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This week, Justin shares a story that sounds like it’s straight out of a Black Mirror episode, but it really happened. On the day he paid off his mortgage, Justin decided to test HSBC’s voice recognition security system. Instead of using his real voice, he used an AI-generated voice clone, created using ElevenLabs and was granted full access to his account. Twice. In this episode, we explore: How biometric voice security works (or doesn’t) What happened when Justin told HSBC what he’d done Why this matters for small business owners How AI voice clones are easier to make than you think Practical steps to protect your team and your business from deepfake threats 🔒 If your business relies on voice authentication or phone-based approval, you’ll want to hear this. If this episode gets you thinking (or makes your stomach turn), hit subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your voice might not be as private as you think...

In this episode of the AskJT podcast, I’m joined by TEDx speaker, business coach and author Dave Rogers to unpack the very real challenges facing small business owners in today’s economic climate and what to do about them. We talk rising wages, inflation, and cost pressures — and how to respond with smart pricing, customer service, and strategic collaboration. We also dive into: Why growing revenue isn’t always enough when profits are falling The only 3 ways to grow a business (and why all 3 are hard right now) How to diversify your income without losing your focus The power of collaborations and one simple example involving two plumbers. We talk about grants, apprenticeships, and the untapped opportunity in levy transfers. It’s a candid conversation about resilience, mindset, and practical strategy with examples from both of our clients, and some personal stories too. About Dave Rogers: Dave is the founder of fuelfitandfire.com, a business coach, and author of Fueled, Fitted and Fired Up, a book focused on emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: Dave Rogers – The Business Explorer Subscribe for more real-world small business strategy each week. Got a question or topic suggestion? Drop me a message.

When my tenant gave up on her dream of opening a florist shop, I didn’t chase rent or walk away. I offered her £3,000, three months' rent-free, a free accountancy service, and my help in opening the business within one week. This episode isn’t about flowers. It’s about how I think about risk, momentum, and mentorship. Inside, I share: Why I offered equity and what I wanted How I’d get a business trading in 7 days using free and low-cost tools The conversation that changed everything (and why she didn’t take the deal) Why business isn’t about perfect plans, it’s about getting going If you’re stuck between “safe” and “ready,” or know someone who is; this one’s for you.

In this episode of the AskJT podcast, Justin reflects on two decades of building businesses and asks the honest question every small business owner should consider: how much is enough? He shares why growing to a team of 9 in his accountancy firm brought security, freedom, and better service, but also why pushing beyond that now feels less rewarding and far more risky. We cover: Why growth to a point brings benefits (like holidays without income cliff-edges) How taxes, red tape, and apprenticeship changes make further expansion harder to justify The tipping point where extra revenue gets crushed by tax and admin Smart ways to de-risk your life using green tech, ISAs, electric cars and debt paydown The lifestyle-business crossover: how to design for meaning, not just margins If you’re at a crossroads in your business this is for you.

If you’re a landlord earning over £30,000 a year from rental income, there’s a big change coming and many property owners still haven’t heard of it. From April 2026, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax becomes mandatory for landlords earning over £50,000. If your rental income is between £30,000–£50,000, you’ll be brought into the system from April 2027. In this episode, I break down exactly: What MTD for landlords is (and isn’t) How HMRC calculates whether you’re caught What records you’ll need to keep Why “just using a spreadsheet” won’t cut it The systems I recommend for getting compliant without drowning in admin I also explain why most landlords are under-prepared, how to get ahead now, and why this isn’t just about tax, it’s about running your property business properly.

If you're a sole trader earning over £30,000 a year, big changes are coming. HMRC is rolling out Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax — and it’s going to change how you report your income forever. In this episode, Justin breaks down what MTD means in plain English: Who it applies to (and when) What you’ll need to submit (and how often) What software you’ll need And why it’s best to start preparing now, even if your deadline is 2027 This isn’t just a tax admin headache — it’s a chance to modernise your business processes and take control of your finances. 🎧 You’ll also hear Justin’s tips on apps, bank accounts, and how to avoid a last-minute panic. Plus, there's a link to a free downloadable fact sheet packed with even more info. ✅ Whether you’re ready or not, MTD is coming. This episode will help you face it with confidence.

We all trust professionals with our finances, but what happens when that trust is misplaced? In this episode, I share a real-life story of how a couple I work with almost lost their entire house deposit after taking investment advice that wasn’t what it seemed. You’ll hear exactly what went wrong, the red flags they missed, and most importantly what every investor should ask before transferring a single pound. Whether you’re investing for the first time or advising others, this is essential listening. 🎧 What’s inside: - The truth behind “asset-backed” schemes - How regulated advice gets blurred with personal recommendations - 5 key lessons that could protect your life savings 👉 If you’ve ever thought, “That looks like a great return”—this episode is for you.

Major changes to apprenticeship funding and structure are coming in 2025 and 2026 — and they could seriously impact how small businesses train and develop their teams. In this episode, Justin breaks down exactly what’s changing, including: The £2,000 employer incentive for foundation apprenticeships (Aug 2025) Funding cuts for Level 7 apprenticeships for over-22s (Jan 2026) The new minimum 8-month apprenticeship duration How prior learning will reduce training length and cost Upcoming rewrites of assessment plans starting April 2025 If you're hiring, training, or managing apprentices in your business, this is essential listening. Get the facts, understand the risks, and prepare your strategy before the funding window changes.

We've all heard the hype: “AI will kill jobs,” “ChatGPT is replacing accountants,” “Robots are taking over.” But here’s what I’ve learned running my own firm — AI isn’t a threat to small business owners. It’s an opportunity. In this episode, I break down the actual ways I’m using AI in my day-to-day business operations. From building a prototype web app in 20 minutes, to automating content, to custom GPTs that write tax advice in my voice — I’m not experimenting anymore. I’m deploying AI to save time, deliver better service, and grow smarter. You’ll learn: - How a client built a working app in Replit with AI - The tools I use to automate my podcast production - How I created two voice clones (and why one sounds southern) - What most people get wrong about ChatGPT in business - Why you should stop playing with AI and start investing in it

In this episode, Justin breaks down one of the biggest questions property investors face: Should you buy rental property through a limited company or hold it personally? Justin explains: The key tax differences between personal and company ownership How Section 24 impacts landlords The benefits of full mortgage interest relief inside a company When a company structure makes sense for landlords planning to build a portfolio The extra admin costs and double taxation risks to watch for What happens if you try to transfer existing properties into a company A worked example comparing both approaches with real tax calculations If you're a landlord or property investor trying to make sense of company structures, this episode will give you a clear, practical guide to the pros and cons. For tailored advice on your personal situation, always speak to a professional adviser. Subscribe to the AskJT Podcast for weekly episodes covering tax, finance and business tips for UK small business owners and directors.