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AAB Group / News / Page 6
The resilience of the business community in the Greater Newry Area has been celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony. The biennial event took place at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa on Thursday 7th October and honoured the achievements of 27 individuals and organisations.
The awards were organised by the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade and sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Shelbourne Motors.
Chamber President, Emma Mullen-Marmion commented: “There is no question the last 18 months have been amongst the toughest times faced by businesses and society in general. However, from the over 200 award applications received by the Chamber, we can clearly see that the local economy is being driven by many successful, ambitious and talented enterprises.
The strength of this year’s awards clearly illustrates a confident, determined business community, focused on creating jobs and generating wealth and prosperity for our region. We were delighted to present a Special Recognition Award to the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to honour their commitment during the Covid-19 pandemic. Newry Chamber wanted to thank all Health Care staff for the vital role they played in helping to care for our citizens and keeping us all safe.”
The Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area went to Ciaran Rafferty. The highly respected Solicitor has for over four decades been involved with charity and community sector organisations. Most notably Newry Credit Union, Clanrye Group and St Vincent de Paul Society.
Best Businessman was awarded to Connaire McGreevy of CTS – Connect Transform Sustain, with the Best Businesswoman award going to Gemma Murphy from Jack Murphy Jewellers.
Congratulating all the winners, Emma Mullen-Marmion said: “The Greater Newry Area is recognised as a place synonymous with entrepreneurship, innovation, excellent service, product quality and customer care. This year’s awards have recognised the very best that this region’s business community has to offer. Well done to all companies that entered and congratulations to the winners.”
AAB, a leading professional services firm across the UK and Ireland, has today announced the promotion of five team members into key leadership roles. This move not only underscores AAB’s dedication to fostering talent and commitment to excellence but also signals a continued trajectory of growth, with 150 team members promoted across the 12 AAB office locations.
The newly appointed individuals bring a wide range of experience and the new roles will be critical as the company expands its team across the UK and Ireland.
Helen Daniels assumes the role of Audit Partner in the AAB Leeds office. Helen has been a key member of the Audit team specialising in owner-managed businesses and the financial services sector.
Lynn Gracie has accepted the position of Private Client Partner based in the AAB Aberdeen office. Leading the Private Client International Tax team, Lynn provides specialist tax advice connected to internationally mobile individuals, including Non-Residents and Non-UK Domiciles, providing holistic tax solutions across global jurisdictions.
Gregor Angus, who joined AAB in March 2023 has been promoted to the role of Business Development Partner, North of Scotland. This appointment marks a commitment from AAB to drive further growth in the North of Scotland region across all service lines.
Based in the AAB Aberdeen office, Andrea Begg has been promoted to Business Advisory Director. In her new role, Andrea will continue to deliver the highest standard of service and advice to owner managed and family businesses over a number of sectors. Andrea is also in the AAB tax investigations team.
Assuming the role of Business Advisory Director based in the AAB Glasgow office, Gillian Rushton joined AAB in March 2016. Gillian provides business advisory tax services to a range of clients across all industries, as well as a being a member of both the AAB technology sector team and the tax investigations team.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer of AAB commented on the promotions: “Helen, Lynn, Gregor, Andrea and Gillian are dedicated team members at AAB and it is a great pleasure to recognise each of these individuals with their promotion to our leadership team. We are committed to promoting from within, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to progress their career. As we continue to grow, their contributions will be pivotal in driving our vision forward and maintaining the high standards our clients know we can deliver to support their own business and individual growth.”
Since securing investment from August Equity in 2021, AAB has tripled in size and now employs c1,000 people across 12 office locations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States, with strategic plans in place to continue to scale the business rapidly, supported by the promotions announced today.
AAB hosted over 450 guests at the AABIE Charity Ball, held for the first time in Newry on Saturday night (June 8)
Held in the city’s Canal Court, the Ball raised an astonishing £100,369 for the AABIE Charitable Initiative (known as ‘AABIE’) with all funds going directly to the charity.
Feargal McCormack, AAB Managing Partner – Ireland commented “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part in making the AABIE Ball such a success. To our connections who made such generous donations, our table hosts and guests who joined us on the night and to every person that made our event possible, thank you so very much.
“One of the driving forces behind joining AAB back in 2022 was the synergy across both our teams. Being active members of our local communities and giving something back through AABIE is key to this. We are truly thrilled, and incredibly proud, of what we have achieved together for AABIE this weekend.”
Formed in 2016, AABIE is AAB’s very own charity, and is the platform which enables everyone across AAB, including AAB team members, to invest in their local communities through grant funding and volunteer time. This approach means that the support AABIE provides is varied and widespread, and the charity is well-placed to help many people.
To date, AABIE has supported over 180 charities across the UK and Ireland. The latest grant round (ended 31 March 2024) saw AABIE pledge over £38,000 to 28 different charities, the largest amount the charity has ever pledged in a single grant round.
Some of the recent charities AABIE has supported include donating over £10,000 to Down Right Brilliant (Newry and Mourne), Fighting Words Northern Ireland (Belfast) and the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre (Drogheda). The funding enabled Down Right Brilliant to provide an overnight residential trip to an outdoor activity centre for adult members of DRB, and to provide a workshop for siblings of members with Down Syndrome. Fighting Words Northern Ireland ran an after-school creative writing course for local teenagers with their funding, and the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre was able to cover the cost of therapists providing three months of reflexology therapy for clients who have a cancer diagnosis.
Following these donations, AABIE reached the milestone of pledging over £300,000 of vital grant funding since the charity was launched. Another recent milestone achieved by AABIE was reaching over 6,000 hours of volunteer time delivered. All AAB team members are entitled to a day of volunteer leave each year to support community projects and causes close to their hearts.
Sheena Anderson, AABIE Chair said “When we launched AABIE in 2016 we only had one community we worked within, which was Aberdeen, and it is fantastic to see how we have managed to increase the reach and impact AABIE has in new and different communities as AAB has grown.
“Raising over £100K is a wonderful result and will enable AABIE to continue to support so many charities and worthy causes across the UK and Ireland. It is a privilege to work with my fellow AABIE Trustees and see what a significant impact grant funding and volunteer time can have on the lives of so many people.”
Emma Lancaster, AAB Chief Executive added: “AABIE is a very special charity, and the way we operate is that bit different. Everyone across AAB is involved with AABIE, and it is our team members who truly make the work AABIE does possible through volunteering and raising almost all money donated through grant funding.
“We are very proud of AABIE, and proud of the work our teams do to ensure AABIE is successful. But we know there is so much more we can do to continue to support the communities we operate in, and we can only do that if AABIE has the funds available to support the charities and worthy causes who need our help. Achieving what we have this last weekend will enable this amazing charity to continue to carry out its great work, and we are so thankful to everyone for their support and generosity.”
The current AABIE grant round closes on 30 June 2024. More information on how to apply for funding or volunteer time can be found at aabgroup.com/about/aabie/.
Leading cross-border accountancy and advisory firm, AAB has been recognised with two awards at the prestigious 2024 Irish Accountancy Awards held recently at the Royal Dublin Convention Centre in Dublin…
AAB was awarded the titles of ‘Green Practice of the Year’ and ‘Large Firm of the Year’ at the awards ceremony, which highlights industry excellence, and recognises the profession’s ongoing dedication in driving business and organisational success.
Over 400 accountancy leaders gathered to celebrate the high achievers in the Irish accounting profession, and to honour the teams and individuals who have been standout performers within the industry over the past 12 months. Launched in 2016, the awards were once again hosted by Colm O’Regan, critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, columnist and broadcaster. They were presided over by an expert judging panel, who whittled down the 123 finalists to the 26 winners announced on the night.
On receiving the Green Practice of the Year and Large Firm of the Year Awards, Aveen McShane, ESG Director at AAB commented,
“We are immensely proud of our team and their dedication to providing pioneering cross-border solutions to our clients in Ireland, Northern Ireland and around the world. Our dedication to sustainability doesn’t stop in house. There may be a perception that the accountancy sector has a relatively small carbon footprint, and therefore has little need to change, but we beg to differ. We recognise the power and reach we have to make a monumental difference throughout the entire business landscape. Recognising that our biggest impact as a service firm lies with our clients, we have developed ESG services which fully embrace this evolution, by actively supporting our clients on their own sustainability journeys. It is such a privilege to work in a dynamic and progressive organisation, which is committed to investing in sustainability and green practices.”
“We are immensely proud of our team and their dedication to providing pioneering cross-border solutions to our clients in Ireland, Northern Ireland and around the world.
Our dedication to sustainability doesn’t stop in house. There may be a perception that the accountancy sector has a relatively small carbon footprint, and therefore has little need to change, but we beg to differ. We recognise the power and reach we have to make a monumental difference throughout the entire business landscape. Recognising that our biggest impact as a service firm lies with our clients, we have developed ESG services which fully embrace this evolution, by actively supporting our clients on their own sustainability journeys. It is such a privilege to work in a dynamic and progressive organisation, which is committed to investing in sustainability and green practices.”
AAB Partner, Gary Digney, added:
‘We are thrilled to win two prestigious awards again for a consecutive year. This is a fantastic recognition of our workplace culture and demonstrates the strength of our team, many of whom will undoubtedly be our future business leaders.”
AAB were represented at the awards by a cross section of team members.
Scroll down to view all the photos from the night and get in touch if you would like to find out how AAB can help you achieve your goals.
AAB, a leading professional services firm across the UK & Ireland, has today announced the promotion of three business leaders to drive forward its ambitious growth plans. With a commitment to building deeper relationships with clients, AAB has appointed Lyn Calder as Chief Growth Officer, John Beevers as Head of Professional Services and Neil Robb as Head of Business Advisory.
As the newly appointed Chief Growth Officer, Lyn Calder brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and business development, poised to drive expansion initiatives and cultivate key partnerships. Lyn has been with AAB for six years and was previously the Managing Partner for the AAB Edinburgh office.
John Beevers, in the role of Head of Professional Services, will leverage extensive expertise in business performance to enhance service quality and drive operational excellence overseeing Audit, Corporate Finance, Business Advisory, Tax and Private Client. John is based in the AAB Leeds office. John had previously been a partner for more than twenty years and joined AAB in 2021 as part of AAB’s strategic acquisition of the accountancy business.
Neil Robb, who takes on the role of Head of Business Advisory, will lead efforts to provide tailored solutions for SMEs through delivery of accounting & tax compliance, digital accounting solutions and strategic advisory projects. Neil is based in Glasgow and joined AAB in 2023 in the eighth strategic deal for AAB in the acquisition of French Duncan.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer of AAB, commented: “The business has been on an incredible growth journey over the last three years. As part of our growth strategy, we are committed to providing unmatched opportunities for our team members to develop their own careers. Their proven track records and commitment to excellence make Lyn, John, and Neil key leaders as we continue to grow the business.
“In their respective roles, these individuals will spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing AAB’s position as a trusted advisor to clients. Their combined experience, expertise and passion will ensure that the business retains its client-centric focus and provides unparalleled service delivery.
“With these appointments, we reinforce our commitment to deliver exceptional value to our clients and remain at the forefront of our industry.”
Since securing investment from August Equity in 2021, AAB has trebled in size and now employs c1,000 people across 12 office locations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States, with strategic plans in place to continue to scale the business rapidly, supported by the promotions announced today.
Our Restructuring & Recovery team is growing. Glasgow-based Phil Dunn has joined as Restructuring & Recovery Director, bringing over 20 years restructuring experience within three of the big 4 accounting firms.
With Phil’s appointment, the Restructuring & Recovery department now comprises 28 professionals across the UK and Ireland, and Phil is the fourth director in the team, joining Judith Howson, David McGinness, and Duncan Raggett. Judith recently gained her Insolvency Practitioners Licence with ICAS, and with 28 years’ experience in insolvency, she is also a Chartered Certified Accountant.
The Restructuring and Recovery team also includes Gary Digney and Seamas Keating leading the Irish team who are shortlisted as finalists at the Irish Accountancy Awards 2024.
The growth of the Restructuring and Recovery team within AAB’s Corporate Finance division follows a steep increase in demand for support from businesses facing financial challenges. Recent statistics published by R3 show that corporate insolvency numbers in Scotland for Q3 2023-2024 increased by 7.4% compared with Q3 2022-2023.
Head of Corporate Finance, Gordon Steele, said: “Although the growth of the Restructuring & Recovery team has been prompted by challenging circumstances faced by other businesses, it is important to highlight that we have some of the best insolvency practitioners here. They approach each case with empathy and meticulous care.”
“Our latest appointment, Phil Dunn, is a very welcome addition as the business continues to grow. He possesses a wealth of expertise in finding solutions for distressed SMEs, sole traders, and private individuals. He will work alongside another five high quality partners and directors in the Restructuring & Recovery team based across all our locations.”
Phil commented: “I have been welcomed into a highly capable team that respect and trust each other, and we exemplify this in our approach to clients. Personally, I find that one of the most satisfying elements of what we do is the positive aspects of a restructuring process such as safeguarding jobs and preserving businesses, and I will continue to advise clients on the best options available to them, as I have done throughout my career to date.”
In line with the global imperative for decarbonisation, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting legislation is ramping up around the world. In the last year ESG reporting changes have been written into EU regulations and will be written into UK regulations over the next three years, impacting a range of businesses from larger companies through to SMEs.
In a bid to support businesses of all sizes to integrate sustainability principles into their operations and so comply with these legal requirements, leading chartered accountancy and business advisory firm, AAB, has announced the expansion of their ESG division across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
An increasing number of businesses will have to report and be audited on their carbon footprint as part of the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting regulation (SECR) in the UK and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in the EU, with a risk of fines for non-compliance.
However, in addition to compliance, businesses stand to gain a number of competitive advantages by taking action to establish this framework for measuring and reporting on ESG topics, potentially including: greater attraction and retention of talent, access to finance, cost savings, increased value generation / profitability and retention of contracts as well as acquiring new business.
Aveen McShane, ESG Director at AAB, explains the rationale underpinning the division:
“In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, ESG factors are becoming increasingly important considerations for investors, regulators, and consumers. It has been consistently highlighted that companies performing strongly across all three factors of ESG have been shown to be more profitable, with one study finding up to 6 times more. These businesses not only mitigate risk, but also stand to gain a competitive edge by fostering long-term resilience and value creation. “At AAB, we recognise the critical role that businesses play in addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and social inequality. Our ESG proposition is designed to support businesses in embracing sustainability as a core component of their operations, driving positive outcomes for both society and the bottom line. “We are extremely proud to offer this proposition, which not only complements our existing portfolio of business and professional services, but also adds significant value to our clients, both established and new. ESG is considered a key growth area within AAB, with plans including further recruitment, team development and training.”
“In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, ESG factors are becoming increasingly important considerations for investors, regulators, and consumers. It has been consistently highlighted that companies performing strongly across all three factors of ESG have been shown to be more profitable, with one study finding up to 6 times more. These businesses not only mitigate risk, but also stand to gain a competitive edge by fostering long-term resilience and value creation.
“At AAB, we recognise the critical role that businesses play in addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and social inequality. Our ESG proposition is designed to support businesses in embracing sustainability as a core component of their operations, driving positive outcomes for both society and the bottom line.
“We are extremely proud to offer this proposition, which not only complements our existing portfolio of business and professional services, but also adds significant value to our clients, both established and new. ESG is considered a key growth area within AAB, with plans including further recruitment, team development and training.”
AAB’s ESG team have extensive expertise in this increasingly important field and hold credentials from Cambridge University, Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Institute of Accountants in England and Wales. With a trained B Leader on the team, AAB can also support companies pursuing B Corp certification.
Alasdair Green, ESG Partner at AAB added:
“Our clients realise that by commencing their sustainability journey, they will not only drive profits, but they will become more resilient, adaptable and avoid the real risk of being left behind. We are here to support forward-thinking businesses with our five-stage pathway. Our goal is to build resilient and future-proof organisations that can meet today’s needs, without endangering those of future generations.”
AAB’s ESG service offering is designed to assist businesses in navigating the complexities of sustainable business practices by offering:
Ready to explore how our ESG division can help transform your bottom line and secure a sustainable future for your business? Contact our team today.
Tech-enabled, business critical services group, AAB, has been shortlisted for the Best Private Client Tax Practice award, in the coveted UK-wide Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2024.
The Private Client (PC) team, which consists of 66 entrepreneurial, highly-skilled advisors from across UK and Ireland has been instrumental in AAB’s organic growth.
Success has been fuelled by record client wins over the past financial year, both in terms of quality and quantity of new clients. The team also grew by an additional 12 people, enhanced by strategic acquisitions, new hires, seamless team integration, and fostering talent from within, ensuring they have the requisite skills and resources to meet demand.
Well-positioned to support clients with innovative value accretive solutions and strategic tax advice, the PC team works with a global portfolio of entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and families, family companies, international private clients, trusts and estates.
A dedicated PC leadership team of 24 supports the multi-disciplinary, cross-jurisdictional teams, excelling at entrepreneurial and cross-border tax planning, International advice, trusts/estates, worldwide/offshore disclosures, asset restructuring and wealth protection.
Utilising their significant levels of tax expertise, the PC team has contributed to both organic growth and service excellence at AAB.
Paula Fraser, Head of Private Client, leads the team. She said:
“At AAB we are exceptionally proud of our Private Client team, so being short-listed for the final of the Tolley’s Taxation Awards by a panel of our esteemed industry peers is a truly gratifying experience. “Our team excels, with an ability to quickly see to the heart of the matter and demonstrate a positive and commercial approach to working up a bespoke solution. “Progress is driven by our all-in-one client services strategy– combining seamless compliance, proactive tax transformations, innovation, teamwork, strategic partnerships, and technology to maximise client satisfaction. We consistently go above and beyond in devising tax solutions for our clients, capitalising on new technology, harnessing AI, and adapting to the evolving role of tax. Success is measured by how we help clients achieve their goals.
“At AAB we are exceptionally proud of our Private Client team, so being short-listed for the final of the Tolley’s Taxation Awards by a panel of our esteemed industry peers is a truly gratifying experience.
“Our team excels, with an ability to quickly see to the heart of the matter and demonstrate a positive and commercial approach to working up a bespoke solution.
“Progress is driven by our all-in-one client services strategy– combining seamless compliance, proactive tax transformations, innovation, teamwork, strategic partnerships, and technology to maximise client satisfaction. We consistently go above and beyond in devising tax solutions for our clients, capitalising on new technology, harnessing AI, and adapting to the evolving role of tax. Success is measured by how we help clients achieve their goals.
“We are looking forward to celebrating with our fellow finalists at the Tolley Taxation Awards ceremony next month, and wish everyone the best of luck!”
AAB’s Corporate Finance team has been awarded the inaugural Transaction Services Team of the Year Award by Insider Media at the Northern Ireland Dealmaker Awards 2024…Group
The Transaction Services Team of the Year Award recognises the team that has advised and facilitated in the most exciting deals, by providing the highest quality transaction services throughout the year.
Alongside shortlisted firms such as EY and Grant Thornton, AAB secured the title through its differential services and were announced winners of the award, with the judges commenting:
“AAB is on a very exciting growth journey. This was evident from the team’s success in the past year which saw their team grow by 25%. The judges felt the team deserved recognition for the crucial role they played in supporting further investment in Northern Ireland.”
Ashok Thomas, AAB Corporate Finance Director accepted the award and commented:
“This is a significant accomplishment for our Corporate Finance Team – to be recognised amongst respected peers in the industry. We take great pride in the relationships formed with businesses in Northern Ireland and this honour is testament to our team’s crucial role in steering a diverse portfolio of sizeable international and local deals in Northern Ireland.”
The Northern Ireland Dealmaker Awards, which were held at the Europa Hotel, Belfast and compered by Jason Mohammad are sought-after by the corporate finance community in Northern Ireland and reward the top performing professional advice and funders in the region.
Scroll down for photos from the event…
Leading cross-border accountancy and business advisory firm AAB has announced the promotion of three key team members to Director roles.
AAB has enjoyed a period of exceptional growth. A total of 10 team members have been promoted to senior leadership positions within AAB across Ireland and the UK.
Aveen McShane and Sarah-Jane Murphy, who are both based in the Newry office, have been promoted to the positions of Business Advisory Directors. Caroline Butler, who is based in the Dublin office, takes on the role of Corporate Tax Director.
Feargal McCormack, AAB Managing Partner – Ireland, congratulated the newly promoted members of the firm’s senior leadership team: “We are on a truly exciting journey with ambitious growth plans, none of which would be possible without our fantastic team collaborating with great clients. So it is particularly gratifying to be able to recognise our team with these well-deserved promotions.
Teresa Campbell, AAB Partner, continued: “As a group we pride ourselves on our commitment to developing our people, and this promotion round is no exception. Aveen, Sarah-Jane and Caroline have all demonstrated superb leadership and commitment to the company, and I’m delighted to see them progress to Director roles. I look forward to working with them, and all of our newly appointed Partners and Directors, as we continue to deliver unparalleled services for our clients.”
Three Scotland-based members of the team have also been promoted to Director:
A further four AAB team members who are based in the firm’s Scottish offices have been promoted to the role of Partner:
A further 46 team members have been promoted across the wider AAB organisation.
AAB CEO, Emma Lancaster added: “What a fantastic way to kick-start 2024, by recognising the expert knowledge, commitment and dedication of 56 team members with these richly deserved promotions across our office locations.”
Since securing investment from August Equity in October 2021, AAB now employs c1,000 people across 12 office locations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States.