The legendary Tony Stevenson from FreeAgent joins us on the podcast this week. Voted the friendliest accounting tech software, we're putting the spotlight on the host of new features they're releasing over the last few months. Watch this space to hear and see more!

Also Jordan Vickery reveals the growth playbook for accounting techs looking to shore up adoption success post the host of accounting events.

And in app news this week is a skinny:

• HMRC to replace government gateway - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/hmrc-to-roll-out-government-gateway-replacement
• Government fund for AI skills - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/government-fund-offers-accountants-ai-skills-upgrade
• Employment Hero acquires - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/employment-hero-wants-give-employers-time-back-so-we-company-ben-tlxkc/
• Mimo launched - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexander-gernandt-segerby-31818a6b_extremely-proud-to[…]041588203521-Om8u?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
• Iplicit for housing associations - https://www.iplicit.com/blog/iplicit-helps-housing-associations-as-they-face-digital-transformation
• Iplicit updates partical vat calculations - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/community/industry-insights/iplicit-unveils-more-time-saving-features-to-help-charities-tackle

Have you caught the news on the latest apps in the market? There are some new kids on the block in payment automation apps, and we're keen to hear from some of the OGs to find out their perspectives and lessons learned on market trends/adoption over the last two years. We spend some time with Joe Lines, CEO of Nook, to talk about tech innovations, future features and the appetite from SMEs for more.

Tune in if you're looking to compare the market on AP or AR automation.

We also spend some time with Vipul Sheth, whose upcoming pre Accountex event is imminent. If you're not on his list and want to see whether you'd benefit then here's 8 minutes from the man himself.

• Finally app news this week: Phil Hobden joins Silverfin - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/philhobden_accountex-accountants-fintech-activity-7181574519524839424-FrEF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Diya Jolly promoted to CPTO - https://www.xero.com/uk/media-releases/diya-jolly-promoted-chief-product-and-technology-officer/
• Five vendors for MTD ITSA release - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/five-vendors-available-as-hmrc-readies-mtd-itsa-testing-relaunch
• Spendesk acquires Okko - https://www.pymnts.com/acquisitions/2024/spendesk-adds-procurement-to-spend-management-platform-with-okko-acquisition/
• Xero new invoicing - https://blog.xero.com/product-updates/xero-invoicing-smarter-flexible-future/
• Syft updates Scrutton Bland acquired by Sumer - https://www.accountancyage.com/2024/04/10/sumer-expands-scottish-and-northern-english-footprint-with-merger-of-eq-and-douglas-home-co/

Apron, the AP accounting tech focusing on all things payable, has been on a mission for some big software releases since it burst onto the scene late last year post their Series raise. We catch up with Bogdan Uzbekov about his plans to service the accounting market and plans to go into banking, carding or lending. Hear more here.

Don't forget to book your ticket for our upcoming event - we hope to see you at the Digital Accountancy Show on the 16th and 17th of April.

And this week in app news:

• Iplicit – 18th fastest growing UK business - https://www.ft.com/ft1000-2024?utm_content=284715055&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-10141131
• Iplicit is best MAT tool – MAT awards - https://www.iplicit.com/blog/iplicit-secures-tech-company-of-the-year-accolade-at-na[…]tm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-10141131
• Allica bank integrates with Sage and Xero - https://www.assetfinanceinternational.com/index.php/technology/technology-archive/technology-articles/23570-allica-bank-announces-integrations-with-sage-and-xero-accounting-platforms
• Coconut acquires MyPAYE https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/coconut-owners-acquire-cloud-payroll-tool-mypaye
• Xero announces exciting payroll changes - migration made easy - https://blog.xero.com/product-updates/new-changes-in-xero-payroll-uk/
• Capium releases new time and fees - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/practice-software/capium-releases-new-time-and-fees-tracking-module
• Zahara custom fields and payments
• Dext due dates extraction - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stephenedginton_we-now-extract-due-dates-via-ai-dext-used-ugcPost-7170766424586588160-5sX3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Nook app updates - payment run resolutions & ability to change scheduling dates on payments and rules & pre-warning of shortage of funds. Payments for payroll via the app!
• BBC AI taking grind out of accountancy https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68553123