AAB outlines its commitment to Manchester as it launches new office

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.”