Episode 06_James Quarmby_Bad Tax Policy

This week, Adrian is joined by the inimitable James Quarmby, partner at Stephenson Harwood, private client tax specialist and one of the UK’s most outspoken voices on tax policy and reform. Known for his no-nonsense commentary and deep economic insight, James brings clarity (and a few provocations) to the world of tax.This conversation unpacks James’ unconventional route into law and economics and covers some intellectually rich, and yes, occasionally political, ground along the way:How growing up in Essex, working at British Telecom and running a department at 21 gave James a commercial edge long before he ever studied law;Why he believes a good tax lawyer must understand economics, business incentives and the real-world impact of policy (not just theory);His admiration for the Singapore model of taxation and why he thinks the UK could learn from its simplicity, low rates, and innovation-first ethos;What his new podcast with Dan Neidle, Inside Tax, will bring to the debate - from sharp disagreement to surprising consensus; andWhy he thinks the UK tax system is too complex, too political, and needs radical simplification — even if nobody in power is brave enough to do it.🎙️ (Light-hearted) Disclaimer: While Talk To My Lawyer usually steers clear of politics, James and Adrian do occasionally fall off that wagon in this episode, but only in the name of good tax policy, of course.