Accountancy Insights

• Behind the numbers: Appraising Starmer’s Labour

  In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the hits and misses of the Labour government’s first year in power. While there have been some clear wins over the past 12 months, particularly on the international stage, domestic politics have felt far less controlled. Our panel evaluates the previous year, as well as suggesting where the government goes from here as it enters its second year. Host Philippa Lamb is joined by Iain Wright, ICAEW’s Chief Policy and Communications Officer; Frances Haque, Santander UK’s Chief Economist; and David Williamson, Chief Political Commentator at the Daily Express. Links ICAEW: Economy hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economyICAEW Policy: How the government can deliver growth: https://www.icaew.com/about-icaew/regulation-and-the-public-interest/policy/how-the-government-can-deliver-growth  HostPhilippa Lamb GuestsIain Wright, Chief Policy and Communications Officer, ICAEWFrances Haque, Chief Economist, Santander UKDavid Williamson, Chief Political Commentator, Daily Express ProducerNatalie Chisholm Episode first published: 14 July 2025Podcast recorded: 7 July 2025

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• Accountancy Insights: Inside the Industrial Strategy and navigating VAT reform

  In this episode, we discuss the government’s new Industrial Strategy and, in particular, its sector plan for professional and business services with Iain Wright, ICAEW Chief Policy and Communications Officer. Iain is Chair of the Professional and Business Services Council, which has worked closely with government in devising the final plans. We also met speakers at ICAEW’s How to Fix VAT conference on 18 June 2025 to learn about the complexity of the UK’s VAT system and the obstacles to reforming the tax. Those interested in sharing their views on the Industrial Strategy can contact Iain Wright by emailing [email protected]. Time codes00:42 Inside the Industrial Strategy22:46 Navigating VAT reform LinksICAEW: Industrial strategy – four changes to boost professional services: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/jun-2025/industrial-strategy-four-changes-to-boost-professional-services ICAEW: Industrial and Infrastructure Strategies – key measures at a glance: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/jun-2025/industrial-and-infrastructure-strategies-at-a-glance ICAEW: Government reveals ambitions for key sectors: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/jun-2025/government-reveals-ambitions-for-key-sectors ICAEW: UK government backs services in Trade Strategy: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/jun-2025/uk-government-backs-services-in-trade-strategy ICAEW: VAT hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/vat  HostPhilippa Lamb GuestsIain Wright, Chief Policy and Communications Officer, ICAEWMax Schofield, Barrister, Devereux ChambersRebecca Porter, CEO, The VAT TeamJohn Whiting CBE, Former Tax Director, Office of Tax SimplificationYige Zu, Associate Professor, Durham UniversityDennis Lui, CEO, Tax Academy of SingaporeEd Saltmarsh, Technical Manager, VAT and Customs, ICAEWProducerNatalie Chisholm  Episode first published: 8 July 2025Podcast recorded: 1 July 2025

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• Behind the numbers: Investment risk - lessons from Russia

  In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss how businesses can best navigate geopolitical risk. With the Trump administration’s push for tariffs, and wars taking place in Europe and the Middle East, doing business internationally is increasingly unpredictable. We explore the lessons learned from Russia’s recent history – beginning with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 all the way through to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 – and the strategies that businesses can put in place to move quickly should similar risks materialise. Host Philippa Lamb is joined by Peter van Veen, ICAEW Director of Corporate Governance and Stewardship, and Charles Hecker, author and risk analyst.  Links ICAEW: Corporate governance resources: https://www.icaew.com/technical/corporate-governance ICAEW: Ukraine crisis central resource hub: https://www.icaew.com/insights/insights-specials/ukraine-crisis-central-resource-hub  HostPhilippa Lamb GuestsPeter van Veen, Director, Corporate Governance and Stewardship, ICAEWCharles Hecker, author and risk analyst ProducerNatalie Chisholm Episode first published: 20 June 2025Podcast recorded: 13 June 2025

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• Accountancy Insights: Supporting SME growth and professional judgement in audit

  In this episode, we discuss how SMEs can pursue growth in today’s environment of economic uncertainty, as well as explaining how auditors should be fulfilling their responsibilities to exercise professional judgement and scepticism. Philippa Lamb is joined by start-up consultant Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam and Rhodri Whitlock, Director at HPL Associates. Time codes00:33 Supporting SME growth08:37 Professional judgement in audit LinksICAEW Scale-Up Live 2025: https://events.icaew.com/pd/31049/scale-up-live-2025ICAEW: The importance of people and culture when scaling up: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/apr-2025/the-importance-of-people-and-culture-when-scaling-upICAEW Audit and Assurance: Professional judgement resources: https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/professional-judgementICAEW Audit and Assurance: Professional scepticism resources: https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/professional-scepticism  HostPhilippa Lamb GuestsRomesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Founder, The FD ConsultantRhodri Whitlock, Director, HPL Associates ProducerNatalie Chisholm  Episode first published: 13 June 2025Podcast recorded: 5 June 2025

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• Behind the Numbers: Rebuilding trust in volatile times

  Accountancy Insights is celebrating its 100th episode. To mark the occasion, we’ve brought together experts from across business, politics and technology to look at a fundamental problem that’s holding back economic growth: trust. Just how deep is the trust crisis in business and institutions that we hear so much about? And how can it possibly be rebuilt as economic volatility persists? We set the scene by discussing President Trump’s recent trade negotiations. Next, as Marks & Spencer continues to grapple with its near-catastrophic cyber attack, we explore how businesses can best protect themselves against the escalating risk of cybercrime. And finally, we speak with ICAEW Chief Executive Alan Vallance and Baroness Margaret Ford, Chair of the newly launched Centre for Public Interest Audit, on remedying the impact of high-profile corporate failures on public confidence in business. This episode is available in both audio and video formats. Join thousands who have already subscribed to Accountancy Insights so that you never miss an episode. Time codes01:19 Navigating trade and tariffs20:47 Guarding against cybercrime30:05 Strengthening public confidence49:57 Final thoughts Links ICAEW Economy hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economyICAEW Cyber Security hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/technology/cyber-security ICAEW Trust and Ethics hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/trust-and-ethicsThe Centre for Public Interest Audit: https://www.cpia.org.uk  HostPhilippa Lamb GuestsAlan Vallance, Chief Executive Officer, ICAEWBaroness Margaret Ford, Chair, The Centre for Public Interest AuditIain Wright, Chief Policy and Communications Officer, ICAEWFrances Haque, Chief Economist, Santander UKDavid Williamson, Chief Political Commentator, Sunday ExpressPaul Munson, EU Compliance Lead, Rippling ProducerNatalie Chisholm Episode first published: 30 May 2025Podcast recorded: 20 May 2025

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