Bolton-based accountancy firm, Barlow Andrews has announced its official rebrand to AAB.
The strategic move comes 12 months after the firm joined the rapidly expanding professional services challenger brand, AAB.
This latest development sees Barlow Andrews finalise integration in the AAB Group and highlights its alignment with their focus on delivering specialist, full-service support to growing regional businesses.
Established for more than 100 years, with 70 employees, the Barlow Andrews name has been synonymous with business owners in Bolton and across Greater Manchester for continuity and a personal touch across audit & accounts, tax, payroll, outsourcing and business advisory support.
The rebrand extends AAB’s increasing footprint across England and in particular the North-West and is part of its impressive growth journey, trebling in size since it received private equity backing in 2021.
Left to right are Chris Harland, John Beevers, Philip Riding and Graeme Allan
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB commented: “Barlow Andrews has been part of AAB since October 2024, bringing the brand fully into the group signals our intent to build a unified brand in the UK. We’re investing in the North West because this region is a powerhouse of entrepreneurial business. Rebranding legacy firms under a single name is a bold move, but it is one that will build recognition of AAB across the UK market.”
For existing clients, AAB stresses that very little will change day-to-day. The same partners and teams remain in place, but they are now backed by a broader firm.
Chris Harland, Head of Office – Bolton at AAB commented: “This is a proud moment for our team. We are building on the strong heritage of Barlow Andrews while embracing the opportunities that being part of AAB brings. Our clients will see the same faces they’ve always known, but now with access to an even wider range of expertise to help them achieve their ambitions.”
The rebrand is more than cosmetic, it reflects AAB’s ambition to be seen not just as a collection of regional firms, but as a national player with a distinctive culture. With recent acquisitions in Dublin and London, plus investments in technology and its people, the group is positioning itself as a fast-growth, private equity backed disruptor in the professional services market.
Since 2021, AAB has trebled in size and now employs more than 1,000 people. AAB’s scale-up is set to continue in line with its ambitious 2030 growth strategy.