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.