AMS Accountants Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy, tax and advisory firms, has announced plans to establish a major presence in Aberdeen as part of its expansion into Scotland.
More than £200,000 of work has already been secured in the first few weeks, with several North-east clients among the early wins. To lead the Scottish operation, AMS has appointed Steven Fraser as managing partner (Scotland) and Wendy Atkinson as director of growth & partnerships (Scotland).
Steven said AMS’s approach is already resonating strongly with businesses in Scotland: “Businesses want senior access, transparency and a partner that supports rather than absorbs them. That’s where AMS stands apart. We’re offering a genuinely different model - one built on relationships, autonomy and long-term thinking, not EBITDA targets.”
The expansion is backed by new investment from Macquarie Capital, enabling the Group to scale rapidly, create local jobs, invest in regional talent and technology, and offer a more flexible, people-first alternative to traditional consolidators.
Steven, who spent over two decades in Scotland’s professional services sector - including as managing partner at AAB - will spearhead AMS’s Scottish strategy from Aberdeen. His role includes acquiring and empowering local firms, expanding teams in the North-east and beyond, and aligning AMS’s sector expertise with the needs of regional industries.
Wendy, a familiar figure in Aberdeen’s business community, brings extensive experience from senior roles at Hunter Adams, Mattioli Woods and Clydesdale Bank. Her appointment marks the opening phase of building a dedicated North-east hub at neospace, with recruitment planned in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Wendy Atkinson and Steven Fraser
A model built on relationships and culture
Steven Fraser said the response so far has been “extremely encouraging”.
“AMS ensures clients get direct access to senior people - something increasingly rare in a consolidating market. Strong relationships and genuine challenge are at the heart of how we work, and that’s what sets us apart. Much of the sector is now driven purely by EBITDA, but we’re committed to growing with our clients, not growing for the sake of it. Client and employee satisfaction are our two non-negotiables - if either drop, we’re doing something wrong,” he said.
Wendy Atkinson said the Group’s culture and vision were key factors in her decision to join.
“AMS has a powerful story - a family business with a culture that genuinely runs through every team. That strength gives you real confidence when you go out to win work,” she explains. “When you have that foundation, you can build a practice that reflects the needs of clients rather than a one-size-fits-all model. That’s where the real opportunity lies.”
Steven said that there has been a clear gap in the market for a firm that combines deep relationships with a full-service offering.
He said: “Businesses want senior access, transparency and a partner that supports rather than absorbs them. That’s where AMS stands apart. And at a time when there’s uncertainty around investment, we’re committing to building a £20million Scottish business - creating around 200 jobs and backing the region’s potential.”
Headquartered in Manchester, AMS has grown into a multi-disciplinary professional services group offering audit, tax, accounting, corporate finance, business recovery and legal services. The firm has specialist strengths across energy, industrials, technology, property, and healthcare. Its £10m+ medical division, supporting more than 1,500 healthcare clients across the UK, is among the specialisms the Group plans to replicate in Scotland.