Private equity firm Livingbridge has backed the formation of platform Apteus, a national accounting and advisory group established to serve SMEs.
The group aims to consolidate regional practices across the UK under a single operating model, offering statutory compliance alongside corporate finance, restructuring, tax planning and operational advisory services.
Apteus said it has completed seven acquisitions to date, establishing operations in London, the Midlands, Wales and Scotland. The group said regional offices will retain existing leadership teams and client accounts while receiving centralised investment in technology, data infrastructure and recruitment.
The initiative targets consolidation across the UK accounting sector, which remains fragmented as independent regional practices manage succession planning, technology costs and growing corporate client demand for strategic advisory services.
Livingbridge investment directors Dom Leighton and Joe McGee, and partner Dan Smith, said: “SMEs are served by thousands of outstanding regional accounting firms, but many lack the scale to invest meaningfully in technology and expanded advisory services. Apteus addresses that challenge by combining trusted compliance services with broader advisory expertise and technology-enabled delivery.
“We have strong conviction in the model and have been particularly impressed by the quality of firms and leadership team that have come together to build the group.”
Steve Anson, chief executive of Apteus, added: “Businesses increasingly want more from their accountants. They want a partner who understands their business and helps them make better decisions. Apteus is being built to deliver exactly that: the everyday services SMEs rely on, the deeper advisory expertise they increasingly need and technology that helps our people deliver more effectively while preserving the local relationships clients value.
“We are also building a culture that gives talented professionals the opportunity to develop, collaborate and grow as part of a larger organisation. It is an exciting moment, and we have a clear plan for what comes next.”
