Beyond Finance

The ICAEW Insights podcast explores the month’s top stories in accountancy. 

In this episode, we discuss Labour’s proposals for removing VAT exemptions from private schools and the disagreement over just how much money it would raise for the public purse. Plus, in our final CPD update before the new regulations come into force on 1 November, we answer ICAEW members’ most frequently asked questions. 

Philippa Lamb is joined by ICAEW’s Ed Saltmarsh, Technical Manager, and Liz Shaw, Senior Manager, Professional Standards. 

Links 
 

• ICAEW TAXline: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline
• ICAEW: Would removing the VAT exemption for private schools make VAT simpler?: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/2023/articles/would-removing-the-vat-exemption-for-private-schools-make-vat-simpler
• ICAEW Continuing Professional Development: https://www.icaew.com/membership/cpd
• ICAEW CPD learning resources: https://www.icaew.com/membership/cpd/cpd-resources 

Host 

Philippa Lamb 

Guests 

• Ed Saltmarsh, Technical Manager, ICAEW 
• Liz Shaw, Senior Manager, Professional Standards, ICAEW 

Producer 

Natalie Chisholm  

Episode first published: 8 September 2023
Podcast recorded: 4 September 2023 

In this Insights In Focus episode, we analyse the health of the UK economy through the lens of the Prime Minister’s pledges for 2023.

Back in January, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made five pledges for the year ahead. Three of those related to indicators of economic and fiscal health: halving inflation, stimulating growth, and reducing the national debt. With 2024 rapidly approaching, how is the Prime Minister faring in meeting his goals?

Host Philippa Lamb is again joined by Iain Wright, Managing Director, Reputation and Influence, at ICAEW, and Frances Haque, Chief Economist at Santander UK, to discuss the key issues.

Links

• ICAEW Economy hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy 

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Iain Wright, Managing Director, Reputation and Influence, ICAEW
• Frances Haque, Chief Economist, Santander UK

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 1 September 2023
Podcast recorded: 29 August 2023

The ICAEW Insights podcast explores the month’s top stories in accountancy.

In this episode, we discuss the contents of the International Sustainability Standards Board’s first two published standards; ICAEW’s role in the newly launched E-Commerce Trade Commission; and firms’ responsibilities under new CPD regulations launching 1 November 2023.

Philippa Lamb is joined by Sally Baker, Head of Corporate Reporting Strategy; Ed Saltmarsh, Technical Manager; and Sophie Wales; Head of Regulatory Affairs.

Links

• ICAEW non-financial reporting hub: www.icaew.com/nfr
• ICAEW: By All Accounts: www.icaew.com/byallaccounts
• ICAEW Corporate Reporting Faculty: www.icaew.com/joincrf
• ICAEW joins newly formed E-Commerce Trade Commission: www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2023/jun-2023/icaew-joins-newly-formed-e-commerce-trade-commission 
• ICAEW: CPD is changing: www.icaew.com/membership/cpd/cpd-is-changing
• ICAEW: Firm responsibilities for revised CPD Regulations: www.icaew.com/membership/cpd/cpd-is-changing/firm-responsibilities-for-revised-cpd-regulations
• ICAEW webinar - CPD is changing, is your firm ready?: https://events.icaew.com/pd/27422/cpd-is-changing-is-your-firm-ready?pk_vid=74016cd0fb237a4716914827100e0ced 

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

·      Sally Baker, Head of Corporate Reporting Strategy, ICAEW

·      Ed Saltmarsh, Technical Manager, ICAEW

·      Sophie Wales, Head of Regulatory Affairs, ICAEW

Producer

Natalie Chisholm 

Episode first published: 11 August 2023
Podcast recorded: 4 August 2023

In this Insights In Focus episode, we analyse the UK’s current economic turbulence through the lens of the commercial property sector.

With capital values down 15% in the last year, has bricks and mortar lost its attractiveness to investors? And, with inflation remaining stubbornly persistent, what do trendlines in the sector tell us about the UK economy as a whole?

Host Philippa Lamb is joined by Suren Thiru, Director of Economies at ICAEW, and Mat Oakley, Head of European commercial research at Savills, to discuss the key issues.

Links

• ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/business-confidence-monitor
• ICAEW Commercial Property hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/business/business-start-up-and-finance/commercial-property
• ICAEW Economy hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy 

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Suren Thiru, Director, Economies, ICAEW
• Mat Oakley, Head of European commercial research, Savills

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 28 July 2023
Podcast recorded: 24 July 2023

The latest ICAEW Insights podcast shares the month’s top stories in accountancy.

This episode analyses the tax system from two different angles: progress made in digitalisation and towards gender equality. Plus, details of changes to ICAEW member CPD are explored ahead of their November live date.

Philippa Lamb learns more from ICAEW experts Caroline Miskin, Senior Technical Manager, Digital Taxation; Anita Monteith, former Head of Tax Policy; and Debbi Francis, Head of Member Service Centre.

Links

• ICAEW TAXline: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline
• TAXline feature - does tax policy reflect gender?: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/2023/articles/does-tax-policy-reflect-gender 
• TAXline feature - policymaking for a digitally advanced tax administration: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/2023/articles/policymaking-for-a-digitally-advanced-tax-administration 
• ICAEW CPD is changing: https://www.icaew.com/membership/cpd/cpd-is-changing

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Caroline Miskin, Senior Technical Manager, Digital Taxation, ICAEW
• Anita Monteith, former Head of Tax Policy, ICAEW
• Debbi Francis, Head of Member Service Centre, ICAEW

Producer

Natalie Chisholm 

Episode first published: 7 July 2023
Podcast recorded: 4 July 2023

In this Insights In Focus episode, we explore how the introduction of sustainability assurance, both voluntary and mandatory, is affecting firms of all sizes.

Back in April 2022, the UK became the first G20 nation to bring recommendations from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) into law. TCFD requirements only apply to the UK’s largest organisations, but many SMEs are facing pressure from stakeholders to follow suit. And as the sustainability of entire supply chains comes under greater scrutiny, that pressure is only set to intensify.

So, how are firms navigating sustainability assurance at a time of economic instability and tight margins? And what role will accountants play in the transition to wider forms of reporting and disclosure?

Host Philippa Lamb discusses the issues with Richard Spencer, ICAEW Director of Sustainability; Heather Buchanan, Cofounder of Bankers for Net Zero; and Vandana Saxena Poria, ICAEW adviser and member of the B20 Action Council for ESG in Business.

Links

• ICAEW Sustainability hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/sustainability
• ICAEW Sustainability and Climate Change community: https://www.icaew.com/groups-and-networks/communities/sustainability-and-climate-change 

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Vandana Saxena Poria, ICAEW adviser and B20 Action Council for ESG in Business
• Heather Buchanan, Cofounder, Bankers for Net Zero
• Richard Spencer, Director of Sustainability, ICAEW

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 30 June 2023
Podcast recorded: 27 June 2023

In this special Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the changes to tax architecture and design that may strengthen the UK’s national bargain as economic turbulence continues.

The national bargain – the broad agreement that taxation is a fair exchange for the provision of public services – has fluctuated over time. Most recently, polling by YouGov found the prevailing attitude among the British public is one of fiscal tightening. However, following unprecedented financial support during the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, the tax burden is set to continue rising until 2027/28.

That leaves the government with a difficult conundrum: how can it meet people’s expectations around fiscal policy while paying down its debt at a time of slow economic growth?

To explore the best use of tax architecture and design, host Bronwen Maddox is joined by Bill Dodwell, Tax Director at the Office of Tax Simplification; Helen Miller, Deputy Director at the Institute for Fiscal Studies; and Martin Wheatcroft, ICAEW adviser and Fellow.

Links

• ICAEW Insights Special: The future of tax and public spending: https://www.icaew.com/insights/insights-specials/the-future-of-tax-and-public-spending 
• ICAEW Tax Faculty: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty
• ICAEW: Can tax policy help the UK achieve net zero?: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/archive/taxline/taxline-2022/march-2022/can-tax-policy-help-the-uk-achieve-net-zero
• ICAEW: Taxation of housing: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/archive/taxline/taxline-2022/october-2022/taxation-of-housing
• ICAEW: Taxing top incomes: design issues and challenges beyond politics: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/2023/articles/taxing-top-incomes-design-issues-and-challenges-beyond-politics 

Host

Bronwen Maddox, CEO, Chatham House

Guests

• Bill Dodwell, Tax Director, Office of Tax Simplification
• Helen Miller, Deputy Director, Institute for Fiscal Studies
• Martin Wheatcroft, adviser and Fellow, ICAEW

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 16 June 2023
Podcast recorded: 12 June 2023

On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we explore the month’s key developments in accountancy.

This episode discusses the findings of the government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey, how hybrid working is affecting the taxation of greener forms of transport, and the release of public finance figures for April 2023.

Philippa Lamb goes beyond the headlines with Ian Pay, Head of Data Analytics and Tech, ICAEW; Steve Wade, Partner in People Advisory Services, EY; and Martin Wheatcroft, ICAEW adviser and Fellow.

Links

• ICAEW: Cyber security: How to keep your organisation safe and secure online: https://www.icaew.com/technical/technology/cyber-security/cyber-security-guidance/cyber-security-how-to-keep-your-organisation-safe-and-secure-online 
• ICAEW May cyber round-up: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2023/may-2023/ICAEW-May-cyber-roundup
• ICAEW: Incentivising green travel in a hybrid working world: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/2023/articles/incentivising-green-travel-in-a-hybrid-working-world
• ICAEW TAXline hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline 
• ICAEW public sector resources: https://www.icaew.com/technical/public-sector 

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Ian Pay, Head of Data Analytics and Tech, ICAEW
• Steve Wade, Partner, People Advisory Services, EY
• Martin Wheatcroft, adviser and Fellow, ICAEW

Producer

Natalie Chisholm 

Episode first published: 9 June 2023
Podcast recorded: 2 June 2023

In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss best practice in hiring, training and safeguarding talent under hybrid working. 

It has been more than three years since the pandemic saw office workers decamp to living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, upending decades of established working practices. Now, hybrid working is the norm and considered essential in recruiting and retaining staff.

While the rapid pace of change may have slowed, organisations are still grappling with how talent and people management practices must evolve to accommodate the new normal. How can staff be inducted, upskilled and safeguarded when physically dispersed?

To learn more, host Philippa Lamb is joined by those leading the way forward: Nick Bishop, partner at BKL; Kevan Hall, CEO at Global Integration; and Jo Ludlam, Senior Manager in change management at Deloitte.

Links

• ICAEW Attractiveness of the profession hub: https://www.icaew.com/about-icaew/who-we-are/attractiveness-of-the-profession 

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Nick Bishop, partner, BKL
• Kevan Hall, CEO, Global Integration
• Jo Ludlam, Senior Manager in change management, Deloitte

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 25 May 2023
Podcast recorded: 18 May 2023

On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we discuss the month’s key developments in accountancy.

This episode examines VAT as the tax reaches its 50th birthday, announcements made by the government at Tax Administration and Maintenance Day on 27 April, and upcoming changes to ICAEW’s statement on engaging in public practice.

Philippa Lamb is joined by the experts at ICAEW to learn more: Ed Saltmarsh, Technical Manager; Anita Monteith, Head of Tax Policy; and Christopher Greenhalgh, Manager, Quality Assurance Department. 

Links

• ICAEW event: VAT at 50 – where next?: https://events.icaew.com/pd/26356/vat-at-50-where-next
• ICAEW: Happy birthday, VAT: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2023/mar-2023/happy-birthday-vat
• ICAEW: VAT as a digital tax: HMRC needs a roadmap: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2023/mar-2023/vat-as-a-digital-tax-hmrc-needs-a-roadmap 
• ICAEW: Tax administration and maintenance day: summary of announcements: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2023/apr-2023/tax-administration-and-maintenance-day-summary-of-announcements
• ICAEW: Engaging in public practice: https://www.icaew.com/technical/practice-resources/setting-up-a-practice/engaging-in-public-practice 
• ICAEW statement on engaging in public practice: https://www.icaew.com/regulation/icaew-statement-on-engaging-in-public-practice-effective-1-jan-2017

Host

Philippa Lamb 

Guests

• Ed Saltmarsh, Technical Manager
• Christopher Greenhalgh, Manager, Quality Assurance Department
• Anita Monteith, Head of Tax Policy

 Producer

Natalie Chisholm 

Episode first published: 5 May 2023
Podcast recorded: 2 May 2023