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Why Family Business Succession Fails (and how to fix it)
AAB / News / Page 2
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Gary Harding as Head of Audit, as the firm continues its rapid growth journey.
Gary joins AAB with significant experience as Audit Partner having held roles at EY, BDO and Grant Thornton. In his new role, he will be responsible for the strategic leadership and continued expansion of AAB’s audit function, ensuring the firm continues to deliver high-quality, insight-led audit services to a growing and increasingly diverse client base. The audit function at AAB has grown by more than 20% in 2025, now employing more than 300 people across the 17 locations in the UK and Ireland.
Alongside Gary’s appointment, James Pirrie has moved into the newly created role of Audit Head of Markets. In this position, James will focus on supporting the firm’s ambitious growth plans by strengthening market presence, developing key client relationships and helping to shape the future direction of the audit service line.
The leadership changes reflect AAB’s continued investment in its people and services, following a period of sustained growth across the UK and Ireland.
John Beevers, Head of Professional Services at AAB, commented: “Gary’s appointment is a significant step for our audit business. He brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership and a clear strategic vision that aligns perfectly with AAB’s growth ambitions. With Gary leading the audit function and James moving into a market-focused role, we have a powerful leadership combination that will help us continue to scale while maintaining the quality of senior-led relationships our clients value.”
“These changes underline our commitment to building a market-leading audit offering across the UK and Ireland, as part of AAB’s wider growth journey.”
Gary Harding, Head of Audit at AAB added: “I’m excited to be joining AAB at such a pivotal time in its growth journey. The firm has a strong reputation, a clear strategy and a people-first culture. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on that momentum and support clients as they navigate an increasingly complex business environment.”
Now employing over 1,100 people across 17 locations, AAB’s scale, ambition and momentum reflect a business that is strongly positioned for its next chapter of expansion with the backing of Goldman Sachs Alternatives. The firm was recognised at the 2025 Accountancy Excellence Awards as Large Firm of the Year.
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of Abdullah Daji as Audit Partner in its Leeds office, further strengthening the firm’s presence and audit capability across Yorkshire.
Abdullah will be based in Leeds, where he will focus on managing a diverse audit client portfolio while playing a key role in advancing AAB’s business development activities across the region. His appointment supports AAB’s continued investment in senior leadership and growth within Yorkshire’s dynamic business community.
With over a decade of experience at Deloitte and most recently holding a senior leadership role as Audit Director at BHP, Abdullah brings deep technical expertise, strong commercial insight and an excellent understanding of the regional market. His background spans a wide range of sectors and client profiles, making him a valuable addition to AAB’s expanding audit team.
Jim Pirrie, Head of Audit at AAB, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Abdullah to the firm as an Audit Partner in Leeds. His technical strength, leadership experience and strong regional network will be instrumental as we continue to grow our audit offering across Yorkshire. Abdullah’s appointment reflects our commitment to investing in high-calibre talent to support our clients and our people.”
James Hunt, Audit Partner and Head of Leeds at AAB, added: “Abdullah’s arrival is a significant boost for our Leeds office and the wider regional business. His local market knowledge and commercial approach align perfectly with our ambitions for growth in Yorkshire. We are excited about the opportunities this creates for our clients and our team.”
Commenting on his appointment, Abdullah said: “I’m delighted to be joining AAB at such an exciting time for the firm. The scale of ambition, strength of the team and the firm’s reputation in the region really stood out to me. I’m looking forward to working with clients across Yorkshire to support their growth and to help further develop AAB’s audit practice in the region.”
Now employing over 1,100 people across 17 locations, AAB’s scale, ambition and momentum reflect a business that is strongly positioned for its next chapter of expansion with the backing of Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
Leading professional services firm AAB has acquired GS Verde Group, marking its expansion into Wales and the South West, while establishing a platform to build a key regional hub.
The GS Verde Group operates as a multi-discipline advisory firm, specialising in guiding businesses through a wide range of corporate transactions including mergers, acquisitions, management buyouts, investments, and employee ownership transitions. The firm employs over 50 people and supports clients from offices in Cardiff, Bristol, Cheltenham and Dublin.
The deal takes AAB’s turnover to £135 million, and the acquisition of GS Verde is the first deal following the recent investment by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, which aims to accelerate growth across the UK and Ireland.
The combination of the businesses also propels AAB into the top 5 dealmakers across the UK based on the latest available data from Experian for the first half of 2025. GS Verde will continue to operate under its existing brand before transitioning to AAB in due course. The regional management team will remain in place to drive the next phase of expansion.
GS Verde has earned recognition as an award-winning business, known for its disruptive approach, strong M&A rankings, and its ability to complete several strategic acquisitions in recent years. Its multi-service structure and entrepreneurial culture make it a natural fit with AAB’s vision to deliver integrated, expert-led services to clients across all sectors.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive of AAB said: “GS Verde’s entrepreneurial DNA and multi-discipline offering mirror our own approach and make this an incredibly strong growth opportunity for both teams. Together, we achieve top 5 deal making status while creating a key regional hub that creates our presence in Wales and the South West supporting clients with even greater depth and expertise.”
Nigel Greenaway, CEO of GS Verde, added: “Joining AAB marks the next exciting step in our journey. We’ve built a business that challenges the traditional professional services model, and partnering with AAB allows us to accelerate that ambition. Our clients and our people will continue as before – but with the backing of a Group that shares our vision for innovation, growth, and exceptional client service.”
The acquisition is part of AAB’s strategic expansion plan, with further acquisitions already under discussion to strengthen its regional and national footprint. AAB now employs over 1,100 people across 17 locations in the UK and Ireland.
Analysis and commentary from AAB’s team of tax experts, identifying the key changes and outlining the practical implications of the Autumn Budget 2025 for you and your business.
Our team of tax experts have summarised some of the main changes in our guide, here’s some of the key changes:
• From 26 November 2025, CGT relief for disposals of shares to Employee Ownership Trusts drops from 100% to 50%. • A £2,000 cap on salary sacrifice pension contributions from April 2029. • Income Tax thresholds and bands remain frozen until April 2031. • CGT relief on business sales made to Employee Ownership Trusts reduced from 100% to 50% on future disposals. • Lower tax rates for more than 750,000 retail, hospitality, and leisure properties. • The 100% first-year allowance for zero-emission cars and EV charging points is extended until March 2027.
In our Autumn Budget Guide, we explore the impact of these changes on you and your business. Navigating these changes can be challenging. Our tax experts have summarised the main changes announced by the chancellor.
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director alongside the closure of the deal agreed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives to acquire the firm from August Equity.
The transition marks a significant milestone for AAB, positioning the company to maintain its trajectory of sustained growth, while ensuring continuity for clients and further strengthening its reputation in the professional services market. AAB has tripled in size in three years with annual revenue now exceeding £125 million.
Elona Mortimer-Zhika is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience in driving growth, transformation and operational excellence within technology and service-based industries. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of IRIS Software Group, a global SaaS software business, where she led the company through a period of substantial expansion. Under her leadership, IRIS tripled in size, transitioned to a cloud-first platform model, expanded internationally, and completed multiple strategic acquisitions.
Prior to becoming CEO, Elona held senior roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at IRIS, following a successful career in finance and management within leading professional services and private equity-backed companies. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting and Economics.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB commented: “We are delighted to welcome Elona to our Board. Her proven leadership, deep understanding of scaling high-growth businesses in our industry, and commitment to innovation will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our strategic ambitions.”
Elona Mortimer-Zhika added: “I am excited to join AAB at such a pivotal time in its journey. The company’s vision and focus on delivering exceptional client service strongly align with my own passion for building resilient, high-performing organisations.”
As a Non-Executive Director, Elona will contribute to AAB’s strategic direction, governance and oversight, bringing her extensive experience in financial management and digital transformation to the AAB Board of Directors.
Jose Barreto, Partner within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, who are supporting AAB’s continued development, added:
“As a Top 25 Accounting firm in the UK, we see AAB going from strength to strength and fast becoming a leading provider of professional services to the UK and Irish mid-market. We’re delighted that the deal has now concluded and look forward to leveraging our experience to support AAB through this hugely exciting stage in its evolution.”
“We are very pleased to see Elona join the AAB Board. Her proven ability to lead and scale complex, high-growth organisations will provide valuable strategic insight as AAB continues its impressive expansion.”
As a result of the deal, AAB will further accelerate its growth journey delivering the high-quality service and specialist expertise that clients have come to rely on with the added benefit of increased investment in technology, AI and automation.
AAB and August Equity were advised by William Blair and Alantra (Corporate Finance), OC&C (Commercial), PwC (Financial and Tax) and Addleshaw Goddard (Legal). Goldman Sachs was advised on the transaction by Houlihan Lokey and Rothschild (M&A), Linklaters (Legal), EY Parthenon (Commercial), and EY (Financial & Tax).
Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of a new partner in Aberdeen. Andrew Webster joins as Virtual Finance Partner, further strengthening AAB’s established Virtual Finance Function, which supports businesses across all aspects of the finance function from day-to-day transactional work to senior strategic finance, helping business leaders make evidence-based decisions.
Andrew brings more than 20 years of international finance experience in practice and industry, supporting large corporates, fast-growing businesses, and private equity-backed groups to simplify, integrate and transform within complex business and financial landscapes.
In his role, Andrew will enhance AAB’s existing Virtual Finance offering, supporting clients across the business lifecycle with transformation with a focus on business optimisation, financial strategy and reporting – leveraging his expertise and network to support continued growth.
Lauren McCluskey, Head of Virtual Finance at AAB, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew to the team. His wealth of experience and proven ability to deliver transformative business and finance solutions will be a fantastic addition to our Virtual Finance Function. Andrew’s insight into how data, automation and technology can be harnessed to create value will play a key role in helping our clients scale efficiently and strategically.”
Andrew Webster, Virtual Finance Partner at AAB, added: “I’m delighted to be joining AAB at such an exciting stage in the firm’s growth. The Virtual Finance team is already delivering exceptional work supporting clients within in-house finance teams or businesses going through change and transformation. I’m looking forward to helping build on that success as we continue to innovate and evolve our offering.”
AAB employs almost 300 people in Aberdeen and the Virtual Finance Function now has a team of more than 20 people based in the granite city office supporting clients in a range of businesses from owner-managed family businesses to complex large corporates. Since 2021, AAB has been on a rapid growth journey – trebling in size and now employing more than 1,100 people across the UK and Ireland. This momentum is set to continue, supported by investment from Goldman Sachs earlier this year to help deliver AAB’s ambitious 2030 growth strategy.
Leading professional services firm AAB, has landed two prestigious accolades at the 2025 Accounting Excellence Awards – widely regarded as one of the industry’s most respected award platforms.
The awards acknowledge firms delivering excellence at scale, with a particular focus on client impact, team innovation, and the ability to serve complex needs across a wide range of business types and sectors.
A hand-picked selection of accountancy industry experts, influencers, veteran, leaders and new voices carried out a rigorous judging process, with AAB were selected as winners in the following categories:
AAB also collected third place in the Audit Firm of the Year category at the London-based award ceremony, further cementing its reputation among leading auditors London for excellence and professionalism.
John Beevers, Head of Professional Services at AAB, welcomed the honour: “Winning two Accounting Excellence awards is a reflection of the outstanding work our teams do – from helping SMEs embrace cloud accounting, to supporting complex businesses with bespoke tax and audit services.
“The award categories align closely with our client-centric ethos and expertise, echoing our continued commitment to delivering exceptional client service, driving digital transformation, and providing market-leading expertise across multiple disciplines. Whether navigating complex multi-jurisdictional tax matters or adapting to new audit regulations, our teams lead the way with specialist knowledge, senior-level client relationships, and a strong commitment to quality and collaboration.”
AAB’s uk auditors and tax specialists were recognised for their deep expertise in working with large corporates, mid-market enterprises, and international businesses, while also providing a broad range of integrated services.
Since 2021 AAB has trebled in size and now employs more than 1,000 people. The rapid growth journey is set to continue as part of delivering its ambitious strategy for 2030.
The name Barlow Andrews has been a familiar one to business owners in Bolton and across Greater Manchester for more than a century. This week, the heritage accountancy firm officially rebranded as AAB – a step that highlights its alignment with the professional services challenger brand, and its focus on delivering specialist, full-service support to growing regional businesses.
The rebrand comes 12 months after Barlow Andrews joined rapidly expanding AAB. AAB has been backed by private equity since 2021 and has been on an impressive growth journey, trebling in size in that time.
The Barlow Andrews brand was synonymous with continuity and a personal touch. Its client base of family-run businesses, entrepreneurs, GPs and high-net-worth individuals spans generations.
As businesses scale and seek advice on specialist areas like corporate finance, digital transformation, and cross-border growth, regional firms increasingly need scale and specialist expertise.
That, says AAB, is exactly what this rebrand delivers.
“Barlow Andrews has been part of AAB since October 2024, bringing the brand fully into the group signals our intent to build a unified brand in the UK,” said Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB. “We’re investing in the North West because this region is a powerhouse of entrepreneurial business. Rebranding legacy firms under a single name is a bold move, but it is one that will build recognition of AAB across the UK market.”
For existing clients, AAB stresses that very little will change day-to-day. The same partners and teams remain in place, but they are now backed by a broader firm.
Chris Harland, Head of Office – Bolton at AAB commented: “This is a proud moment for our team. We are building on the strong heritage of Barlow Andrews while embracing the opportunities that being part of AAB brings. Our clients will see the same faces they’ve always known, but now with access to an even wider range of expertise to help them achieve their ambitions.”
The rebrand is more than cosmetic, it reflects AAB’s ambition to be seen not just as a collection of regional firms, but as a national player with a distinctive culture. With recent acquisitions in Dublin and London, plus investments in technology and its people, the group is positioning itself as a fast-growth, private equity backed disruptor in the professional services market.
Since 2021, AAB has trebled in size and now employs more than 1,000 people. AAB’s scale-up is set to continue in line with its ambitious 2030 growth strategy.
AAB has today announced the latest step in their rapid growth journey with the acquisition of Integrity Financial Management in addition to a strategic brand consolidation.
Integrity Financial Management is a trusted financial planning firm renowned for its commitment to evidence-based advice and deep client relationships. This acquisition underscores AAB’s ongoing ambition to expand both their presence and expert offering. Founded by Glenn Brophy in 2004 to provide financial planning advice to families across the South East of England. This deal represents AAB Wealth’s fourth acquisition in the last 15 months as it continues its longer-term momentum to scale rapidly across the UK.
WealthFlow and Magus Wealth both joined AAB during the last 12 months and will be rebranded to AAB Wealth, effective today. This marks the next step in consolidating the AAB financial planning firms under the award-winning AAB Wealth brand.
Clients of WealthFlow and Magus Wealth will benefit from streamlined access to a broader range of services, including personal tax advice, continuing the trust and quality they’ve long expected.
This rebrand reinforces AAB Wealth’s reputation as a national, independent chartered financial planning firm delivering high-quality, evidence-based financial advice to individuals, families, and business owners.
Andrew Dines, Head of AAB Wealth, commented: “Today’s rebranding, combined with the acquisition of Integrity Financial Management, marks an exciting phase in the continued expansion of AAB Wealth. We’re proud to bring our teams together under one distinguished name and combine our talents to deliver even greater value for our clients.”
Glenn Brophy, Founder of Integrity Financial Management, said: “Joining AAB Wealth equips our clients and team with unmatched expertise and resources, while preserving the close-knit, client-focused ethos that defines Integrity Financial Management. We have received an extremely positive response from our clients on sharing the news of the deal.”
Duncan Glassey and Helen Learmonth of WealthFlow added: “Rebranding WealthFlow as AAB Wealth is a natural next step after joining the AAB Group in 2024. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built with clients over the years, and this move allows us to combine that personal approach with the scale, expertise, and resources of AAB. It’s an exciting new chapter that strengthens the support we can provide for our clients’ futures.
Michael Aitken, Founder of Magus Wealth commented: “I’m delighted to see Magus Wealth rebrand as AAB Wealth. This is an exciting step that builds on the strong reputation Magus has created, while opening up even greater opportunities as part of AAB. The team’s commitment to clients remains unchanged, and I’m confident this new chapter will strengthen our client offering and deliver even more value in the years ahead.”
Clients of WealthFlow, Magus Wealth, and Integrity Financial Management will continue to receive the same high standard of service through AAB Wealth. The transition is designed to be seamless, with all teams remaining locally accessible.
AAB Wealth is currently ranked 7th in the Top 100 Financial Adviser Firms for 2024 by FT Adviser. The firm was also honoured with the PFS Financial Planning Firm of the Year award in 2023 and has been recognised as a top-rated firm by VouchedFor, the UK’s leading review site for financial planners and advisers.
The Dublin Leadership Summit returns for its fourth year on 2nd October 2025 at the iconic Leopardstown Racecourse, bringing together some of Ireland’s most respected voices in business, sport, science and innovation.
Proudly presented by leading professional services firm AAB and The Dublin Network, the 2025 Summit offers a platform for real conversations about leadership, growth, and resilience in a changing world.
The event will once again be hosted by the “guru of global philanthropy,” Kingsley Aikins, CEO of The Networking Institute. Kingsley is a renowned expert on the power of connection and building professional relationships, with a career spanning six countries and key roles in trade promotion, diaspora engagement, and philanthropy. A TEDx speaker and CBE awardee for his work on British-Irish relations, Kingsley has developed a methodology that teaches professionals how to build and leverage strong networks to thrive in business and life. Kingsley, with his colleague, Dr. Martin Russell, has established The Diaspora Institute, and they have worked with over 50 countries around the world, helping them establish diaspora engagement strategies.
Featured Speakers:
Tickets are available for a donation amount, with 100% of proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House Charities, helping to support families of seriously ill children across Ireland.
“We’re proud to bring the Dublin Leadership Summit back in 2025,” said Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB. “This event reflects the kind of ambition, curiosity and connection we value at AAB – and it’s a brilliant way to bring business leaders together for a greater purpose.”
Les Dunne from The Dublin Network added, “This summit started as a local idea to spark bigger conversations, and it’s grown into a truly national event. Our speakers this year reflect the diversity, talent and courage of leadership in Ireland today – and we’re honoured to help raise funds for such an important charity.”
Whether you’re a senior executive, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, this event offers a rare opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to a powerful cause.
Find out more and secure your ticket today.