Fresh Perspectives

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

#1 LIVE REACTION - UK Autumn Budget 2025

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.

11-26
26:55

S3 Ep.10: UK Spring Statement 2025 Special

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

03-26
14:01

S3 Ep9: Managing Your Finances: The Fundamentals

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

01-22
48:43

S3 Ep8: Where Next? Planning for Success

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 

01-08
50:13

S3 Ep7: Funding Growth

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

12-18
48:22

S3 Ep6: Salary Advance and Earned Wage Access

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

12-04
42:01

S3 Ep5: Credit Ratings: Why Bother?

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 

11-20
41:50

S3 Ep4: Money Matters in Sport

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

11-06
45:36

S3 Ep.3: UK Autumn Budget 2024

In this special UK Autumn Budget 2024 episode, six of Azets’ expert advisors join host Emma Sheppard for live reaction to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcements. They discuss the potential impact on business and how Labour tax reforms and support initiatives could shape the economic landscape and future 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 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 

10-30
24:33

S3 Ep2: Driving Change

Ready to supercharge your business with electric vehicles? Tune in to the latest episode of Bang The Drum! In this episode, Emma Sheppard is joined by Tom Baker, Partnerships Manager at Octopus EV; Richard Whitelock, Partner & Head of Employer Solutions at Azets; and David Pinner, Employee Benefits Consultant in Azets Wealth Management. We explore the transformative journey of EV adoption in the corporate sector, weighing its benefits and drawbacks. Emma and the guests in this week’s episode delve into the economic, logistical, and environmental considerations of transitioning to electric vehicles for company fleets.  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 outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.co.uk. #BangTheDrum

10-23
38:51

S3 Ep1: The Domino Effect of National Minimum Wage Compliance

Bang the Drum is back! The chart-topping podcast for ambitious businesses and their owners returns for an exciting third season, with topics including tax in sport, why credit ratings matter, the fundamentals of wealth management, and driving change through EV adoption.  Kicking off S3, host Emma Sheppard is joined by Justine Riccomini, Head of Tax for Employment & Devolved Taxes at ICAS, and Kyle Newton, a Tax Director at Azets, to discuss national minimum wage (NMW) compliance.  Complying with NNW rules can be compared to a game of dominos: if one pillar falls, the whole lot does. Discover the steps businesses must take to identify risks and ensure compliance.  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. Contact Bang the Drum at podcast@azets.co.uk.   Find more about Azets at www.azets.co.uk.    #BangTheDrum 

10-16
47:36

S2 Ep8: UK Spring Statement Special

In this special UK Spring Statement episode, four of Azets’ tax experts join host Emma Sheppard for live reaction to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s statement. Predictions for tax reforms in the UK Spring Budget 2024, ahead of the upcoming general election, are generating significant anticipation. How might these expected reforms influence the overall economic landscape and fiscal outlook? 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 outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.com #BangTheDrum

03-06
18:21

S2 Ep7: The Social Entrepreneur

Host Emma Sheppard is joined by Hayley Kingsnorth, Partner of Accounting and Business Advisory Services at Azets and Mark Rose, Employer Engagement Lead at Bemix. With the growth of social enterprises, more businesses are being founded to build a better world. From reducing of economic inequality and improving social justice, to implementing environmental sustainability, the panel explores the world of social enterprises. 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 outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.com. #BangTheDrum

02-12
45:08

S2 Ep6: How Did We Do?

In this episode, host Emma Sheppard is joined by Dan Fallows, Managing Director at Gorilla Accounting and Tim Waterton, Chief Revenue Officer, HappyOrNot. The panel discusses the value of receiving customer feedback: How to get it, what to do with it, and why building long-lasting, trusted relationships is so important to growth for ambitious businesses and their owners. 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 outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.com. #BangTheDrum

02-05
45:11

S2 Ep5: Supporting Employees’ Mental Health

In this episode, our guests discuss the fundamental role of business leaders and HR professionals in supporting employees' mental health and wellbeing. This podcast episode includes discussions on mental health and suicide. We want to emphasise that the content shared in this episode is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The conversations within may touch on sensitive topics that could be triggering for some individuals. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, we urge you to seek help immediately by reaching out to the following helplines based on location: UK Mind UK: 0300 123 3393 (open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday except for bank holidays. National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: 0800 689 5652 (Open from 6pm to midnight every day. If you are unable to connect to the main number above you can call 0800 689 0880.) Ireland Pieta: 1800 247 247 (open 24/7 every day 365 days a year) or text 'HELP' to 51444 (standard text message rates apply)  Finland Kriisipuhelin: 09 2525 0111 (open 24/7 every day 365 days a year) Crisis Helpline: 09 2525 0116 available for English speakers (open times are Monday 9:00 AM–11:00 AM, Tuesday 9:00 AM–11:00 AM, Wednesday 3:00 PM–7:00 PM, Thursday 8:00 AM–1:00 PM, Friday 7:00 AM–11:00 AM) Denmark BørneTelefonen: phone 116 111 (open 24/7 every day of the week), or text 116 111 Norway  Mental Helse Hjelpetelefonen: 116 123 (open 24/7) Sweden Mind Sjalvmordslinjen: 90101 (open 24/7 to help everyone in Sweden who may be looking for support with suicide) Bris: 116 111 (open 24/7 365 days a year) Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage you to prioritise your well-being while engaging with this content. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. We care about your mental health, and we hope that this episode can contribute positively to the ongoing conversation surrounding mental well-being. 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 outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.com. #BangTheDrum

12-04
47:32

S2 Ep4: UK Autumn Statement Special

In this special UK Autumn Statement episode, five of Azets’ tax experts join host Emma Sheppard for live reaction to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s statement. With economic forecasts showing growth is stagnant and Britain is teetering on the edge of a recession; how has the Chancellor eased these pressures and what support has been offered to business leaders to boost economic 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 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 outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.com. #BangTheDrum

11-22
18:19

S2 Ep3: Crowdfunding for Growth

In this episode, host Emma Sheppard is joined by Tom Shakhli, Head of Project Success, Spacehive, alongside Ursula Stone, Founder of The Flower Bank. The panel explores the world of crowdfunding and how it can enable SMEs and social enterprises to access the capital they need to flourish.  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 outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.com. #BangTheDrum

11-13
45:14

S2 Ep2: Cyber Security and Fraud (Cyber Security Awareness Month)

In this episode, host Emma Sheppard, is joined by Emma Green, Deputy Director for Cyber Resilience at Dept. for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT); and Paul Kelly, Head of Cyber Services at Azets.  The panel delves into the topic of cyber security and how preventing fraud doesn't have to be an overwhelming task for small business owners.  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 outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.com. #BangTheDrum

10-30
35:36

S2 Ep1: Are Apprenticeships the Answer?

Bang the Drum is back! In this first episode in the new series, host Emma Sheppard is joined by Robert Halfon MP, Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education; Victoria Wainwright, Office Managing Partner at Azets; and David Whitson-Black, Global Head of Talent and Performance at Azets. They discuss the benefits to SME businesses and young people embarking on an apprenticeship and consider how to hire and keep the best young talent. 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 outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.com. #BangTheDrum

10-16
44:57

S2 Ep Trailer: Bang the Drum S2 is Here. Subscribe Now!

Bang the Drum is back for season 2! Join host Emma Sheppard as we continue our exploration into how SME founders can achieve real, lasting growth for their businesses. We’ll be discussing everything from effective marketing and PR strategies to help you stand out from the crowd, to protecting your business against cyber security threats. Ep 1 launches this Monday (16 October) with special guest Robert Halfon MP, Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education. Subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss an episode! 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 outsourcing, compliance, and advisory group. Find out more at azets.com. #BangTheDrum

10-13
01:46

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