Help to Grow gives discount on software costs

The government’s Help to Grow: Digital scheme offers a 50% discount, to a maximum of £5,000, on a range of approved software.

The deal runs for three years from January 2022, and aims to increase adoption of digital technologies. Discounts currently cover particular digital accounting and customer relations management (CRM) software. However, it is expected that other products, such as e-commerce software, will be added in due course. Discounts apply to the total product price, excluding VAT, and it’s important to check the terms and conditions thoroughly. 

Business structure matters: this is an offer for small and medium-sized companies, not sole traders or partnerships.

To be eligible, businesses must: 

  • have a registered office in the UK and be registered at the relevant Companies House
  • have been actively trading for over 12 months prior to date of application and have an incorporation date of at least 365 days prior to the application date
  • have a total of between five and 249 employees
  • be purchasing the approved software for the first time (though the scheme does cover certain clearly defined upgrades).

Applications are made online on the Help to Grow website, which also lists eligible software products. The process can be complex: it includes fraud checks and requirements to keep relevant records for six years following purchase. It can also impact on thresholds for de Minimis state aid. Please contact us for advice on using the Help to Grow: Digital discount.