Mercia Podcast
Keeping you abreast with the latest developments in the accountancy profession.
https://linktr.ee/merciagroup
Episodes
160 episodes
Associated Companies: Navigating the Return of the Rules and HMRC's Renewed Interest
In this short Mercia podcast, I take a look at Associated Companies, an area that's quietly become a hot topic again. With Corporation Tax rates and bands shifting, HMRC are clearly paying attention, and we're seeing a steady stream of "nudge" ...
Post‑Easter Tax Thoughts: Fuel Duty, Mileage Rates and Winter Fuel Confusion
In this post‑Easter episode, Mark Morton shares his reflections on recent tax developments and policy decisions. From frustration with Making Tax Digital and fuel duty at the pump, to mileage rates that offer little real‑world help, Mark also h...
Understanding the State Pension Maze: Missteps, Myths & What You Should Check Today
In this episode, Mark Morton explores the complex and often misunderstood world of UK state pensions. From the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women issue to voluntary contributions, contracting-out, personal tax accounts and loo...
Tax Policy Uncertainty and Mandatory Registration for Advisors
Mark Morton discusses the shifting landscape of UK tax policy amid global uncertainty, including potential implications for the autumn budget, the concerns surrounding mandatory registration of tax advisors, and the increasing administrative bu...
Spring Forecast 2026 - Episode three: immediate reaction
In this immediate reaction to the Spring Statement Forecast, Mark Morton shares his candid thoughts on a speech that offered fewer surprises than expected. With no major new tax policy announcements and a strongly political tone from b...
Spring Forecast 2026 - Episode two: what to expect from the OBR forecast
Get a clear and accessible breakdown of what to expect ahead of the UK’s Spring Statement on 3 March. Mark explores the purpose of the Spring Statement, what the Office for Budget Responsibility might reveal about the economy, and the key press...
Technical Queries & Spring Tax Update
In this episode, Mark Morton discusses HMRC’s increasing focus on directors’ loan accounts and the practical challenges arising from recent compliance checks. Mark shares a real client case, highlighting how misunderstandings within HMRC can le...
Spring Forecast 2026 - Episode one: what SMEs need to know
In this episode, Mark Morton explores the key themes shaping the upcoming Spring Forecast on 3 March 2026. From SME lending packages and tax policy shifts to the latest developments affecting defence spending, welfare reform, and ...
A Taxing Start to the Year: The APR & BPR U‑Turn Explained 🐏
Mark Morton unpacks the government’s last‑minute December changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, questioning the policy swings, their impact on farmers and businesses, and what it all means heading into the new ta...
End-of-Year Predictions: AI, ESG, and What’s Next for Accountancy
Helen Knight and Jenny Faulkner take a look back at some of Mercia Group's predictions for 2025. Covering technology, ESG and mega marshmallows...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 11 Leaks, Delays, and Public Reaction
Mark Morton breaks down the post-budget chaos, covering leaks, delayed publications, and the heated public debate over policies like child benefit caps, while questioning the missing growth plan.
Navigating Recent Changes in the Charity Sector
In this episode, join Jenny Faulkner, Head of A&A and Compliance talking with Gemma Archer, Senior Manager in A&A and Compliance and a Charity Sector Specialist as they explore the changing landscape for Charities. This podcasts covers ...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 10 In-depth Reaction
Mark and Norman discussing the latest UK 2025 Budget. The conversation highlights a chaotic lead-up with leaks and political manoeuvring. Key points include frozen income tax thresholds until 2031, increased taxes on savings, property income an...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 9 Immediate Reaction
Mark gives an immediate reaction to the Chancellor’s Budget, calling out the heavy leaks beforehand, the rise in taxes, and the lack of a clear growth plan. He touches on changes to income tax on property and savings, ISA reform, new capital al...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 8
In this episode, Mark Morton unpacks the uncertainty and speculation surrounding the Autumn Budget 2025. From leaked proposals on income tax and dividend rates to potential changes in pension contributions and road charging for electric vehicle...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 7
In this episode, Mark Morton reflects on the unusual pre-budget announcement made by the Chancellor and the growing speculation surrounding the Autumn Budget 2025. With a mix of humour and insight, Mark explores the political messaging, potenti...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 6
Mark Morton explores the capital tax speculation swirling ahead of the upcoming Budget, from wealth taxes and property gains to IHT and SDLT reforms. With candid insights on political motives, tax fairness, and the real impact on UK households,...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 5
In this episode, James Hurst joins Mark Morton to explore the potential changes to VAT in the upcoming budget. Drawing on over 35 years of experience in VAT, James discusses everything from VAT thresholds and electric vehicle charging to postpo...
Changes to AML Supervision
Lee Eagling is joined by Andy Holton to discuss the recent response by HM Treasury to the consultation on anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) supervision. They explore the government's decision to appoint the FCA a...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 4
In this episode, Mark Morton dives into the pre-budget speculation surrounding savings policies, tax reforms, and the political balancing act of keeping voters, especially pensioners on side. He explores potential changes to cash ISAs, the impl...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 3
In this episode, Mark Morton dives into why pensions are once again in the government’s crosshairs ahead of the November 2025 Budget. From tax-free lump sums to lifetime allowances and relief reform, Mark unpacks how these changes could hit sav...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 2
In this episode, Mark Morton dives into the swirling speculation around the upcoming UK budget. From leaked memos and proposed tax hikes to the political balancing act behind non-dom policies and dividend allowances, Mark offers a candid take o...
The Budget Breakdown - Episode 1
In this episode, Mark Morton reflects on the Chancellor’s speech at the Labour Party Conference and what it signals for the upcoming autumn budget. He explores government borrowing, tax speculation, and public spending, while unpacking media le...
The Human Side of Accountancy: Why Soft Skills Matter
In this episode, Pete, Head of Marketing at Mercia, sits down with Louise, Mercia's Management and Skills Trainer, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership and communication within accountancy firms.Together, they unpack the conce...
VAT error correction
In this episode, James Hurst breaks down the latest updates to HMRC’s guidance on correcting VAT errors, including the introduction of a new online tool for notifying HMRC. Tune in for practical insights and learn what these changes mean for yo...