This episode of FFS is a really special one. We’re talking all about the AVN Awards  an incredible experience for me and the team at Chadwicks. We were absolutely thrilled (and a bit stunned!) to take home High Profile Practice, Changing Lives, and Most Inspiring Accountant. But this isn’t just about the awards, it’s about the journey that got us there. From starting during the pandemic to building a business with purpose and heart, I wanted to share what these wins truly mean for us and the amazing people behind them.

Now… let’s talk cashflow. Because nothing kills business buzz faster than a tax bill that hits harder than your Monday morning coffee. I’m not tackling this one alone, joining me is our wonderful Charlotte, our senior accountant. She’s here with battle-tested tips, real stories, and a little tough love to help you stay in control of your cash. From tax bill dread to forecasting like a finance pro, this episode will give you the confidence to grow without the panic sweats.

In this episode, Rachael sits down with Hannah Morgan from Circle Insurance Services to demystify one of the most overlooked but essential parts of running a business — insurance. From professional indemnity to cyber cover, they unpack what every business really needs, what’s often misunderstood, and what might just be a waste of money. Expect practical advice, real client stories, and plenty of plain-English explanations about everything from employers’ liability to business interruption and management liability insurance. If you’ve ever pushed insurance to the bottom of your to-do list, this episode might just change your mind — and save your business.

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest questions small business owners face: Should you go Limited or stay Sole Trader? We’ll unpack the pros, cons, and a few hidden HMRC quirks you’ll want to know about, plus, explore why Making Tax Digital could be a major shake-up for sole traders (and not necessarily for the better 👀).  

Are you working harder than ever, only to watch your earnings vanish into HMRC’s pockets? You’re not alone. We’re diving into real-world stories of smart restructuring that put serious money back where it belongs...in our clients hands. This could be the episode that changes how you think about tax forever.

From a challenging childhood and juggling paper rounds at 15, to single parenthood, career setbacks, and even starting her business from a back bedroom. Rachael's story is one of grit, resilience, and sheer determination. Fast forward to today, she’s an award-winning entrepreneur leading a thriving accountancy firm, with her sights firmly set on reaching £1 million turnover by 40. In this special episode, you’ll hear Rachael's story, which she recently shared as the keynote speaker at the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Women in Business event. This episode isn’t just about business. It’s about the lessons life throws at us, how setbacks can fuel success, and why culture and people matter just as much as profit. So, whether you’re running a business, chasing your own big goals, or just curious about the story behind the firm, you’re in for an inspiring conversation. Let’s dive into Rachael’s journey.

We all know that sinking feeling when a brown envelope from HMRC lands on the doormat. From confusing tax codes that look like Wi-Fi passwords, to VAT penalty points, corporation tax reminders, and dreaded self-assessment notices. Rachael is joined by Kristel, our onboarding ninja. Together, they cut through the jargon, share insider tips, and explain what those letters really mean. If you’ve ever been tempted to shove that envelope in a drawer and hope it disappears… this episode is for you. Prevention is always better (and cheaper!) than the cure.

We’re diving into the headlines around Angela Rayner’s resignation as Deputy PM and Housing Secretary, following revelations about underpaid stamp duty on her Hove flat. It’s a story with politics, ethics, and a few painful tax lessons – and we’re unpacking it all. We’ll also debate the big question: should a mistake like this cost a political career, or is it simply proof that even ministers should have got better advice? So whether you’re buying a second property, considering trusts, or just want to avoid costly tax traps, stick with us – because for finance’s sake, it’s always better to get advice before the headlines.

In today’s episode, Rachael’s tackling something every UK business owner needs to hear. This isn’t background noise or another piece of red tape to shove to the bottom of your to-do list. This is law. This is action. And it’s coming fast. From November 18th, Companies House is rolling out brand-new identity verification rules that will affect directors and anyone with significant control of a company. Miss it, and you’re risking fines, frozen bank accounts, or even your business being struck off the register.

Tax investigations aren’t just the stuff of financial nightmares – they’re becoming a reality for more and more business owners. This week, Rachael is joined by fellow accountant (and calm voice of reason) Shaun Caddick to pull back the curtain on what really happens when HMRC comes knocking. From first VAT returns that trigger red flags, to frozen cash flow, delayed refunds, and the crucial role of fee protection insurance, this episode is your survival guide. Packed with real client stories, myth-busting, and practical steps you can take right now, it’s all about staying calm, staying organised, and staying one step ahead of HMRC.

Rachael and Joanna dive into a topic that sparks fear in many business owners: Tax Investigations But don’t panic, this isn’t about shady dealings or stashing receipts in your freezer. Instead, we’re breaking down why HMRC might come knocking, the most common triggers we’ve seen in nearly 20 years of practice, and most importantly, how you can prevent it from happening to you. From VAT reclaims to IR35 pitfalls, spurned spouses tipping off HMRC, and even how your social media side hustle could land you in hot water, this episode is packed with real-world stories, practical advice, and just enough humour to make the subject bearable.

In today’s episode, "Tax Traps & Tangled Tales: What You Don’t Know Will Cost You", we’re diving into some of the most common – and costly – tax mistakes small business owners make. From surprise VAT bills to undeclared income and spending tax money that isn’t really yours, we’re breaking it all down. And joining Rachael is our resident “non-tax expert,” Beth Davis – aka the perfect civilian canary in the tax coal mine. She asks what you’re probably thinking, and trust me, she keeps it real.

When HR goes wrong, the financial consequences can be brutal. In this episode Rachael is joined by Fiona Godfrey, CEO of Inicio HR, to shine a spotlight on the hidden risks buried in your everyday people processes — and why even small oversights in HR can lead to major headaches for finance. From botched payroll handovers to IR35 misclassifications and overlooked right-to-work checks, they unpack the most common (and costly) HR mistakes that businesses make. The conversation also explores the rise of AI in recruitment, the legal expectations around supporting neurodiverse employees, and the surprising tax traps behind seemingly simple staff perks. If you’re an employer, accountant, or business leader, this episode is your essential guide to spotting risk early and staying one step ahead of compliance disasters.

Statutory pay. Yes, that glorious alphabet soup: SSP, SMP, SPP, SHPP, SAP. Confused already? You're not alone. Whether you're an employer trying to stay on the right side of HMRC, or an employee wondering what you're actually entitled to, this episode is for you. Rachael is joined by fellow director and payroll expert Christopher Harrison, and together they are cutting through the red tape to help you avoid costly mistakes, unexpected payroll headaches, and those dreaded compliance letters from HMRC. So if you’ve ever asked, “Do I really have to pay for that?” or “Can I reclaim this from HMRC?” grab a notebook, because we’re breaking down the Big Five types of statutory pay, the most common traps employers fall into, and how to get it right without losing your mind or your money.

In this episode, we're diving into something that sounds dry as toast... but is actually the secret sauce to scaling your business properly: budgeting for new hires. Yep, we’re talking salaries, hidden costs, and the stuff most business owners forget until it’s biting them in the balance sheet. Joining me in the spreadsheet trenches is Julia – our resident number whisperer who’s seen more hiring budgets than most people have had hot dinners. From pensions and onboarding to the hidden costs of cultural misfits and oat milk subscriptions, we’re covering it all. If you’re thinking about expanding your team, or if you've ever learned a hiring lesson the hard way – this one's for you.

We’re back with Part 2 of our property series! Rachael is once again joined by our in-house tax expert, Monty, to unpack how to structure your property investment the smart way and steer clear of expensive mistakes. If you’re considering buying an investment property, this episode is essential listening. We explore the tax pros and cons of owning property in your personal name, jointly, or through a limited company, and highlight the common pitfalls that can lead to serious cash flow issues. Whether you’re dipping your toes in as a side-hustle investor or building towards becoming a full-time landlord, this episode is packed with honest advice, practical strategies and a few unfiltered pet peeves you’ll definitely want to hear.

This week, we’re diving into Furnished Holiday Lets – once the ultimate tax-savvy investment for landlords, now caught in a perfect storm of rule changes, council crackdowns, and a not-so-little platform called Airbnb. Are FHLs still a smart move in 2025? Or are they turning into a money pit with a smile? We’ll unpack everything from tax rule shakeups and the death of Business Property Relief, to why your cleaner could make or break your investment. If you're thinking about buying a holiday let or already own one, you’ll want to hear this.

This episode lands during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the conversations we too often avoid, especially in industries where toughness is worn like a badge of honour. Today, we’re tackling a subject that affects more people than we realise, but rarely gets the airtime it deserves: mental health in the workplace, particularly for men. We’re incredibly grateful to be joined by a brilliant panel: 🛠️ Scott Walker, Managing Director at A W Walker Building Contractors, who’s breaking the silence on-site and sharing his personal journey with anxiety.📊 Christopher Harrison, Director at Chadwick Accountants, who opens up about the pressures of leadership and the stigma he faced around mental health.💬 And the unstoppable Kristel Pari, our Client Account Manager and wellbeing advocate, who knows how to spot the signs and support the people behind the roles. From dark humour in construction to the quiet stress behind closed office doors, this conversation gets honest, sometimes heavy, but always hopeful.

In this Property Series, Rachael is joined by one of our Senior Accountants at Chadwicks, James (Monty) Montague and we’re asking the big question: So you think you're a property investor? Or… is your buy-to-let dream actually a cash-draining nightmare? We break down the real costs of property investment, challenge some dangerous myths, and explain why your tenants aren’t actually paying your mortgage. Whether you're already investing or just thinking about it, this episode will help you run the numbers before your finances run away from you.

Today, we’re diving into the career of Colin Parselle, a finance leader who made it to FD in his early 30s, steered companies through crises like Travel liquidation during COVID, and isn’t afraid to talk about failures, imposter syndrome, and what it really takes to succeed. Colin shares lessons that every finance professional and business owner needs to hear, from making bold career leaps and leading through tough times. Not forgetting, guilty financial pleasures, dream CFO swaps, and why buying a 20-year-old BMW might not be the smartest investment.