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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.

In this episode, Mark Morton explores the key themes shaping the upcoming Spring Forecast on 3 March 2026. From SME lending packages and tax policy shifts to the latest developments affecting defence spending, welfare reform, and the hospitality sector, Mark unpacks what businesses should be preparing for in the months ahead. For digital resources including our 2026 Tax Cards, visit: https://www.mercia-group.com/marketing/spring-forecast-statement-2026/ For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton unpacks the government’s last‑minute December changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, questioning the policy swings, their impact on farmers and businesses, and what it all means heading into the new tax year. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Helen Knight and Jenny Faulkner take a look back at some of Mercia Group's predictions for 2025. Covering technology, ESG and mega marshmallows... For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton breaks down the post-budget chaos, covering leaks, delayed publications, and the heated public debate over policies like child benefit caps, while questioning the missing growth plan. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, join Jenny Faulkner, Head of A&A and Compliance talking with Gemma Archer, Senior Manager in A&A and Compliance and a Charity Sector Specialist as they explore the changing landscape for Charities. This podcasts covers England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the different thresholds that apply dependent on jurisdiction.  Gemma highlights some of the key themes arising from the publication of the finalised Charity SORP.  For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark and Norman discussing the latest UK 2025 Budget. The conversation highlights a chaotic lead-up with leaks and political manoeuvring. Key points include frozen income tax thresholds until 2031, increased taxes on savings, property income and dividends, and changes to ISA limits. Employment measures cover the removal of homeworking tax relief, minimum wage rises, and future restrictions on salary sacrifice. Business topics include adjustments to capital allowances and investment schemes, with criticism of the absence of a clear growth strategy. Inheritance and capital tax changes reduce certain reliefs, while compliance efforts aim to raise £10 billion annually.  For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark gives an immediate reaction to the Chancellor’s Budget, calling out the heavy leaks beforehand, the rise in taxes, and the lack of a clear growth plan. He touches on changes to income tax on property and savings, ISA reform, new capital allowance rules, road pricing for EVs, salary sacrifice caps, mansion tax plans, HMRC compliance increases and national minimum wage pressures. Overall he sounds unconvinced that there’s anything in the announcement that helps businesses or boosts growth. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, Mark Morton unpacks the uncertainty and speculation surrounding the Autumn Budget 2025. From leaked proposals on income tax and dividend rates to potential changes in pension contributions and road charging for electric vehicles, Mark explores the lack of clear strategy and its impact on business confidence. He questions whether knee-jerk reactions are replacing long-term planning and what that means for taxpayers and businesses. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, Mark Morton reflects on the unusual pre-budget announcement made by the Chancellor and the growing speculation surrounding the Autumn Budget 2025. With a mix of humour and insight, Mark explores the political messaging, potential tax rises, and the implications of shifting National Insurance and income tax. He questions the strategy behind the early statement and what it signals for the future of fiscal policy. For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.