Claim OwnershipBRave Business and The Tax Factor
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Brought to you by accounting, tax, audit and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg BRave Business is aimed at entrepreneurial businesses, we focus on providing market updates, practical guidance, timely insights, and professional opinions from industry experts, helping you make informed decisions for your business. The Tax Factor is a weekly podcast with our expert team looking at the news and updates in the world of tax and providing analysis of what it might mean for you.
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This week on The Tax Factor, Paul Haywood-Schiefer and Tom Goddard begin with a roundup of the Top 3 tax stories making headlines, before turning their attention to the key developments shaping the tax landscape this week. Attention turned to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, where Tom outlines the key takeaways from what ultimately proved to be more of a financial update than a platform for new tax measures. With no tax changes announced, they discuss what this absence of policy tweaks means for taxpayers and advisers. To round things up Paul gives insight on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and explores the potential tax implications that could arise from global instability - from economic pressures and government spending to the broader effects on international tax policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Paul Noble and Sarah Stenton kick things off with a roundup of the Top 3 tax stories making headlines, setting the scene for a discussion of some of the most talked-about developments in tax this week. Paul and Sarah begin with discussing Income Tax exemptions for major sporting events, including the Winter Olympics and the forthcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, explaining why these exemptions are introduced and how they operate in practice. They then examine the Netherlands’ proposed wealth tax, exploring the potential impact of taxing unrealised gains and what it could mean. The conversation also covers the rise in zero-hours contracts, highlighting the tax and policy considerations linked to changes in the UK workforce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Malli Kini and Neil Insull begin with a roundup of the Top 3 tax stories making headlines, setting the scene for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking episode. They then turn to the Mark Glen vs HMRC case, examining the tax treatment of female hair loss businesses and the broader implications for medical expense claims. The discussion also covers the Miss Odina financial abuse story, highlighting the tax considerations involved and the wider issues it raises, before analysing why reports of an OBR document being accessed ahead of its official publication matters for transparency and public trust. The episode concludes with a look at the latest developments surrounding loan charge settlement terms, explaining what affected taxpayers should be aware of and how HMRC’s approach continues to evolve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In part two of our Making Tax Digital mini-series, Heather Self is joined by Jonathan Athow, Director General, Customer Strategy and Tax Design at HMRC, for a special Q&A episode. This conversation offers listeners the opportunity to hear directly from HMRC on one of the most significant changes to the UK tax system in recent years. In an insightful and practical discussion, Jonathan answers the key questions on everyone’s minds, including how the beta testing has progressed, what challenges taxpayers, agents and businesses may face as MTD expands, and how they can prepare ahead of the launch date. Heather puts the important issues front and centre, ensuring the conversation tackles both strategic aims and real-world concerns. This episode provides valuable clarity on Making Tax Digital and is essential listening for anyone preparing for the next phase of digital tax reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Stephanie Levin makes her first appearance alongside Suzanne Briggs to kick off the Making Tax Digital (MTD) mini-series. They start with a roundup of the top tax headlines, including the story of the UK’s top taxpayers, which includes some of the biggest celebrities… The discussion then turns to Making Tax Digital, with Stephanie and Suzanne breaking down what MTD is, who it affects, and how the next phases will impact businesses, landlords, and individuals. They explore common misconceptions, practical challenges, and why preparation now will save headaches in the future. Packed with clear explanations, expert insight, and practical tips, this episode lays the foundations for the rest of the mini-series. It’s essential listening for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve in the evolving digital tax landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Robert Salter and Sarah Stenton begin with a roundup of the Top 3 tax stories making headlines which includes a key government U-turn… Sarah and Robert begin by sharing timely insights on Self-Assessment tax returns, including HMRC receiving a big pay day, common pitfalls and practical tips as deadlines approach. Robert then provides insight into Advanced Tax Certification Rulings, explaining how they work, when they’re useful, and why certainty from HMRC continues to be so valuable. The episode also investigates the Boulting v HMRC tax case, analysing the key issues and what it could mean for future disputes, before rounding off with a look at Scottish tax and how devolved rules continue to evolve. Informative and accessible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Heather Powell and John Bull kick things off with a roundup of the top 3 tax stories making headlines. They provide clear, practical commentary on the most important developments in the tax world this week. They then turn to the Elden vs HMRC case, looking at why AI is back in the spotlight and what the ruling could mean for future tax compliance, dispute resolution, and the use of technology in tax investigations. Next, they break down the Kog vs HMRC VAT case, explaining the key points and the wider implications for businesses navigating complex VAT rules. Rounding off the episode, they discuss the Tom Goldstein trial, centred on the failure to declare $26 million in poker winnings, and the broader tax issues around gambling, income reporting, and enforcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Tax Factor returns for its first episode of 2026, with Paul Noble and Neil Insull kicking off the year by discussing some of the most significant tax developments already shaping the months ahead. They begin with the recent Inheritance Tax U-turn on Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR), explaining what’s changed and why it matters for long-term planning. The discussion then moves to key rulings and policy updates, including the Hotel La Tour VAT case and the latest announcements from the Scottish Budget. Paul and Neil break down the practical implications, explaining what these developments could mean for businesses and individuals alike. To round of the episode, they issue a timely warning on the rise of Self-Assessment scams as the tax return season gets underway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week’s Tax Factor is a festive special, with Ele Theochari and Neil Insull bringing seasonal cheer and tax insight to the podcast. They first look at the Morrisons VAT case involving chickens, unwrapping what the decision means for retailers and why food VAT remains a tricky item on HMRC’s Christmas menu. Next, Ele and Neil turn to advanced clearance schemes, explaining how they work, when they can be used, and why certainty from HMRC can be one of the most valuable gifts for businesses looking to plan ahead. They also run through the top three tax stories making the news this week, adding festive flair and thoughtful commentary. The last episode for 2025 is filled with insights and seasonal puns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Robert Salter and Suzanne Briggs dive into one of the UK’s most famous VAT debates: the long-running question of whether Jaffa Cakes are truly cakes or biscuits. They go over the case, the reasoning behind the ruling, and why this seemingly light-hearted issue still has serious tax implications today. They also discuss the blockbuster news that Deadpool & Wolverine has secured a record £82 million in UK tax credits - a milestone moment for the film industry. Robert and Suzanne discuss how the incentive system works, why the UK remains a major production hub, and what this could mean for future big-budget films. Rounding out the episode, they look at the tax issues that often surface during the festive season, from staff parties to seasonal perks. Combined with their take on the top three tax stories of the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Michael Holland and Annie Hughes take listeners across the Atlantic, discussing the top tax stories making headlines before diving into a US-focused episode. They look at Biffy Clyro’s recent tour changes and the tax considerations behind the scenes. Michael and Annie also break down the IRS’s new rules on digital asset reporting, highlighting what individuals and businesses need to watch as crypto and other digital holdings come under closer scrutiny. Finally, they analyse how the latest UK Budget could impact Americans living or investing across the pond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Heather Self and Heather Powell look at the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget statement. There doesn’t appear to be an awful lot of good news and tax changes that raise as many questions as they answer for entrepreneurs, property owners, businesses and individuals alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week Gabby Donald and Stefanie Tremain look at what we genuinely know so far!? After what feels like the longest build-up in years, Stephanie puts it simply: “Expect everything, expect nothing.” Just when it seemed the Budget couldn’t bring any more gloom, another idea surfaces: the Milkshake Tax. With retail already wrestling with complexity, do we really need another layer of rules for such a marginal gain? They also look at the House of Lords’ latest debate on growth and the effect of economic and tax policy on jobs and prosperity. The UK just isn’t currently attractive enough to entrepreneurs, businesses, or wealthy individuals - and that has to change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week Tom Goddard and Paul Haywood-Schiefer look at the Government’s possible attempts at fiscal choreography with the potential Income Tax and NICs see-saw. One goes up, one goes down… but as they explain, that doesn’t always mean a neutral outcome for taxpayers. They then discuss what a cap on salary-sacrifice pension contributions would mean: a measure that could be highly attractive to the Treasury while many taxpayers barely feel a ripple. And while pension savers might lose out, families with more than two children could gain significantly if the Child Benefit cap is lifted - though the policy could carry a £4bn price tag. Finally, news of a possible adoption by HMRC of a US-style whistleblower reward scheme, offering up to 30% of tax recovered. A bold, creative and undoubtedly controversial, idea.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gabby Donald and Paul Noble return to one of our favourite topics – The Budget! Following the Chancellor’s rather unusual breakfast briefing - did it really tell us anything new? With Bonfire Night still in the air, Gabby wonders if this was the moment when the manifesto pledges finally went on the bonfire. Paul turns to the world of tax and gambling - while your winnings might be tax-free, it’s still worth keeping a record, just in case the taxman fancies a look at your lucky streak. With limited guidance and new rules arriving under the Crypto Asset Reporting Framework the taxation of crypto assets is fast evolving, Gabby and Paul warn this will result in more questions for people with Crypto assets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the 100th episode of The Tax Factor, Robert Salter and Malli Kini take a look back over two rather turbulent years. 2 Prime Ministers, 2 Chancellors of the Exchequer: 2, 3 Major fiscal statements and an election. Robert and Malli then explore how HMRC is using Artificial Intelligence to identify discrepancies and catch out taxpayers, what possible changes could be coming to the taxation of partnerships and LLPs, and why the Revenue’s approach to compliance might make it the “Christmas Grinch” of the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, we have a special episode featuring Max Schofield from Devereux Chambers, a leading indirect tax Barrister and VAT litigator. Max has worked on some of the very VAT cases we’ve discussed on the show, bringing a rare insider perspective to the stories that often make the headlines. Heather and Max dive into the world of VAT - the tax everyone pays but few fully understand. From the quirky, headline-grabbing cases to the lessons they reveal about the future of this major revenue-raising tax, Max helps make sense of the complex rules and what they mean for businesses and taxpayers alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Neil Insull and Matt Crawford look at the IFS Green Budget and its warning to Rachel Reeves to avoid “half-baked” tax fixes ahead of the next Budget. They discuss what this could mean for future policy and the pressures facing the Chancellor. They also cover a rare court ruling allowing a judicial review against HMRC five years late, and the Treasury’s plans to tighten the sugar tax, a move that could see drinks like Ribena and Lucozade changing their recipes once again. And in a final twist, they look at a VAT dispute involving laughing gas that proves there’s nothing funny about tax classification.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Annie Hughes and Sarah Stenton look at the stories making headlines in tax and business. Annie looks at Revolut founder Nik Storonsky’s move from the UK to the UAE, part of a wider trend of wealthy individuals changing their tax residency since the non-dom regime ended. Sarah highlights HMRC’s warning to pensioners about withdrawal schemes that sound too good to be true, while across the Atlantic, Donald Trump’s threat of new truck tariffs adds more uncertainty to global trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert Salter and Tom Goddard look at the now infamous “donkey field” connected to Keir Starmer. With politicians’ tax affairs under the spotlight yet again, Robert explains why the arrangement looks more like straightforward trust planning than a scandal, and sometimes what makes the front page isn’t really much of a tax dodge at all. The pair explore what this story says about public attitudes to politicians and tax — and whether the criticism is fair or just noise. Then it’s over to the NFL’s return to London, where visiting players could find themselves facing a very different kind of tackle: the UK tax system. Filing returns and paying into the UK’s fiscal black hole might not feature in the playbook, but it’s all part of the rules. Finally, Robert and Tom discuss HMRC’s recent stakeholder conference. Promises of closer working with advisers sound great on paper but as changes regarding National Insurance show, HMRC’s actions don’t always match the words.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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