AAB continues North West expansion with appointment of Karen Musgrave 

Award-winning professional services firm AAB has appointed Karen Musgrave as Audit Partner as the firm continues to expand its presence across the North West.

With 30 years’ experience supporting businesses throughout the audit process, Karen has worked with a range of businesses throughout her career, spanning SMEs through to large corporates.

While Karen takes a sector-agnostic approach, she has built considerable expertise across owner-managed and private equity-backed businesses across the North West. She also has considerable expertise working with not-for-profits, becoming recognised as a key expert in education across the region, alongside supporting the charity sector.

Karen joins from RSM, where she joined in 1996 as a trainee at a predecessor firm. She was promoted to Partner in 2018, eventually becoming the Office Managing Partner for Preston in 2022.

As an Audit Partner at AAB, Karen will be focused on bolstering the firm’s existing offering, supporting existing clients, while also growing the firm’s audit practice by continuing to attract new businesses across the North West as they expand and require audit support.

Karen Musgrave, Audit Partner at AAB, said: “Having built my career in the North West, stepping into this new role at AAB will allow me to continue supporting businesses both here in the North West, as well as further afield. I’ve worked with businesses of all shapes and sizes, and it’s the opportunity to work with the people behind these businesses that I really enjoy. Audits can be seen as a hassle, but by supporting businesses through the process, you can build trusted relationships and help them as they scale.

“As a rapidly growing  firm, it’s particularly exciting to be joining AAB as it looks to significantly expand its presence.”

Karen’s appointment comes at a time of continued expansion for AAB in the North West, having launched its new Manchester office in July 2026. Complemented by its existing office in Bolton, AAB is looking to grow the regional headcount to over 200 people in the coming years, underpinned by a commitment to the region’s owner-managed businesses, from smaller enterprises to mid-market organisations.

Chris Harland, Head of the North West, said: “Karen’s expertise and reputation across the North West market is a great addition to the AAB team, ensuring we’re continually expanding our sector expertise and providing clients with the support they need throughout their business journey.”

“This is all part of our strategy to grow our presence in the North West. Our new Manchester office has given us a base in one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities, providing solid foundations that we can build from over the coming years to both best support regional businesses, along with welcoming the next generation of talent.”

Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB now employs more than 1,900 people and generates over £200 million in revenue, having expanded through a combination of strategic acquisitions, investment and senior hires.

Recent accolades include “Firm of the Year” at both the 2026 Accounting Excellence and 2026 International Accountancy Awards, and “International Firm of the Year” at the Accounting Excellence Awards.