Bang the Drum

In this episode, we explore the Tipping Act and what it means for employers, payroll teams, and HR leaders, with expert insight from Hannah-Jane Dobbie and Julie Gunnell. We break down what qualifies as a tip, how service charges should be handled, and the responsibilities businesses now carry around fairness, transparency, and record keeping. The discussion also looks ahead to changes coming in O...

In Part 2 of Cash Flow Confidence, we continue the conversation with Matthew Grant, following on from Part 1 where we explored why profitable businesses still run into trouble because of cash flow. In Part 1 Matthew unpacked the most common cash flow mistakes he sees in growing SMEs, from weak terms of trade and slow debtor management to a lack of visibility over the true cash position of the busi...

In this episode, Chris Horne, CEO of Azets Group, reflects on what it really means to lead a people-first, tech-enabled accountancy group at scale. From fast-tracked digitisation in the pandemic to scaling across eight countries through selective M&A, Chris explains why alignment beats speed alone - because direction builds an army, not crowd control. The future of accountancy, Chris argues, i...

In this episode, we delve into the essentials of cash flow confidence with expert insights from Matthew Grant, a seasoned expert in financial advisory. Discover the five critical areas where SMEs often falter, including robust terms of trade, handling non-paying clients, understanding the cash conversion cycle, utilising payment gateways, and offering early payment discounts to strengthen business...

Recorded one week after the UK Autumn Statement 2025, this episode looks at the employment tax impact, featuring Jez Howson, Employment Tax Partner at Azets. Jez explains the real-world implications for employers as wage inflation, pension changes and national insurance adjustments reshape workforce costs. We explore the risks, the opportunities and the actions businesses should be taking now. The...

This episode looks at the private client impact of the Autumn Budget, featuring Jodie Barwick Bell, Private Client Partner at Azets. Jodie explains how the changes affect property owners, wealthy families and business owners, exploring what the new rules mean for investments, inheritance tax and the broader planning landscape. The conversation covers cover property income tax increases, structurin...

This episode explores the key tax changes emerging in the week following the Budget and what they mean in practice for UK businesses. Tax expert Claire Smailes breaks down the measures that matter most, how they affect investment, remuneration, transactions and compliance, and what manufacturing businesses should pay particular attention to. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azet...

A fast, honest, and expert reaction to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2025. Recorded immediately after the announcement, this episode captures first impressions from Azets’ senior tax specialists. We unpack the headline measures, early implications for business owners, and what looks positive, challenging, or surprising at first glance. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets – w...

In this special UK Spring Statement 2025 episode, host Emma Sheppard is joined by a panel of Azets’ expert advisers for live reaction to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ latest fiscal update. They explore the implications for business, tax, and the wider economy - examining how Labour’s evolving policies are shaping the path to growth and investment across the UK. Bang the Drum has featured at #1 in the...

Ready to build a solid financial foundation for long-term success? Tune into the latest episode of Bang the Drum for expert insights on budgeting, investing, and risk management. In this episode, Emma Sheppard is joined by Jonathan Gibson, Chair of the Charted Institute for Securities and Investment in Scotland, and Graeme Dreghorn, Director with Azets Wealth Management. They dive into the essenti...

Want to craft a strategic and agile plan that drives sustainable growth? Tune into the latest Bang the Drum episode for key frameworks and best practices to navigate today’s fast-paced business world.  In this episode, Emma Sheppard is joined by Emma Jones, Founder of Enterprise Nation, Paul Millard, Owner of Alchemy Creations, and Katie Watson, Accounting & Business Advisory Services Director...

Curious about how venture capital and private equity can fuel your business growth? Stream the latest episode of Bang the Drum to uncover key strategies for securing investment! In this episode, Emma Sheppard is joined by Ian Wilson, Fund Principal at Mercia Asset Management, and Lee Humble, UK Head of Corporate Finance at Azets. They explore the world of VC and PE funding, unravelling their impac...

Wondering how pay-on-demand models like Salary Advance impact employees and employers? Dive into the latest episode of Bang the Drum ! In this episode, Emma Sheppard is joined by Jason Davenport, CEO of The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP), and Stephen Abbotts, Director of Payroll Services at Azets. They investigate pay-on-demand as an emerging model, evaluating its sustainabili...

Curious about how credit ratings impact business growth? Dive into the latest episode of Bang the Drum !  In this episode, Emma Sheppard is joined by Paul Surtees, CEO and Co-Founder Capitalise; and Fraser Campbell, UK Head of Accounts & Business Advisory at Azets.  They examine the significance of credit ratings, highlighting how credit rating hygiene can shape the trajectory of growing busin...

Are you a sports enthusiast curious about the financial side of the game? Dive into the latest episode of Bang The Drum ! In this episode, Emma Sheppard is joined by Gareth Griffins, Managing Director at Pro Sports Wealth; and Lee Stott, a Tax Partner at Azets. They uncover the complexities of tax in sport, discussing the unique challenges and considerations faced by athletes, clubs, and governing...

In this special UK Autumn Budget 2024 episode, six of Azets’ expert advisors join host Emma Sheppard for live reaction to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcements. They discuss the potential impact on business and how Labour tax reforms and support initiatives could shape the economic landscape and future growth. Bang the Drum has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts a...

Ready to supercharge your business with electric vehicles? Tune in to the latest episode of Bang The Drum ! In this episode, Emma Sheppard is joined by Tom Baker, Partnerships Manager at Octopus EV; Richard Whitelock, Partner & Head of Employer Solutions at Azets; and David Pinner, Employee Benefits Consultant in Azets Wealth Management. We explore the transformative journey of EV adoption in...

Bang the Drum is back! The chart-topping podcast for ambitious businesses and their owners returns for an exciting third season, with topics including tax in sport, why credit ratings matter, the fundamentals of wealth management, and driving change through EV adoption.  Kicking off S3, host Emma Sheppard is joined by Justine Riccomini, Head of Tax for Employment & Devolved Taxes at ICAS, and...

In this special UK Spring Statement episode, four of Azets’ tax experts join host Emma Sheppard for live reaction to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s statement. Predictions for tax reforms in the UK Spring Budget 2024, ahead of the upcoming general election, are generating significant anticipation. How might these expected reforms influence the overall economic landscape and fiscal outlook? Bang the Drum...

Host Emma Sheppard is joined by Hayley Kingsnorth, Partner of Accounting and Business Advisory Services at Azets and Mark Rose, Employer Engagement Lead at Bemix. With the growth of social enterprises, more businesses are being founded to build a better world. From reducing of economic inequality and improving social justice, to implementing environmental sustainability, the panel explores the wor...

In this episode, host Emma Sheppard is joined by Dan Fallows, Managing Director at Gorilla Accounting and Tim Waterton, Chief Revenue Officer, HappyOrNot. The panel discusses the value of receiving customer feedback: How to get it, what to do with it, and why building long-lasting, trusted relationships is so important to growth for ambitious businesses and their owners. Bang the Drum has featured...

In this episode, our guests discuss the fundamental role of business leaders and HR professionals in supporting employees' mental health and wellbeing. This podcast episode includes discussions on mental health and suicide. We want to emphasise that the content shared in this episode is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The conversations within may touch on sensitive topics...

In this special UK Autumn Statement episode, five of Azets’ tax experts join host Emma Sheppard for live reaction to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s statement. With economic forecasts showing growth is stagnant and Britain is teetering on the edge of a recession; how has the Chancellor eased these pressures and what support has been offered to business leaders to boost economic growth? Bang the Drum has...

In this episode, host Emma Sheppard is joined by Tom Shakhli, Head of Project Success, Spacehive, alongside Ursula Stone, Founder of The Flower Bank. The panel explores the world of crowdfunding and how it can enable SMEs and social enterprises to access the capital they need to flourish.  Bang the Drum has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Pod...

In this episode, host Emma Sheppard, is joined by Emma Green, Deputy Director for Cyber Resilience at Dept. for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT); and Paul Kelly, Head of Cyber Services at Azets.  The panel delves into the topic of cyber security and how preventing fraud doesn't have to be an overwhelming task for small business owners.  Bang the Drum has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcas...