AMS expands into Scotland as senior hires join growth push

AMS Accountants Group has begun a strategic expansion into Scotland after securing more than £200k of new work and making two senior appointments to lead its regional growth.

The Manchester-headquartered firm has named managing partner for Scotland, Steven Fraser, and director of growth and partnerships for Scotland, Wendy Atkinson, as it sets out plans to build a dedicated Scottish operation. The move is supported by new investment from Macquarie Capital, which AMS said will help it scale teams, invest in technology and develop regional capability.

Fraser, who has more than 20 years of experience in the accountancy and advisory sector and previously served as managing partner at AAB, will oversee the Scotland strategy. This includes acquiring and supporting local firms, building teams in major cities and drawing on specialist expertise from across the wider group.

Atkinson joins from senior business development and client-facing roles at Hunter Adams, Mattioli Woods and Clydesdale Bank. Recruitment is expected in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow as AMS establishes a broader presence. The pair are currently based at Neospace in Aberdeen.

Fraser said: “AMS ensures clients get direct access to senior people – something increasingly rare in a consolidating market. Strong relationships and genuine challenges are at the heart of how we work.

“Much of the sector is now driven purely by EBITDA, but we are committed to growing with our clients, not growing for the sake of it. Client and employee satisfaction are our two non-negotiables.”

Atkinson added: “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.

“When you have that foundation, you can build a practice that reflects the needs of Scottish clients rather than a one-size-fits-all model.”

AMS, founded in Manchester, has developed into a multi-disciplinary professional services group offering audit, tax, accounting, corporate finance, business recovery and legal services. It has sector strengths in energy, industrials, technology, property and healthcare, and said its medical division – which supports more than 1,500 clients across the UK – is among the specialisms it aims to replicate in Scotland.