Chris
Harland

Who I help

Medium Corporates. SMEs. Owner-managed businesses. Entrepreneurs. Bolton team.

How I help

Business and Strategic Advisory Services.

“I want to create an environment where people can succeed.”

Chris Harland is the Head of Office in Bolton. As Head of Office, he is at the centre of every challenge and opportunity he encounters, whether he’s working with clients or mentoring his team.

As a trusted business partner and advisor, he’s the person clients turn to when they face challenges or when they need an expert to identify opportunities before they arise. Chris likes to think of himself as the hub of a wheel: always connected, always steady, and always driving progress. Whether it’s helping clients achieve their goals, mentoring the next generation of talent, or shaping the future of our Bolton office, Chris is driven by the belief that real success comes from collaboration, creativity, and a genuine passion for what you do. And with him on your side, you’re not just hiring an accountant—you’re gaining a partner in your success.

Helping You Understand and Achieve Your Goals

“For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping clients understand their goals and achieve them. It’s about more than just numbers or advice—it’s about being with them throughout the journey and seeing their success unfold.

My approach isn’t just your typical advisor-client relationship. I aim to become an integral part of my clients’ teams, making a critical impact on their success. One of the best compliments I received from a client is that I’m “not a typical accountant.” That perception of accountants as serious and inflexible couldn’t be further from the truth for us. We take pride in crafting creative, innovative solutions that drive results.

Empowering the Team

“When it comes to working with colleagues, the most satisfying part for me is simply working with them TO ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL—having the right people on the bus, even if their seat on the bus changes over time. Mentoring more senior team members is a big part of what I do, making sure they feel like they’re making a meaningful impact while also progressing in their careers.

I want to create an environment where people can succeed. Whether it’s helping team members grow into leadership roles, encouraging better delegation, or providing that all-important “soft landing” when things don’t go to plan, I’m passionate about giving colleagues the tools and confidence to thrive. If we want to achieve success together then it’s important that we have clear, open and honest communication and most importantly it’s essential that we have collaboration. If our culture isn’t right then we can’t help our clients to achieve success so this, for me is paramount.”

Virtual Flexibility Meets Personal Connection

“The way we work with clients has changed significantly in recent years. We’re now able to deliver services more quickly and in a more structured way through virtual channels, and that’s brought a lot of benefits. But for me, nothing beats face-to-face interactions—that’s where I feel most connected to my clients and can have the biggest impact.”

Shaping the Future of the Bolton Office

“I’m genuinely excited about the future of the Bolton office. We’re bringing through an incredibly talented team and giving them the opportunities they need to grow and succeed. Every step forward is an opportunity not just for us as a business but for the individuals who make it all happen. AAB is the perfect vehicle for this, allowing us to accelerate that growth and open up new doors for our people.”

Not Just Numbers, but Real Impact

“While I’m often referred to as a trusted advisor, it goes beyond that. I aim to feel like an extension of my clients’ teams, making a material impact on their success. That’s what motivates me: knowing that the work we do together isn’t just ticking boxes—it’s transformative.”