Mercia Podcast

Tax lecturer and consultant Mark Morton explains why directors’ loan accounts are back on HMRC’s compliance radar. With HMRC under pressure to raise more revenue and the tribunals issuing a steady stream of decisions, Mark draws on his years as a tax inspector and his recent client work to show where the risks now lie.

In this episode:

The morning after the Budget, tax lecturers and consultants Mark Morton and Norman Allison unpick what the Chancellor’s “breathing space” Budget really means for businesses, landlords, savers and pensioners.

In this episode:

Mark Morton, Tax lecturer and consultant, looks ahead to the Autumn Budget on 28 October. HMRC and the government have been unusually quiet, so Mark covers the press rumours of a bank tax, the cash ISA changes for under 65s, devolved rates on property income, and why the promise to pensioners on the state pension is harder to deliver than it sounds.

Order your Budget summaries here:
Autumn Budget 2026

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton records as the nights draw in and the party conferences wrap up, with the Budget weeks away and remarkably little being said about tax.

In this episode:

Lee Eagling, A&A and Compliance Technical Consultant at Mercia Group, gives his initial reaction to the government's long awaited consultation on modernising corporate reporting. Seventy pages, sixty questions, and just about everything on the table.

In this episode:

Recording from a hotel room ahead of our Autumn Tax Update course, Mark Morton reflects on the Chancellor's first major speech and everything it didn't say about tax.

In this episode:

Mark Morton explores the upcoming Autumn Budget, examining rumours around stamp duty, council tax reform, social care funding, inheritance tax, defence spending, and Making Tax Digital (MTD). He shares practical observations on housing affordability, government policy challenges, and what advisers and businesses should be watching ahead of the Chancellor's October announcement.

The next UK Budget is scheduled for Wednesday 28 October 2026. Chancellor John Healey confirmed the date, and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will publish its accompanying economic and fiscal forecast on the same day.

For more information on this topic...

Mark Morton reviews the first major announcements from the new government, explores the implications of potential tax changes, and discusses how policy leaks, cost-of-living measures and public finances could shape the upcoming Autumn Budget.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton shares his reaction to a recent BBC Radio 4 Money Box interview on Making Tax Digital (MTD), questioning its effectiveness, highlighting concerns about low taxpayer engagement, and discussing whether the initiative is delivering any real benefits for self-employed businesses and HMRC. Based on current uptake figures and industry feedback, Mark argues that MTD may be creating additional costs and complexity without achieving its original objectives.

https://www.mercia-group.com/courses/making-tax-digital-where-are-we-now/

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, Lee Eagling (Technical Consultant at Mercia Group) discusses the new ICAEW requirements effective from July 2026, requiring authorised training employers to implement formal annual appraisals for partners, directors, audit staff, and students. The podcast explores the background to the changes, compliance expectations, practical implementation options, and why effective appraisal processes can deliver benefits beyond regulatory compliance.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, Mark Morton unpacks HMRC’s latest Tax Update 26, exploring proposed changes to self-assessment, ISAs, national insurance, and debt collection. He questions whether these reforms truly simplify the system or add further complexity, while highlighting the real-world impact on taxpayers, businesses, and financial planning.

Blog: https://www.mercia-group.com/insights/tax-update-2026-reform-and-changes/

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton breaks down the latest HMRC update on payrolling benefits, highlighting delays, phased rollouts, and growing complexity for businesses. With uncertainty around timelines, compliance, and reporting, the episode explores why the system may become even more confusing before it improves.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton reviews the chancellor's pre-bank holiday announcements, covering free children's bus travel, reduced VAT on family activities and meals, fuel duty, mileage allowance changes and what they mean in practice for businesses and families. Mark offers a candid take on whether these measures are likely to make a material difference and who they really benefit.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, Mark Morton explores the complexities of tax penalties, prompted by a recent high-profile case involving a significant understatement with no penalty applied. He breaks down key concepts like reasonable care, voluntary disclosure, and HMRC’s approach to enforcement, highlighting the nuances that often go unnoticed by both taxpayers and advisors.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this honest and relatable episode, mental health first aider Louise Conner shares her personal journey and practical tips for maintaining wellbeing. From breaking stigma to finding what truly works for you, this episode offers simple, real-life ways to build resilience, prioritise self-care, and ask for support when you need it most.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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" letters landing on agents' desks asking them to revisit their associated company position. I walk through why the rules feel particularly tricky right now, the remit for direct or indirect control is extremely broad, the attribution rules pull in family members anywhere in the world, and the "substantial commercial interdependence" test hasn't been tested in court for over...

In this reflective Friday-afternoon podcast, Mark explores how training and learning have changed since the pandemic. Drawing on recent travel, teaching experience, and observations from professional education, he weighs the benefits of Zoom against the undeniable value of face‑to‑face interaction. From silent online courses to engaged classroom discussions, this episode asks an important question: are we really learning better now than we were before?

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 highlights growing concerns around the recovery of winter fuel payments from pensioners and the risks of PAYE coding errors. A candid look at the increasingly baffling world of UK tax.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 looming policy changes, Mark breaks down the key pitfalls people face and why checking your state pension record early matters more than ever.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 burdens faced by compliant firms.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 both sides of the House, Mark reflects on the implications for businesses, growth, and the wider UK economy.

He explores the government’s emphasis on stability, the shadow Chancellor’s criticism, the uncertainty created by global tensions, and the lack of clarity on how sustainable growth will actually be achieved. From economic forecasts and borrowing levels to the challenges facing smal...

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 pressures shaping government decisions from tax receipts and public borrowing to inflation, growth and rising unemployment.

He also touches on the impact of wage and tax policy on employers, why youth unemployment is becoming a growing concern, and whether higher taxes risk holding back economic growth.

This short episode sets the scene before the Ch...

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 lead to unnecessary pressure and how a robust technical response can turn a proposed £250,000 settlement into just £700.

He also previews key themes from our upcoming Spring Tax Update and explains how our TQ Technical Support service can help firms navigate complex HMRC enquiries with confidence.

Whether you're dealing with overdrawn loan accounts, benefits‑in‑kind queries, or need support with tricky com...

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 the hospitality sector, Mark unpacks what businesses should be preparing for in the months ahead.

For digital resources including our 2026 Tax Cards, visit:
https://www.mercia-group.com/marketing/spring-forecast-statement-2026/

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 tax year.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Helen Knight and Jenny Faulkner take a look back at some of Mercia Group's predictions for 2025. Covering technology, ESG and mega marshmallows...

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the different thresholds that apply dependent on jurisdiction.  Gemma highlights some of the key themes arising from the publication of the finalised Charity SORP. 

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 and dividends, and changes to ISA limits. Employment measures cover the removal of homeworking tax relief, minimum wage rises, and future restrictions on salary sacrifice. Business topics include adjustments to capital allowances and investment schemes, with criticism of the absence of a clear growth strategy. Inheritance and capital tax changes reduce certain reliefs, while compliance efforts aim to raise £10 billion annually. 

For more information on...

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 allowance rules, road pricing for EVs, salary sacrifice caps, mansion tax plans, HMRC compliance increases and national minimum wage pressures. Overall he sounds unconvinced that there’s anything in the announcement that helps businesses or boosts growth.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 vehicles, Mark explores the lack of clear strategy and its impact on business confidence. He questions whether knee-jerk reactions are replacing long-term planning and what that means for taxpayers and businesses.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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, potential tax rises, and the implications of shifting National Insurance and income tax. He questions the strategy behind the early statement and what it signals for the future of fiscal policy.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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, this episode looks at how far the Chancellor might go to fill a £30 billion gap.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 postponed import VAT accounting and the complex VAT treatment of taxi services. With a mix of practical insight and policy speculation, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the evolving VAT landscape.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 as the single professional services supervisor, the implications for firms currently regulated by professional bodies, and what practitioners should expect as the transition unfolds. With practical insights and advice, this episode is essential listening for firms preparing for a tougher compliance landscape.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 implications of shifting National Insurance to income tax, and the complexities of winter fuel payments. With a mix of personal anecdotes and sharp analysis, Mark unpacks what might be coming and what it could mean for everyday savers.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 savers and why the Treasury can’t resist eyeing that £50 billion of tax relief tied up in pensions.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 on what might be coming and what it could mean for businesses, investors, and taxpayers. With reflections on corporation tax, CGT, pension reforms, and the messaging that drives economic migration, this is a sharp, accessible breakdown of fiscal policy in motion.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 leaks and political strategy.

This episode kicks off a short series running up to budget day, where Mark will continue to explore key developments and what they could mean for advisors and clients.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

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 concept of the accidental manager and discuss the importance of soft skills in building resilient, high-performing teams. 

Louise shares insights from her work with firms across the UK, offering practical advice for everyone from new starters to senior partners.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.