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Family Business: Why Family Business Succession Fails (and How to Fix It)
AAB / Our Team / Michael Smith
Meet the Business Advisory team
SMEs. Family-owned businesses. Professional service firms. Solicitors.
Accounts planning. Accounts preparation. System reviews. Compliance support. Practical problem-solving. Process improvements. Client reassurance. Advisory insight built on decades of experience.
Based in our Bolton office, Michael Smith is an expert Business Advisory Manager who brings more than four decades of hands-on experience to the clients he supports. His week centres around accounts planning, accounts preparation, and offering practical guidance that helps businesses stay compliant, informed, and well-organised.
Michael first stepped into accountancy back in 1978, joining a small local firm straight out of school. What began as an opportunity quickly became a long-term career that allowed him to develop deep technical skills, sound professional judgement, and an adaptable approach that has shaped the way he supports clients today.
With significant experience across SMEs and family-owned businesses, Michael’s strength lies in applying wisdom built over nearly 50 years – helping clients find the best, most efficient way to approach each task. Whether he’s reviewing systems, supporting accountants and cashiers, or offering guidance during periods of change, Michael focuses on delivering work that is reliable, thorough, and tailored to each client’s needs.
“Building strong client relationships comes down to one simple rule: always deliver what you promise. Reliability sets the foundation for trust, and trust is what keeps relationships strong – especially when clients are dealing with pressures or uncertainties.”
“A memorable relationship began with a solicitor’s cashier who was incredibly nervous ahead of their first SAR compliance visit. I took the time to walk through the process, explain where improvements could be made, and reassure them that the goal was to help, not criticise. By the end of the visit, we had one very relieved – and happy – client.”
“The most satisfying aspect of working with clients is hearing positive feedback after a job well done. Knowing that the work has genuinely helped someone, or made their processes smoother, gives me a great sense of achievement.”
“I’ve worked in the Bolton office for 26 years, and the support, experience, and camaraderie among colleagues is second to none. Being part of a team that shares knowledge and works collaboratively is one of the most rewarding aspects of being at AAB.”
“A recent challenge involved supporting a solicitor client through a major system upgrade – moving from an antiquated setup to something modern and fit for purpose. Helping them navigate the change smoothly, and seeing the improvement in efficiency afterwards, was hugely rewarding.”
“One of the greatest compliments I’ve received came from a former partner who said he wished he had two more people like me. It meant a lot – it recognised not just the work I delivered, but the consistency, adaptability, and reliability I bring to every job.”
“The biggest challenge in my area is keeping up with the constantly changing face of IT. New systems, new processes, new software – there’s always something evolving. I approach it by adapting where needed and learning what’s required to support clients effectively.”
“A lot of people think everyone in accountancy must be brilliant at maths. In reality, the job is far more about understanding systems, processes, accuracy, and using experience to solve problems.”
“My top strengths are adaptability and the ability to think outside the box. Those traits help me find solutions quickly and support clients through challenges that don’t always fit the textbook answer.”
“New IT will always bring challenges, and I’m keen to continue developing my knowledge as new systems and tools emerge. Staying current means staying helpful – and that’s always the goal.”