Companies House New ID Checks Are Here – Are You Ready? – Optimum: LIVE Ep. 19

In this must-watch episode of Optimum: LIVE, Chris is joined by Operations Director Tracey Heath to break down new ID verification rules from Companies House that affect every UK company director and person of significant control (PSC).

From April 2025, these changes began rolling out - but by Autumn 2026, compliance will be mandatory. If you’re a company owner, director, or accountant, this one’s essential viewing.

You’ll learn:

• What identity verification at Companies House actually means
• Who needs to take action (and when)
• What documents you’ll need and how to get your unique code
• How this change links to economic crime prevention and business transparency
• Why it’s better to act now, not later!

Optimum Professional Services are here to help – from our Cheltenham to Swindon offices, we’ll support you through the process with clear guidance and in-person support if needed.

Need advice or want to book a session? Visit https://www.optps.co.uk/companies-house-verification to check out our latest blog post for step-by-step info.

https://signin.account.gov.uk/sign-in-or-create to create or log in to your account.

👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments – or tag someone who needs to see this!

#CompaniesHouse #CompaniesHouseIDVerification #BusinessCompliance #UKDirectors #OptimumLive

The stream can be watched and listened to from any of the following locations:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d

This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – “At Visual PR Productions, we produce authentic, engaging, conversation-led video content and broadcasts. No scripts, no hard sell, just genuine, credible dialogue. Whether it’s for marketing, podcasts, training, panel shows, live events, or inductions, we help everyone feel at ease on either side of the camera. Then, with smart automation, we repurpose and share your content across the platforms that matter.”

https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/
[email protected]

🎥 Optimum Live Ep. 18 | Financial Considerations for Your Buy-to-Let Property - Company or Personal?

Recorded Monday 16th June 2025

Should you buy a rental property through a company or in your own name? It’s a huge decision - and not a simple one.

In this episode of Optimum: Live! Host Chris Dawes gets Michael Blaken from Optimum Professional Services to break it all down. From mortgage implications and stamp duty to tax treatment and future flexibility, we cut through the confusion to help you make a more informed choice.

🏡 Whether you’re a first-time landlord or you’re growing a portfolio, we’ll walk you through:
 ✅ Why many landlords are turning to limited companies
 ✅ The pros and cons of buying through a company vs buying personally
 ✅ How mortgage conditions, tax and stamp duty all affect your profits
 ✅ Why your future plans — whether you want rental income or a portfolio to pass on — may dictate the best route for you

Don’t let confusion cost you. Get tailored advice from the team at Optimum.

➡ Want to know what’s right for you and your portfolio? Visit https://www.optps.co.uk/ or get in touch today for a bespoke consultation.

👍 Like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your questions — we’d love to help you navigate your property journey.

The stream can be watched and listened to from any of the following locations:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d

#PropertyInvestment #BuyToLetUK #CompanyVsPersonal #OptimumLive

This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – At Visual PR Productions, we produce authentic, engaging, conversation-led video content and broadcasts. No scripts, no hard sell, just genuine, credible dialogue. Whether it’s for marketing, podcasts, training, panel shows, live events, or inductions, we help everyone feel at ease on either side of the camera. Then, with smart automation, we repurpose and share your content across the platforms that matter.

https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/
[email protected]

“Accounting for Charities and Their Subsidiaries” – Optimum: LIVE! Episode 17

Recorded Monday 28th April 2025

Welcome to the latest episode of Optimum Live. This week, we focus on a crucial aspect of the third sector: Accounting for Charities and Their Subsidiaries.

Host, Chris Dawes, is joined by Rob Stokes (our Head of Accounts & Audit), a seasoned expert in this field. Rob brings his extensive experience of working with numerous charities, encompassing both company and non-company structures, alongside his direct involvement as a trustee.

This episode provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and complexities of charity accounting. Given the depth of the subject matter, we anticipate further exploration in future episodes.

For specific enquiries regarding charity accounting, please do not hesitate to contact Rob Stokes directly at [email protected].

For a broader range of accountancy services and expertise, we invite you to visit our website at www.optps.co.uk.

The stream can be watched live (and recorded) from any of the following locations: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might find it useful!

#CharityAccounting #ThirdSectorFinance #OptimumLive #UKCharities

This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – At Visual PR Productions, we produce authentic, engaging, conversation-led video content and broadcasts. No scripts, no hard sell, just genuine, credible dialogue. Whether it’s for marketing, podcasts, training, panel shows, live events, or inductions, we help everyone feel at ease on either side of the camera. Then, with smart automation, we repurpose and share your content across the platforms that matter.

https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/
[email protected]

“Inspiring Client Success Stories. Business Growth & Strategy – GEL Studios” – Optimum: LIVE! Episode 16

Recorded Thursday 27th March 2025

Host Chris Dawes (Visual PR) will be joined by our very own Mike Blaken (Accounts Director) and special guest, Graeme Leighfield, Founder and Managing Director of GEL Studios (https://www.gelstudios.co.uk), a client of Optimum Professional Services.

In this episode of Optimum Live, we dive into a real client success story that showcases the power of strategic decision-making, innovation, and resilience. From overcoming challenges to achieving business breakthroughs, these insights will inspire you to take your own journey to the next level.

To ensure you don’t miss out, be sure to click “Going” or “Interested” on our Facebook event or select “Notify Me” on the upcoming live video on YouTube and LinkedIn.

We’re excited to continue our monthly conversational series, "Optimum: LIVE!"—a relaxed, fireside-style discussion featuring members of our team and special guests. Each episode is either broadcast live or recorded in a live format, ensuring an unscripted, authentic, and engaging experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and join the conversation!

The stream can be watched live (and recorded) from any of the following locations: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps

https://www.optps.co.uk/

🚀 Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or professional looking for practical advice, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and actionable takeaways.

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert insights and success stories!

#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStories #Podcast

This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – “we blend public relations philosophies with high-quality video content to create authentic, engaging experiences that connect with your audience. From marketing and video podcasts to panel shows, live events, and training videos – we bring brands to life through compelling storytelling in conversational video content.”

https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/
[email protected]

Optimum: LIVE! – Episode 15 – Starting a New Business

Recorded Thursday 6th February 2025

In a slight change, Episode 15 of “Optimum: LIVE!” will be recorded as a live conversation from our Swindon offices on Thursday 6th February 2025 and then broadcast at 6:30pm on Thursday 20th February so that you can watch it outside of typical working hours.

Host Chris Dawes (Visual PR) will be interviewing our very own Mike Blaken (Accounts Director) about the why’s and how’s of starting a new business at a time of the year when many take the leap to either start a side hustle or a brand-new business. With so much to be aware of, but so much support available, this episode is jam-packed with information to help you navigate your way to very exciting possibilities. Whether it is about business plans, structure, roles, taxes, or how to treat different expenses, we cover it all in this hopefully useful and encouraging conversation.

Don’t forget to Click “Going” or “Interested” on the Facebook event, or “Notify me” on the pending live video on YouTube and LinkedIn, to make sure you catch the live broadcast so that you can get involved (off-cam).

We’re delighted to continue our monthly conversational series, “Optimum: LIVE!”, which will provide the opportunity for you to join members of our team and special guests each month as they delve into a variety of subjects in light-hearted, fireside-chat style productions.

Each episode will be live (or recorded as a live conversation), which means that it is not scripted or edited and has a more natural and engaging tone as well as greater authenticity.

The stream can be watched live (and recorded) from any of the following locations: Facebook: www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps

www.optps.co.uk

This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – “we blend public relations philosophies with high-quality video content to create authentic, engaging experiences that connect with your audience. From marketing and video podcasts to panel shows, live events, and training videos – we bring brands to life through compelling storytelling in conversational video content.”

www.visual-pr.co.uk
[email protected]

Optimum: LIVE! – Episode 14 – What is Conveyancing?

With a change to the norm, Episode 14 of “Optimum: LIVE!” was pre-recorded to try to make it as educational as possible on a topic that is important to so many of us. It is often a case that the answer is “yes” when asked if someone knows what conveyancing is, until a definition or more detailed explanation is asked for. So we try to dive deep and find out more, as it becomes a team effort to get everything sorted when buying properties.

Host Chris Dawes (Visual PR) interviewed our Solicitor and Head of Legal, Iain Mason about what conveyancing is, and what goes on at each of the steps (and by whom) to make it clearer to understand what is expected of property buyers, and what is going on behind the scenes as it all progresses. Whether it is to understand why any perceived delays might be happening, to understand what is expected of buyers, or to feel more confident by knowing the support and translations you will receive all the way through, it is a very useful conversation to catch up with.

We’re delighted to continue our monthly conversational series, “Optimum: LIVE!”, which will provide the opportunity for you to join members of our team and special guests each month as they delve into a variety of subjects in light-hearted, fireside-chat style productions.

Each episode will be live or shot as a live conversation, which means that it is not scripted or edited and has a more natural and engaging tone as well as greater authenticity. 

The stream can be watched live (and recorded) from any of the following locations: Facebook: www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps

www.optps.co.uk

This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – who blend public relations philosophies with high-quality video content to create authentic, engaging experiences that connect with your audience. From marketing and video podcasts to panel shows, live events, and training videos – we bring brands to life through compelling storytelling in conversational video content.

www.visual-pr.co.uk
[email protected]

Optimum: LIVE! – Episode 13 – Minimum Wage & NI Changes, plus VAT Pitfalls

Thursday 14th November 2024 – 1:00pm

Episode 13 of “Optimum: LIVE!” will broadcast live from our Swindon offices at 1:00pm on Thursday 14th November to do a quick working example of the minimum wage and National Insurance increases and the effect on the company, followed by a closer look at potential VAT.

Host Chris Dawes (Visual PR) will be interviewing our very own Mike Blaken. You can even get involved with your own comments, thoughts, and questions, because if you are watching the LIVE broadcast, then they can be put up on screen to be responded to in real time. (If not posted during the live show, we will attempt to keep an eye on the post broadcast comments section and respond to you separately).

Don’t forget to Click “Going” or “Interested” on the Facebook event, or “Notify me” on the pending live video on YouTube and LinkedIn, to make sure you catch the live broadcast so that you can get involved (off-cam).

We’re delighted to continue our monthly conversational series, “Optimum: LIVE!”, which will provide the opportunity for you to join members of our team and special guests each month as they delve into a variety of subjects in light-hearted, fireside-chat style productions.

Each episode will be live, which means that it is not scripted or edited and has a more natural and engaging tone as well as greater authenticity. This enables viewers to type questions or provide comments/input whilst watching the live broadcast from within the comments section on either YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn, which can be put up on the screen (with your profile photo and name) and responded to by the episode’s guests to make it immersive and interactive.

The stream can be watched live (and recorded) from any of the following locations: Facebook: www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps

This is a Visual PR production – Elevate Your Brand with Engaging Conversational Video Content

www.visual-pr.co.uk

[email protected]

www.youtube.com/@VisualPRUK

www.optps.co.uk

Optimum: LIVE! – Episode 12 – Budget 2024 – Review and Advice

Thursday 31st October 2024 – 1:00pm

Episode 12 of “Optimum: LIVE!” will broadcast live from our Swindon offices at 1:00pm on Thursday 31st October, the day after the main 2024 budget on the 30th of October 2024.

With this budget being the first one for the new Government, and there being lots of rumours about what could be included in them, there is understandably a lot of uncertainty at best, all the way through to fear. Therefore, we want to be as helpful as we can for our clients by picking through the announcements, analysing what they really mean, and offering any nougats of advice or considerations that we can offer to enable everyone to step forwards with control and confidence.

Host Chris Dawes (Visual PR) will be interviewing our very own Mike Blaken to sift through the previous day’s announcements and their fallout. You can even get involved with your own comments, thoughts, and questions, because if you are watching the LIVE broadcast, then they can be put up on screen to be responded to in real time. (if not posted during the live show, we will attempt to keep an eye on the post broadcast comments section and respond to you separately.

Don’t forget to Click “Going” or “Interested” on the Facebook event, or “Notify me” on the pending live video on YouTube and LinkedIn, to make sure you catch the live broadcast so that you can get involved (off-cam).

We’re delighted to continue our monthly conversational series, “Optimum: LIVE!”, which will provide the opportunity for you to join members of our team and special guests each month as they delve into a variety of subjects in light-hearted, fireside-chat style productions.

Each episode will be live, which means that it is not scripted or edited and has a more natural and engaging tone. This enables viewers to type questions or provide comments/input whilst watching the live broadcast from within the comments section on either YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn, which can be put up on the screen (with your profile photo and name) and responded to by the episode’s guests to make it immersive and interactive.

The stream can be watched live (and recorded) from any of the following locations: Facebook: www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps

This is a Visual PR production – Connecting the dots between PR and Marketing with authentic, credible, and engagingly natural conversational video content and resulting assets from each episode – Elevating your Brand and Igniting Audience Engagement!

www.visual-pr.co.uk

[email protected]

www.youtube.com/@VisualPRUK

www.optps.co.uk

Optimum: LIVE! – Episode 11 – 2024 Charity of Choice – ‘Doing It For Dan’

Wednesday 4th September 2024 – 1:00pm

Episode 11 of “Optimum: LIVE!” will broadcast live at 1:00pm on Wednesday 4th September from our Swindon offices, and we are delighted to welcome Optimum’s 2024 charity of choice, ‘Doing It For Dan’.

The team at Optimum supports a different local charity each year, and cumulatively have raised thousands of pounds for good causes. 

During 2024, the team will be supporting Doing It For Dan, a Swindon-based charity which provides grants for sports-related items such as equipment, kit, coaching and club fees, helping young people achieve their sporting dreams.

It was set up in 2016, in memory of local sports mad 11-year-old Daniel Climance. Dan’s mum and Chair of Trustees, Helen Hancock, will be joining this episode’s hosts, Chris Dawes (Visual PR) and Optimum’s Tracey Heath (Operations Director) to discuss everything about the charity, its mission, and to help raise awareness of both the charity and how we and others can help their amazing efforts. - www.doingitfordan.co.uk

If you are watching the LIVE broadcast, then make sure you get your questions or comments in by commenting from wherever you are watching it and it can be put on screen and answered or responded to appropriately.

Don’t forget to Click “Going” or “Interested” on the Facebook event, or “Notify me” on the pending live video on YouTube and LinkedIn, to make sure you catch the live broadcast so that you can get involved (off-cam).

We’re delighted to continue our monthly conversational series, “Optimum: LIVE!”, which will provide the opportunity for you to join members of our team and special guests each month as they delve into a variety of subjects in light-hearted, fireside-chat style productions.

Each episode will be live, which means that it is not scripted or edited and has a more natural and engaging tone. This enables viewers to type questions or provide comments/input whilst watching the live broadcast on either YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn, which will be put up on the screen (with your profile photo and name) and responded to by the episode’s guests to make it immersive and interactive.

The stream can be watched live (and recorded) from any of the following locations: Facebook: www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps

This is a Visual PR production – Connecting the dots between PR and Marketing with authentic, credible, and engagingly natural conversational video content and resulting assets from each episode – Elevating your Brand and Igniting Audience Engagement!

www.visual-pr.co.uk

[email protected]

www.youtube.com/@VisualPRUK

www.optps.co.uk

Optimum: LIVE! – Episode 10 – Case Study: Open Door to Growing Group

Wednesday 7th August 2024 – 1:00pm

Episode 10 of “Optimum: LIVE!” will broadcast live at 1:00pm on Wednesday 7th August from out Cheltenham offices, and we welcome our special guests from The Site; our landlords at this site, and our long-term client. A relationship that started from the free access to come and chat that we pride ourselves in offering, through simple assistance, to the benefits of Optimum Professional Services combining both accounts and legal assistance under one banner, The Site continues to grow and is already now around 6 active companies in the group. - www.thesitecheltenham.co.uk

Host, Chris Dawes (Visual PR) will be in conversation with Optimum’s Rob Stokes (Accounts) and Iain Mason (Legal), and The Site’s Charley and Jamie, as they discuss how the two companies have worked together over the years, the benefits of legal and accounts being joined together to have aided the growth of the group, and how the services continue to evolve between the two parties to this day.

If you are watching the LIVE broadcast, then make sure you get your questions or comments in by commenting from wherever you are watching it and it can be put on screen and answered or responded to appropriately.

Don’t forget to Click “Going” or “Interested” on the Facebook event, or “Notify me” on the pending live video on YouTube and LinkedIn, to make sure you catch the live broadcast so that you can get involved (off-cam).

We’re delighted to continue our monthly conversational series, “Optimum: LIVE!”, which will provide the opportunity for you to join members of our team and special guests each month as they delve into a variety of subjects in light-hearted, fireside-chat style productions.

Each episode will be live, which means that it is not scripted or edited and has a more natural and engaging tone. This enables viewers to type questions or provide comments/input whilst watching the live broadcast on either YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn, which will be put up on the screen (with your profile photo and name) and responded to by the episode’s guests to make it immersive and interactive.

The stream can be watched live (and recorded) from any of the following locations: Facebook: www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps

This is a Visual PR production – Connecting the dots between PR and Marketing with authentic, credible, and engagingly natural conversational video content and resulting assets from each episode – Elevating your Brand and Igniting Audience Engagement!

www.visual-pr.co.uk

[email protected]

www.youtube.com/@VisualPRUK