EP 412 - How far should UK employers go when it comes to looking after staff?

In this episode we break down the real cost of being a “nice” employer - from UK statutory sick pay (SSP) and full sick pay policies to employee benefits, pensions, flexible working, and permanent health insurance (PHI).

With major UK employment law changes coming, SMEs face difficult trade-offs:

Is full sick pay worth the payroll cost?

Does unlimited holiday actually work?

Can generous benefits create legal risk?

Are employers responsible for employees’ long-term wellbeing?

Featuring insights from Oury Clark's employment lawyer Jessica Bass and financial adviser Freddie Pattenden, this episode is a practical guide for SME founders, directors, and HR leaders navigating sick leave, compliance, retention, and post-COVID workplace expectations.

If you run a UK business and want to balance competitiveness, fairness, and sustainability - this one’s for you.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Caring Without Going Broke

00:57 Meet the Experts

01:27 What Staff Really Want

03:38 Compliance Value Competition

05:28 PHI Income Protection Debate

11:22 Post Covid Flex and Mental Health

15:36 Legal Minimums Sick Pay Changes

21:54 Morality Consistency and Flex

26:15 Being Nice Can Backfire

29:10 Structuring Benefits and Contracts

32:09 Unlimited Holiday Pitfalls

32:51 Unlimited holiday pitfalls

34:50 Perks arms race

37:07 SMEs vs big firms

38:35 Pension basics explained

39:43 Qualifying earnings trap

42:41 Pensions and retention

47:17 Salary sacrifice demystified

54:43 Self employed pension gap

55:06 Death in service cover

57:15 Private healthcare reality

59:19 Tailoring PMI benefits

01:03:00 Managing premium increases

01:04:43 Virtual GP and AI support

01:06:16 Avoiding Benefit Red Herrings

01:08:14 Flexible Benefits Allowance

01:11:20 Renewals and Underwriting Traps

01:13:47 Flexible Working Rights

01:15:33 Office Returns and Discrimination

01:19:49 Mental Health Boundaries

01:21:46 Best Benefits and Compliance

01:27:10 Business or BS Quiz

01:27:55 Maternity and Paternity Debate

01:34:28 Wellbeing Apps and Final Wrap

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EP 411 - Most families don’t just feel grief when someone dies - they feel anger.

Anger about the mess, the debt, the confusion, and the things nobody sorted out.

In this episode of Business Without BS, we have the conversation most people avoid - but absolutely shouldn’t.

We talk about what actually happens if you die without a plan, why love isn’t flowers and chocolates, and how a few uncomfortable decisions can completely change your family’s future.

This isn’t about being wealthy. It’s about being responsible.

We cover:

What happens if you die without a will (and why modern families are hit hardest)

Why unmarried partners are often left with nothing

Life insurance: what it really does, how cheap it can be, and when it matters most

Powers of attorney and the nightmare families face without them

Business owners, shares, and the chaos nobody plans for

Why “I didn’t get round to it” is one of the worst legacies you can leave

This conversation is uncomfortable, but it might be the most loving thing you ever do for the people you care about.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 The Importance of Wills and Life Insurance

01:14 The Consequences of Not Planning Ahead

02:05 Meet the Experts: Financial and Legal Advisors

02:37 Understanding Wills and Intestacy Rules

09:49 The Importance of Communication and Regular Updates

12:34 Life Insurance: Protecting Your Loved Ones

22:29 Power of Attorney: Ensuring Your Wishes Are Honored

37:47 Understanding Income Protection

39:16 The Importance of Life Insurance

39:53 Building Financial Security

41:17 Starting the Conversation on Wills

44:21 Choosing the Right Executor

47:01 Navigating Probate and Inheritance Tax

51:47 Managing Digital Assets

01:06:08 Final Thoughts on Financial Planning

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EP 410 - Tax Without BS returns with a fiery but surprisingly hopeful breakdown of the November 2025 UK Budget.

Andy, Jemma and Emma from Oury Clark sift the good, the bad, and the “are-you-kidding-me?” of Britain’s latest fiscal plan

From scale-up salvation and EIS boosts, to SME heartbreak, Mansion Tax grumbles, pension puzzles, and the four-year foreign-income free-for-all.

It’s the only budget reaction that’ll make you laugh and rethink your life insurance.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Andy's Episode Synposis

02:29 Business Tax Positives

05:37 Funding Gaps and EIS

14:18 Business Rates and SME Challenges

18:16 Inheritance Tax and Business Property Relief

23:58 Impact on SMEs and Entrepreneurs

33:12 Understanding Business Rates

34:04 Personal Taxes Overview

34:16 Employee Ownership Trusts Explained

37:54 Income Tax Threshold Freeze

38:55 Salary Sacrifice and ISA Changes

40:08 Financial Literacy and Investment Advice

43:44 Mansion Tax and Property Levies

48:42 Tax Avoidance vs. Tax Evasion

55:48 Foreign Income and Gains Regime

01:00:32 Final Thoughts and Budget Reflections

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EP 410 - From selling t-shirts on market stalls to founding the world-famous Bournemouth 7s Festival, entrepreneur Dodge Woodall has lived the highs and lows of business.

This week, Dodge shares his raw story of hustle, risk, failure and resilience behind building an empire.

Today Dodge is not just the founder of Bournemouth 7s - often called “the Glastonbury of sport” - but also the host of the hit Eventful Lives Podcast where he interviews extraordinary people with extraordinary stories. His journey proves that success doesn’t come from luck - it comes from grit, creativity, and relentless drive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Dodge Woodall went from market stalls to multimillion-pound festivals

The reality of building Bournemouth 7s into a global brand

Why failure and setbacks are essential for entrepreneurs

The secrets behind running world-class events and businesses

What Dodge learned from interviewing top athletes, entrepreneurs and entertainers

If you want unfiltered insights into entrepreneurship, festivals, and building businesses against the odds, this episode is packed with lessons you won’t find in textbooks.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Dodge Woodall

01:21 Growing Up in a Pub: Early Business Lessons

05:04 The Nightclub Business: From University to Major Cities

18:36 Creating Bournemouth 7s: The Festival Gamble

40:48 The Essentials of Entrepreneurship

41:23 Sponsor Message and Social Media Reminder

41:57 New Book and Podcast Announcement

42:55 Exploring the Criminal Underworld

46:16 The Impact of Trauma on Success

49:50 Challenges of Entrepreneurship

51:46 Taxation and Employment Issues

01:05:36 Scaling and Selling Businesses

01:11:15 The Festival Business and Pandemic Challenges

01:14:39 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!

01:21:06 Wrap Up

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EP 409 - What happens when you strip away phones, comfort and pretence?

Therapist Jerry Hyde - often called “the most dangerous therapist in the world” - and filmmaker Mai Hua explore the raw truths of mental health, vulnerability and masculinity.

Released for World Mental Health Day, the conversation dives into why modern life keeps us disconnected, how radical retreats (no phones, no showers, no distractions) transform people, and why real healing means breaking the rules.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why Jerry Hyde is called “the most dangerous therapist”

How radical retreats challenge comfort, technology and ego

The link between phones, distraction and mental health decline

Why vulnerability is strength in therapy and relationships

How group therapy transforms masculinity and human connection

If you’re interested in mental health awareness, therapy, and breaking free from modern distractions, this episode offers unfiltered insights and challenges conventional thinking.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Jerry Hyde and Mai Hua

00:40 Introducing Jerry and Mai

01:52 Exploring Masculinity and Vulnerability

04:03 The Power of Retreats

05:44 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health

06:27 The Importance of Human Connection

08:50 Challenges of Modern Parenting

18:53 Understanding ADHD and Trauma

32:24 Gender Dynamics and Therapy

45:25 Therapy as a Lifestyle Choice

45:52 Challenges of Couples Therapy

47:02 The Art of Self-Inquiry

47:41 Collaborative Conflicts

48:09 Gender Differences in Therapy

57:44 Cultural Perspectives on Therapy

01:03:02 Making a Man: The Documentary

01:05:42 The Importance of Vulnerability

01:23:12 Therapy and Group Dynamics

01:25:17 Wrap Up

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EP 408 - What happens when British charm collides with German order in the workplace?

In part 4 of our Business Without Baggage series, we speak to professor and senior partner at GTK Germany - Manfred Klein - who breaks down the surprising differences - and hidden similarities - between the UK and Germany’s business cultures.

From awkward handshakes and endless small talk to rigid agendas and direct feedback, discover why British and German colleagues often clash in meetings, negotiations and everyday work.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why German efficiency and precision frustrates British colleagues

How British politeness and vagueness confuses German teams

The truth about work - life boundaries in Germany vs the UK

Why Germans trust process while Brits trust personality

How cultural differences can make or break international business deals

If you’re doing business with Germany, managing international teams, or just curious about cross-cultural communication, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and a few laughs.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Business Without Baggage part 3 - Germany

00:43 Meet Manfred - A Legal Heavyweight

01:16 The Importance of Formality and Punctuality

02:20 Setting and Following an Agenda

04:53 Work-Life Boundaries in Germany

17:05 Direct Communication and Feedback

29:14 The Role of Hierarchy and Family Businesses

39:25 Social Security and Employee Expectations

40:54 Understanding German Employee Benefits

41:25 Work-Life Balance in Germany

42:05 Challenges in the German Health and Pension Systems

42:54 Maternity and Parental Leave Policies

44:01 Declining Birth Rates and Social Security

46:26 Immigration and Cultural Integration

48:05 German Cultural Traits and Business Etiquette

49:15 Economic Challenges and Quantitative Easing

50:25 Direct Communication and Efficiency in Germany

57:00 Business Collaboration Between Germany and UK

59:16 Ease of Doing Business in Germany

01:09:00 Common Mistakes When Doing Business in Germany

01:11:03 Visa and Property Ownership in Germany

01:13:50 Andy Wears German Carnival Outfit

01:15:19 Business or Bullshit quiz!

01:18:04 Wrap Up

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EP 407 - What does it really take to build a food empire from scratch?

We're giving our chat with John B Stapleton - serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of the New Covent Garden Soup Company and Little Dish a re-run to remind us about the hard-won lessons behind his multi-million-pound successes.

From inventing the UK’s fresh soup category to mentoring today’s challenger brands, John shares his insights on:

• Why resilience beats a “genius idea” every time
• How to raise investment when the market is stacked against you
• The truth about failure - and why it’s the best teacher for entrepreneurs
• Bootstrapping until you “know what you’re doing”
• The entrepreneurial ego: small “e” vs big “E”

Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling towards exit, this episode is packed with real-world advice on how entrepreneurs really win - and why sometimes failure is the very thing that sets you up for millions.

Perfect for founders, investors, and anyone navigating today’s uncertain business landscape.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with John Stapleton

00:40 John's Background and Achievements

01:19 Current Business Climate and Challenges

04:22 Investment Strategies and Advice

12:45 Mentoring and Advising Startups

14:25 Mission Ventures and Investment Platforms

18:17 Entrepreneurial Traits and Success

24:43 The Birth of Lamborghini

25:22 The Cult of Entrepreneurial Personality

26:29 The Value of Failure

28:51 Consumer Insight and Resilience

30:05 The Fresh Soup Revolution

34:21 Quickfire - Get To Know John

41:26 Wrap Up

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EP 406 - Economist and tax strategist Oriana Morrison pulls doesn't hold back in our chat about the UK economy, HMRC, tax avoidance, and inequality.

Founder and CEO of ECNMX and trusted advisor to world champion athletes and entertainers, Oriana Morrison explains why HMRC is “shameful,” how tax is used as social engineering, and why Britain risks losing its top talent to fairer systems abroad.

From the realities of sportswashing in Saudi boxing to the politics of envy driving the UK’s broken tax system, Oriana shares blunt insights you won’t hear from politicians, even or accountants.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why Oriana Morrison calls HMRC “shameful”

The hidden truth about tax, fairness and inequality

How sportswashing in Saudi boxing really works

Why Britain risks a Latin American-style economic collapse

How tax myths are driving talent and wealth out of the UK

If you want to hear about the future of Britain’s economy, the truth about tax and HMRC, and what it really means for athletes, creatives, and entrepreneurs, pull up a chair and press play.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Oriana Morrison

01:30 Sportswashing in Saudi?

04:09 Economic Realities of Sports Consumption

09:33 Oriana's Role and Expertise

14:01 Tax and Economic Policies

16:57 HMRC: Challenges and Criticisms

26:50 Global Economic Perspectives

42:28 Insider Trading and Ethical Dilemmas

42:54 Navigating Client Relationships and Global Networks

43:37 Oriana's Story: The Band Fallout

46:32 Legal Battles and Partnership Laws

53:11 Lessons Learned and Client Challenges

59:42 Social Media vs. Tax Advice

01:04:48 Quickfire - Get To Know Oriana

01:08:49 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!

01:17:10 Wrap Up

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EP 405 - Is Italy an entrepreneur’s dream or a business nightmare compared to the UK?

In part 3 of our Business Without Baggage series, Andy speaks with corporate lawyer Marco Pistis about the cultural and legal contrasts between doing business in Italy and the UK.

From relationship-driven deals to bureaucracy that stifles scale, Marco explains why British companies often struggle in Italy - and what they can learn from its unique, trust-first culture.

What you’ll learn:

Why relationships and trust matter more than rules in Italy

The North-South divide: how culture, punctuality, and payments differ

How family-run businesses dominate the market - and what that means for outsiders

Why bureaucracy and employee protection laws slow scaling

How UK businesses can avoid costly mistakes when entering Italy

Where the real opportunities lie: Milan, the mid-market, and creative industries

Perfect for entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors looking to navigate UK - Italy business differences.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Business Without Baggage #3 Italy

00:41 Meet Marco Pistis: The Insider's Perspective

01:38 The Emotional Approach to Business

03:50 Friendship and Business in Italy

10:25 The Importance of Punctuality and Flexibility

16:10 Hierarchy and Family Businesses

23:20 Employee Expectations and Labour Laws

26:07 Cultural Cues and Misunderstandings

29:15 Cultural Taboos: Money and Religion

29:54 Negotiating Business Deals in Italy

31:56 The Importance of Food in Italian Business

33:34 Challenges and Stereotypes in Italian Business

34:34 Setting Up Business in Italy: Banking and Bureaucracy

37:50 Tax Benefits and Wealthy Expats in Italy

48:36 AI and Cultural Communication

49:58 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!

50:22 Wrap Up

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EP 404 - Can improv and humour make you a better leader - and even grow your bottom line?

Neil Mullarkey (Comedy Store Players co-founder with Mike Myers, seen on Whose Line Is It Anyway and Austin Powers) shows how improv’s “Yes, And” mindset, listening with intent, and affiliative humour boost leadership, sales, creativity, and team culture.

We unpack practical tools Neil teaches at London Business School and in boardrooms across 25+ countries: running better meetings and Zooms, building psychological safety, using Pixar-style “plussing,” navigating change, and why funny people make better leaders.

What you’ll learn:

How improv drives creativity, collaboration, and faster decisions

The difference between affiliative vs. dis-affiliative humour (and why banter can backfire)

Listening with intent: the leadership meta-skill that wins deals and trust

Running high-energy meetings (in-person & remote): chat prompts, quick polls, and participation hacks

Why “Yes, And” beats rigid scripts for sales, client work, and stakeholder buy-in

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Neil Mullarkey

01:20 Neil's Journey in Comedy and Improv

05:42 The Birth of Comedy Store Players

08:12 Improv Techniques and Their Applications

19:13 Improv in Business and Leadership

24:05 Effective Meeting Strategies

32:31 Innovative Meeting Strategies

33:35 The Role of Improv in Leadership

36:07 Handling Resistance and Transformation

41:45 Humour in the Workplace

47:32 Improv Skills for Personal Growth

56:27 Quickfire - Get To Know Neil

57:54 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!

businesswithoutbullshit.me

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