AAB group invests in future talent as almost 90 students begin their careers
Leading professional services firm, AAB, welcomed more than 60 graduates, apprentices and placement students to Dalmahoy in Edinburgh for its annual Student Induction, as part of the firm’s continued investment in the next generation of talent.
The two-day programme brought together new starters from 13 regions across the UK and Ireland, Aberdeen, Bolton, Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Belfast, Mallusk, Newry, Dungannon, Leeds and London, giving them the opportunity to learn more about AAB, hear from colleagues across the business, and start building connections with peers beginning their careers alongside them. The induction plays an important part in helping AAB’s newest colleagues understand the firm’s culture, values and ambitions, while giving them the chance to build relationships that will support them throughout their journey with the firm.
The induction was also an opportunity for students to hear directly from those who began their own careers at AAB in the same way. Derek Mair, now head of AAB’s North of Scotland region, joined the firm as a trainee in 1996 and has since progressed through Audit Partner and head of Aberdeen to his current role. Stuart Rose, who also joined as a trainee in Aberdeen, is now Audit Partner and head of AAB’s Edinburgh office. Both attended the event, offering a first-hand example of the career progression available to students starting out with the firm today.
Clare Dyer, Chief People Officer at AAB, commented: ” Supporting and developing the next generation isn’t just something we do, it’s one of our core foundational values. Investing in young people gives them the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to build careers they love. It’s also a commitment shared across the wider AAB Group as we continue to create opportunities for future talent in every region where we operate.”
That commitment to developing future talent extends across the wider AAB Group. Following Kreston Reeves joining the group in July 2026, both firms have welcomed their latest intake of early-career professionals this autumn, reinforcing a shared focus on attracting, developing and retaining talented people.
Kreston Reeves recently welcomed 28 graduates and school leavers at an induction event in Kent as they begin professional training through an apprenticeship programme. The one-day event brought together new starters from across Kent, Sussex and London, helping them build connections with colleagues, learn more about the firm and start their professional careers.
Jennifer Williamson, Partner at Kreston Reeves, who spoke about her journey from graduate to Management Board during the induction, commented: “Developing the next generation of accountants and tax specialists is incredibly important to the future growth and success of our business. We are committed to creating opportunities for talented graduates and school leavers to build rewarding careers with us.”
Together, the two inductions have seen almost 90 students begin their careers across AAB Group businesses this year, reflecting the group’s continued investment in attracting, developing and retaining talented people while building a strong pipeline of future advisers and specialists.
Building on this year’s intake, both AAB and Kreston Reeves have launched their latest early careers recruitment campaigns, creating further opportunities for graduates, apprentices and school leavers to begin rewarding professional careers across the group.
Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB now employs more than 1,800 people and generates over £200 million in revenue, having expanded through strategic acquisitions, investment and senior hires. AAB brings together deep sector expertise and a broad range of specialist services and continues to invest in the people, skills and opportunities that will shape the future of the firm.
AAB celebrates double success at Accounting Excellence Awards
Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm AAB has been recognised at the 2026 Accounting Excellence Awards, winning both Large Firm of the Year and International Firm of the Year.
The national awards celebrate the firms and teams demonstrating excellence across the accounting profession, recognising achievements in areas including quality, client impact, innovation and growth. This year’s ceremony was held at The Roundhouse in London on 29 September.
AAB’s double win recognises the firm’s continued growth as an international professional services firm, its investment in people and capabilities, and its ability to support clients across markets and international borders.
Large Firm of the Year recognises the firm’s commitment to growth, investment in its people and capabilities, and delivering an exceptional experience for clients. International Firm of the Year reflects AAB’s growing international capabilities and its ability to support clients with increasingly complex cross-border needs.
The latest recognition follows AAB’s success at the 2025 Accounting Excellence Awards, where the firm was named Large Firm of the Year and Tax Team of the Year, while also securing third place in the audit category.
AAB has continued to invest in its people, specialist expertise and international capabilities, bringing together teams across the business to provide clients with joined-up advice as their needs evolve.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer at AAB, said: “Winning Large Firm of the Year and International Firm of the Year is a fantastic endorsement of AAB’s continued growth and the strength of the business we are building.
As our clients’ needs become increasingly complex and international, we are continuing to invest in the people, expertise and relationships that allow us to support their ambitions across markets.
These awards are a reflection of the contribution made by colleagues across AAB, and I am incredibly proud of the way our teams continue to collaborate and deliver for our clients.”
AAB supports businesses and individuals with a broad range of professional and business advisory services, combining specialist expertise with a collaborative approach to help clients achieve their ambitions. Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB employs more than 1,800 people and generates over £200 million in revenue.
Bringing together deep sector expertise and a broad range of specialist services, AAB continues to invest in its capabilities and client experience, supporting ambitious businesses and private clients through every stage of their journey.
AABIE celebrates 10 years of supporting communities as charity ball raises £80,000
AAB’s annual Charity Ball has raised more than £80,000 for AABIE, the firm’s dedicated charity, as colleagues, clients and supporters gathered at the Hilton Glasgow on Friday 18 September to celebrate the charity’s 10th anniversary.
Founded in 2016, AABIE was established to create meaningful and lasting impact within the communities where AAB’s people live and work. Over the past decade, the charity has awarded hundreds of grants, enabled thousands of volunteer hours and supported a diverse range of charitable and community projects. Hosted by AAB’s Central Scotland team, the event welcomed guests for an evening of fundraising, entertainment and celebration in support of AABIE’s ongoing work in local communities.
The Glasgow event marks the fourth AABIE Charity Ball and follows successful events in Aberdeen, Newry and Leeds, which together raised more than £280,000 to support charities and community organisations across the UK and Ireland.
Over the last 12 months alone, AABIE has donated more than £158,000 to 93 charities through a combination of grant funding and volunteering support.
Several organisations supported through the latest grant round are based in Central Scotland, reflecting AABIE’s commitment to supporting the communities where AAB’s people live and work. Beneficiaries from across the region included:
- Held In Our Hearts (Argyll & Bute) received funding to provide dedicated bereavement support for families following the loss of a child, including ongoing home visits and emotional support.
- theGKexperience SCIO (Glasgow) secured funding to deliver youth work programmes and one-to-one support for young people living in some of Glasgow’s most disadvantaged communities.
- Team Jak Foundation (Edinburgh and Glasgow) received support to deliver monthly Big Breakfast sessions for children and young people affected by cancer and their families, helping to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and build confidence.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer at AAB, said:
“This year’s Charity Ball was particularly special as we celebrated 10 years of AABIE and reflected on the incredible impact the charity has made over the last decade.
AABIE is a fundamental part of who we are as a business. It reflects the commitment of our people to supporting the communities in which we live and work, and demonstrates what can be achieved when colleagues, clients and partners come together behind a shared purpose.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, it is especially rewarding to see the impact being made in the communities our teams are based thanks to the dedication of our people and the generosity of our supporters.
The generosity shown at this year’s Charity Ball was truly remarkable, and every pound raised will help AABIE continue supporting worthwhile causes for years to come.”
Angus McCuaig, Head of Glasgow & Stirling at AAB, went on to say:
“It was a privilege for our Central Scotland team to host this year’s AABIE Charity Ball in Glasgow during such an important milestone year for the charity.
Through AABIE, we have seen first-hand the positive impact that funding, volunteering and community support can have on organisations across Central Scotland. From supporting families facing incredibly difficult circumstances to helping young people, community groups and local charities thrive, the work being carried out is making a real difference.
Our team is passionate about giving back to the communities where we live and work, whether that’s through fundraising, volunteering or supporting local initiatives. It was fantastic to see so many colleagues, clients and supporters come together to help continue that work.”
Sheena Anderson, Chair of AABIE, added:
“As we celebrate AABIE’s 10th anniversary, it is fantastic to look back on everything the charity has achieved and, more importantly, the difference it has made to so many people and communities.
Demand for support continues to grow, and fundraising events like the AABIE Charity Ball play a vital role in ensuring we can continue supporting the charities and community organisations that need our help.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this year’s event and helped make it such a success.”
All funds raised from the event will support future AABIE grant rounds and community initiatives. Applications for the next AABIE grant round close on 30 September 2026. More information on how to apply for funding or volunteer time is available at aab.uk/about/aabie.
AAB appoints Simon Bachelor as Head of Hotel Accounting
Leading professional services firm AAB has appointed Simon Bachelor as Head of Hotel Accounting as the firm continues to invest in specialist sector expertise and regional growth across the UK and Ireland.
Simon brings more than two decades of experience across hotel finance, hotel operations and hospitality management. Having spent much of his career working directly within the hotel sector, including almost eight years in operational roles, he brings a unique understanding of both the financial and operational challenges facing hotel owners, operators and management teams.
As Head of Hotel Accounting, Simon will lead AAB’s specialist team supporting hotels, hotel groups, management companies, family-owned businesses, owner-managed businesses and hospitality investors. His focus will be on growing the offering, developing the team and helping clients improve business performance through a combination of industry expertise, commercial insight and technology-enabled solutions.
AAB’s Hotel Accounting team works with hospitality businesses across the UK and Ireland, providing specialist support including management accounting, financial reporting, business analytics, benchmarking, budgeting and forecasting. By combining financial and operational data, the team helps hotel owners and operators make more informed decisions and drive improved commercial outcomes.
Simon succeeds Ian Bremner, who has retired following a successful career leading AAB’s Hotel Accounting business and helping to establish its strong reputation within the hospitality sector.
John Beevers, Head of Regions at AAB, commented:
“At AAB, our strategy is built around combining strong local relationships with deep specialist expertise. Simon’s appointment further strengthens our hospitality offering and ensures clients across our growing network of regional offices have access to market-leading hotel accounting support from a team that truly understands the sector.”
“As we continue to grow, we’re focused on investing in exceptional people who can help clients navigate complexity, improve performance and realise their ambitions. Simon brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for the hospitality industry, making him the ideal person to lead the next chapter of our Hotel Accounting team.”
Commenting on his appointment, Simon Bachelor said:
“I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Head of Hotel Accounting at AAB. Hospitality has been at the heart of my career, both from a finance and operational perspective, and that experience gives me a deep appreciation of the challenges and opportunities our clients face every day.”
“My focus is on continuing to build a service that helps hotel businesses operate more effectively, improve profitability and make informed decisions. We are trusted advisers who understand the realities of running a hospitality business and work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their goals.”
Simon’s appointment comes as AAB continues to expand its footprint across the UK and Ireland, bringing together strong local relationships, sector expertise and specialist advisory services to support ambitious businesses through growth, change and increasingly complex operating environments.
Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB now employs more than 1,900 people and generates over £200 million in revenue, having expanded through a combination of strategic acquisitions, investment and senior hires.
AAB strengthens central Scotland leadership team
Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm AAB has strengthened its Central Scotland leadership team with the appointment of Malcolm Crawford as Business Development Partner and the promotion of Corporate Finance Partner Iain Walker to Head of Central Scotland.
Malcolm joins the company with a strong track record in driving business growth, built over an extensive career in corporate and relationship banking. In his role at AAB, Malcolm will draw on the Group’s breadth of expertise to help clients tackle complex challenges, seize growth opportunities and create long-term value. He will work closely with businesses across Central Scotland, connecting them to specialist advice and senior-led teams that deliver joined-up support across AAB’s full range of services.
Malcolm spent several years as Corporate Development Director for Barclays Corporate Banking in Scotland, having also held senior roles at Royal Bank of Scotland and Anglo Irish Bank. Skilled in deal origination, relationship management and supporting ambitious businesses through funding and growth, Malcolm has a deep network across Scotland’s corporate, property and private equity markets. His appointment reinforces AAB’s commitment to accelerating growth across the region, supporting clients and colleagues across its Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling offices.
Further strengthening AAB’s leadership presence in the region, Iain Walker has been appointed Head of Central Scotland. Alongside his role as a Corporate Finance Partner, Iain will help drive AAB’s growth ambitions across the region, strengthening relationships with businesses, professional networks and communities. His appointment will support the continued development of AAB’s services in Central Scotland, ensuring clients benefit from greater collaboration, deeper sector expertise and access to the full breadth of AAB’s capabilities across the UK and Ireland.
John Beevers, Head of Regions at AAB, commented:
“As AAB continues to grow, it is important that we combine the scale, capability and expertise of a national firm with the strong local relationships and market understanding that clients value. Malcolm brings significant experience and connections from across Scotland’s business community, while Iain’s appointment builds on the strong relationships and market knowledge he has developed during his time at AAB. Together, they further strengthen our ability to support ambitious businesses across Central Scotland as they navigate growth, change and opportunity.”
Malcolm Crawford, Business Development Partner at AAB, said:
“Joining AAB at such an exciting time for the Central Scotland team is a fantastic opportunity. I’ve long admired the firm’s reputation for combining technical expertise with a genuinely personal approach, and I’m looking forward to building relationships with clients and helping them achieve their ambitions.”
Iain Walker, Corporate Finance Partner and Head of Central Scotland at AAB, added:
“I’m delighted to take on this new regional role alongside my Corporate Finance work with clients. It’s a great opportunity to help shape AAB’s growth across Central Scotland while continuing to do what I enjoy most – supporting clients through some of the most significant moments in their business journey. My focus will be on ensuring businesses across the region can benefit from the full breadth of AAB’s expertise while continuing to receive the local insight, relationships and support that are so important to long-term success.”
The appointments come as AAB continues its rapid growth journey across the UK and Ireland. Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, the firm now employs more than 1,800 people and generates over £200 million in revenue, having expanded through a combination of strategic acquisitions, investment and senior hires. More than 375 people are employed by AAB across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling, Central Scotland, bringing together deep sector expertise and a broad range of specialist services to support ambitious businesses and individuals at every stage of their journey.
AAB outlines commitment to Manchester amid office launch
UK and Ireland professional services firm AAB has launched a new Manchester office as part of ambitious plans to build a business serving scaling businesses across the North West, while growing to employ over 200 people.
Launching at the landmark No.1 St Michael’s development, the move represents a significant long-term investment in Manchester and builds on AAB’s existing presence in Bolton, where 70 team members are based.
The firm, which is backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, plans to establish a full-service offering in the city, combining partner-led relationships with expertise from across its wider UK and Ireland business to support leadership teams as they grow and their needs become more complex.
Led by Head of the North West, Chris Harland, the team’s expertise covers audit, tax, business advisory, corporate finance, outsourced finance support, payroll, employment and financial planning in the city.
In audit, the Manchester team includes Gary Harding, Head of Audit, alongside Partners Muhammad Sharif and Alison Cornes and Sarah Frith as Director. Tax Partner Adam Woodward and Business Advisory Partner Dominic Grimes, and Office of the CFO Director Joanne Waddicker will all be based from the Manchester hub. The Manchester team is also supported by Business Development Partner Chris Cook-Martin and Jonathan Readshaw as People and Culture Director.
Founded in Aberdeen in 1990, AAB has grown to revenues of more than £200m and employs over 1,800 people across the UK, Ireland and US. The firm secured investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives in 2025 to support its continued growth, including investment in talent, technology and further expansion.
Chris Harland, Head of the North West at AAB, said: “Manchester has one of the UK’s most vibrant business communities, but businesses need advisers who understand where they want to go, not just where they are today.
“Our ambition is to build long-term relationships with businesses and individuals as they grow and become more complex, combining accessible senior advisers here in Manchester with expertise from across AAB. Strengthening our presence in the Manchester business community is important to us as a firm and we will contribute to the region through building a team that can support the region’s businesses for years to come.”
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer at AAB, added: “Manchester is a major long-term investment for AAB. We have ambitious plans to build a 200 strong team, creating high-quality jobs and opportunities for the next generation of advisers in the region.
“Our existing presence in Bolton has given us strong foundations in the North West, and Manchester is the next stage of that growth. Backed by the investment and ambition of the wider AAB business, we see a significant opportunity to bring our strong local relationships with the breadth of expertise increasingly complex businesses need.”
AAB closes deal with Kreston Reeves amid expansion
AAB has confirmed that it has received regulatory approval and its deal with Kreston Reeves has formally closed, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s continued growth across the UK and Ireland.
This development represents an important step in strengthening AAB’s presence in London and the South East, bringing together two firms with highly complementary capabilities, strong regional reputations, and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality advice to clients.
Together, the combined business now generates revenues in excess of £200 million and has a significant presence across the UK and Ireland, creating a truly national professional services firm with the scale, expertise and regional reach to support clients wherever they operate.
The addition of Kreston Reeves enhances AAB’s ability to serve clients across key markets, combining deep local relationships with broader national scale and sector expertise. It also creates greater opportunities for colleagues across the combined business, supporting long-term career development within a larger, well-invested platform.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer at AAB, said: “Securing regulatory approval is a significant milestone for both AAB and Kreston Reeves, and a very positive step in our continued growth in London and the South East. This deal gives us immediate strength in the South East, bringing together two strong businesses with a clear focus on delivering for our clients. Our priority now is ensuring a smooth integration and building on the strong relationships that Kreston Reeves already has in the market, while continuing to invest in the combined team and client offering.”
Richard Spofforth, Managing Partner at Kreston Reeves, added: “This is an exciting chapter for Kreston Reeves. From the outset, it was clear there was strong alignment between our two firms – in our values, our client focus and our ambition for the future. Joining AAB gives us the opportunity to build on our established presence in London and the South East, while benefiting from greater scale, broader expertise and continued investment in our people. We are proud of what we have built as Kreston Reeves and are looking forward to working together to deliver even more for our clients and our teams as part of AAB.”
AAB and Kreston Reeves will move ahead with integration, ensuring a seamless transition for clients and colleagues.
This milestone reflects AAB’s continued ambition to build a high-quality, future-focused professional services firm, with strong regional hubs, deep expertise, and a clear commitment to sustainable, long-term growth. AAB now employs over 1,800 people across 25 locations in the UK & Ireland.
AAB strengthens leadership with senior promotions in Audit & Tax
Professional services firm, AAB, has announced the promotion of three Directors to Partner, effective from 1 July 2026. Natalie Boyle (Glasgow), Graeme Robertson (Aberdeen) and Gregor McCallan (Aberdeen) have each been promoted to Partner as AAB continues to invest in its people and leadership capability to support sustained growth.
The promotions are part of over 70 progressions for team members at AAB and reflect the firms strong commitment to developing talent from within and ensuring clients continue to be supported by experienced, sector-leading advisers.
Natalie Boyle, based in Glasgow, has built a strong reputation for supporting a wide range of organisations to navigate complex financial and operational challenges, further strengthening AAB’s growing presence in Central Scotland. Natalie also leads the not-for-profit sector team at AAB, driven by her passion for advising organisations across this sector.
In Aberdeen, Graeme Robertson has developed a strong track record supporting clients across the energy sector, a sector he has over 30 years of experience in. His depth of sector knowledge and commercial insight position him to advise businesses as they respond to evolving market dynamics and opportunities. In 2025, Graeme was also elected as Chair of the Energy Industry Finance Association (EIFA).
Also based in Aberdeen, Gregor McCallan joined AAB as a graduate and has progressed to Partner through his commitment to supporting clients on a broad range of complex tax matters. His expertise in navigating technical and evolving tax issues has been instrumental in helping clients manage risk, structure effectively and plan for the future.
Chief Executive Emma Lancaster commented: “These promotions are a clear reflection of the strength of our people and the importance we place on developing talent from within AAB. Natalie, Graeme and Gregor have each demonstrated a strong commitment to their clients, their teams and the wider business, and their progression to Partner is fully deserved.
At AAB, having the very best people is central to how we deliver for our clients. By continuing to invest in our people and supporting them to grow their careers with us, we ensure clients benefit from high-quality advice, deep expertise and long-term relationships built on trust.”
These appointments come as AAB continues to scale its operations, focused on enhancing its integrated service offering and delivering long-term value to clients.
AAB’s growth reflects the firm’s continued momentum and its commitment to building a future-fit professional services business. Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, the firm now employs over 1,500 people across the UK and Ireland.
AAB expands Wales & South West England presence
AAB has strengthened its position in the mid-market advisory landscape with the rebrand of GS Verde, following its acquisition in December, as growing demand for integrated professional services continues to reshape the market.
The move sees the GS Verde business fully transition to the AAB brand, bringing together its established deals and advisory capability with AAB’s broader offering across audit, accounting, tax, wealth management and outsourced services. The business now operates with over 50 employees in the Wales and South West England region.
The rebrand comes as clients increasingly seek joined-up, multi-disciplinary support across transactions, growth, and succession planning – particularly in the owner-managed and mid-market segments.
As part of the next phase of growth, Nigel Greenaway has been appointed Head of Region for Wales & South West England. A former GS Verde leader, Nigel will lead the integration of services and drive regional expansion, with a focus on scaling AAB’s client base and capabilities in the region.
Nigel Greenaway, Head of Region for Wales & South West England at AAB, said: “This rebrand reflects both how far we’ve come and the scale of opportunity ahead. We’re seeing increasing demand from businesses for more integrated advice -particularly around transactions, growth strategy and long-term planning. Bringing the full AAB offering into the region allows us to respond to that demand and support clients in a more comprehensive and joined-up way.”
AAB expects this broader service offering to be a key driver of growth in the region, supported by continued investment in talent, sector specialisation, and client delivery.
John Beevers, Head of Regions at AAB, added: “The Wales and South West England region represents a significant growth market for AAB, with strong demand for high-quality, integrated professional services. The rebrand of GS Verde is a key milestone in our strategy to build a leading regional presence. With Nigel’s leadership and the strength of the combined team, we are well positioned to meet growing client demand and scale our offering in the years ahead.”
The rebrand is effective immediately, with clients continuing to be supported by the same team, now backed by the wider capabilities and national reach of AAB. AAB, backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, now employs over 1,500 people across the UK and Ireland.
AAB Acquires Cork-based Accountancy Firms
AAB has acquired two Cork-based accountancy firms, Old Quarter Chartered Accountants and O’Brien Crowley Chartered Accountants. This is AAB’s seventh and eighth investments in Ireland since January 2025, underlining the group’s commitment to continued expansion in the Irish market.
Old Quarter Chartered Accountants employs 26 employees, including partners Mark O’Keefe, Joe Foley and Diarmuid Kelleher . The firms provide audit, tax, business advisory, payroll and company secretarial. Founded in 2022, it operates from offices in Cork and Kerry and has a growing SME client base.
O’Brien Crowley Chartered Accountants, led by partner Killian O’Brien, has been providing professional services to businesses across Ireland since 1985. The firm has employs 13 people and offers a full suite of services including financial reporting, audit, tax, advisory and payroll.
Both firms will relocate to AAB’s new 23,000 sq-ft office space at Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork and will in time rebrand as AAB.
Following the completion of these two acquisitions AAB, which is backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, will employ almost 300 people in Ireland and more than 1,500 people across 17 locations.
Colm Duggan, Head of Professional Services at AAB in Ireland, said: “Securing these two deals is a clear signal of our continued momentum in the Irish market. We’re building scale at pace, but importantly, we’re doing it in a way that strengthens the quality of our client relationships and the depth of our expertise. AAB is the partner of choice for Irish accountancy firms looking to grow and to enhance their offering to clients, bringing together the right people, insight and ambition to deliver real value for clients. We will continue to grow across Ireland and the UK both organically and by acquisition.”
Mark O’Keefe, of Old Quarter Chartered Accountants said: “Joining the AAB group allows our exceptional people to maintain the strong client relationships that are our core strength, while providing our clients with access to broader expertise, greater resources and international reach. Importantly for us, our clients will continue to work with the same trusted team they know today.”
Killian O’Brien of O’Brien Crowley Chartered Accountants said: “For over 40 years, O’Brien Crowley has been a trusted provider of professional services to our clients. Joining AAB will allow us to access the technological capabilities and expertise which comes with an international platform, providing opportunities for our clients and our people.”