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Not Just a Number

Not Just a Number

By: SRLV
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Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry pioneers, who want to grow their businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families. With six episodes launching this summer, 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.Copyright 2026 SRLV Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Theatre Tax Relief, West End Producing and Theatre Investment: David Babani on Building Successful Productions

    Theatre Tax Relief, West End Producing and Theatre Investment: David Babani on Building Successful Productions
    Jun 23 2026
    How do theatre producers finance shows, attract investors, sell tickets and keep productions profitable in an increasingly challenging market?In this episode of Not Just a Number, SRLV’s Partner Pembe Ozoran sits down with David Babani, theatre producer and Artistic Director of the Menier Chocolate Factory, to explore the business side of theatre production, West End transfers, theatre tax relief, investor relations, marketing, audience behaviour and the future of live entertainment.David shares his journey from producing student theatre shows to leading one of the UK's most influential theatre venues, responsible for multiple West End transfers, Broadway productions and international successes. He explains why theatre tax relief has become essential to the industry's survival, how producers balance creativity with commercial realities and why collaboration remains one of the most important factors in building successful productions.The conversation explores theatre finance, fundraising, ticket sales, audience trends, social media marketing, AI, industry challenges and practical advice for aspiring theatre producers looking to build a career in live entertainment.For entrepreneurs, creatives, investors and business leaders, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, risk management, innovation and building sustainable creative businesses.Key Moments:0:00 — Why theatre tax relief has become essential for the survival of independent theatre00:52 — Introducing David Babani, theatre producer and Artistic Director of the Menier Chocolate Factory01:15 — What a theatre producer actually does behind the scenes03:52 — Producing theatre at school and discovering a passion for live performance05:18 — Producing Assassins and achieving early success as a young producer07:59 — The opportunity that led to taking over the Menier Chocolate Factory09:51 — Building one of London's most successful producing theatres over 23 years12:00 — The importance of training the next generation of theatre professionals15:06 — The three things David looks for in every production17:13 — The financial model behind successful West End transfers18:20 — Why proven productions create stronger investment opportunities20:35 — Why collaboration is essential in theatre production24:50 — Why specialist advisors are becoming more important than ever25:42 — Tax credits, immigration rules and government policy changes27:15 — Innovation, sustainability and long term industry planning28:39 — AI, ticket sales and the future of theatre marketing30:12 — How AI could improve operations and financial management32:38 — Pricing strategy, competition and audience value33:18 — Social media, email marketing and audience targeting36:13 — Finding new ways to reach audiences in a fragmented media landscape37:56 — Why collaboration and industry support matter39:03 — How new producers can get their first show off the ground42:07 — The mindset required to succeed in a highly competitive industry43:08 — What's next for David Babani and the Menier Chocolate FactoryPrefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel 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, wealth protection 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 ...
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    44 mins
  • High-Net Worth Criminal Risk and Protecting Wealth: Jeff Hill on How Sophisticated Criminals Target the Wealthy

    High-Net Worth Criminal Risk and Protecting Wealth: Jeff Hill on How Sophisticated Criminals Target the Wealthy
    Jun 16 2026
    In this episode of SRLV’s Not Just a Number, SRLV Partner Kieron Clement-Smith sits down with Jeff Hill, retired senior police officer, security expert and co-founder of Harrier Global, to explore the world of high-net worth security, organised crime, criminal targeting and physical asset protection.In this conversation, Jeff shares how that experience now informs his work with high-net worth individuals, ultra-high-net worth families, entrepreneurs, sports professionals, entertainers and those with high-value homes, assets and public profiles. The episode also explores the practical realities of protecting luxury homes, watches, jewellery, cars, handbags as well as family members and personal privacy. Jeff explains how criminals use open-source intelligence, social media, predictable routines, vehicle spotting, property records and lifestyle patterns to build a picture of potential targets before deciding how to act.Kieron and Jeff also discuss why physical security should be considered part of wider wealth protection, much like tax planning, estate planning or structuring family assets. For wealthy individuals, professional athletes, musicians, performers, entrepreneurs and international families, protecting wealth is not only about legal structures, trusts or financial planning - it is also about keeping people, property and valuable assets safe in the real world.Key Moments:0:00 — Why wealthy individuals need to think like criminals to protect their homes and assets0:54 — Introducing Jeff Hill: former police officer, security expert and co-founder of Harrier Global1:32 — Jeff’s early police career and why he always wanted to join the force4:50 — Learning from great police officers and developing a proactive investigative mindset6:08 — Moving into CID and becoming a detective at 2111:46 — Targeting drug dealers, organised criminals and serious criminal networks15:03 — Understanding how sophisticated criminals think and operate16:44 — The pressure of senior policing, performance targets and family life22:24 — Leading major crime investigations across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire24:48 — Counterterrorism, organised crime and working alongside MI5 and the National Crime Agency26:49 — How real personal threats shaped Jeff’s own view of home security31:17 — From policing to private security consultancy for high-net-worth individuals33:17 — Protecting ultra-high-net-worth clients, entrepreneurs, sports stars and entertainers34:43 — Why Harrier Global does not sell CCTV, guards or off-the-shelf security products36:34 — Why serious criminals now target wealthy UK households from across the world38:45 — How criminals research high-profile targets before committing burglaries or robberies39:50 — The hidden risks of social media, public routines and online information41:50 — Why footballers, musicians and entertainers are especially vulnerable to targeted crime44:11 — How cars, training grounds and Instagram posts can expose security weaknesses47:48 — The emotional and financial impact of burglary and violent robbery49:11 — Why physical asset protection matters as much as tax planning and wealth structuring52:16 — Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey after 30 years in policing54:40 — The hidden costs and realities of starting a business after a corporate career56:16 — Why networking, trust and personal introductions are critical in high-net-worth services59:52 — Jeff’s final advice on home security, resilience and backing yourself in businessPrefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel 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, wealth protection 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 ...
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 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
    Jun 9 2026
    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 passionHow CODE Hospitality grew from a small industry bulletin into a major UK hospitality platformWhy British hospitality has faced years of pressure from Brexit, Covid, inflation and rising costsThe case for reducing VAT for restaurants, pubs, cafés and hotelsWhy the “VAT’s The Problem” VAT campaign is gaining traction across the industryHow hospitality supports jobs, young people, local communities and the high streetWhy restaurants are about more than food and drink - they are about experience, service and connectionThe shift away from formal fine dining towards neighbourhood restaurants, pubs and informal diningWhy The Good Food Guide moved from print to digitalHow The Good Food Guide continues to champion the best places to eat across BritainKey Moments:0:00 – Why British hospitality needs urgent support00:40 – Introducing Adam Hyman, CODE Hospitality and The Good Food Guide02:00 – Adam’s early love of restaurants and the buzz of hospitality05:39 – From university and commercial property to the restaurant world08:00 – Jeremy King’s advice and Adam’s first step into hospitality10:22 – How CODE Hospitality started as an industry newsletter11:47 – Growing CODE from 30 readers to 70,000 hospitality professionals18:05 – The biggest challenges facing restaurants, pubs and cafés today21:05 – How national insurance, wages and rising costs have hit hospitality22:56 – Why UK hospitality VAT is so high compared with parts of Europe24:55 – The “VAT’s The Problem” campaign to cut hospitality VAT from 20% to 10%26:01 – Why restaurant closures threaten jobs, communities and high streets28:14 – Why hospitality gives young people vital work and life skills31:21 – Restaurants, pubs and cafés as the heart of local communities33:15 – Hospitality trends: neighbourhood dining, pubs with food and experience-led restaurants37:15 – The Good Food Guide, its history and its move from print to digitalPrefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/@SRLV-LLPNot 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...
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    41 mins
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