope, fixed fee and delivery date before any work starts. 03 ### Honest advice We tell you what you need, and what you do not, on the first call. 04 ### In it for the long term Many clients start with Advance Assurance and stay as they grow. ## What our clients say > “Bondford was time-pressured to secure SEIS/EIS advanced assurance for its prospective investors. Boyd and Johnathan managed to secure that assurance within just 2-weeks and at a cost that was 50% less than our auditors. I would recommend their services.” Henry Vaughan, Bondford Group[Read the story →](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/client-success-stories/bondford_obtains_seis_and_eis_advance_assurance-0?hsLang=en-gb) > “As an American company based in California we were unsure how EIS operated and how to apply etc. Sapphire helped us through the entire process and were excellent to work with.” Stephanie Weier, CEO/CoFounder, Brandwood Global, Inc[Read the story →](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/client-success-stories/brandwood-global-eis-advance-assurance-approval?hsLang=en-gb) > “Sapphire was excellent! We used them to obtain our EIS 1 certificate and the help that Vasiliki at Sapphire provided was first class.” Jeff Draper, Storelectric Limited[Read the story →](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/client-success-stories/storelectric-seis-and-eis?hsLang=en-gb) ★★★★★**4.9 out of 5** from 16 Google reviews of the Sapphire group (Sapphire Capital Partners LLP)[Read the reviews →](https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:ChIJNWsXx4-oYUgREZilOPDuwdo) ## Businesses we’ve worked with [See all client stories](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/client-success-stories?hsLang=en-gb) ### [![Tamla Construction obtains EIS approval](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Tamla1-1.jpg?width=720) Tamla Construction obtains EIS approval Read the story →](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/client-success-stories/tamla-construction-limited-eis-advance-assurance?hsLang=en-gb) ### [![Watch manufacturer EIS advance assurance](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DUOlimited-1.jpg?width=720) Watch manufacturer EIS advance assurance Read the story →](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/client-success-stories/duo-watches-uk-eis?hsLang=en-gb) ### [![Automotive trading company successful HMRC approval](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Classic_Car_Ventures_Limited-1.jpg?width=720) Automotive trading company successful HMRC approval Read the story →](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/client-success-stories/automotive-seis-and-eis?hsLang=en-gb) Free eligibility checker ## Could your company qualify for SEIS or EIS? Answer seven quick questions and get an indication in under a minute. [Check your eligibility](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/seis-eis-eligibility-checker?hsLang=en-gb) ## Frequently asked questions Not sure where to start? [Book a free 15-minute call](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk#contact-us-popup). What is SEIS and EIS Advance Assurance? Advance Assurance is HMRC’s view, given before you issue shares, that your company is likely to qualify for the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) or the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). It is not a guarantee, but it gives investors confidence that they should be able to claim tax relief on their investment. Do I need Advance Assurance before I raise? It is optional, but many angel investors, and most SEIS and EIS funds, expect to see it before they commit. Getting it in place first usually makes your round quicker and easier to close. How long does HMRC take to respond? HMRC’s processing times vary through the year and it usually takes several weeks. A complete, well-prepared application helps avoid follow-up questions and delays. We will give you an up-to-date estimate when we start. What is the difference between SEIS and EIS? SEIS is for very early-stage companies. It lets you raise up to £250,000, and investors can claim 50% income tax relief. EIS is for companies that are a little further on. From 6 April 2026 it lets most companies raise up to £10 million a year, and investors can claim 30% income tax relief. Many companies use SEIS first and then EIS. Which companies qualify for SEIS? In broad terms, your company needs a permanent establishment in the UK, to have started trading less than three years ago, to have gross assets of £350,000 or less and fewer than 25 employees, and to carry on a qualifying trade. [Try our free eligibility checker](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/seis-eis-eligibility-checker?hsLang=en-gb). How much does Advance Assurance cost? Our SEIS and EIS Advance Assurance service is a fixed fee from £500 + VAT. You will receive the scope, fee and delivery date in writing before any work starts. Can you help after Advance Assurance? Yes. Many clients come back for help with their SEIS and EIS compliance statements after shares are issued, as well as valuations, fundraising readiness reviews and non-exec director support as they grow. ## Let’s talk about what you’re working on. Whether you are preparing for a funding round, considering SEIS or EIS advance assurance, need valuation support or are looking for experienced business advice, we would be happy to start with a conversation. [SPEAK TO AN ADVISER](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk#contact-us-popup) ## One Sapphire. Many ways to work with us.\_ From deal origination to fund administration, discover the businesses and platforms that extend the Sapphire network. ![Sapphire Capital Partners logo](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hubfs/One%20Sapphire/Sapphire%20Capital%20Partners%20logo.svg) We help visionaries set up and manage venture capital funds, from first close to final exit. Reach out to us at: [boyd@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk](mailto:boyd@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk) Visit web: [www.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk](https://www.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk/) ![DealsFlow logo](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hubfs/One%20Sapphire/DealsFlow%20logo.png) Connecting investors and opportunities through a streamlined, transparent deal flow platform. Discover curated deals and the tools to move on them with confidence. Reach out to us at: [mingze@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk](mailto:mingze@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk) Visit web: [www.dealsflow.co.uk](https://www.dealsflow.co.uk/) ![Emerald logo](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hubfs/One%20Sapphire/Emerald%20logo.webp) Reliable fund administration and support for managers who want to focus on performance. Accurate, compliant and responsive at every stage of the fund lifecycle. Reach out to us at: [boyd@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk](mailto:boyd@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk) Visit web: [www.emeraldfundservices.com](https://www.emeraldfundservices.com/) ![Sapphire Insight Fund logo](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hubfs/One%20Sapphire/Sapphire%20Insight%20Fund%20logo.svg) A Sapphire Capital Partners venture capital fund, currently in development. Reach out to us at: [boyd@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk](mailto:boyd@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk) Visit web: [insight.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk](https://insight.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk/) ![Sapphire PISCES logo](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hubfs/One%20Sapphire/Sapphire%20PISCES%20logo.svg) Sapphire Capital Partners’ PISCES offering for private company shares, currently in development. Reach out to us at: [boyd@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk](mailto:boyd@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk) Visit web: [pisces.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk](https://pisces.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk/) ![Sapphire EPUTS logo](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hubfs/One%20Sapphire/Sapphire%20EPUTS%20logo.svg) Sapphire Capital Partners’ Exempt Property Unit Trust offering, currently in development. Reach out to us at: [boyd@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk](mailto:boyd@sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk) Visit web: [eputs.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk](https://eputs.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk/) [Book a free 15-minute call](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk#contact-us-popup) ![SBA Logo](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/hubfs/Sapphire%20Adviser%202026%20Assets/SBA%20Logo.svg) Sapphire Business Advisers provides specialist advisory services to early-stage and growing companies, including SEIS and EIS advance assurance, valuations, consulting and non-executive director support. ## Company [About Us](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/about?hsLang=en-gb) [Services](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/services?hsLang=en-gb) [Contact](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/contact?hsLang=en-gb) [Blog](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/client-success-stories?hsLang=en-gb) [Why Us](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/why-us?hsLang=en-gb) [Pricing](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/pricing?hsLang=en-gb) ## Services [SEIS & EIS Advance Assurance](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/seis-eis-advance-assurance?hsLang=en-gb) [Business Valuations](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/business-valuations?hsLang=en-gb) [Fundraising Readiness Review](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/fundraising-readiness-review?hsLang=en-gb) [Non-Exec Director Support](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/non-executive-director-support?hsLang=en-gb) ## Contact [Email Us](mailto:boyd@sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk) [Schedule A Call](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk#contact-us-popup) ## Legal [Privacy Policy](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/privacy-and-ai-policy?hsLang=en-gb) [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sapphirebusinessadvisers.co.uk/terms-conditions?hsLang=en-gb) © 2026 Sapphire Business Advisers. 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