Mercia Podcast

In this episode, Lee Eagling ( Technical Consultant at Mercia Group ) discusses the new ICAEW requirements effective from July 2026, requiring authorised training employers to implement formal annual appraisals for partners, directors, audit staff, and students. The podcast explores the background to the changes, compliance expectations, practical implementation options, and why effective appraisa...

In this episode, Mark Morton unpacks HMRC’s latest Tax Update 26, exploring proposed changes to self-assessment, ISAs, national insurance, and debt collection. He questions whether these reforms truly simplify the system or add further complexity, while highlighting the real-world impact on taxpayers, businesses, and financial planning. Blog: https://www.mercia-group.com/insights/tax-update-2026-r...

Mark Morton breaks down the latest HMRC update on payrolling benefits, highlighting delays, phased rollouts, and growing complexity for businesses. With uncertainty around timelines, compliance, and reporting, the episode explores why the system may become even more confusing before it improves. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton reviews the chancellor's pre-bank holiday announcements, covering free children's bus travel, reduced VAT on family activities and meals, fuel duty, mileage allowance changes and what they mean in practice for businesses and families. Mark offers a candid take on whether these measures are likely to make a material difference and who they really benefit. For more information...

In this episode, Mark Morton explores the complexities of tax penalties, prompted by a recent high-profile case involving a significant understatement with no penalty applied. He breaks down key concepts like reasonable care, voluntary disclosure, and HMRC’s approach to enforcement, highlighting the nuances that often go unnoticed by both taxpayers and advisors. For more information on this topic...

In this honest and relatable episode, mental health first aider Louise Conner shares her personal journey and practical tips for maintaining wellbeing. From breaking stigma to finding what truly works for you, this episode offers simple, real-life ways to build resilience, prioritise self-care, and ask for support when you need it most. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www...

In this short Mercia podcast, I take a look at Associated Companies, an area that's quietly become a hot topic again. With Corporation Tax rates and bands shifting, HMRC are clearly paying attention, and we're seeing a steady stream of "nudge" letters landing on agents' desks asking them to revisit their associated company position. I walk through why the rules feel partic...

In this post‑Easter episode, Mark Morton shares his reflections on recent tax developments and policy decisions. From frustration with Making Tax Digital and fuel duty at the pump, to mileage rates that offer little real‑world help, Mark also highlights growing concerns around the recovery of winter fuel payments from pensioners and the risks of PAYE coding errors. A candid look at the increasingl...

In this episode, Mark Morton explores the complex and often misunderstood world of UK state pensions. From the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women issue to voluntary contributions, contracting-out, personal tax accounts and looming policy changes, Mark breaks down the key pitfalls people face and why checking your state pension record early matters more than ever. For more informa...

Mark Morton discusses the shifting landscape of UK tax policy amid global uncertainty, including potential implications for the autumn budget, the concerns surrounding mandatory registration of tax advisors, and the increasing administrative burdens faced by compliant firms. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this immediate reaction to the Spring Statement Forecast, Mark Morton shares his candid thoughts on a speech that offered fewer surprises than expected . With no major new tax policy announcements and a strongly political tone from both sides of the House, Mark reflects on the implications for businesses, growth, and the wider UK economy. He explores the government’s emphasis on stability, the...

Get a clear and accessible breakdown of what to expect ahead of the UK’s Spring Statement on 3 March. Mark explores the purpose of the Spring Statement, what the Office for Budget Responsibility might reveal about the economy, and the key pressures shaping government decisions from tax receipts and public borrowing to inflation, growth and rising unemployment. He also touches on the impact of wage...

In this episode, Mark Morton discusses HMRC’s increasing focus on directors’ loan accounts and the practical challenges arising from recent compliance checks. Mark shares a real client case, highlighting how misunderstandings within HMRC can lead to unnecessary pressure and how a robust technical response can turn a proposed £250,000 settlement into just £700. He also previews key themes from our...

In this episode, Mark Morton explores the key themes shaping the upcoming Spring Forecast on 3 March 2026 . From SME lending packages and tax policy shifts to the latest developments affecting defence spending, welfare reform, and the hospitality sector, Mark unpacks what businesses should be preparing for in the months ahead. For digital resources including our 2026 Tax Cards , visit: https://www...

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 Archer, 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...

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 sala...

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 sou...

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...

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 f...

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...

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...

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 exp...