Mercia Podcast

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 a decade, leaving a lot of subjectivity in play. With interest rates where they are, getting your quarterly instalment payments wrong could be an expensive mistake. If you'd like to go deeper, I'm running a one-off course on this on 21 May, available live or on-demand. https://www.mercia-group.com/courses/associated-companies-with-mark-morton/

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

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 small and medium‑sized enterprises, this episode offers a grounded, business‑focused perspective on what the Spring Statement really means.

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

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 Chancellor’s update and highlights what indicators to watch as the next budget approaches.

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

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 compliance issues, this episode offers insight, reassurance and practical advice.

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