Michael Heinicke

Overview

Michael Heinicke is a Principal in Ryan’s Innovation Funding practice, based in the Firm’s Holywood office in the United Kingdom. With more than 20 years of experience leading specialist tax teams, he advises businesses on maximizing innovation-related tax incentives, including R&D tax credits, Capital Allowances, and Patent Box. Michael is widely recognized for his deep technical expertise in Patent Box and for delivering strategic, commercially aligned advice that helps organizations unlock value from their intellectual property and investment in innovation. 
 
Michael partners closely with finance leaders and executive teams to design incentive strategies that strengthen governance, withstand scrutiny, and align with long-term business objectives. He brings significant experience in managing tax authority enquiries and audits, providing clients with confident representation and disciplined technical support. Known for his pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, Michael combines technical rigor with practical insight to help businesses navigate evolving tax legislation and secure sustainable benefits from innovation incentives. 

Education & Qualifications

Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CTA)

Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (FCA)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Economics, University of Nottingham

Experience & Achievements

Principal, Innovation Funding, Ryan, Holywood office

• Leads specialist teams delivering R&D tax credits, Capital Allowances, and Patent Box advisory services 

• Provides strategic guidance on innovation funding and intellectual property tax planning 

• Advises clients on managing tax authority enquiries and audits

Partner, independent tax firm, UK

• Partner at Inspired prior to its acquisition by Ryan in 2025 

• Responsible for tax technical leadership, innovation strategy, and audit defense matters  
  Director, big four firm, UK 

• Member of the Innovation and Capital Incentives UK leadership team 

• Led growth of the firm’s innovation tax services within the UK SME market

Head of Corporate Tax, big four firm, Northern Ireland

• Led a team of 30 tax specialists, doubling tax revenues over a three-year period 

• Member of the Tax Leadership team and the firm’s Shadow Leadership team