Strategic Advisory Solutions

You know what they say – fail to prepare, prepare to fail. The same applies when planning for your business. Whether that’s planning your exit or succession strategy, or planning your budget and forecast for the year. Planning ahead can be the difference between success and failure.

Brian McMurray

Business Advisory Group Partner & Head of Tech

Contact Brian Meet the team

Who we can help

SMES & OWNER-MANAGED BUSINESSES
FAMILY BUSINESSES, SOLE TRADERES & PARTNERSHIPS
START-UPS
ENTREPRENEURS & INDIVIDUALS

From Vision to Action: Strategic Solutions for Real Business Impact.

Get strategic advice for your business

Every successful business needs a clear vision and a strong strategy to achieve its goals. Our Strategic Advisory Solutions are designed to help SMEs define their objectives, develop actionable plans, and make informed decisions that drive long-term success. Whether you’re looking to expand into new markets, improve operational efficiency, or navigate complex business challenges, our experienced advisors provide the insights and guidance you need to chart a path forward. We work closely with you to understand your business and deliver strategic advice that empowers you to achieve sustainable growth.

Financial Forecasting – Taking the Guesswork out.

Let’s be honest—forecasting can feel like trying to predict the weather in a place where it’s sunny one minute and pouring the next. But when it comes to your business, having a reliable financial forecast isn’t just a guess; it’s a vital tool for making smart decisions.

Why Forecasting Matters.

Whether you’re planning for growth, managing your cash flow, or preparing for the unexpected, a good forecast helps you stay in control. We understand the challenges—fluctuating markets, shifting customer demand, and unpredictable expenses can all throw off your best-laid plans. But with our expertise, we’ll help you build a forecast that takes these uncertainties into account, so you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

Taking the Guesswork Out.

The risk with poor forecasting is obvious—cash flow problems, missed opportunities, or even decisions that push your business in the wrong direction. But with our approach, we dive deep into your data, industry trends, and your goals to create a forecast that feels less like guesswork and more like a strategic advantage. Our goal is to give you a clear view of your financial future, so you can make informed choices with confidence.

You need a forecast for day-to-day cash flow or you’re looking at long-term growth projections, we’ve got you covered. We’ll work closely with you to make sure your forecasts are not only accurate but also actionable. That means you’ll know when to invest, where to save, and how to steer your business towards success.

Talk to us about forecasting

Smart Budgeting for Business Success

Budgeting may not be the most exciting task on your to-do list but it’s one of the most important steps toward running a smooth, financially stable business. At AAB, we’re here to make budgeting less of a headache and more of a powerful tool to keep your business on track.

Why a Good Budget Matters.

A solid budget is your financial roadmap. It shows you where your money is going, helps you set priorities, and allows you to plan for both growth and unexpected challenges. Without it, you might feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up or, worse, find yourself in financial trouble. We get it—setting up and sticking to a budget can be tricky, but that’s where we come in.

It’s easy to overestimate revenue or underestimate expenses when putting a budget together. That’s why we focus on building realistic, data-driven budgets. We’ll work closely with you to analyse your financials and forecast your needs, so your budget reflects your actual business situation. With our guidance, you’ll have a clear picture of your income, expenses, and how to stay on track.

Full Support, Every Step of the Way.

We’re not just here to help you set a budget and leave you to it. We offer ongoing support to help you monitor your progress, adjust for changes, and make sure your business is financially healthy year-round. Whether you’re managing day-to-day expenses or planning for long-term goals, we’ll give you the tools and insights you need to succeed.

Talk to us about budgeting

New Business Set-up

Starting a new business means there’s plenty to think about. An early and important decision to make is what type of trading vehicle will be right for you. For some, the simplicity of being a Sole Trader or even a partner in a Partnership will be ideal. For others, a Limited Company or Limited Liability Partnership will best suit their needs. Your choice will impact your tax liability, so we’ll talk you through the pros and cons of each route to help you decide. Should you want to set up a company, we provide a fast and efficient company formation service.

We’ll assist in creating a practical business plan and advise on funding options for hiring staff, developing new products, or expanding premises, using our connections to introduce you to potential funders.

Get started

BOARD MEETING SUPPORT YOU CAN RELY ON

Having the right financial insight at your board or finance meetings can make all the difference. For many businesses, especially growing SMEs, having a full-time Finance Director isn’t always practical or cost-effective. That’s where we come in.

Our team provides regular support at your board or finance meetings, whether it’s monthly or quarterly, or on an ad-hoc basis. We can present management accounts, or offer challenge over financial performance. By bringing us in, you gain the benefit of high-level financial expertise without the commitment of an in-house finance director.

We don’t just present the numbers – we challenge them. We ask the tough questions, help you spot risks, and identify opportunities to strengthen your business’s financial health. Our tailored approach ensures that every piece of advice is focused on your specific needs and long-term goals.

With AAB by your side, you get the financial clarity and oversight you need to make informed, confident decisions for the future.

Get board meeting support

Business Exit, Retirement & Succession

Planning for business exit, retirement, or succession is a critical yet often overwhelming process for many business owners. Valuing your business, finding the right successor, and ensuring a smooth transition can be daunting. Some people will want a comfortable, well-funded retirement; others find it hard to lose the business habit and will want to re-invest their wealth in other people’s new ventures. It’s only right you should have those options, as your reward for all the many hours you’ve invested in building your business. By helping you with planning for your personal wealth, your pension, and inheritance and succession planning, we’ll help you realise the future you envisaged.

Our service includes:

Business Valuation: We will conduct thorough and accurate valuations to help you understand the true worth of your business, ensuring you receive fair value upon exit.
Exit Strategy Development: We will work with you to develop a tailored exit strategy that aligns with your personal and business objectives, whether that involves selling to a third party, transitioning to family members, or management buyouts.
Succession Planning: We will assist in identifying and preparing the next generation of leaders, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of business operations.
Retirement Planning: Our team helps you plan for a financially secure retirement, integrating your business exit strategy with your personal financial goals.
Tax Efficiency: We provide strategic advice to minimise tax liabilities associated with the sale or transfer of your business, ensuring that you retain the maximum value from your hard-earned investment.

We understand that planning for business exit, retirement, or succession is a deeply personal and complex process. Our personalised approach ensures that we understand your specific needs and tailor our services to help you achieve a smooth and successful transition. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can help you turn your exit and succession planning into a strategic advantage, securing your legacy and financial future.

Get advice from our experts

GRANT CLAIMS

Applying for grants can be challenging. Whether it’s deciphering complex regulations or making sure your application meets every requirement, it’s easy to feel unsure of where to start. But that’s where we come in.

Our dedicated team of grant claim experts are here to make the process simpler for you. With years of experience helping businesses secure funding, we know exactly what it takes to have your claim approved. We’re with you every step of the way – from identifying the right grants for your business, through to compiling the strongest possible application.

Typical forms of support include capital grants, employment related grants, R&D grant funding and market development grant aid. We are approved commercial appraisers to both Economic Development Agencies and Councils who administer funding programmes, and therefore have expertise on the format and type of information that needs to be presented to maximise funding success.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every business is unique, which is why we take the time to fully understand your goals, ensuring that we can tailor our support to your specific needs. With AAB on your side, you’ll have the guidance, expertise, and peace of mind you need to make the most of every opportunity.

So, whether you’re applying for a new grant or looking to improve your chances of success with a current claim, our team is ready to help you take the next step.

Let’s make securing your grant funding as straight forward as possible

GET THE FULL PICTURE WITH A FINANCIAL APPRAISAL

When it comes to making informed business decisions, having a clear understanding of your financial position is crucial. Our financial appraisal service provides you with a detailed, accurate analysis of your business’s financial health, helping you see the bigger picture and plan for the future with confidence.

Whether you’re looking to secure funding, attract investors, or assess a potential acquisition, our team of experts delivers comprehensive appraisals tailored to your needs. We dive deep into the numbers, identifying strengths, risks, and opportunities so you can make decisions backed by solid financial insight.

We know that no two businesses are alike, which is why we take a bespoke approach, ensuring every appraisal is customised to your specific situation. We’ll make sure you gain the clarity you need to drive your business forward.

Get in touch today to discover how our financial appraisals can help you make smarter, more strategic decisions.

AAB team member in meeting with colleague reviewing notes

Make strategic decisions with a financial appraisal

MENTORING: GUIDING YOUR BUSINESS TO SUCCESS, ONE STEP AT A TIME

Running a business comes with its fair share of challenges, be it planning for growth, managing succession, or restructuring plans. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve partnered with businesses of all sizes, providing tailored mentoring support.

Our approach is personal, practical, and focused on your unique needs. From understanding your company’s dynamics in a one-to-one setting to delivering a detailed action plan, we’ll work closely with you to pinpoint opportunities, overcome obstacles, and implement changes.

Supported by our experienced team, we offer guidance that’s not only practical but makes a real difference. We’re here to ensure your business is equipped with the right tools and strategies to succeed.

Ready to take the next step?

Sign up for the latest industry insights

Blog29th Jul 2024
HMRC Nudge Letter Campaign Targets Persons with Significant Control
As part of the latest HM Revenue & Customs (‘HMRC’) nudge letter campaign, HMRC have once again cross-referenced Companies House records to Self-Assessment Tax Returns and are writing to anyone they believe to be a Person with Significant Control (‘PSCs’) asking them…
By Michaela McCombie
View more
Blog26th Jul 2024
Will You Be Caught By HMRC Trying To Bridge A £40 Billion Tax Gap?
Whether it’s a knock on the door, a phone call or a letter with the tell-tale HMRC logo, there’s little that will strike more fear into the heart of any individual or business owner than an unexpected enquiry from HM…
By Stuart Petrie
View more
Blog8th May 2024
ESG Diligence: The Key To Sustainable M&A Transactions
In today’s dynamic investment landscape, the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors has become more than just a trend. It is emerging to be strategically imperative alongside other more traditional performance measures such as profitability and financial performance. …
By Alasdair Green
View more
Blog29th Apr 2024
The Legal Sector: How Can You Navigate Its Complexities?
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the legal sector, law firms are constantly having to stay ahead of the curve and find ways to navigate the challenges they face. So, what are the major challenges being faced by the sector…
By Joel Topham
View more