Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster). In this episode I took a walk through the picturesque Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh with Stu McEwan, Staff Product Manager at FreeAgent.

In true Scottish style, there was a bit of wind and rain along the way, but that didn’t stop us from having a great conversation. Stu shared his journey from studying business management and psychology, to joining FreeAgent back in 2016. We talked about his early days working in the Support team, through product management, and into what his current role looks like today.

We also discussed the challenges and opportunities ahead with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, how FreeAgent approaches product development, and what is next for the software.

FreeAgent: https://www.freeagent.com/

Stu McEwan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartmcewan/

Xenon Connect: https://www.xenonconnect.com/

Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster). In this episode, I had the pleasure of walking a bit closer to home, through Grosvenor Park in Chester with Beth Ruscoe, founder of Nara Accountancy.

Beth’s journey into accountancy is anything but traditional - starting in fashion marketing and retail buying before retraining via AAT and ACCA. We talked about what inspired her career change, the transferable skills she’s brought with her, and the early experiences that shaped her path. Now running her own firm, Beth shared insights on serving clients ahead of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, how she’s building her brand, and the real challenges—and rewards—of going it alone.

Nara Accountancy: https://www.naraaccountancy.com/

Beth Ruscoe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethruscoe

Xenon Connect Website: https://www.xenonconnect.com/

Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors - faster). In this episode, I took a walk through Regent’s Park in London with Katie Collin, Partner at Ramsay Brown - an accountancy firm specialising in the medical profession.

Katie’s path into accountancy was interesting, including time spent in the music industry before training as an auditor and eventually joining Ramsay Brown in 2017. We chatted about the unique financial challenges faced by GPs, what it means to specialise in the healthcare sector, and Katie’s role with the ICAEW, as vice chair of the Healthcare Advisory Group.

It’s a prime example of the deeper role that accountants can play in supporting clients.

Ramsay Brown: https://ramsaybrown.com/

Katie Collin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-collin/

Xenon Connect Website: https://www.xenonconnect.com/

Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster). And in this episode, I walked around the lake at the NEC in Birmingham and chatted with Chi Yun Wai (also known as Sam), a bookkeeper who specialises in serving the escape room industry.

We talked about how Sam’s passion for escape rooms led him to build and run his own, the challenges of transitioning from business owner to employee, and why he eventually started a bookkeeping practice focused on this growing industry. Sam also shared insights into the financial side of escape rooms, as well as his experiences with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and his first trip to the FAB conference.

More details:

Immersif: https://www.immersif.co/

Chi Yun Wai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chi-yun-wai-micb/

Xenon Connect Website: https://www.xenonconnect.com/

Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster). And in this episode, I visited the Xero offices in Manchester to chat with Paul McKay, a Senior Account Manager Lead at Xero.

Paul has over 18 years of experience in the accounting software industry, and we talked about his journey from working at Sage to becoming a key figure at Xero. Our conversation touched on everything from the shift from desktop to cloud technology, the role of AI in accounting, and what we can expect from Xero in 2025. Paul also shared insights on how Xero supports their accounting & bookkeeping partners in overcoming challenges like mindset shifts and successful software adoption.

More details:
Paul McKay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mckay-0089b249/
Xero: https://www.xero.com/
Xenon Connect Website: https://www.xenonconnect.com/
Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster) and in this episode, I walked through Waterloo, Lambeth and Westminster in London with Lara Manton, a forward-thinking bookkeeper and early adopter of accounting technology.

Lara shared her insights on running a successful bookkeeping business, from outsourcing tasks and setting profitable pricing to building a tech stack that works. We also explored her passion for testing new software and how bookkeepers can play a bigger role in shaping the tools they use every day.

If you’re interested in crafting a great client experience, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and fresh perspectives.

More details:
LJM Bookkeeping: https://www.ljmbookkeeping.com/
Lara Manton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-manton-c-micb-ab051032/
Xenon Connect Website: https://www.xenonconnect.com/
Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster) and in this episode, I had the pleasure of walking along part of the south coast of Wales to Cardiff Bay with Tim English—after a quick game of snooker at Penarth Snooker Club.

Tim’s journey is fascinating, moving from competing as a professional snooker player to eventually running his own accountancy practice, and beyond. We talk about how his Welsh roots, life as a dad, and lessons learned at the snooker table have all influenced his approach to business. From the challenges of starting his own firm to thoughts on AI in accounting, this conversation is full of insights and personal stories you won’t want to miss.

More details:
The Accountants' Table Website: https://www.inspiringbusinessgrowth.co.uk/the-accountants-table
Tim English LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timenglish-ibg/
Xenon Connect Website: https://www.xenonconnect.com/
Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Welcome to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster) and today I’m excited to share a conversation I had while walking around Manchester on the eve of Accountex Summit with Libby Walklett, also known as 'The Ethical Bookkeeper'.

In this episode, we talk about how Libby got started in bookkeeping. We also discuss the challenges of working in both industry and practice, her passion for amateur dramatics, accounting exhibitions, dealing with stress and work/life balance and even how baking cakes has become part of her unique approach to connecting with others.

More details:
The Ethical Bookkeeper Website: https://www.theethicalbookkeeper.co.uk/
Libby Walklett LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-walklett-ba-hons-fmaat-aatqb-91954a98/
Xenon Connect Website: https://www.xenonconnect.com/
Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/