Ballards - Sound Advice

Hosted by Ballards - Tax \ Audit \ Consultancy

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Latest episode

Nov 2025

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EN-GB

About the show

The Ballards' Sound Advice podcast. Straight-talking insight on finance, tax, and business advisory from a team that does more than just accountancy. Based in the Midlands, working with businesses across the UK and internationally.

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34 recent

November 27, 202537 min

Decoding the 2025 Budget: What it really means for your money

In this special edition of the Ballards Sound Advice Podcast, host Steven Jones is joined by Ben Allman, Partner at Ballards LLP, and Emma Clewes, Tax Director at Ballards LLP, to cut through the complexity of the Chancellor's latest budget.With tax thresholds frozen until 2031, rising property and savings taxes, and major changes to pensions and dividends, this budget affects everyone. Ben and Emma explain what it means for your take-home pay, retirement plans, and business decisions - and whether the tax burden is being shared fairly. Essential listening for employees, business owners, savers, and investors navigating the changing tax landscape.

June 6, 202514 min

The Digital Tax Shift: What Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Means for You

In this episode of Sound Advice, guest host Laura Barnwell, Director at Ballards LLP, sits down with Sarah Fletcher, Senior Tax Manager at Ballards LLP. Together, they delve into the topic of Making Tax Digital, exploring what it means for taxpayers and the upcoming changes set to impact Income Tax Self-Assessment.

March 13, 202533 min

Why You Should Outsource Your Accounts

Ben Allman hosts Ally McLaughin, Outsourced Finance Senior Manager from Ballards LLP, who demystifies financial outsourcing services. The episode covers what outsourced finance truly involves, dispelling misconceptions about who can benefit. Ally explores the digital revolution in accounting, highlighting the importance of electronic systems and real-time financial information for better business decisions.Through real-world examples, Ally illustrates both the costs of poor financial management and success stories of transformed businesses. He provides practical guidance on creating effective financial systems and transitioning to outsourced accounting. The conversation concludes with key benefits, implementation strategies, and resources for listeners interested in Ballards LLP's services.

February 3, 202527 min

Understanding R&D Tax Relief: Making Successful Claims and What’s New

In this episode of Sound Advice from Ballard's Accountants, host Ben Allman explores the world of R&D claims with Jamie McLellan, R&D Senior Manager within Ballards. R&D tax relief can be a powerful tool for businesses, but navigating the claim process and staying up-to-date with the latest changes can be challenging. In this episode, we break down the essentials of R&D tax relief, offering practical advice on how to make successful claims. We also explore the key updates to regulations and what they mean for businesses. Discover more from Ballards LLP: Vist our websiteFollow us on LinkedIn

December 10, 202426 min

The Resilient Enterprise: Cyber Threats and Solutions

In our latest episode of Sound Advice, brought to you by Ballards LLP Chartered Accountants, host Ben Allman talks with Michelle Ohren, Director of the West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre. They discuss how businesses can navigate cybersecurity, including common pitfalls and strategies for improving business cyber resilience.

October 15, 202428 min

AI in Business - Opportunities, Challenges and Misconceptions

In this episode of Sound Advice from Ballard's Accountants, host Ben Allman explores the world of Artificial Intelligence with Ed Daniels, the lead developer at Mathison AI. They discuss AI's current applications across various industries, its potential impact on businesses of all sizes, and common misconceptions. Ed offers insights on how small businesses can leverage AI to compete with larger companies while highlighting important considerations like data security and the need for human oversight. This informative conversation provides valuable guidance for business owners and professionals seeking to understand and harness AI's potential in the modern business landscape.

September 24, 202428 min

Women in Accountancy

Listeners can tune in to a recording of our recent women in accounting webinar. Hosts Steven Jones and Lauren Townsend are joined by Laura Barnwell, Director at Ballards, Helen Rowland, Tax Senior at Ballards, Alex Moore, Account Manager at Ballards, and Aamirah Jama, Audit and Account Associate at Ballards. Together, they explore several key topics, including entering accountancy by discussing qualifications and education paths, as well as partner backgrounds at Ballards. They also discuss modernising accountancy's image, covering Ballards' approach to diversity, mentorship opportunities, and flexible work arrangements. The impact of flexible working on work-life balance in the post-COVID workplace is examined, and the group compares male and female leadership styles. They also advocate for careers in accountancy for women and discuss the key features and benefits of the Ballards Graduate Program.

August 12, 202416 min

CrowdStrike – What Happened?

Join Matthew Clarke, your host, and Bal Siyan, Fractional IT Director at Ballards, in the latest episode of the SoundAdvice Podcast as they discuss CrowdStrike. Bal explores the impact of recent events involving CrowdStrike, particularly in sectors like healthcare and airports, where outages have led to hesitation among companies considering their cybersecurity systems. Tune in to learn more about the situation and the lessons we can take away from it.

July 15, 202428 min

Boost Your Brand: The Essential Role of Marketing Agency

In the latest episode of the podcast Sound Advice, Ben Allman, a chartered accountant with Ballards LLP, interviews Jon Clough, the founder of Creative Folks, a web design and performance marketing agency. During the episode, Jon provides an in-depth look at Creative Folks, detailing the role and services of a marketing agency. He explains why businesses benefit from partnering with a creative agency and outlines what businesses can expect when engaging with such an agency for their marketing needs.

June 18, 202436 min

Stronger Teams, Better Business - Why Recruitment Matters

In our latest episode of Sound Advice, Ballards LLP chartered accountants, host Ben Allman talks with Emma Richardson, Managing Director at Four Squared Recruitment. They discuss why recruitment is important for your business, how to make the best hiring decisions, and effective interview techniques.