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.”

AAB appoints Jon Grainger Chief Operating Officer

Professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of Jon Grainger as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Jonathon will lead AAB’s technology, operations and integration teams, driving the next phase of operational excellence and enabling the firm to embed end‑to‑end automation capability throughout its business operations.

Jon joins AAB at a time of accelerated innovation across the professional services sector. As technology becomes increasingly central to operational effectiveness, it is now more common for Chief Operating Officers to emerge from technology and transformation backgrounds, reflecting the deepening link between digital capability and operational scale. Jon’s proven leadership in advanced automation and data‑driven transformation positions him strongly to support AAB’s next stage of growth.

An early adopter of advanced business automation, Jon brings extensive experience in professional services, delivering measurable efficiency gains across complex organisations. His leadership will strengthen AAB’s ability to enhance service delivery through intelligent automation while ensuring ethical and regulatory guardrails remain firmly embedded. Central to his approach is a commitment to keeping AAB’s people at the heart of every process, empowering teams with technology rather than replacing the human expertise that defines the firm’s service.

Jon’s appointment also comes as professional services firms navigate increasing industry‑wide challenges, including heightened cybersecurity risk, rapidly evolving regulatory expectations, and the need for responsible, well‑governed deployment of AI and automation technologies. His experience in shaping resilient, secure, and compliant operational models will help ensure AAB continues to meet these expectations while driving innovation.

This appointment follows AAB’s 2025 investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, which has accelerated the group’s growth, expanded capacity, and strengthened its commitment to technology‑led operational transformation.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB, welcomed the appointment:

“As our business continues to grow, strengthening our operational capability is essential to delivering the highest levels of service for our clients. Jon’s leadership supports our Strategy to 2030, particularly our ambition to unlock operational efficiencies that free up more time for our teams to focus on deepening relationships with clients. His approach to responsible automation aligns perfectly with the AAB culture – technology should support our people.”

As part of this transition, Derek Mitchell, who has served as Chief Operating Officer, will move into a newly created strategic role where he will lead key integration initiatives and critical projects across the group. Derek’s deep knowledge of AAB and his operational experience will be instrumental in delivering the firm’s long-term integration roadmap and ensuring the success of major programmes planned for the coming years.

Speaking about his appointment, Jon Grainger added:

“I’m delighted to be joining AAB at such an exciting stage in its growth. There is enormous potential in harnessing automation to create smarter, more agile operations – provided we do so responsibly and with people firmly at the centre. I look forward to working with our teams to build scalable, secure and efficient processes that enhance both our client service and the working experience of our colleagues.”

Jon’s appointment underscores AAB’s continued investment in technology, integration and future‑focused operational capability as the business delivers on its ambitious long-term strategy.

AAB’s rapid growth journey across the UK and Ireland is set to continue with backing from Goldman Sachs Alternatives

AAB Launches “Office of the CFO” Service to Support Growing Businesses with Flexible Finance Leadership

In response to the increasingly complex trading environment for businesses, professional services firm, AAB, has launched a new ‘Office of the CFO’ service designed to give organisations the ability to strengthen their finance leadership and gain clarity in their numbers without the difficulties of recruitment of finance professionals at all levels.

Businesses across the UK are facing more challenges than ever before – from inflationary pressures and rising costs to increasingly complex reporting requirements. For many organisations, these pressures are stretching finance teams and make reliable financial insight more critical than ever.

The new offering provides flexible finance leadership and specialist accounting expertise to businesses experiencing growth, navigating complex group or funding reporting requirements or preparing for major transactions. The AAB Office of the CFO team includes senior expertise in operational finance, forecasting, technical accounting, statutory reporting, finance transformation, cash flow modelling and transaction accounting.

The service combines operational finance support, technical accounting expertise and strategic CFO-level leadership, allowing organisations to strengthen their finance functions and gain clearer financial insight at critical stages of their development.

Lauren McCluskey, Head of Office of the CFO and Partner at AAB, commented: “Businesses are operating in an environment where they are expected to be able to adapt and change at pace. Cost control remains a priority with CFOs expected to make decisions quickly and decisively whilst navigating the technology changes alongside the day to day operations.

Many finance teams are resource constrained with CFOs and CEOs personally sponsoring both technology and transformation projects. The Office of the CFO is able to support the day to day operations and senior team freeing up valuable time.”

The Office of the CFO service is designed to support organisations at every stage of growth, including entrepreneurs, SMEs, AIM-listed companies, multinational groups and public sector organisations.

By integrating with existing finance teams or providing additional capability where needed, the service enables organisations to strengthen reporting, improve financial visibility and respond more effectively to growth or change.

The service is particularly valuable for organisations facing increased regulatory scrutiny, complex accounting requirements, or major transactions such as acquisitions, fundraising or market listings.

AAB’s rapid growth journey across the UK and Ireland is set to continue with backing from Goldman Sachs Alternatives.