Stephen
Hughes

WHO I HELP

SMEs. Owner-Managed Businesses. Large Corporates.

HOW I HELP

Audit & Compliance. Business advisory.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Property & Construction. Hospitality & Leisure. Tech. Business Services. Family Business.

“I HAVE A PASSION FOR SUCCESS.”

Based in Glasgow, Stephen is a Partner at AAB and works to drive growth across the firm. Specialising in developing client relationships and providing solutions to suit their business needs and aspirations, Stephen’s role in the business is varied across audit and non-audit client portfolio (compliance and business advisory).

Stephen’s experience extends across a wide range of sectors and business structures, from partnerships to international groups.

Stephen is focussed on delivering the best possible service to his clients and does so with a commercial and pragmatic approach to business. He is a team player with a friendly and relaxed business style.

Stephen also has a vested interest and passion in helping to develop and encourage staff and colleagues.

Mutual trust & respect

“I help my clients by listening to them and bringing experience and expertise to address their needs, either directly or in conjunction with others. I work across all departments to deliver tailored support to my clients. I very much believe in an attentive and proactive approach in order to provide the best advice possible to suit their unique needs.

For me, an ideal relationship with a client would be one based on mutual trust and respect. A simple thanks is usually the greatest compliment a client can give me. One client recently stated that they, and their business, would not be where it is today without the help and support of me and my colleagues – it doesn’t get much better than that.”

Adding value

“Auditors can be perceived as being all about compliance and standards and quality and quality and quality… Although compliance is at the core of the work we do, personally, what’s more important is really delivering the support our clients need and adding value to their businesses. I like working with clients who appreciate the service we provide. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a client’s business succeed and grow, and to feel that we have been a part of that success, however small.”

Supporting others

“Having been staff partner for over ten years, made chairman, and a mentor to many of our senior staff and colleagues I enjoy nothing more than seeing people develop and fulfil their potential in their roles. There is no greater satisfaction than knowing you have helped a colleague along the way, whatever level or stage they are at in their career. I take pride in being a mentor to others and helping to create a great environment to work in.

I particularly enjoy assignments across departments where there is collaboration. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so I firmly believe in the importance of sharing knowledge and learning from each other. It is a team effort, after all.”

Tackling the greatest challenge

“Firstly, I believe the greatest challenge in audit sector comes from the ever-increasing and tightening of standards and guidelines and legislation. The ever-changing nature of this field leaves no choice other than to persistently educate yourself and ensure you comply with the latest legislation.

Secondly, client relationships can be greatly challenging as we are dealing with their livelihoods. We must be respectful of that and make sure we give sound and practical guidance and advice.”

The future

“Having had a major role in the management and growth of French Duncan over the last 30 years I am excited to be joining something even bigger and working with an expanded and deeper pool of resources, expertise, and experience to deliver quality service and advice to our existing clients and to attract new ones.

AAB are on a journey, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”