This week Gabby Donald and Stefanie Tremain look at what we genuinely know so far!? After what feels like the longest build-up in years, Stephanie puts it simply: “Expect everything, expect nothing.”

Just when it seemed the Budget couldn’t bring any more gloom, another idea surfaces: the Milkshake Tax. With retail already wrestling with complexity, do we really need another layer of rules for such a marginal gain?

They also look at the House of Lords’ latest debate on growth and the effect of economic and tax policy on jobs and prosperity. The UK just isn’t currently attractive enough to entrepreneurs, businesses, or wealthy individuals - and that has to change.

This week Gabby Donald and Stefanie Tremain look at what we genuinely know so far!? After what feels like the longest build-up in years, Stephanie puts it simply: &ldquo;Expect everything, expect nothing.&rdquo;
Just when it seemed the Budget couldn&rsquo;t bring any more gloom, another idea surfaces: the&nbsp;Milkshake Tax. With retail already wrestling with complexity, do we really need another layer of rules for such a marginal gain?
They also look at the House of Lords&rsquo; latest debate on&nbsp;growth&nbsp;and the effect of economic and tax policy on jobs and prosperity. The UK just isn&rsquo;t currently attractive enough to entrepreneurs, businesses, or wealthy individuals - and that has to change.

Brought to you by accounting, tax, audit and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg BRave Business is aimed at entrepreneurial businesses, we focus on providing market updates, practical guidance, timely insights, and professional opinions from industry experts, helping you make informed decisions for your business. The Tax Factor is a weekly podcast with our expert team looking at the news and updates in the world of tax and providing analysis of what it might mean for you.

Brought to you by accounting, tax, audit and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg BRave Business is aimed at entrepreneurial businesses, we focus on providing market updates, practical guidance, timely insights, and professional opinions from industry experts, helping you make informed decisions for your business. The Tax Factor is a weekly podcast with our expert team looking at the news and updates in the world of tax and providing analysis of what it might mean for you.

BRave Business and The Tax Factor

Brought to you by accounting, tax, audit and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg BRave Business is aimed at entrepreneurial businesses, we focus on providing market updates, practical guidance, timely insights, and professional opinions from industry experts, helping you make informed decisions for your business. The Tax Factor is a weekly podcast with our expert team looking at the news and updates in
the world of tax and providing analysis of what it might mean for you.

Brought to you by accounting, tax, audit and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg BRave Business is aimed at entrepreneurial businesses, we focus on providing market updates, practical guidance, timely insights, and professional opinions from industry experts, helping you make informed decisions for your business. The Tax Factor is a weekly podcast with our expert team looking at the news and updates in the world of tax and providing analysis of what it might mean for you.

The Tax Factor – Episode 103 - T’was the week before the Budget

The Tax Factor returns for its first episode of 2026, with Paul Noble and Neil Insull kicking off the year by discussing some of the most significant tax developments already shaping the months ahead. They begin with the recent Inheritance Tax U-turn on Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR), explaining what’s changed and why it matters for long-term planning.

The discussion then moves to key rulings and policy updates, including the Hotel La Tour VAT case and the latest announcements from the Scottish Budget. Paul and Neil break down the practical implications, explaining what these developments could mean for businesses and individuals alike.

To round of the episode, they issue a timely warning on the rise of Self-Assessment scams as the tax return season gets underway.

The Tax Factor returns for its first episode of 2026, with Paul Noble and Neil Insull kicking off the year by discussing some of the most significant tax developments already shaping the months ahead. They begin with the recent Inheritance Tax U-turn on Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR), explaining what&rsquo;s changed and why it matters for long-term planning.
The discussion then moves to key rulings and policy updates, including the Hotel La Tour VAT case and the latest announcements from the Scottish Budget. Paul and Neil break down the practical implications, explaining what these developments could mean for businesses and individuals alike.
To round of the episode, they issue a timely warning on the rise of Self-Assessment scams as the tax return season gets underway.

The Tax Factor – Episode 108 - Tractors, Hotels and Self-Assessment Scams

This week’s Tax Factor is a festive special, with Ele Theochari and Neil Insull bringing seasonal cheer and tax insight to the podcast. They first look at the Morrisons VAT case involving chickens, unwrapping what the decision means for retailers and why food VAT remains a tricky item on HMRC’s Christmas menu.

Next, Ele and Neil turn to advanced clearance schemes, explaining how they work, when they can be used, and why certainty from HMRC can be one of the most valuable gifts for businesses looking to plan ahead.

They also run through the top three tax stories making the news this week, adding festive flair and thoughtful commentary. The last episode for 2025 is filled with insights and seasonal puns.

This week&rsquo;s Tax Factor is a festive special, with Ele Theochari and Neil Insull bringing seasonal cheer and tax insight to the podcast. They first look at the Morrisons VAT case involving chickens, unwrapping what the decision means for retailers and why food VAT remains a tricky item on HMRC&rsquo;s Christmas menu.
Next, Ele and Neil turn to advanced clearance schemes, explaining how they work, when they can be used, and why certainty from HMRC can be one of the most valuable gifts for businesses looking to plan ahead.
They also run through the top three tax stories making the news this week, adding festive flair and thoughtful commentary. The last episode for 2025 is filled with insights and seasonal puns.

The Tax Factor – Episode 107 - Advanced Clearance Schemes, VAT Chickens and a Christmas Pun or Two

This week on The Tax Factor, Robert Salter and Suzanne Briggs dive into one of the UK’s most famous VAT debates: the long-running question of whether Jaffa Cakes are truly cakes or biscuits. They go over the case, the reasoning behind the ruling, and why this seemingly light-hearted issue still has serious tax implications today.

They also discuss the blockbuster news that Deadpool & Wolverine has secured a record £82 million in UK tax credits - a milestone moment for the film industry. Robert and Suzanne discuss how the incentive system works, why the UK remains a major production hub, and what this could mean for future big-budget films.

Rounding out the episode, they look at the tax issues that often surface during the festive season, from staff parties to seasonal perks. Combined with their take on the top three tax stories of the week.

This week on The Tax Factor, Robert Salter and Suzanne Briggs dive into one of the UK&rsquo;s most famous VAT debates: the long-running question of whether Jaffa Cakes are truly cakes or biscuits. They go over the case, the reasoning behind the ruling, and why this seemingly light-hearted issue still has serious tax implications today.
They also discuss the blockbuster news that Deadpool &amp; Wolverine has secured a record &pound;82 million in UK tax credits - a milestone moment for the film industry. Robert and Suzanne discuss how the incentive system works, why the UK remains a major production hub, and what this could mean for future big-budget films.
Rounding out the episode, they look at the tax issues that often surface during the festive season, from staff parties to seasonal perks. Combined with their take on the top three tax stories of the week.

The Tax Factor – Episode 103 - T’was the week before the Budget

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