ROBERT WILSON

SECTORS

Owner-managed businesses across all sectors. Family Businesses. Construction & real estate.

RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON TRUST

“For me, I am mindful of the personal nature of my role, not purely seeing my work as a technical exercise, but understanding the client’s position and their motivations to ensure their affairs are structured to meet their long-term ambitions.

I enjoy meeting new people and building trusted relationships with clients and their associates. These long-term relationships ensure I understand the specific needs of my clients and their objectives, which allows me to deliver practical and bespoke tax advice which is tailored to each client’s priorities.

Tax advice is often just one piece of the puzzle, so I also work closely with clients’ other advisers, such as solicitors and financial planners. That collaboration ensures the advice they receive is well-rounded and aligned with their overall objectives.”

HELPING CLIENTS STAY ONE STEP AHEAD

“Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients, from start-up entrepreneurs to established businesses, large corporates and high-net-worth individuals. Many are at different stages of their business journey, from early growth to succession planning or eventual exit.

This breadth of experience helps me guide clients through each phase of the tax cycle while ensuring they remain prepared for future developments. My aim is always to help clients think ahead, rather than reacting once a problem has already arisen. I want them to feel comfortable picking up the phone whenever they need guidance, not just when deadlines are approaching.”

TURNING COMPLEX SITUATIONS INTO CLEAR SOLUTIONS

“One example that stands out involved advising three separate parties involved in the same business transaction. Each had different personal objectives: one wanted to increase their shareholding, another wanted to exit the business and the third wanted to buy into the company.

Balancing these competing priorities could easily have led to conflict. By spending time understanding each individual’s motivations, it became clear that they all shared one overarching goal – ensuring the long-term success of the business.

By presenting potential options around that shared objective, we were able to align the parties and help them reach a solution that worked for everyone. Situations like this highlight how tax advice often involves problem solving, communication and negotiation just as much as technical expertise.”

THE VALUE OF COLLABORATION

“Early in my career, I felt you were expected to have all the answers. Over time, I realised that tax is far too broad for anyone to be an expert in every area. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of trusting colleagues and working collaboratively.

Within the Business Advisory Group, our tax expertise is integrated within one team rather than split into separate departments. This collaborative approach means we can draw on each other’s knowledge across corporate tax, personal tax planning, and wider financial considerations – and, together with support from colleagues across the wider AAB group, including wealth specialists, deliver solutions that consider every aspect of a client’s situation.

That mindset ensures clients receive accurate, commercially focused advice while fostering a strong, supportive team environment. For business owners, this joined-up thinking can make a real difference.”

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

“Technology is changing many industries, including tax. Tools such as AI and advanced analytics have the potential to provide faster and deeper analysis of financial information.

However, in my view, technology should enhance – not replace – the human element of advisory work. Understanding a client’s circumstances often involves conversations about family dynamics, business relationships and personal ambitions, areas where human judgment is essential.

By embracing technology while maintaining that personal approach, we can deliver more efficient analysis while still providing advice that reflects the real lives and priorities of our clients.”

THE REAL VALUE OF TAX PLANNING

“One of the biggest misconceptions about tax advice is that its only purpose is to reduce a client’s tax bill.

In reality, effective tax planning is about helping clients make well-informed decisions that support their wider goals. Sometimes that means structuring a transaction differently, planning ahead for succession or ensuring a business structure supports future growth.

There’s an old saying: “don’t let the tax tail wag the dog.” In other words, tax considerations should support the bigger financial picture rather than dictate it. Sometimes the best advice is simply confirming that the right decision is to stay the course.”

SUPPORTING LONG-TERM GROWTH

“One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing businesses grow and evolve. Many of the clients I work with are incredibly passionate about what they do, and being able to support them on that journey is hugely satisfying.

Whether it’s helping a business expand, supporting owners through succession planning or preparing for retirement, tax advice can play an important role in shaping the next chapter of their story.

For me, success comes from building trusted relationships where clients feel confident they have someone in their corner – someone who understands their ambitions and is ready to help them navigate the challenges ahead.”