Livingbridge backs the creation of Apteus, a new advisory-led accounting group for SMEs

Apteus was created to be the advisor of choice for ambitious SMEs, combining leading regional firms to deliver accountancy, audit, tax and specialist advisory services through one integrated group. The group will support entrepreneurs to make better decisions at every stage of their business journey from growth and scale-up through to acquisitions, succession and restructuring.

Livingbridge, a leading mid-market private equity investor, today announces the creation of Apteus, a new accounting and advisory group serving small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Apteus helps SMEs navigate growth, transactions, risk and change by combining trusted compliance services with broader advisory expertise. It brings together respected regional firms on a shared operating model, supported by investment in technology & AI, data and specialist capability.

Since formation, Apteus appointed Steve Anson as Chief Executive and, through seven completed acquisitions, established a footprint spanning London, the Midlands, Scotland and Wales, alongside national specialist capability. Together, these firms provide the geographic reach, expertise and client relationships that form the foundations of a national accountancy and advisory business.

The group is built around strong regional hubs, where local leadership and client relationships remain at the centre of the model. These firms are supported by central investment in technology, data, operational infrastructure, specialist expertise and people development, enabling them to broaden their offering while maintaining the responsiveness and local knowledge clients value. The ambition is not simply to combine firms, but to create strength through connection, bringing together trusted local relationships with the scale, expertise and investment of a national group to help SMEs solve a broader range of business challenges.

Livingbridge believes the UK accounting and advisory market represents a compelling long-term opportunity. The sector remains highly fragmented, with thousands of successful regional firms operating at limited scale, while demand from SMEs continues to shift towards broader strategic advice alongside traditional compliance services. At the same time, advances in technology are reshaping the profession, while many firm founders are considering succession options. Apteus provides a platform for growth that preserves local relationships while enabling greater investment in people, capability and client service.

Dom Leighton and Joe McGee, Investment Directors at Livingbridge, and Dan Smith, Partner at Livingbridge, 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, said: “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.”

Euan Fraser, Chair of Apteus, said: “This is a rare opportunity to build a high-quality national group in an essential and highly trusted profession. We are bringing together well-run, respected firms and investing behind them responsibly – in people, technology and governance – to create a business that can serve clients for the long term. Just as importantly, we are creating an environment where talented professionals can build rewarding careers while continuing to deliver exceptional service to clients.”

Apteus intends to continue growing both organically and through selective acquisitions, extending its regional footprint, strengthening its specialist capabilities and continuing to invest in technology over time. Livingbridge expects to continue supporting that growth.