This week, the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast brings you front-row access to the biggest news in UK accounting tech! 

We're fresh from an "insane week" hosting the Digital Disruptor Awards and we're recapping all the winners and highlights from the must-attend event.

Then, in a special takeover episode, we hand the mic to FreeAgent for an exclusive review into their product roadmap and award-winning strategy. Staff Product Manager Stu McEwan joins us to pull back the curtain on:

Strategic Integrations: Why FreeAgent is moving away from a vast ecosystem to focus on selective, "best-in-class" partners in key verticals like practice management and accounts payable.

Award-Winning CIS Module: How listening to accountants shaped a flexible and easy-to-correct CIS solution for both contractors and subcontractors.

Practice Efficiency: A look at new tools like "Find and Fix" for bulk reclassifying transactions and enhanced dashboard controls for managing client tax information and permissions.

Serving Larger Clients: How features like enhanced Management Reports, budgeting, and upcoming Tracking Groups are expanding FreeAgent's capabilities beyond the micro-entity market.

A Pragmatic Approach to AI: Why FreeAgent is deliberately focusing on embedded machine learning rather than jumping on the generative AI hype, prioritising solutions that solve real customer problems.

Finally, James Rose from Content Snare joins us to discuss his realist take on AI in document collection, arguing why protecting the client experience must come before full automation.

Whether you're looking for the latest accounting tech news, insights from the Digital Disruptor Awards, or a strategic look into FreeAgent's future, this episode is unmissable.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to the Digitals and the Cruel World Podcast

09:46 Digital Disruptor Award Win - FreeAgent Reaction

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14:43 App News - FreeAgent Takeover

15:30 Introducing Stu McEwan

16:36 Approach to Integrations

21:04 FreeAgent Card?!

22:09 Practice Management

24:03 Why CIS?

26:35 Voice of the customer

30:00 Find and Fix

35:09 Management Reports

39:16 FreeAgent's Customer Focus

42:18 Tracking Groups

44:30 Release of the Year

46:30 Hot Topics: Payments and AI

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54:26 Beyond the Hype: A Pragmatic Approach to AI - Content Snare

01:05:49 Enjoyed the pod? Leave a rating!