Tax, tech, and other stuff

In this episode of Tax, Tech and Other Stuff, Russell sits down with John McSorley, co-founder of Ilumis, a boutique tax technology firm launched in 2025. They talk entrepreneurship, workflow, and AI - covering everything from founding a lean consultancy, to building agentic AI tools that do the “grunt work” of tax. John shares lessons from his career across Big Four, in-house roles, and now as a founder, offering practical insight into what makes tax tech projects succeed (and why so many fail). If you’ve ever struggled to make workflow tools stick - or wondered how AI can actually help your team - this one’s for you. 

In this episode, Russell chats with Stevie Frooninckx, Co-Founder and CEO of Loctax, about what happens when two innovators join forces. They discuss the story behind Tax Systems’ acquisition of Loctax, how data and AI are shaping a new “tax operating system,” and why collaboration - not code - is the real differentiator. From integration to innovation, this conversation explores what’s next for connected tax technology.

In this episode of Tax, Tech and Other Stuff, Russell catches up with Nick Stobbs, Co-Founder & CEO of Syntax AI Limited, to explore how tax technology is shifting from back-office support to front-line strategy. They discuss the pressures of digital transformation, why automation alone isn’t enough, and the real barriers to adoption (spoiler: it’s rarely the tech). From client behaviours to compliance design, this conversation covers what’s changing - and what still needs to. If you’ve ever wrestled with process, platforms, or people, this episode will feel very familiar. 

In this episode of Tax, Tech and Other Stuff, Russell is joined by Sam Chilvers, Director at Forvis Mazars and Kimberley Clague, Operations Business Partner to Tax at Cooper Parry to unpack the changing shape of tax technology - and what that means for teams navigating constant transformation. From the death of the “steady state” to the rise of platforms over spreadsheets, they explore how client expectations are evolving, why simplicity is the real superpower, and where AI fits into the picture (and where it doesn’t). For anyone balancing change, complexity, and clients - this episode speaks your language. 

In this episode of Tax, Tech and Other Stuff, Russell chats with Bilal Mansoor, tax technologist at Dhruva Consultants. From the fast-paced rollout of VAT and corporate tax in the UAE to the evolving role of automation and AI in advisory, Bilal shares honest reflections, war stories (including when Excel was the better option), and a grounded vision for the future. If you're curious about where tax tech is heading—and what it means for the people doing the work—this one's not to be missed.

In this episode of Tax, tech and other stuff, Russell chats with Kyle Hunter, Customer Training Lead at Tax Systems. They dig into the real value of training—not just ticking boxes but creating confident users who understand the “why” behind the tools. Kyle shares his journey from Big 4 operations to leading training strategy, and how empathy, curiosity, and good storytelling shape better learning experiences. If you’ve ever sat through a dry compliance session, this one’s for you. 

In this episode of tax, tech and other stuff, Russell chats with Rob De La Rue, Tax Technology Partner at RSM UK. They explore how tax tech is about empowering people, not replacing them, and how AI supports their workflows—from sparking ideas to drafting content. Plus, they tackle the great dashboard debate: do they boost productivity or just add noise? Tune in for a smart, practical take on the future of tax and technology.

We’re back with a brand-new episode, and this time we’re welcoming our first-ever returning guest to the mic. Bruce Martin, CEO of Tax Systems, rejoins Russell to dive into the evolving role of private equity in the accountancy world. The two also unpack what’s next for Tax Systems following the exciting new partnership with Providence Equity Partners. Plus, they explore how AI is no longer just a buzzword, but a powerful tool reshaping how we live and do business.