Alistair
Stewart

Who I help

Owner-managed businesses. LLPs. Limited companies. Professional services.

How I help

Get to know clients’ businesses. Listen to the needs of clients. Align them with experts to help them solve their problems.

“My role is all about creating a partnership where both sides feel heard, valued, and fully aligned.”

Alistair Stewart brings a wealth of experience in helping businesses grow, thrive, and achieve their ambitions. With a keen focus on building strong relationships, he takes pride in truly understanding clients’ goals and aligning them with the right solutions. Whether it’s supporting businesses to scale, expand internationally, or plan for a successful exit, his hands-on approach is all about delivering results.

He thrives in collaborative environments, working closely with colleagues and clients to cut through challenges and deliver real value. Combining his passion for people with AAB’s broad range of services, he’s perfectly positioned to help businesses overcome obstacles and succeed, no matter the journey ahead. With over 12 years’ experience working in banking and finance, he has a good understanding of the SME funding landscape and can assist clients in navigating this to help ensure businesses succeed and grow.

An ideal relationship

“For me, the ideal client relationship is built on three key pillars: open and honest communication, mutual respect, and a clear understanding of what success looks like for everyone involved. It’s all about creating a partnership where both sides feel heard, valued, and fully aligned. When that’s in place, great things happen.”

A rewarding part of the job

“There’s no better feeling than helping clients overcome challenges and watching them hit their goals. Whether it’s supporting a business as it scales up, navigating the complexities of international growth, or guiding them towards a successful exit strategy, being part of their success story is hugely satisfying.

On the flip side, I love working with colleagues who share a growth mindset. Surrounding yourself with people who want to develop, push boundaries, and embrace opportunities is incredibly energising. When we all work together, share ideas, and learn from each other, we go further—both as a business and as individuals.”

Face-to-face first, supported by tech always

“While technology has revolutionised the way we work and deliver for our clients, I’m definitely a hands-on, face-to-face person at heart. You just can’t beat being in the room, seeing a business in action, and getting under the skin of how it truly operates. That’s how you build trust and gain the insights you need to offer meaningful solutions.

That said, I recognise the huge benefits of technology when it comes to speed, efficiency, and delivery. The best outcomes happen when we combine the two: the personal touch with smart tech that drives results.”

Standing out in a crowded market

“In business development, one of the biggest challenges is the sheer number of people and firms operating in this space. It’s a crowded market, and standing out takes more than just a good pitch. At AAB, we’ve got something special. The depth and breadth of our services, combined with our personal touch, sets us apart. We take the time to understand what our clients really need and bring solutions that are tailored, practical, and impactful. It’s about building relationships that last and delivering results that speak for themselves.”

Building beneficial partnerships

“Ultimately, my role is about helping businesses move forward—whether that’s overcoming obstacles, reaching new heights, or planning for the future. The most rewarding part is knowing that I’ve played a part in that journey. I’m here to build partnerships, solve challenges, and deliver results that make a real difference.”

Excited for the opportunities that await

“For me personally, I am excited to take on a new, challenging role within the firm and support our new an existing clients on their journey. From an AAB perspective the future is looking very positive. The business is on a growth journey and, given recent strategic acquisitions, is in a strong position to take our full service offering to the SME market in Scotland.”

Common misconceptions about BD

“I think there is a perception that Business Development professionals are ‘pushy salespeople’ – the reality is far from the case. Throughout my career I have focused on building trust with clients by taking the time to understand their business/sector and develop a long-term relationship (often years!) before an appropriate opportunity presents itself.”