The Spotlight Podcast

Tips for Self-Assessment Tax Returns, Expenses and Making Tax Digital

Join us on this episode of The Spotlight Podcast for tax tips accountant and tax expert, Mark Carr from Streets. Mark offers his expertise as we discuss Self-Assessment deadlines, allowable expenses, and the forthcoming shift to Making Tax Digital.

Tune in to learn:

• How to register as self-employed and the steps for the Self-Assessment process.
• The difference between registering as a Sole Trader versus setting up a Limited Company, and which might be right for your income level.
• The golden rule for keeping track of your finances and Mark's advice on common mistakes.
• A detailed breakdown of allowable expenses for performers – from your Spotlight membership, travel and training to surprising claims like cosmetic work – and what you absolutely cannot claim.
• Everything you need to know about the forthcoming shift to Making Tax Digital (MTD) and how to prepare for it now.

Listen to this essential episode of The Spotlight Podcast and ensure you meet the January deadline, minimise your tax bill, and stay on the right side of HMRC.

 

Never miss an episode: subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Join Spotlight to be discovered by casting professionals working in theatre, film, TV, voice over, commercials and more! Find out about our membership options and take the next step in your performing career? Apply today.

Spotlight on Welsh Culture: An Interview with Minister Jack Sargeant

In this insightful episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Jack Sargeant, the Welsh Labour Party's Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership. A strong advocate for inclusivity and Welsh industry, the Minister dives into the heart of the performing arts, offering a perspective crucial for every working actor.

 

Never miss an episode: subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Join Spotlight to be discovered by casting professionals working in theatre, film, tv, voice over, commercials and more! Find out about our membership options and start looking for auditions today. Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Apply today.

Who's Really Deciding the Future of the Arts? Lord Chris Smith Explains

For performers, the decisions that shape their careers often feel distant, made behind closed doors by policymakers. In this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Lord Chris Smith, the UK’s first Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and a lifelong advocate for the performing arts, to pull back the curtain on how cultural policy is made and why your voice is critical.

Never miss an episode: subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Join Spotlight to be discovered by casting professionals working in theatre, film, tv, voice over, commercials and more! Find out about our membership options and start looking for auditions today. Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Apply today.

Nurturing Scottish Talent with Angus Robertson

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Angus Robertson, joins us to discuss supporting homegrown talent, the magic of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, and how Screen Scotland and Outlander helped the screen industry boom in Scotland. 

Angus talks about creating new opportunities for performers following the cancellation of iconic BBC soap River City and his priorities for culture in the year to come. He also shares his insight into the new multi-annual year funding for major cultural organisations aimed to support creatives building sustainable careers in the sector.

Whether you’re a performer, a cultural enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of the arts in Scotland, this conversation offers invaluable insight into how culture and creativity are being nurtured.

Never miss an episode: subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

 Join Spotlight to be discovered by casting professionals working in theatre, film, tv, voice over, commercials and more! Find out about our membership options and start looking for auditions today. Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Apply today.

The Secret Life of Agents with Kelly Andrews

In this episode of the Spotlight Podcast, Business affairs consultant and professional coach Kelly Andrews joins us in the Spotlight studio to shed light on all the work agents do behind the scenes to look after their performer clients and find them work. With 30 years of experience in the industry, Kelly previously worked as an agent and was the Co-Chair of the Personal Managers’ Association (PMA).

Join us as she discusses everything you ever wanted to know about how agents operate. From researching new production rumours to maintaining relationships with casting directors, take a listen to Kelly’s insight into the working life of an agent. Plus there’s advice for establishing an effective relationship with your own agent.

 

Never miss an episode: subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

 

Join Spotlight to be discovered by casting professionals working in theatre, film, tv, voice over, commercials and more! Find out about our membership options and start looking for auditions today. Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Find out more at https://www.spotlight.com/join-us