ASK JT

After two months off, Justin's back. And he's not here to add to the noise. If you've searched Making Tax Digital on YouTube recently, you'll have seen the same thing everywhere — penalties, nightmares, HMRC crackdowns. Justin spent those three months writing a book about MTD instead. It hit the Top 100 finance books in the UK. Which told him something: people aren't looking for more panic. They're looking for clarity. This episode is that clarity. Making Tax Digital Without the Panic is available now. It's not just a book — scan the QR code inside and you get a setup walkthrough, a landlord incorporation fact sheet, and live updates as HMRC clarifies the rules. Top 100 finance books in the UK on Amazon. Get it here: https://amzn.eu/d/0fbxo9Ss

If you want to modernise your business systems, marketing and onboarding, learn more about working with me at askjt.co.uk. How do you produce YouTube videos, podcasts, blogs, social posts and PDFs without a marketing team? In this episode, JT takes you behind the scenes of his exact AI and automation setup. Justin explains how one core idea each week becomes a full content system that runs quietly in the background. You’ll learn: - Why one message in many formats beats constant new ideas - How JT scripts videos faster using voice notes and AI - How Riverside turns one recording into video, audio, shorts and text - How ChatGPT helps with scripts, titles, thumbnails and even code - How Zapier automates podcast and YouTube promotion to LinkedIn - How JT creates high quality PDFs using ChatGPT and Gamma - Why automation is the difference between consistency and burnout This episode isn’t about content creation. It’s about system design. And how small business owners can use modern tools to look far bigger than they really are. 

This week I was invited to a student trade show at Northumbria University. I expected a few posters and half-formed ideas. I walked out seeing something much bigger. The problems student entrepreneurs face on day one are the same problems small business owners face ten years later. And the good news is, most of them are avoidable. In this episode I share the real startup lessons that came out of the room, including: • Why your next sale almost always comes from someone who has already bought from you • Why early-stage founders waste time and money on £70k app builds • How tools like Bolt.new, Replit and AI help you build prototypes fast • Why you need people who challenge your assumptions • How universities are full of resources most founders never use • What Lean Startup really means in the real world • Why mentoring can save you from expensive mistakes • The one trait I saw that almost always predicts who will succeed There’s a hidden crossover between academia and business that most people miss. When you learn how to use it, you get shortcuts that others never see.

You finish a job, send the invoice, and the client never gets it. You resend it, and it lands in spam. It’s annoying, but it’s also costing small businesses thousands every year. In this episode, Justin Turner explains why it’s not your email system that’s broken — it’s your DNS. He breaks down what DNS actually is (in simple terms), how it links to your website and email, and why missing settings like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC could be quietly damaging your reputation and cash flow. Justin also shares how to take control of your domain, the role of Cloudflare as a modern business tool, and what questions to ask your IT or web provider today.If you're interested in modernising your business, check out my website - www.askjt.co.uk.

This week I share the automation that changed my accountancy firm. It’s simple, repeatable and it freed us from hours of admin. One week Zapier told me we’d automated 360 tasks, and Mailchimp added another 40 emails. Four hundred actions done for us. No mistakes. No prompts. No stress. In this episode I explain why automation beats AI for repeatable work, how it fits into your business, and how you can build the systems you need to modernise your own operations. Links and resources: - Download the onboarding Zap guide here: askjt.co.uk/zap - Apply for a Modernisation Diagnostic: askjt.co.uk/modernisation-diagnostic

Most Budget breakdowns tell you what changed. This episode tells you what to do about it. JT explains how the 2024 and 2025 Budgets quietly combine into one long rolling tax plan that hits small business owners between now and 2031. You’ll learn the real impact on wages, payroll, dividend tax, rental income, pensions, and the new salary sacrifice cap coming in 2029. More importantly, you’ll get practical steps to protect your income, plan ahead, and avoid getting caught by stealth taxes. In this episode: The big picture — why 2024 and 2025 form one long tax plan Employer NI, wage rises, and what small firms must do in 2025/26 Director pay planning ahead of the April 2026 dividend tax rise Salary sacrifice changes from 2029 and why they matter The new pension & inheritance tax issue coming in 2027 Dividend, savings, and rental tax rises through 2026–2027 Capital allowance changes from January 2026 Hidden updates: PAYE changes, MTD soft landing, EV mileage rules and JT’s five-point action plan for small business owners Useful links AskJT Modernisation Diagnostic: https://www.askjt.co.uk/modernisation-diagnostic

Struggling to pay your tax bill? You’re not alone. In 2010, I owed HMRC £20,000 and even had a debt officer at my door. In this episode, I share the five steps you must take right now if you can’t pay your tax bill. These strategies will help you stop penalties, protect your business, and give you the breathing space you need. We’ll cover: 1️⃣ How to talk to HMRC the right way 2️⃣ Why filing early matters — even if you can’t pay 3️⃣ When finance makes sense 4️⃣ Identifying the root causes behind tax problems 5️⃣ Tax planning so it never happens again If you’re losing sleep over your tax bill, this episode will help you take back control. 🔔 Subscribe to AskJT for more plain-English advice on small business, tax, and finance.

If you’re working six days a week and still wondering where the money’s gone, this episode is for you. Justin shares the story of a tradesman who was ready to give up — working every day, quoting on weekends, and still earning less than he would as an employee. But the problem wasn’t effort. It was the system. This isn’t just for tradespeople — it’s for anyone who’s tired of being busy but broke. If you want to earn more without adding hours, this episode will help you rebuild your business around smarter systems, not more effort.

Year-end doesn’t have to be chaos. In this episode, Justin breaks down 7 practical year-end checks that help UK small business owners save tax, free up cash, and stay in control before the books close. From pensions and tax forecasting to director’s loans, capital spending, and dividends — you’ll learn exactly what to review, when to act, and how to walk into next year stress-free. If you’ve ever had that last-minute panic call with your accountant, this one’s for you.

Is AI coming for accountants? Software like Xero and QuickBooks makes bookkeeping easier, but there’s a big difference between processing numbers and giving real advice. In this episode, I explain why technology can’t replace human accountants — from talking to HMRC, to understanding your goals, to helping you sleep at night. AI can automate admin, but it doesn’t bring years of experience, judgment, or professional indemnity cover. If you’re a small business owner, this will help you see where accountants add value and why the human touch still matters.

Guest: 👩‍💼 Carol Butts — Accelerate HR LinkedIn | Search “Carol Butts Accelerate HR” Email: [email protected] Most small businesses only think about HR once something’s already gone wrong but by then, it’s often too late. In this episode of Ask JT, Justin sits down with Carol Butts, founder of Accelerate HR, to unpack the everyday HR traps that quietly cost small employers money and time. From missing contracts to messy probations and zero-hours confusion, they explore the simple, practical steps that keep your business safe and your team running smoothly. You’ll hear: - The top 3 preventable HR mistakes that small businesses make every week -Why “no contract = no rights” is a costly myth - The truth about probation periods, zero-hours contracts and redundancy rules - What an HR specialist really costs — and why it’s often cheaper than a tribunal - How AI tools like ChatGPT are changing grievance letters - 3 quick wins that cut 80 % of your HR risk this week  

Learn how UK “trivial benefits” work: the £50 per-occasion rule, the £300 director cap, and how to use non-cash gift cards for staff without triggering PAYE/P11D. Clear do’s/don’ts, per-head averaging, and when a PSA can rescue mistakes. Actionable, fast, and HMRC-compliant.

A client asked me recently: “Justin, how do you stay so motivated?” Here’s the truth: I don’t. Some days I’m tired, some days I’m low on energy. But after 20 years of running businesses — from my accountancy firm, to a letting agency, to AskJT — I’ve learned that motivation isn’t what gets results. In this episode I share: Why motivation is unreliable (and why you shouldn’t depend on it) The goals and systems that keep me moving when energy runs out A client story about how delegation and systems gave him more time with his family How purpose makes discipline stick when motivation disappears If you’re a business owner waiting to “feel motivated,” this episode will show you what really works. 👉 Subscribe to the AskJT Podcast for weekly tips on business growth, tax, and finance.

Every small business reaches the point where you ask: should I hire? In this episode, I share the honest truth about taking on your first employee, why most of us are bad managers at the start, and how to avoid the biggest mistakes. I talk about: Why you’ll probably be a bad employer at first (and that’s okay) Why stress and sick days are more about management than “lazy staff” The Nicola story – how I hired for grit, not CV Why profit dips before it grows Five lessons I’d give to anyone on the edge of hiring This isn’t theory — it’s what I’ve lived through running my own business, and the advice I give to clients in the same position.

If you’re great at what you do but struggle to turn enquiries into clients — this episode is for you. Justin shares the exact sales engine he built inside his accountancy firm that now closes 86% of leads, without pushy tactics, awkward scripts, or time-wasting calls. You’ll hear the story of Tom — a small business owner with a fantastic marketing setup but a painful 15% conversion rate. After working with Justin and implementing these strategies, Tom’s conversion rate jumped to over 78%. This isn’t theory. It’s practical, proven, and doable — even if you think you're “not good at sales.” 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why giving something away (the right way) builds trust fast How a boring checklist can transform your client onboarding The hidden power of asking for reviews at the right moment Why likeability, authority, and belonging matter more than you think How scarcity — used honestly — makes people act What changes when you stop winging it and build a system that sells for you 🔁 Apply this to your business and you'll shift from chasing work to attracting the right clients — with confidence and consistency. 📚 Want to dive deeper into the psychology behind these tactics? Grab Justin’s book The Science of Business on Amazon. 👉 For more weekly business tips, tools, and unfiltered lessons from the real world, subscribe to the AskJT Podcast and follow @AskJT_uk on your platform of choice.

Every week, I see small business owners wasting thousands on marketing that will never work — and the worst part? The mistakes are completely avoidable. In this episode, I share the 5 most common marketing mistakes I see in my accountancy practice, and how you can fix them to stop the leaks and start winning more customers. We’ll cover: Why not collecting customer emails is costing you thousands How to use education to build trust (and sales) The biggest mindset shift you need to make about your marketing Why giving people too much information kills your campaigns How to track results so you stop guessing and start making smart decisions Whether you’re a florist, tradesperson, café owner, or consultant, these tips will help you turn wasted spend into profitable marketing.

In this episode of the AskJT Podcast, I’m joined once again by business coach, TEDx speaker, and author Dave Rogers for a deep dive into how technology is reshaping the way small businesses operate and where the human touch still matters most. We explore: Why delaying tech adoption could be costing your business more than you think The double-edged sword of AI and automation in small teams The tools we actually use in our own businesses (Slack, Loom, Zapier, Riverside, practice management systems) Whether tech enhances or stifles creativity and collaboration The customer service sweet spot between systems and soul 💬 Justin shares stories from his accountancy firm and a brilliant real-world example from a local butcher who nails customer service — without using a single piece of software. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by tech, or wondered if AI is worth the hype, this is a grounded, real-world conversation that cuts through the noise. About Dave Rogers: Dave is the founder of fuelfitandfire.com, a business coach, and author of Fueled, Fit and Fired Up, a practical guide to mental and physical wellbeing in business. Connect with him on LinkedIn 🔔 Subscribe to the AskJT Podcast for honest advice on small business growth, finance, and future-proofing your business.

Most self-employed people in the UK have no pension savings at all. And it's no surprise — the early days of saving feel painfully slow. But what if you knew exactly when the magic starts? In this episode, Justin Turner from AskJT breaks down the game-changing concept of scale of capital, the tipping point where your investments start to work harder than you do. We cover the exact timelines for when your savings start compounding faster than you can contribute. Using real-world examples at £100 and £300/month, this episode walks you through what happens at year 7, year 14, year 23 and why you might earn £100,000 in just two years near the end of your savings journey.

In this episode of the AskJT podcast, Justin Turner dives into why electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming company car schemes and how business owners can make the most of it. Learn how EVs create massive tax advantages through benefit-in-kind rules, salary sacrifice schemes, and corporation tax savings. Justin also explains how offering EVs can boost staff retention, lower fuel costs, and reduce your business’s carbon footprint. 🚗 Topics covered: Why the benefit-in-kind rate on EVs is a game changer (currently just 3%) How salary sacrifice schemes work and why they benefit both employer and employee VAT, corporation tax, and NI savings explained Real-life examples from Justin’s own business and clients Challenges with charging, apps, and infrastructure (and how to handle them) Whether you're a director looking to save on tax, or an employee exploring your options, this episode gives you a clear, honest take on why EVs are the future of fleet and company car policy. 🔋 Subscribe for more tax-smart business ideas every week.

This week, Justin shares a story that sounds like it’s straight out of a Black Mirror episode, but it really happened. On the day he paid off his mortgage, Justin decided to test HSBC’s voice recognition security system. Instead of using his real voice, he used an AI-generated voice clone, created using ElevenLabs and was granted full access to his account. Twice. In this episode, we explore: How biometric voice security works (or doesn’t) What happened when Justin told HSBC what he’d done Why this matters for small business owners How AI voice clones are easier to make than you think Practical steps to protect your team and your business from deepfake threats 🔒 If your business relies on voice authentication or phone-based approval, you’ll want to hear this. If this episode gets you thinking (or makes your stomach turn), hit subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your voice might not be as private as you think...

In this episode of the AskJT podcast, I’m joined by TEDx speaker, business coach and author Dave Rogers to unpack the very real challenges facing small business owners in today’s economic climate and what to do about them. We talk rising wages, inflation, and cost pressures — and how to respond with smart pricing, customer service, and strategic collaboration. We also dive into: Why growing revenue isn’t always enough when profits are falling The only 3 ways to grow a business (and why all 3 are hard right now) How to diversify your income without losing your focus The power of collaborations and one simple example involving two plumbers. We talk about grants, apprenticeships, and the untapped opportunity in levy transfers. It’s a candid conversation about resilience, mindset, and practical strategy with examples from both of our clients, and some personal stories too. About Dave Rogers: Dave is the founder of fuelfitandfire.com, a business coach, and author of Fueled, Fitted and Fired Up, a book focused on emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: Dave Rogers – The Business Explorer Subscribe for more real-world small business strategy each week. Got a question or topic suggestion? Drop me a message.

When my tenant gave up on her dream of opening a florist shop, I didn’t chase rent or walk away. I offered her £3,000, three months' rent-free, a free accountancy service, and my help in opening the business within one week. This episode isn’t about flowers. It’s about how I think about risk, momentum, and mentorship. Inside, I share: Why I offered equity and what I wanted How I’d get a business trading in 7 days using free and low-cost tools The conversation that changed everything (and why she didn’t take the deal) Why business isn’t about perfect plans, it’s about getting going If you’re stuck between “safe” and “ready,” or know someone who is; this one’s for you.

In this episode of the AskJT podcast, Justin reflects on two decades of building businesses and asks the honest question every small business owner should consider: how much is enough? He shares why growing to a team of 9 in his accountancy firm brought security, freedom, and better service, but also why pushing beyond that now feels less rewarding and far more risky. We cover: Why growth to a point brings benefits (like holidays without income cliff-edges) How taxes, red tape, and apprenticeship changes make further expansion harder to justify The tipping point where extra revenue gets crushed by tax and admin Smart ways to de-risk your life using green tech, ISAs, electric cars and debt paydown The lifestyle-business crossover: how to design for meaning, not just margins If you’re at a crossroads in your business this is for you.

If you’re a landlord earning over £30,000 a year from rental income, there’s a big change coming and many property owners still haven’t heard of it. From April 2026, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax becomes mandatory for landlords earning over £50,000. If your rental income is between £30,000–£50,000, you’ll be brought into the system from April 2027. In this episode, I break down exactly: What MTD for landlords is (and isn’t) How HMRC calculates whether you’re caught What records you’ll need to keep Why “just using a spreadsheet” won’t cut it The systems I recommend for getting compliant without drowning in admin I also explain why most landlords are under-prepared, how to get ahead now, and why this isn’t just about tax, it’s about running your property business properly.

If you're a sole trader earning over £30,000 a year, big changes are coming. HMRC is rolling out Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax — and it’s going to change how you report your income forever. In this episode, Justin breaks down what MTD means in plain English: Who it applies to (and when) What you’ll need to submit (and how often) What software you’ll need And why it’s best to start preparing now, even if your deadline is 2027 This isn’t just a tax admin headache — it’s a chance to modernise your business processes and take control of your finances. 🎧 You’ll also hear Justin’s tips on apps, bank accounts, and how to avoid a last-minute panic. Plus, there's a link to a free downloadable fact sheet packed with even more info. ✅ Whether you’re ready or not, MTD is coming. This episode will help you face it with confidence.

We all trust professionals with our finances, but what happens when that trust is misplaced? In this episode, I share a real-life story of how a couple I work with almost lost their entire house deposit after taking investment advice that wasn’t what it seemed. You’ll hear exactly what went wrong, the red flags they missed, and most importantly what every investor should ask before transferring a single pound. Whether you’re investing for the first time or advising others, this is essential listening. 🎧 What’s inside: - The truth behind “asset-backed” schemes - How regulated advice gets blurred with personal recommendations - 5 key lessons that could protect your life savings 👉 If you’ve ever thought, “That looks like a great return”—this episode is for you.

Major changes to apprenticeship funding and structure are coming in 2025 and 2026 — and they could seriously impact how small businesses train and develop their teams. In this episode, Justin breaks down exactly what’s changing, including: The £2,000 employer incentive for foundation apprenticeships (Aug 2025) Funding cuts for Level 7 apprenticeships for over-22s (Jan 2026) The new minimum 8-month apprenticeship duration How prior learning will reduce training length and cost Upcoming rewrites of assessment plans starting April 2025 If you're hiring, training, or managing apprentices in your business, this is essential listening. Get the facts, understand the risks, and prepare your strategy before the funding window changes.

We've all heard the hype: “AI will kill jobs,” “ChatGPT is replacing accountants,” “Robots are taking over.” But here’s what I’ve learned running my own firm — AI isn’t a threat to small business owners. It’s an opportunity. In this episode, I break down the actual ways I’m using AI in my day-to-day business operations. From building a prototype web app in 20 minutes, to automating content, to custom GPTs that write tax advice in my voice — I’m not experimenting anymore. I’m deploying AI to save time, deliver better service, and grow smarter. You’ll learn: - How a client built a working app in Replit with AI - The tools I use to automate my podcast production - How I created two voice clones (and why one sounds southern) - What most people get wrong about ChatGPT in business - Why you should stop playing with AI and start investing in it

In this episode, Justin breaks down one of the biggest questions property investors face: Should you buy rental property through a limited company or hold it personally? Justin explains: The key tax differences between personal and company ownership How Section 24 impacts landlords The benefits of full mortgage interest relief inside a company When a company structure makes sense for landlords planning to build a portfolio The extra admin costs and double taxation risks to watch for What happens if you try to transfer existing properties into a company A worked example comparing both approaches with real tax calculations If you're a landlord or property investor trying to make sense of company structures, this episode will give you a clear, practical guide to the pros and cons. For tailored advice on your personal situation, always speak to a professional adviser. Subscribe to the AskJT Podcast for weekly episodes covering tax, finance and business tips for UK small business owners and directors.

Welcome to the very first episode of the AskJT Podcast. I’m Justin Turner, accountant, business owner, author and founder of AskJT. In this short introductory episode, I’ll explain what the AskJT Podcast is all about, who it is for, and what you can expect in future episodes. My goal is simple: to give practical tax, finance and business advice specifically for UK small business owners and directors, based on real-world experience. Whether you are looking for advice on tax planning, efficiency, business growth or simply making better financial decisions, this podcast is here to help. New episodes will be published weekly, covering everything from director pensions, HMRC rule changes, property taxation, inheritance tax, business efficiency tips and much more. Subscribe now and join me as we make business simpler, more profitable and less stressful.