Summing Up - The official podcast from Lovewell Blake Chartered Accountants and Financial Planners!

James Shipp and Michael Morter share their Budget 2026 predictions: the taxes ruled out, where the chancellor could look instead, and what to do before Budget day. A new Prime Minister, a new chancellor and very few leaks. In this episode of Summing Up, James Shipp talks to Michael Morter about what could change in the Budget and what to do before it.  They start with the four taxes ruled out in t...

Inheritance tax used to be a concern for the wealthy. Frozen allowances and a run of rule changes mean it now reaches ordinary families, farmers and business owners, and from April 2027 unused pensions come into scope too. In this episode of Summing Up, James Shipp is joined by our tax director Michael Morter to explain the inheritance tax gifting rules and what has changed. We cover: The three bi...

From 2028, small companies will be required to file profit and loss accounts online with Companies House for the first time. But will those accounts be made public? In this episode, we break down the upcoming Companies House reforms, explain the new filing requirements for small businesses, and explore the confusion surrounding the apparent concession that may allow companies to withhold profit an...

Accurate bookkeeping is more than just recording transactions. It's the foundation of informed business decisions, healthy cash flow, and long-term growth. In this episode, we explore the importance of financial record keeping, how bookkeeping supports business performance, and the key financial information every business owner should understand. Whether you're a start-up, small business...

Are you prepared for the inheritance tax changes that took effect from April 2026? This episode focuses on the new rules affecting family farms and privately owned businesses. We explain what has changed, who could be impacted, and the practical planning strategies available to help families preserve their assets and create a smooth succession plan for the next generation. #InheritanceTax #Busines...

Payroll is becoming increasingly complex for UK businesses. With evolving HMRC regulations, growing compliance obligations, and the pressure to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, managing payroll in-house can be both challenging and time-consuming. In this episode, we explore the biggest payroll challenges facing employers today, the impact of ongoing HMRC changes, and why many busi...

Join James Shipp and financial adviser Jon Matchett as they discuss the key aspects of retirement planning, from workplace pensions and retirement income options to tax-efficient withdrawals and state pension considerations. They explore how to make the most of your savings, manage investment risk as retirement approaches, and avoid common pitfalls, while also touching on inheritance tax and the r...

James is re-joined by Will Gaines, Consultant at Lovewell Blake Financial Planning, to discuss smart use of protection policies. With good planning, life cover,  critical illness and sickness policies can be structured tax efficiently within businesses. Many business owners fail to plan for these life events and it can be relatively simple to put proactive measures in place.  #Podcast #FinancialPl...

Dom Smith rejoins James to explain the changes to the financial rules affecting English football clubs where Squad Cost Ratio requirements are replacing Profit and Sustainability Rules this summer. These financial requirements and penalties for non-compliance are complex and Dom breaks down all the key aspects as only an accountant can! #FootballPodcast #FootballFinance #Football #Accountant #Engl...

From April 2027 all Benefits in Kind provided by employers to their Directors or staff will be taxed very differently. James is joined by payroll specialist Jordan Guymer to consider the upcoming changes to the way Benefits are reported and what employers need to do ahead of time to be fully compliant by April 2027. #BIK #Payroll #BenefitsInKind #Reporting #Accountancy #Podcast #LB1858 

Mel Page joins James to discuss her role in dealing with urgent HR matters and talks about how SME’s can prepare themselves for these business threats. Mel also talks through how SME’s should best structure their HR affairs and her top tips so businesses are protected from claims and potential financial exposure is kept to a minimum.  #HumanResources #HR #HRPodcast #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #LB185...

James is joined by Lovewell Blake Managing Partner and International Tax expert Kevin Bunting to talk about the UK as a destination for operations. What regulatory and taxation factors need to be considered when starting up or operating in the UK. Kevin runs through his top tips for global companies utilising the UK as a business environment. #International #InternationalBusiness #Global #Tax #Int...

In this episode, James is re-joined by financial planning specialist Jon Matchett. Together Jon and James talk through key Inheritance Tax planning strategies from both a tax and financial planning perspective. This collaborative discussion opens up a broad range of action points for anyone concerned by leaving their estate with a large tax bill.  #Tax #IHT #InheritanceTax #Inheritance #TaxPodcast...

James is joined by Financial Planning specialist Will Gaines to discuss the world of workplace pensions including the key things to consider if you are an employer or employee plus the growing market of provider switches who are after better value and performance for their staff pension provisions.  #Podcast #FinancePodcast #BusinessPodcast #WorkplacePensions #Pensions #Pension #AutoEnrolment #Pen...

Cloud Accounting specialist Nathan Bowden joins James to talk over his recommendations for choosing the best cloud accounting provider and how to optimise your set up effectively. From small businesses being impacted by new MTD requirements to established organisations looking for an upgrade, Nathan covers his do’s and don’ts and provides handy tips to make everything run smoothly. #CloudAccountin...

Upcoming changes to UK Accounting Standards could have a big impact on the accounts of companies who lease assets. Sam Grimmer joins James to discuss how and when the updates are being introduced and the major impact these changes will have on business accounts and financial reporting.  #FinancialReporting #Audit #Accounting #Accountant #Podcast #LB1858 

The things all international businesses need to consider when setting up and operating in the UK. James is joined by Lovewell Blake Senior Partner Simon Watson to talk through the compliance obligations and strategic planning opportunities when forming and operating companies in the UK. #InternationalBusiness #BusinessInTheUK #Business #CompanyFormationUK #LB1858 

Time to Talk Day is all about braving the big conversations around mental health. In this episode of Summing Up, Nathan Bowden joins James Shipp to explore mental health, men’s wellbeing, and the responsibilities employers carry in supporting their teams. #MentalHealth #TimeToTalk #Conversation #Wellbeing #MensMentalHealth #Podcast #OpenConversations #LB1858

Richard Keeler joins James to continue discussions around Dentists and business structures. This time they cover the purchase of a dental practice, the key considerations, what to look for in a target practice and when the fit might not be right. #Dental #Dentist #DentalAccountant #Accountant #Tax #DentalSpecialist #Purchase #DentalPractice #Podcast #LB1858 

Richard Keeler re-joins James on the podcast for the second instalment aimed at Dentists and Dental Associates. This time James and Richard cover limited company structures, whether this is right for you and alternative ways of structuring a dental business. #podcast #business #dental #dentist #finance #lb1858 

Sophie Spaul re-joins James to review the recent Budget form a business perspective. Much attention has been on the impact on individuals but there was more within the detail which will heavily impact business and entrepreneurs. Sophie and James dissect the detail and summarise key policies. #Podcast #Budget2025 #Business #Accountancy #Tax #Entrepreneurs #LB1858 #KeyPolicies 

Ryan Lincoln returns to follow up discissions on the new Inheritance Tax rules for Farmers in what has been called the Family Farm Tax. There was no u-turn in the recent Budget so Farmers and business owners need to plan ahead urgently. James and Ryan confirm the policy and discuss the main tax planning options available and where different options may suit different families. #Agriculture #Podcas...

James is joined by Dental accountant and Healthcare expert Richard Keeler to discuss the journey of Dentists into their first role as a Dental Associate. Becoming self employed can be a complex and challenging time and being financially prepared is crucially important. Richard talks through the accounting obligations, how to save towards tax bills and the optimum structure for a Dental associate....

Audit specialist Abi Robinson re-joins James again to cover the upcoming changes to company size limits and how they affect the need for an audit. #Audit #Company #Companies #Finance #Podcast #Accountant #Auditor #Business #LB1858 

Agriculture specialist Ryan Lincoln joins James to talk about the recently announced changes to Inheritance Tax for farms and businesses. With under a year to go until implementation, Ryan covers what is changing, what options are available and how some of his farming clients are dealing with these challenges.