The VAT Fight That Could Save British Hospitality: Adam Hyman on Restaurants, High Streets and The Good Food Guide

The VAT Fight That Could Save British Hospitality: Adam Hyman on Restaurants, High Streets and The Good Food Guide

In this episode of SRLV’s Not Just a Number, Partner and Executive Chairman Marc Voulters sits down with Adam Hyman, founder of CODE Hospitality and owner of The Good Food Guide, to discuss the state of British hospitality, the pressure facing restaurants, pubs and cafés, and the growing campaign to reduce VAT for the sector. Adam is one of the most connected voices in UK hospitality. Through CODE Hospitality, his industry newsletter and platform reaches tens of thousands of people across restaurants, food, drink and hotels. He is also the custodian of The Good Food Guide, one of Britain’s most respected restaurant guides, which has been championing great places to eat since 1951. The episode focuses on one of the biggest issues facing the sector today, the cost of doing business. Adam and Marc discuss the impact of Brexit, Covid, rising employment costs, national insurance changes, energy prices, reduced consumer spending and the pressure these challenges have placed on restaurants, pubs, cafés and hotels across the UK. A key focus of the episode is the “VAT’s The Problem” campaign, backed by major hospitality figures including Tom Kerridge, which is calling for VAT on hospitality to be reduced from 20% to 10%. Adam explains why VAT is seen as one of the clearest levers government could use to help hospitality businesses survive, protect jobs, support the high street and keep local communities alive. Discussion points in this episode include: * Adam Hyman’s route into hospitality and why restaurants became a lifelong passion * How CODE Hospitality grew from a small industry bulletin into a major UK hospitality platform * Why British hospitality has faced years of pressure from Brexit, Covid, inflation and rising costs * The case for reducing VAT for restaurants, pubs, cafés and hotels * Why the “VAT’s The Problem” VAT campaign is gaining traction across the industry * How hospitality supports jobs, young people, local communities and the high street * Why restaurants are about more than food and drink - they are about experience, service and connection * The shift away from formal fine dining towards neighbourhood restaurants, pubs and informal dining * Why The Good Food Guide moved from print to digital * How The Good Food Guide continues to champion the best places to eat across Britain Key Moments: 0:00 – Why British hospitality needs urgent support 00:40 – Introducing Adam Hyman, CODE Hospitality and The Good Food Guide 02:00 – Adam’s early love of restaurants and the buzz of hospitality 05:39 – From university and commercial property to the restaurant world 08:00 – Jeremy King’s advice and Adam’s first step into hospitality 10:22 – How CODE Hospitality started as an industry newsletter 11:47 – Growing CODE from 30 readers to 70,000 hospitality professionals 18:05 – The biggest challenges facing restaurants, pubs and cafés today 21:05 – How national insurance, wages and rising costs have hit hospitality 22:56 – Why UK hospitality VAT is so high compared with parts of Europe 24:55 – The “VAT’s The Problem” campaign to cut hospitality VAT from 20% to 10% 26:01 – Why restaurant closures threaten jobs, communities and high streets 28:14 – Why hospitality gives young people vital work and life skills 31:21 – Restaurants, pubs and cafés as the heart of local communities 33:15 – Hospitality trends: neighbourhood dining, pubs with food and experience-led restaurants 37:15 – The Good Food Guide, its history and its move from print to digital Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLP Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. Produced by SRLV - one of London’s leading boutique advisory firms - the show goes far beyond tax and accounting to bring a unique perspective on business, innovative thinking and leadership from the people shaping global industries, including music, entertainment, technology, consumer brands, hospitality and private wealth. Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, top tips and trends - from scaling companies and international relocations to creative rights, hospitality, tax, finance and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are friends of our business and so much more than “just a number”. People and relationships always come first at SRLV. [Disclaimer] This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP's own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.

Music IP, Estate Planning and Catalogue Sales: Colin Newman on Protecting Royalties, Rights and Creative Wealth

In this episode of SRLV’s Not Just a Number, Director of Royalties Danny Fletcher sits down with Colin Newman, one of SRLV’s most experienced music industry specialists, to explore the complex world of music IP, estate planning, royalties, catalogue valuation and copyright ownership. Colin’s career spans decades across accountancy, business management, record labels, publishing, music rights and artist advisory. From starting out as a young accountant working with American jazz bands, pop groups and broadcasters, to building and selling a record label, Colin has spent his career working at the intersection of music, money, rights and relationships. In this conversation, Colin shares how his early love of records turned into a lifetime of helping artists, songwriters, estates and families understand the real value of their creative assets. He explains why music rights are not just financial assets, why proper estate planning is essential for successful artists and songwriters and why families often misunderstand how royalties, publishing income, master recordings and catalogue ownership work after death. The episode also explores the practical realities of valuing music catalogues, selling rights, understanding copyright terms, dealing with inheritance tax, negotiating with major labels and investment funds, and protecting beneficiaries from rushed decisions or poor advice. Colin explains why a catalogue sale is rarely just about the numbers, and why true value often depends on music knowledge, contract history, buyer appetite, market timing and trusted industry contacts. Discussion points in this episode include: * Building a record label and learning how music rights, licensing and distribution really work * Why music IP rights have grown significantly in value over recent decades * The importance of estate planning for artists, songwriters, producers and music industry professionals * How royalties are treated after death and why families often misunderstand income flows * Why music catalogues need proper documentation, contract reviews and rights analysis * The difference between publishing rights, master recordings and neighbouring rights * How catalogue valuations work and why multiples depend on more than historic earnings * How inheritance tax can affect estates holding valuable IP rights * How major labels, investment companies and catalogue buyers approach music rights acquisitions * Why SRLV’s music industry experience helps clients protect wealth, rights and legacy Key Moments: 00:00 – Music rights, royalties and “not just the numbers” 01:01 – Introducing Colin Newman and music industry accountancy 01:54 – Colin’s route into accountancy 04:56 – Working with 1960s music clients 08:00 – Recovering recording rights for artists 09:15 – Launching Action Replay and early compilation albums 12:14 – Buying record labels from liquidation 16:00 – Building trust with artists and restoring rights 19:00 – Estate planning for music IP 21:40 – How to value a music catalogue 23:58 – Why famous music estates end up in disputes 25:15 – US reversionary rights and UK copyright rules 31:00 – Why every music estate needs a “rights Bible” 33:00 – How music catalogue sales work 34:45 – Valuing catalogues using multiples of earnings 38:39 – What families misunderstand about royalties after death 39:45 – Should you sell a music catalogue sooner or later? 42:15 – Christmas songs, sync income and long-term royalty value 45:00 – Why multiple buyers matter in music catalogue sales 47:30 – Probate music IP values, tax mistakes and IHT planning 49:40 – Sync licensing and unpredictable catalogue value 54:20 – Don’t sign anything quickly after inheriting music rights 55:15 – Why doing nothing is not an estate planning strategy Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLP] to watch the full episode. Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. Produced by SRLV - one of London’s leading boutique advisory firms - the show goes far beyond tax and accounting to bring a unique perspective on business, innovative thinking and leadership from the people shaping global industries, including music, entertainment, technology, consumer brands, and private wealth. Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, top tips and trends - from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are friends of our business and so much more than “just a number”. People and relationships always come first at SRLV. [Disclaimer] This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP's own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.

The Truth About Music Business Today with Music Managers Forum Vice Chair Jill Hollywood

In this episode of SRLV’s Not Just a Number, Partner Grant Court sits down with Jill Hollywood, founder of Echo Beach Management and one of the most respected producer managers in the UK. Jill’s career spans iconic moments in British music, from the Britpop surge of the mid nineties to today’s data driven streaming world. She shares how she moved from journalism in Sydney to a role in A&R when she arrived in London, her years working under the legendary Jazz Summers at Big Life and the bold leap to launch Echo Beach. Jill explains how the industry has transformed for producers, songwriters and artists in the last twenty years and why streaming economics, AI and catalogue ownership are forcing a complete rethink of business models. She gives a candid look at the shrinking role of major labels, why independent development has become harder and why managers now carry more responsibility than ever. The conversation also explores the rise of female leaders in management, Jill’s new role as Vice Chair of the MMF and how the next generation can build sustainable careers in a crowded and fast moving landscape. Discussion points in this episode include:  * Breaking into the industry in the nineties and the reality of A&R * Working with Jazz Summers and the foundations of great management * The shift from label development to rights management * Why producers and songwriters are struggling with streaming economics * The impact of AI generated music and loss of creative income * How catalogue sales and rights valuation have changed the business * The growing pressure on managers to act as label, publisher and strategist * The rise of female leaders and what has improved in the industry * The value of the MMF and why community is essential * Advice for new managers and new talent entering the industry today Key Moments:  0:00 — Welcome & Guest Introduction: Jill Hollywood of Echo Beach Management 02:15 — Early Music Career: Journalist to London A&R 06:44 — 1990s Britpop: Major Label Talent Scouting Insights. Behind-the-scenes of London’s vibrant Britpop era 09:52 — Management Transition: From Telstar to Big Life Management with Jazz Summers  13:11 — Navigating Music Industry Change: Digital Disruption & Streaming 18:59 — Building Long-Term Client Partnerships & Roster Development 20:05 — Specialising as a Producer Manager Versus Artist Manager 23:33 — Songwriter & Producer Challenges in the Streaming Era 26:37 — Managing Music Rights, Catalogs & Label Partnerships. How catalog valuation, royalty maximization, and the shift in label strategies are reshaping music rights management. 29:38 — Solo Acts, Bands & Breaking New Artists Today 34:22 — The Rise of AI in Music Production 38:04 — Diversity, Gender Equality & Women in Music Management 42:27 — What is the Music Managers Forum (MMF)? 47:11 — Professionalising Music Management: Training & Certification 00:53:50 — Career Highlights & Building Number-One Records 00:58:03 — Advice for Aspiring Music Managers & Artists 01:00:47 — Echo Beach Management & What’s Next For Tackling Industry Change Through MMF Leadership. Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLP] to watch the full episode.  Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. Produced by SRLV - one of London’s leading boutique advisory firms - the show goes far beyond tax and accounting to bring a unique perspective on business, innovative thinking and leadership from the people shaping global industries, including music, entertainment, technology, consumer brands, and private wealth. Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, top tips and trends - from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are friends of our business and so much more than “just a number”. People and relationships always come first at SRLV. [Disclaimer] This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP's own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.

UK Budget Special: 2025 Tax Changes, Non Dom Rules, IHT, Property, Dividends and What It Means For You

In this Budget Special of Not Just A Number, Kieron Clement-Smith is joined by SRLV partners Steven Wren and Janice Lloyd to break down every major tax change announced in the Chancellor’s 2025 Budget. This is a must-listen episode for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, property owners, international clients, musicians, sports professionals, creatives and private families who need clarity on how the latest UK fiscal changes will impact their income, assets, business structures and long-term planning. From the freezing of income tax thresholds and dividend tax rises, to sweeping changes for non doms, new mansion tax rules, complex shifts in inheritance tax, crackdowns on image rights, updates to salary sacrifice, electric vehicle road charges, property tax reforms, and new rules around trusts, pensions and EMI schemes. If you want to know how the 2025 Budget influences your tax bill, your investments, your business, your estate planning, and your cross-border strategy, this is the episode to start with. UK Budget 2025 Topics Covered:  * The accidental early release of the Budget report and its market impact * Breakdown of the £26 billion in new tax rises and where it’s coming from * The “Big Freeze” on tax thresholds and why fiscal drag hits middle earners and HNWIs hardest * Dividend tax increases and what it means for entrepreneurs and OMBs * 2 percent rises to property income, savings, and rental profit taxes * Further tightening on landlords, SDLT and the push to cool the property market * Deep dive on the new mansion tax (high value council tax charge) and its impact on homeowners across the UK * What didn’t happen: inheritance tax reform, gift rule changes, and SDLT abolition rumours * Major updates to business property relief and why farmers are protesting * What the new rules mean for offshore trusts, relevant property charges and UHNW international families * Big changes for non doms, FIG regime realities, and the lack of aligned visa pathways * Tougher temporary non-resident rules for company dividends * Salary sacrifice cap and how pension tax planning will shift * Minimum wage and business rate changes hitting hospitality and retail * The end of tax-efficient image rights structures in sport and entertainment * EMI and EIS reforms - one of the few pieces of genuinely positive news * HMRC’s long-term strategy and why the experts expect “years of hissing” ahead Key Moments:  0:00 — Why Budget rumours and speculation damage business confidence 1:55 — The accidental early release of the Budget and why it was unprecedented 3:35 — Recap of last year’s major changes: CGT, SDLT, non dom regime overhaul 4:48 — Government strategy: announce rises early, implement them years later 5:30 — How Budget leaks created uncertainty in the property market and wider economy 6:54 — £26 billion tax rise explained and government fiscal headroom 7:45 — What wasn’t announced: inheritance tax, gifting rules, SDLT reform 9:59 — LLP national insurance rumours and why firms were concerned 11:40 — Exit tax fears and why many people considered leaving the UK 12:45 — FIG regime challenges and the lack of aligned visa routes 15:06 — The Big Freeze: tax thresholds frozen for a decade 16:21 — Why fiscal drag will push 25% of taxpayers into higher-rate status 17:46 — Dividend, savings and rental income tax rises 19:30 — How landlords and the property market are being targeted 20:54 — The mansion tax: charging homeowners £2.5k to £7.5k based on property value 22:04 — Impact on cash-poor but asset-rich homeowners 24:02 — Inheritance tax update: transferable £1m business/agricultural threshold 26:47 — Family businesses facing difficult succession decisions 27:58 — Offshore trust changes and who they really affect 29:04 — Pension salary sacrifice capped from 2029 31:09 — Business rates pressure and minimum wage impact on hospitality/retail 33:12 — Employee ownership trust relief cut to 50% 34:43 — New road charge: electric cars now paying 3p per mile 36:10 — Temporary non-resident rules tightened for company dividends 39:31 — Voluntary National Insurance contributions restricted for non-residents 40:22 — Image rights overhaul: payments now treated as employment income 42:25 — EMI and EIS changes: limits increased, VCT relief reduced 44:27 — Breakdown of where the £26bn tax rise is coming from 46:10 — “Is the UK goose hissing?” Reaction to the Budget Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLP] to watch the full episode.  Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. Produced by SRLV - one of London’s leading boutique advisory firms - the show goes far beyond tax and accounting to bring a unique perspective on business, innovative thinking and leadership from the people shaping global industries, including music, entertainment, technology, consumer brands, and private wealth. Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, top tips and trends - from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are friends of our business and so much more than “just a number”. People and relationships always come first at SRLV. [Disclaimer] This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP's own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.

From $500 Startup To Global Investment Fund: How Newton Ndege Is Bridging Continents Through Global Business

What does it take to build a global business from scratch, connecting continents, cultures, and industries? In this episode of Not Just a Number, SRLV partner Kieron Clement-Smith is in conversation with Newton Ndege, Managing Director and intellectual proprietor of GNG Global Investments, about his extraordinary journey from aspiring footballer in Kenya to global entrepreneur based in Perth, Australia. Newton shares how his early dreams of professional sport led him into law, how he built a thriving healthcare group from a $500 loan, and how his bold thinking created Project Kazi - a transformative initiative linking Kenya’s young workforce with Australia’s skilled labour demand. Together, they explore migration policies, youth employment, international tax advantages, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to create meaningful change. Newton also discusses the science behind industries, the role of cognitive engagement in tourism, and why being bold, trusting advice, and staying present are his three golden rules for young entrepreneurs. YOU WILL HEAR:  * How Newton transitioned from sport to law to international entrepreneurship * Why Project Kazi is revolutionising youth labour mobility between Kenya and Australia * The importance of structuring your business correctly across multiple jurisdictions * How trusting expert advice can save young founders from tax and legal pitfalls * Why presence and confidence are more valuable than output for entrepreneurs * The tax advantages for new arrivals and non-UK domiciles in the UK * The intersection of entrepreneurship, politics, and social change in Africa and beyond Key Moments:  0:00 – Welcome to Not Just a Number 03:39 – Discovering law and migration through personal experience 06:10 – Founding GNG Global Investments and building from $500 10:24 – Entering the healthcare sector and learning the system 13:57 – Bridging Kenya and Australia: Economic and cultural ties 15:52 – The birth of Project Kazi and solving youth unemployment 19:53 – Training, migration, and sustainable labour frameworks 24:32 – Cognitive engagement and reimagining African tourism 27:21 – Structuring for global growth and seeking expert advice 31:54 – Why Newton plans to relocate to the UK 35:18 – Finding identity and confidence as a young entrepreneur 41:21 – Balancing entrepreneurship with political aspirations 46:08 – Living out of a suitcase: The global entrepreneur’s life 48:35 – Newton’s three tips for young entrepreneurs Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLP] to watch the full episode.  Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. Produced by SRLV - one of London’s leading boutique advisory firms - the show goes far beyond tax and accounting to bring a unique perspective on business, innovative thinking and leadership from the people shaping global industries, including music, entertainment, technology, consumer brands, and private wealth. Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, top tips and trends - from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are friends of our business and so much more than “just a number”. People and relationships always come first at SRLV. [Disclaimer] This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP's own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.