AAB Consolidates Brands to Propel Future Growth

AAB, a professional services firm across the UK and Ireland, has announced a strategic consolidation of its brands, to strengthen its position as a leading provider in the mid-market. 

Now employing c.1,000 people across 12 office locations, FPM will transition to be under the brand name AAB and Think People will fully integrate to trade under the AAB People brand name.  

FPM was established in 1991 by Feargal McCormack headquartered in Newry. Strong growth each year since 1991 saw FPM expand into a top-tier cross-border firm with 5 offices and over 120 team members. In a strategic growth deal in 2022, FPM joined AAB and marked the first private equity investment of its kind across the island of Ireland.  

Think People, an HR consultancy established by Emer Hinphey and Anne Dougan in 2006 also joined AAB Group in 2022. Headquartered in Belfast, the team brought new skills to the service capabilities of AAB with the introduction of leadership and development services for clients across the island of Ireland. 

This strategic move is designed to simplify and optimise the strength of the overall AAB brand, enhance market presence, and deliver a more integrated experience for clients. AAB’s strategic growth plan, which includes enhancing client engagement, expanding its service offerings and investing in technology, has continued backing from August Equity.  

“Our brand consolidation marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey,” said Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB. “By combining our diverse services under the widely recognised AAB brand, we are not only simplifying our structure, but also amplifying our ability to deliver integrated, innovative solutions to our clients. This alignment is crucial as we continue to pursue our ambitious growth targets and expand our footprint in the UK and beyond.”

“AAB’s commitment to our clients remains steadfast, with a focus on delivering unparalleled accountancy, consultancy and advisory services that drive success,” added Lancaster. “By uniting our brands, we will operate more efficiently and effectively, enhancing our ability to offer holistic professional services, and ensuring that our clients continue to receive exceptional support as they navigate their own journeys.

“We have a wealth of experience and expertise across all five brands, and we are delighted to welcome these individuals to the AAB brand. I’d like to thank everyone in our team for their continued hard work.”

A transition period is underway where clients can expect a seamless change with no disruption to services. The unification will enhance the firm’s ability to offer holistic professional services, reinforced by the depth of expertise synonymous with the FPM and Think People brands becoming AAB and AAB People, respectively. 

“AAB’s mission has always been to provide exceptional service and value to our clients,” added Lancaster. “By uniting our brands, we will operate more efficiently and effectively, ensuring that our clients continue to receive the best possible support as they navigate their own journeys. I’d like to thank everyone in our team across the island of Ireland for their continued hard work delivering exceptional support for our clients.” 

Feargal McCormack of FPM and Emer Hinphey of Think People added: “As founders of FPM and Think People, we are both immensely proud of the milestones achieved and excited for what’s to come. Transitioning to the AAB brand marks a deliberate step towards our future and highlights the collective strength and shared mission of delivering outstanding service and value to clients. Together, we look forward to navigating this exciting new chapter of growth and possibility.” 

These measures are designed to support the rapidly growing business and its expanding client base which has trebled in size since 2021. In 2023, AAB ranked in the top 20 of Accountancy Daily’s Top 75 Accountancy Firms. AAB plans to continue the rapid growth journey and has heavily invested in technology and integration to support these ambitious plans. 

AAB’s commitment to its clients remains steadfast, with a focus on delivering unparalleled accountancy, consultancy and advisory services that drive success.