Mark Morton unpacks the government’s last‑minute December changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, questioning the policy swings, their impact on farmers and businesses, and what it all means heading into the new tax year. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Helen Knight and Jenny Faulkner take a look back at some of Mercia Group's predictions for 2025. Covering technology, ESG and mega marshmallows... For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton breaks down the post-budget chaos, covering leaks, delayed publications, and the heated public debate over policies like child benefit caps, while questioning the missing growth plan. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, join Jenny Faulkner, Head of A&A and Compliance talking with Gemma Arnold, Senior Manager in A&A and Compliance and a Charity Sector Specialist as they explore the changing landscape for Charities. This podcasts covers England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the different thresholds that apply dependent on jurisdiction. Gemma highlights some of the key themes arising from the publication of the finalised Charity SORP. For more information on...

Mark and Norman discussing the latest UK 2025 Budget. The conversation highlights a chaotic lead-up with leaks and political manoeuvring. Key points include frozen income tax thresholds until 2031, increased taxes on savings, property income and dividends, and changes to ISA limits. Employment measures cover the removal of homeworking tax relief, minimum wage rises, and future restrictions on salary sacrifice. Business topics include adjustments to capital allowances and investment schemes, w...

Mark gives an immediate reaction to the Chancellor’s Budget, calling out the heavy leaks beforehand, the rise in taxes, and the lack of a clear growth plan. He touches on changes to income tax on property and savings, ISA reform, new capital allowance rules, road pricing for EVs, salary sacrifice caps, mansion tax plans, HMRC compliance increases and national minimum wage pressures. Overall he sounds unconvinced that there’s anything in the announcement that helps businesses or boosts growth....

In this episode, Mark Morton unpacks the uncertainty and speculation surrounding the Autumn Budget 2025. From leaked proposals on income tax and dividend rates to potential changes in pension contributions and road charging for electric vehicles, Mark explores the lack of clear strategy and its impact on business confidence. He questions whether knee-jerk reactions are replacing long-term planning and what that means for taxpayers and businesses. For more information on this topic and more, p...

In this episode, Mark Morton reflects on the unusual pre-budget announcement made by the Chancellor and the growing speculation surrounding the Autumn Budget 2025. With a mix of humour and insight, Mark explores the political messaging, potential tax rises, and the implications of shifting National Insurance and income tax. He questions the strategy behind the early statement and what it signals for the future of fiscal policy. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mer...

Mark Morton explores the capital tax speculation swirling ahead of the upcoming Budget, from wealth taxes and property gains to IHT and SDLT reforms. With candid insights on political motives, tax fairness, and the real impact on UK households, this episode looks at how far the Chancellor might go to fill a £30 billion gap. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, James Hurst joins Mark Morton to explore the potential changes to VAT in the upcoming budget. Drawing on over 35 years of experience in VAT, James discusses everything from VAT thresholds and electric vehicle charging to postponed import VAT accounting and the complex VAT treatment of taxi services. With a mix of practical insight and policy speculation, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the evolving VAT landscape. For more information on this topic an...

Lee Eagling is joined by Andy Holton to discuss the recent response by HM Treasury to the consultation on anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) supervision. They explore the government's decision to appoint the FCA as the single professional services supervisor, the implications for firms currently regulated by professional bodies, and what practitioners should expect as the transition unfolds. With practical insights and advice, this episode is essential listening...

In this episode, Mark Morton dives into the pre-budget speculation surrounding savings policies, tax reforms, and the political balancing act of keeping voters, especially pensioners on side. He explores potential changes to cash ISAs, the implications of shifting National Insurance to income tax, and the complexities of winter fuel payments. With a mix of personal anecdotes and sharp analysis, Mark unpacks what might be coming and what it could mean for everyday savers. For more information ...

In this episode, Mark Morton dives into why pensions are once again in the government’s crosshairs ahead of the November 2025 Budget. From tax-free lump sums to lifetime allowances and relief reform, Mark unpacks how these changes could hit savers and why the Treasury can’t resist eyeing that £50 billion of tax relief tied up in pensions. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, Mark Morton dives into the swirling speculation around the upcoming UK budget. From leaked memos and proposed tax hikes to the political balancing act behind non-dom policies and dividend allowances, Mark offers a candid take on what might be coming and what it could mean for businesses, investors, and taxpayers. With reflections on corporation tax, CGT, pension reforms, and the messaging that drives economic migration, this is a sharp, accessible breakdown of fiscal policy i...

In this episode, Mark Morton reflects on the Chancellor’s speech at the Labour Party Conference and what it signals for the upcoming autumn budget. He explores government borrowing, tax speculation, and public spending, while unpacking media leaks and political strategy. This episode kicks off a short series running up to budget day, where Mark will continue to explore key developments and what they could mean for advisors and clients. For more information on this topic and more, please visit...

In this episode, Peter, Head of Marketing at Mercia, sits down with Louise, Mercia's management and skills trainer, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership and communication within accountancy firms. Together, they unpack the concept of the accidental manager and discuss the importance of soft skills in building resilient, high-performing teams. Louise shares insights from her work with firms across the UK, offering practical advice for everyone from new starters to senior partn...

In this episode, James Hurst breaks down the latest updates to HMRC’s guidance on correcting VAT errors, including the introduction of a new online tool for notifying HMRC. Tune in for practical insights and learn what these changes mean for your business. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton explores recent draft legislation and HMRC’s evolving role in public service. He reflects on the frustrations of digital tax systems, delays in repayments, and the long-delayed rollout of Making Tax Digital, raising concerns about the effectiveness of transformation efforts and their impact on taxpayers. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

On 21 July 2025, the government published draft legislation for Finance Bill 2025-26 for consultation. In this brief episode, Mark Morton shares his immediate reaction. Much of the content was pre-announced, including: Inheritance Tax Overhaul – the government is proceeding with reforms to agricultural and business property reliefs, effective from April 2026, and bringing unused pension funds and death benefits into the scope of IHT from April 2027.Making Tax Digital (MTD) Evolves – the...

Helen Knight and Norman Allison discuss some of the key points to consider around Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment. Following a recent lecture we take the opportunity to unpack some of the most frequently asked questions, clarify common misconceptions, and explore what these changes mean for taxpayers and particularly their advisors. For a more in depth consideration of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax access the on demand recording of the lecture referred to in this podcast...