Mercia Podcast

Mercia Group

Keeping you abreast with the latest developments in the accountancy profession.https://linktr.ee/merciagroup

  1. Why Face‑to‑Face Learning Still Matters in a Zoom World

    17H AGO

    Why Face‑to‑Face Learning Still Matters in a Zoom World

    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.

    6 min
  2. Post‑Easter Tax Thoughts: Fuel Duty, Mileage Rates and Winter Fuel Confusion

    APR 17

    Post‑Easter Tax Thoughts: Fuel Duty, Mileage Rates and Winter Fuel Confusion

    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.

    5 min
  3. Understanding the State Pension Maze: Missteps, Myths & What You Should Check Today

    MAR 26

    Understanding the State Pension Maze: Missteps, Myths & What You Should Check Today

    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.

    10 min
  4. Tax Policy Uncertainty and Mandatory Registration for Advisors

    MAR 16

    Tax Policy Uncertainty and Mandatory Registration for Advisors

    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.

    7 min

  5. MAR 3

    Spring Forecast 2026 - Episode three: immediate reaction

    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.

    4 min

  6. FEB 27

    Spring Forecast 2026 - Episode two: what to expect from the OBR forecast

    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.

    9 min

  7. FEB 13

    Technical Queries & Spring Tax Update

    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.

    6 min

  8. JAN 28

    Spring Forecast 2026 - Episode one: what SMEs need to know

    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.

    9 min
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About

Keeping you abreast with the latest developments in the accountancy profession.https://linktr.ee/merciagroup

Information

  • Creator
    Mercia Group
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mercia Group Ltd. A Wilmington Plc Company
  • Show Website
    Mercia Podcast

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