Fresh Perspectives

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores what great customer service really means for SMEs and why it is a growth lever rather than a hygiene factor. Rob Brown is joined by Charles Richards, UK Head of Digital Client Service at Azets, to unpack how customer experience directly affects retention, lifetime value, referrals and team engagement. We discuss why clear service standards matter, how SMEs can listen properly to customer feedback, and where service breakdowns most commonly occur. The conversation focuses on the moments that matter most to customers, including onboarding, issue resolution, renewals and pricing conversations. Charles explains how SMEs can use feedback loops, simple metrics and leadership visibility to improve service without over engineering the process. This is Part 1 of a three-part series on customer service, technology and AI, and sets the foundation for how SMEs can deliver consistently strong experiences. You can connect with Charles Richards on LinkedIn. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores the current corporate finance landscape in the UK and what it really means for SME business owners navigating growth, investment, acquisitions and exit decisions. Rob Brown is joined by Lee Humble, UK Head of Corporate Finance at Azets, to discuss why recent tax changes have slowed activity, how economic and political uncertainty is affecting decision making, and why opportunities still exist for well-prepared businesses. They cover recruitment challenges, access to finance, rising overseas interest in UK businesses, and the importance of understanding the right route forward before making major decisions. Lee also explains what corporate finance support actually involves, how strong advisory teams add value beyond transactions, and why informed advice matters most in uncertain markets. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, we unpack the introduction of the Fair Work Agency (FWA) and what it means for employers ahead of its launch in April. Rob Brown is joined by Hannah-Jane Dobbie, Head of HR Consultancy at Azets, and Julie Gunnell, Associate Director of Payroll Growth, to explore why the FWA has been introduced, the powers it will hold, and the consequences for businesses that fail to comply. The conversation covers enforcement changes under the Employment Rights Act, expanded inspection powers, penalties and naming-and-shaming risks, and why payroll and HR accuracy will become central evidence points for compliance. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores the Construction Industry Scheme and why it presents a growing risk for businesses well beyond traditional construction firms. Rob Brown is joined by Jo Gander, Employment Tax Adviser at Azets, who explains why the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) remains one of the most complex and high-risk areas of employment tax. They look at how HMRC scrutiny is increasing, why many businesses wrongly assume CIS does not apply to them, and how firms can become exposed without realising it. Jo Gander is an Employment Tax Adviser at Azets with specialist expertise in the Construction Industry Scheme. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

One month down in 2026 and business owners continue to face uncertainty, rising costs, and increasing pressure to make the right decisions at speed. In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, Rob Brown is joined by Peter Gallanagh, UK & Ireland CEO at Azets, to unpack what the year is likely to bring for SME leaders. Peter reflects on the structural challenges businesses are carrying forward, from cost pressures and access to finance to automation, AI and leadership strain. He explains why clarity, scenario planning and strong adviser relationships will be critical in helping businesses stay resilient and confident. The conversation also explores what strong leadership needs to look like in 2026, how owners can balance caution with growth, and why advisers who understand the full picture of a business are best placed to help navigate what comes next. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

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 October 2026, including new consultation requirements and policy updates, and what employers should be doing now to stay compliant and avoid risk. In this conversation we cover the difference between tips and service charges, which businesses are most affected, how payroll and HR must work together, the consequences of non-compliance, and why proactive advice is critical as employment legislation continues to evolve. Hannah-Jane Dobbie is Head of HR Consultancy at Azets, supporting employers with complex people and employment challenges. Connect with Hannah-Jane on LinkedIn. Julie Gunnell is Associate Director of Growth for Payroll at Azets, advising businesses on compliant and transparent payroll processes. Connect with Julie on LinkedIn. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

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 business. In this second part, the focus shifts from awareness to action. Matthew breaks down three practical operational levers that can unlock cash already sitting inside a business: the sales cycle, the purchases cycle and the stock cycle. We also discuss why forecasting and scenario planning are now essential disciplines, and how SMEs can use the right systems, processes and tools to stay ahead of cash pressure rather than constantly firefighting. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

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, is ‘full stack’, with AI for insight and benchmarking, humans for trust and relationships, and culture as the connective tissue. Looking ahead to 2026 with optimism, Chris reinforces a leadership philosophy that doubles as Azets’ competitive edge: purpose, people, performance. In that order. Great data needs great people to deliver it, and sustainable growth starts with a story everyone can genuinely believe and repeat. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets – where advisers, experts, and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas, and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

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 relationships. Join us as we explore these vital topics and uncover common mistakes businesses make in managing cash flow. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets – where advisers, experts, and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas, and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

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 conversation covers national minimum wage increases, pension salary sacrifice changes, IR35 and off-payroll labour considerations, umbrella company risks and how employers can stay ahead of rising compliance pressures. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets – where advisers, experts, and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas, and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

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, structuring options, investment portfolios, ISAs, family investment companies, dividend changes, EIS opportunities, the new council tax surcharge, inheritance tax reform, estate planning, trusts, pension changes and what families need to prepare for ahead of April 2026. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets – where advisers, experts, and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas, and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

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 Azets – where advisers, experts, and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas, and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

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 – where advisers, experts, and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas, and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

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 Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Listen, subscribe, rate and review, and share Bang the Drum with others who you think might enjoy it. Get in touch with Bang the Drum at podcast@azets.co.uk. Bang the Drum is brought to you by Azets, the international advisory, outsourcing, and compliance Group. Find out more at www.azets.co.uk. #BangTheDrum

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 essential strategies business owners and entrepreneurs need to efficiently manage their finances and plan with confidence. Bang the Drum has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Listen, subscribe, rate, and share Bang the Drum with others you think might enjoy it! Contact with Bang the Drum at podcast@azets.co.uk. Bang the Drum is brought to you by Azets, the international outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.co.uk. #BangTheDrum

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 at Azets.   From aligning vision with action to staying flexible in times of change, this episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs and leaders aiming for long-term success.  Bang the Drum has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts.    Listen, subscribe, rate, and share Bang the Drum with others you think might enjoy it!  Get in touch with Bang the Drum at podcast@azets.co.uk.    Bang the Drum is brought to you by Azets, the international outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.co.uk.    #BangTheDrum 

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 impact on business growth. Join them as they dive into strategies for businesses to identify, approach, and secure investment, providing valuable insights into each funding avenue and practical tips for accessing them effectively. Bang the Drum has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Listen, subscribe, rate, and share Bang the Drum with others you think might enjoy it! Get in touch with Bang the Drum at podcast@azets.co.uk. Bang the Drum is brought to you by Azets, the international outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.co.uk. #BangTheDrum

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 sustainability and implications. Delving into the benefits and drawbacks for employees and employers, considering its impact on financial stability, productivity, and employee satisfaction. Bang the Drum has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Listen, subscribe, rate, and share Bang the Drum with others you think might enjoy it! Get in touch with Bang the Drum at podcast@azets.co.uk. Bang the Drum is brought to you by Azets, the international outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.co.uk. #BangTheDrum

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 businesses, whilst exploring the impact of credit ratings on access to finance, supplier relationships, and business growth.  Bang the Drum has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts.  Listen, subscribe, rate, and share Bang the Drum with others you think might enjoy it!  Get in touch with Bang the Drum at podcast@azets.co.uk.  Bang the Drum is brought to you by Azets, the international outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.co.uk.  #BangTheDrum 

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 bodies, and the intricacies of taxation on player contracts, sponsorship deals, and international transfers. Bang the Drum has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Listen, subscribe, rate, and share Bang the Drum with others sports fans! Get in touch with Bang the Drum at podcast@azets.co.uk. Bang the Drum is brought to you by Azets, the international advisory, outsourcing, and compliance advisory Group. Find out more at azets.co.uk. #BangTheDrum