Partner Article

Getting to know... Abu Ali

We know you as the partner of FRP Advisory and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’m a proud dad to my beautiful children Kaiden and Amelia and my life generally revolves around my family. Outside of work and family, I am a huge Newcastle United fan and spend every other weekend at St James Park.

Did you always want to work in your industry?

Not at all, I always thought I’d end up in the family business of being a restaurateur and only studied accountancy to learn a bit more about finance, but when I discovered corporate finance I found something I really enjoyed and just happened to be quite good at. The rest is history!

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

It’ll sounds cheesy but I love helping my clients achieve their goals. I’m fortunate that by doing my job I often get to help people realise a once in a lifetime, lifechanging event and I get to enjoy that moment with them. A lot of these clients become good friends and I still speak to a number of my ex clients on a regular basis. 

The worst part is when we aren’t able to get the right result for a client. We get very close to the businesses that we works with and it is always disappointing when you can’t help get a deal over the line.  

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

As somebody that sells businesses for a living, it was great to be able to sell my own last year to FRP. I’m really proud of the business that Phil Williams and I built in WilliamsAli Corporate Finance and whilst it was not the plan to sell, the opportunity to do a deal with FRP was one that we couldn’t turn down. It is particularly nice to be able to tell our clients that we have been in the same position as them and know exactly what they’re going through which isn’t something all advisors can say.

How do you relax outside of work?

I’m not sure if you could describe it as relaxing but outside of work and family, I spend my spare time watching Newcastle United and attempting to play golf and Padel. 

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

The people! I’m born and raised in the North East so I’m definitely biased, but the people up here are the friendliest around and it makes living and working in the region a far more enjoyable experience.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I’m a massive “sneakerhead” and have a collection of over 100 trainers.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .