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BRave Business and The Tax Factor

BRave Business and The Tax Factor
Author: Blick Rothenberg
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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.
128 Episodes
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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.
This week Matt Crawford and Suzanne Briggs discuss the Resolution Foundation’s Budget proposals including a new salt and sugar tax and what that could mean for already rising food prices. Matt also runs through some draft legislation that’s been published, which some may find heavy-handed given how tricky the rules can be. Suzanne takes us through a case in the Upper Tribunal, Executors of Elborne & others v HMRC, where HMRC suffered a rare loss. But she cautions that anyone in a similar position should still take advice, as the story may not end here. And finally, a case that left one taxpayer on a very sticky wicket.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Malli Kini and Stefanie Tremain show why precision matters in both politics and tax with Nigel Farage learning the hard way that there’s a big difference between “I” and “we.” The conversation then turns to the ICAEW’s warning about Government plans to regulate tax agents. While the idea might sound straightforward, could it actually make the system less effective rather than more secure? And finally, the National Audit Office reports that HMRC is losing billions to small business tax evasion including more than £800 million through the practice of phoenixing but it also warns there doesn’t seem to be an effective strategy to deal with it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Rehana Earle and Ele Theochari talk about the fallout from Angela Rayner’s resignation and what it says about the complexity of the UK tax system. Was it a simple SDLT mistake or something more? They also look at Labour’s revived debate on wealth taxes and Rachel Reeves’ cautious approach to reform ahead of November’s Budget. HMRC has an increasing focus not just on the users of avoidance schemes but also on the individuals promoting them – including a barrister now in the spotlight and footballers facing hefty tax bills. And at a tribunal, one taxpayer tried the excuse that “rodents ate my receipts.” A creative attempt, but no cigar – just like the old “dog ate my homework,” it didn’t wash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Tax Factor is back for its second episode of the season. This week, Neil Insull is joined by Annie Hughes for her debut appearance, as they look at the top tax stories making the news: we finally have a date for the Autumn Budget. But the real question is what the Chancellor might have in store. Could inheritance tax be in the firing line? Will we see changes to the VAT threshold or even VAT rates themselves? And with stamp duty complexity hitting the headlines, is now the moment for long-discussed reforms to property tax?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Tax Factor is back after its summer break! In this episode, Blick Rothenberg CEO Nimesh Shah is joined by Tom Goddard for his debut appearance on the podcast. Together, they discuss how frozen tax thresholds and fiscal drag have quietly become one of the Government’s most powerful tools for raising revenue. The conversation also looks ahead to the upcoming Autumn Budget, exploring the options and levers the Chancellor may use to plug the UK’s growing fiscal black hole. Stay tuned for an insightful discussion that kicks off our biggest season yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Turn the dial to the 1980s for a special FM broadcast of The Tax Factor. Styled on London’s famous talk radio station The Capital Gains Breakfast Show takes you through one of the most transformative decades for tax policy. With bold reforms, headline-grabbing Budgets, and the economic legacy of the Thatcher years, we bring the eighties tax landscape to life - complete with the feel of local radio news and updates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s the 1960s - the Beatles are topping the charts, London is swinging, and tax is making headlines. Join us for a lively "pirate radio-inspired" edition of The Tax Factor broadcasting from just off the Frinton coat and tune in to the decade of change on Swinging Radio Tax Factor. From the introduction of new tax rules to the cultural shifts that shaped finance and society, this episode captures the energy of the sixties while uncovering the tax issues of the day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Step back to the 1940s with our special "newsreel edition" of The Taxation Factor. To mark Blick Rothenberg’s 80th anniversary, we revisit the year of Blick Rothenberg’s founding that shaped modern taxation in post-war Britain. Presented in the style of a cinema newsreel, this episode explores the policies, challenges, and innovations that defined the era - from rebuilding the economy to the birth of the welfare state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the current series of The Tax Factor draws to a close, Nimesh Shah and Heather Self serve up a final episode looking back over the last 12 months. From the arrival of a new Labour government to the twists and turns of the Chancellor’s fiscal manoeuvrings, it’s been a year of tax drama, policy pivots, and HMRC under the microscope. There’s a sense of déjà vu as we head into the summer break - more questions than answers, and a tax landscape still in flux. Plus, in honour of Wimbledon week, we can’t resist a final rally with the VAT query of the season: the M&S strawberries and cream sandwich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor Neil Insull and Suzanne Briggs look at Reform’s controversial proposal for a 'Britannia Card' that would let wealthy foreigners pay a £250k fee to move to the UK and live exempt from all tax, and a significant rise in HMRC investigations into high earners, signalling a more aggressive compliance strategy. Elsewhere, the tax gap among SMEs is growing - what’s causing it, and how might it be closed? Plus, in estate planning news, Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis may have struck the right chord with tax planning that could legally bypass £80 million in inheritance tax. And finally, as Wimbledon serves up bigger prize pots, Neil and Suzanne reveal how it’s also serving HMRC a bigger slice of the winnings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor Rehana Earle and Ele Theochari look at possible U-turns on the non-dom regime, with Rachel Reeves reportedly reconsidering inheritance tax on global assets amid City concerns. They also discuss the High Court ruling that allows VAT on private school fees, rising tax receipts including a 14% hike in IHT, and a delayed Tax Freedom Day as fiscal drag bites. Plus, we revisit Making Tax Digital, with new guidance ahead of the rollout is HMRC going to be helpful to tax payers and agents around the new tax reporting framework?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week Roger Holman and Neil Insull discuss the Chancellor's Spending Review and pose the critical question on everyone's mind: "Where is the money coming from?" As opposition parties warn of a "cruel summer" filled with speculation. Roger and Neil also examine the logic and fairness of recovering Winter Fuel payments from pensioners through the tax system. Will HMRC really pursue thousands of small debts? They also look at the case of former darts world champion Rob Cross, who has been disqualified from serving as a company director after failing to pay over £450,000 in taxes. With no further penalties imposed, is this the level of enforcement the public expects?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Ola Adigun and Robert Salter ask where the money might come from to fund the major Government spending pledges we've been hearing about. With little room for manoeuvre, Robert suggests the Chancellor may revisit measures such as fuel duty, car benefits, and road tax and could there be a U-turn on previous manifesto commitments? Meanwhile, HMRC continues to battle poor public perception. Will the new outsourcing plans improve customer service, or just add to the frustration? And in a less-than-rhythmic move, HMRC wins a tribunal ruling to impose VAT on personal dance tuition - a decision that could have broader implications for education providers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a week of big questions and Nimesh Shah and Tomm Adams are on hand to dig into them. Why does HMRC think clawing back Winter Fuel Allowance from wealthier pensioners via self-assessment is even remotely workable? Has anyone noticed fuel duty has remained frozen for nearly 15 years? Why did Walkers take their Popadom VAT case to the Upper Tribunal? As politicians across the spectrum line up to make expensive promises, Nimesh and Tomm ask: who’s actually going to pay for it all as the tax burden soars?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Heather Self and Roger Holman ask whether Angela Rayner should stop auditioning for Chancellor after her tax policy ideas were leaked and heavily critiqued. Meanwhile, HMRC is getting heat from all directions: the National Audit Office questions its handling of wealthy taxpayers, and the Public Accounts Committee says the tax system is spiralling into complexity, public trust is fading, and confidence in HMRC’s IT overhaul is shaky at best. Scottish Power had a fine reduced to £1 but paid £28 million in compensation. The big question: can that be claimed as tax deductible? HMRC and Scottish Power don’t see eye to eye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Rehana Earle and Neil Insull discuss the closure of the historic Beales department store after 144 years, blamed on rising taxes and a worsening business climate. With the CIPD warning of a prolonged drop in employer confidence, what does the future hold for the UK labour market? Next, they examine a surprising tribunal victory, where a taxpayer successfully argued that their luxury property, complete with marble swimming pool and expansive wine cellar was their main home, defeating HMRC. Finally, could President Trump’s proposed 100% tariffs on TV and film production deal a major blow to Britain’s thriving creative industries?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode we look at the topic of female entrepreneurs: why do women make great entrepreneurs, what differentiates them from male founders and what specific support do they typically need? Which sectors do they gravitate toward and why do they often have challenges securing funding? Joining Declan to debate all of this are Sarah Austin, Founder & Managing Director of the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards, and Sam Smith, Co-Founder of Super Scalers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we celebrate the retirement of Martin Reynard, pensions expert and longstanding Blick Rothenberg veteran, after nearly 40 years in the profession, including over three decades with the firm. Martin reflects on the evolution of pensions and why, despite decades of change, they remain one of the most powerful and essential tools in financial planning today. We look at why pensions still matter from tax relief and employer contributions to flexibility and intergenerational planning and explore the biggest shifts over Martin’s career: the highs of pension freedoms and growing personal control, and the lows of mis-selling scandals and creeping complexity. It’s a thoughtful and insightful look at pensions through the eyes of someone who’s seen it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.