Philip
Riding

Who I help

Large corporate groups. Owner-managed businesses. Professional partnerships. High net worth individuals. Family investment companies.

How I help

Tax planning. Corporate tax. Personal tax. Inheritance tax. Succession planning. Strategic decision making. Deal delivery. Problem solving. Refinancing. Stakeholder disputes. Wealth management.

Sectors/ support

Manufacturing,.Property Investment Groups. Development Groups. Professional Services Partnerships.

“I make it my mission to be proactive.”

Philip Riding is a Business Advisory Senior Partner, based in our Bolton office. He plays a key role in shaping Barlow Andrews strategic direction and ethos. With extensive experience in tax planning and business strategy, he provides expert advice to a diverse client portfolio, spanning professional services, manufacturing, and beyond.

Beyond client work, Philip is instrumental in driving the firm forward, contributing to key decision-making and fostering a positive, high-performing workplace culture. He believes in harnessing technology to enhance efficiency but knows that strong, personal relationships remain at the heart of great client service.

Building trust, creating value

For me, the ideal client relationship is built on trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to success. I don’t see my role as just providing advice—I want to be a trusted advisor, someone clients can turn to not just for solutions, but for guidance that genuinely helps them achieve their goals. Long-term relationships matter, and when we work together closely, we create real value.

The Reward? Seeing clients succeed

There’s nothing better than helping a client achieve a great result. Whether it’s solving a complex tax challenge, streamlining their business operations, or finding a strategy that saves them time and money, knowing I’ve made a difference is what drives me. Positive feedback is always great, but what’s even better is when a client sticks with us for the long haul because they see the value in what we do. That’s when you know you’ve built something worthwhile.

Supporting colleagues while building a great place to work

It’s not just about client success—helping colleagues grow and reach their full potential is just as important to me. When people enjoy their work and feel supported, they do their best, and that benefits everyone—our team, our clients, and the firm as a whole. Creating an environment where people can thrive makes work more enjoyable for all of us, and I see that as a key part of my role.

Tech has its place- but relationships come first

I’m all for using tech to improve efficiency—anything that saves time or adds value is worth embracing. But when it comes to truly understanding what a client needs, nothing beats a face-to-face conversation. You simply can’t build the same depth of relationship remotely. Yes, Teams and emails are great tools, and they help bridge the gap, but they’ll never replace the value of sitting down with someone and really getting to grips with their business.

Balancing priorities in a fast-paced world

Time pressure is one of the biggest challenges in our industry. With a large client base, it’s all about prioritising and ensuring we deliver on expectations. My personal USP? Availability and rapid response. Tax planning is an ever-changing landscape, and clients need to stay ahead of the curve. I make it my mission to be proactive—keeping clients informed, anticipating changes, and ensuring they’re always in the best possible position.

Bringing AAB’s strengths to our clients

What really excites me about being part of AAB is the specialist expertise we can now offer. There are services we’ve traditionally outsourced that we can now provide in-house, giving clients access to a wider range of support under one roof. And as AAB continues to grow its market presence and expand geographically, I’m looking forward to being part of that journey. The opportunities ahead are huge, and it’s an exciting time to be part of the team.

Accounting: more than just numbers

There’s a common perception that accountancy is dull or isn’t a ‘real’ business function. In reality, it’s anything but boring. I’ve been heavily involved in both sales and marketing, and I know first-hand that this profession is about much more than just crunching numbers. It’s about problem-solving, strategy, and helping businesses thrive. It’s dynamic, fast-moving, and incredibly rewarding—especially when you see the impact of your work in real-time.

Every day, I get to help businesses grow, support colleagues in their careers, and work with a fantastic team. That’s what makes this job so worthwhile.