Fresh Perspectives

Azets
  • 5.0 (32)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • MONTHLY

Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets – where advisers, experts, and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas, and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

  1. 15 HR AGO

    #19 RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS - Why Doing Good Drives Growth & Purpose

    This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores how businesses can balance commercial success with meaningful social impact and why purpose is becoming central to long-term sustainability. Rob Brown is joined by Peter Gallanagh, UK & Ireland CEO at Azets, to discuss the firm’s partnership with The King’s Trust and what it means to be a responsible business today. We explore how organisations can move beyond profit alone, why alignment of values matters when choosing partners and how purpose can bring people together across a growing business. Peter explains how Azets has embedded its purpose of improving the lives of clients, colleagues and communities into the business, and how this partnership supports that in practice. We discuss what involvement looks like day to day, from mentoring and enterprise challenges to fundraising and community engagement, and how giving people different ways to contribute drives participation across the firm. The conversation also looks at what businesses gain from partnerships like this beyond reputation, including stronger employee engagement, better collaboration and the development of future skills such as empathy, resilience and communication. We explore how social responsibility is becoming increasingly important to younger talent and how it influences recruitment, retention and culture. Peter also shares how Azets measures success in these partnerships, why long-term commitment matters more than short-term activity and how businesses can approach building their own partnerships in a way that is authentic, sustainable and aligned to their values. You can connect with Peter Gallanagh on LinkedIn. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

    35 min

  2. 29 APR

    #18 THE INSOLVENCY TOOLKIT - How Businesses Survive Financial Difficulty

    This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores what restructuring and insolvency actually mean for business owners, why early advice makes all the difference and what options exist long before a company reaches the point of no return. Rob Brown is joined by Matthew Richards, Joint Head of Restructuring and Insolvency at Azets, to discuss the current pressures facing UK businesses and why rising costs, national insurance changes and global uncertainty are keeping insolvency professionals busier than they have been in years. Matt explains the difference between restructuring and insolvency, why the two are more closely related than most people think and what tools are available to directors who act early. We explore what wrongful trading means and why directors can be personally liable if they continue trading without a realistic prospect of survival. Matt walks through the practical steps any business owner can take right now, including how to build a 13-week cash flow, how to sensitise a forecast and when to have a conversation with a specialist. The episode also covers the emotional weight of financial difficulty, why most business failures are not the owner's fault and how insolvency can sometimes be the beginning of something new rather than the end. You can connect with Matthew Richards on LinkedIn. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

    21 min

  3. 22 APR

    #17 THE MODERN CFO - How Finance Shapes the Future

    This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores how the role of finance is evolving as businesses grow and why SMEs need forward-looking insight rather than backward reporting. Rob Brown is joined by Neil Martin, Group CFO at Azets, to discuss what business owners often miss when they are focused on day-to-day operations and how experienced financial perspectives can unlock better decisions. We talk about what tends to break first as businesses scale, the early signs a finance function is no longer fit for purpose and why growth requires different thinking at each stage. Neil explains how a modern CFO should act as a sparring partner, helping to challenge assumptions, prioritise decisions and look around the corner. We also discuss the importance of setting a clear North Star, how decision-making changes when leaders extend their time horizon and when it may be time to bring in or upgrade financial leadership. The episode also covers practical thinking on AI for SMEs, including where to start, how to learn from others and why curiosity plays a critical role in understanding new technology. You can connect with Neil Martin on LinkedIn. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

    14 min

  4. 8 APR

    #16 SOCIAL IMPACT - Why Business Must Do More Than Make Money

    This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores why social impact is no longer optional for modern businesses and how responsible partnerships can strengthen performance, culture and long-term value. Rob Brown is joined by Ben Marson, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at The King’s Trust. Together they discuss the role businesses can play in supporting young people, why social investment matters more than ever and how partnerships like Azets and The King’s Trust create value for customers, colleagues and communities alike. The conversation looks at the work of The King’s Trust, the challenges facing young people today and how businesses can move beyond traditional philanthropy toward meaningful, long-term impact. This episode will resonate with SME owners and leaders who believe business should be a force for good while still delivering commercial success. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

    27 min

  5. 25 MAR

    #15 AI THAT PAYS OFF - How SMEs Move Beyond Tools To Outcomes

    This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores how SMEs can use AI and automation to improve efficiency, reduce risk and support business growth. Rob Brown is joined for the final time in this three-part series by Charles Richards, UK Head of Digital Client Service at Azets, to discuss how SMEs should think about AI in terms of outcomes rather than tools. We look at where automation delivers quick wins, how AI can free up time for higher value work and why strong data foundations matter. Charles explains how SMEs can move beyond experimentation by prioritising the biggest pain points, setting clear governance and building confidence through approved tools and learning frameworks. We also explore how AI can support growth by surfacing insights, improving decision making and enabling more personalised customer experiences. This is Part 3 of a three-part series and brings together customer service, technology and AI into a practical framework for SME leaders. You can connect with Charles Richards on LinkedIn. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

    20 min

  6. 18 MAR

    #14 HIGH TECH, HIGH TRUST - Balancing Technology With A Human Touch

    This episode of Fresh Perspectives looks at how SMEs can balance technology with a human touch to improve customer experience without damaging trust. Rob Brown is joined again by Charles Richards, UK Head of Digital Client Service at Azets, to explore which customer interactions should be digital first and which must remain human led. We discuss how automation can remove friction, free up time and improve consistency while still preserving empathy, judgement and accountability. Charles shares practical insight into designing seamless handoffs between digital and human support, avoiding dead ends in customer journeys and ensuring customers always know who is accountable. We also explore the role of service analytics, role based learning and digital champions in helping teams use technology confidently. This is Part 2 of a three-part series and builds on Episode 13 by showing how technology can strengthen service rather than replace human connection. You can connect with Charles Richards on LinkedIn. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

    19 min

  7. 11 MAR

    #13 CUSTOMER SERVICE DONE WELL: What SMEs Get Right and Wrong

    This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores what great customer service really means for SMEs and why it is a growth lever rather than a hygiene factor. Rob Brown is joined by Charles Richards, UK Head of Digital Client Service at Azets, to unpack how customer experience directly affects retention, lifetime value, referrals and team engagement. We discuss why clear service standards matter, how SMEs can listen properly to customer feedback, and where service breakdowns most commonly occur. The conversation focuses on the moments that matter most to customers, including onboarding, issue resolution, renewals and pricing conversations. Charles explains how SMEs can use feedback loops, simple metrics and leadership visibility to improve service without over engineering the process. This is Part 1 of a three-part series on customer service, technology and AI, and sets the foundation for how SMEs can deliver consistently strong experiences. You can connect with Charles Richards on LinkedIn. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

    17 min

  8. 25 FEB

    #12 CORPORATE FINANCE REALITY - How Deals Actually Get Done

    This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores the current corporate finance landscape in the UK and what it really means for SME business owners navigating growth, investment, acquisitions and exit decisions. Rob Brown is joined by Lee Humble, UK Head of Corporate Finance at Azets, to discuss why recent tax changes have slowed activity, how economic and political uncertainty is affecting decision making, and why opportunities still exist for well-prepared businesses. They cover recruitment challenges, access to finance, rising overseas interest in UK businesses, and the importance of understanding the right route forward before making major decisions. Lee also explains what corporate finance support actually involves, how strong advisory teams add value beyond transactions, and why informed advice matters most in uncertain markets. +++ Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

    27 min
See All (49)

5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets – where advisers, experts, and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence. Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology. Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas, and inspiring stories from across the business community. This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts. Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it. Find more about Azets at www.azets.com. Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.

Information

  • Creator
    Azets
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Azets 2025, All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Fresh Perspectives

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