In this episode of Business Talks, hosts Tom Alun-Jones and Zoe Thomas are joined by Alastair Loasby, Saffery’s Director of Sustainability and ESG, to explain what the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) are trying to achieve and consider the practical steps your business needs to take. They discuss: - What sustainability means in the context of long-term business strategies - How UK SRS links to ISSB and IFRS S1 and S2 - The current UK reporting landscape, including TCFD and SECR...

The UK’s new Employment Rights Act is not just a minor HR tweak; it represents the most significant overhaul of employment law in recent years. These reforms are set to reshape how employers recruit, manage probation, respond to flexible working and handle dismissals for many years to come. In this episode of Business Talks, hosts Tom Alun-Jones and Zoe Thomas sit down with employment law expert Dan Begbie-Clench, Employment Law Partner at Doyle Clayton. Together, they discuss complex legisl...

As of 1 January 2026, significant changes to FRS 102 came into effect marking the biggest update to UK GAAP in more than a decade. But what does this actually mean for your bottom line and your reporting process? The revisions aim to enhance the quality and consistency of UK financial reporting by aligning key areas – notably revenue, leases, and small entity disclosures – more closely with IFRS. In our first episode of the year, co-hosts Tom Alun-Jones and Zoe Thomas are joined by T...

We unpack how the Autumn Budget changes investment reliefs, hiring costs and compliance, trading a single headline for many smaller moves with real cash impacts. We share clear actions for capital allowances, EMI and EIS/VCT use, transfer pricing readiness and payroll risk. In this Business Talks podcast episode, Tom Alun-Jones, Zoe Thomas, and Adam Kay break down what these changes mean for UK businesses and share practical insights. They discuss: Capital allowances changes – including the n...

In this episode of Business Talks, our new hosts, Tom Alun-Jones and Zoe Thomas sit down with tax director Victoria Baguley-Wood to unpack the Register of Overseas Entities (ROE), which is a key legal requirement for overseas entities owning UK property. Victoria breaks down what the legislation covers, the risks of non-compliance, and the privacy challenges property owners face. Tom and Zoe also share how Saffery helps clients navigate the process with a full-service ROE solution, from verif...

Partnership life has evolved dramatically over the past 20 years, shifting from traditional equity models to diverse structures that include salary partners, fixed-share partners, and corporate entities. Modern partners are senior leaders who set culture, drive business forward, and create environments where people can succeed. In this episode of Business Talks, host is joined by Andrew Hedley, Director of Hedley Consulting, to explore what partnership really looks like in the 2020s. Togethe...

Could your company be missing out on a valuable tax relief? In this engaging discussion, host Jamie Lane and tax specialist Rachel Chappell dive into the world of R&D tax credits, revealing why businesses across all sectors should be paying attention. They explore: What qualifies as R&D (it’s broader than you think!)How to avoid common pitfalls and HMRC scrutinyThe hidden power of the Patent Box regimeStrategic ways to use R&D relief to drive long-term growthWhether you're a start...

In our latest episode, we're tackling a crucial compliance issue for UK businesses: the Corporate Criminal Offence (CCO) of failing to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion. Host, Jamie Lane, is joined by Zoe Thomas, Head of Corporate Tax, to discuss the impact of these regulations for businesses of all sizes. They discuss: What the CCO legislation covers,Why HMRC is increasing enforcement,What ‘reasonable steps’ really look like, andHow to protect your business from liability.Whether you'r...

Sustainability and ESG are now essential considerations for businesses of all sizes, but rapidly evolving reporting requirements mean there are a number of strategic implications to consider. Yi Zheng, a sustainability and ESG specialist at Saffery joins host, Jamie Lane, to explain current and upcoming reporting frameworks and explore how sustainability can create business value that is far beyond compliance. They discuss: What sustainability and ESG actually mean – and their relevance to yo...

In this episode, Jamie Lane is joined by Mark Duhig, HR Director at Saffery, to discuss the ever-changing world of recruitment and retention. Professional services firms are people-based businesses; having a workforce that’s skilled to meet a business’ requirements is key to its ongoing success. In addition to exploring the role leadership has to play throughout the recruitment and retention process, they cover: Current market conditions and how recruitment activity has softened post-pandem...