AB1 Group: Our Mission and Team
AB1 Group was founded by former school friends Rowan Corben and Ed Hunt. Recognising the investment potential in small to medium-sized businesses, they established AB1 Group to build a portfolio of profitable SMEs.
Instead of opting for the passive nature of traditional markets, the duo chose to invest in SMEs—not only providing capital but actively engaging in the operational and strategic development of these businesses.
This hands-on approach is the cornerstone of their active investment strategy, reflecting their commitment to directly influence growth, drive progress, and be an integral part of their investments’ success.
Ed Hunt
Senior Partner
With over twenty years of business ownership experience, Ed contributes a wealth of leadership expertise and valuable strategic insight to the AB1 Group. Drawing from a career anchored in direct sales and digital marketing, he is highly proficient in revenue generation.
In his directorial role, Ed sets the overarching vision and direction for AB1 Group. His adept decision-making, coupled with his natural creativity and insightful analytical abilities, ensures the AB1 Group moves forward with purpose, precision, and effectiveness.
Within AB1 Group, Ed’s focus is on managing both the operational and financial facets of the group’s portfolio of companies. He excels at refining operations, improving processes, and boosting profitability, underscoring his dedication to both efficiency and growth.
Ed resides in Dubai, splitting his working life between the UK and the UAE. Beyond the boardroom, he is an avid traveller with a particular fondness for South East Asia.
Rowan Corben
Senior Partner
An investor and venture strategist, Rowan has a rich history of funding and collaborating with early-stage VC-backed start-ups and leading high-stakes equity projects. He has a proven track record of successfully launching multiple fast-growing UK based enterprises.
Rowan is responsible for sourcing investment opportunities for our group, then formulating and negotiating our deals. In the case of distressed businesses, he works with owners and directors to restructure their companies, ensuring a successful turnaround and recovery.
His dedication to supporting SMEs has been central to AB1 Group’s mission. Committed to helping entrepreneurs achieve their objectives, he provides expert consultation and collaborates to help overcome challenges, unlock opportunities, and build lasting results.
Living in Cambridgeshire, Rowan is a proud dad to his energetic trio of children. An ardent football enthusiast, he loyally supports Reading FC, a testament to his unshakeable optimism.
Vanessa Chong
Non – Executive Director
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Hugo Blake
Director of Operations
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Cristina Gomez
Office Manager
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For career opportunities with AB1 Group, email your CV to careers@ab1group.uk
Driven to Make Meaningful Deals
The driving force behind AB1 Group is a passion for deal-making and the thrill of tackling the evolving challenges of investing across diverse industries. But our approach goes beyond merely expanding our portfolio of companies.
We are committed to helping businesses—especially those facing difficulties—regain their footing and thrive. For us, it’s more than numbers; it’s about recognising each business’s unique value and mapping the most effective course for success.
Our ethos is grounded in integrity, resilience, and a commitment to meaningful impact. Every investment is an opportunity to make a difference, empowering businesses to reach their full potential with purpose and lasting progress.
What Types of Businesses Does
AB1 Group Invest In?
At AB1 Group, our investment horizon is broad and expansive. We believe in the power of effective management and the universality of strong business principles. Our strength is not tied to specific industry knowledge but is rooted in our adeptness at running and managing diverse businesses efficiently.
From abattoirs to film production companies, we have engaged in discussions across a vast spectrum of sectors. No opportunity is off the table. If there is potential, we are interested. Our flexible and adaptable approach allows us to consider and thrive in any venture, irrespective of its domain.
The fortitude of AB1 Group lies in ability to swiftly understand business operations and identify areas ripe for enhancement. With a track record as adept problem solvers, we focus on immediate profitability improvements, preparing businesses for significant growth. Our successes, which includes reviving struggling ventures and consistently boosting profits across various sectors, is a testament to our expertise.
At AB1 Group, our investment horizon is broad and expansive. We believe in the power of effective management and the universality of strong business principles. Our strength is not tied to specific industry knowledge but is rooted in our adeptness at running and managing diverse businesses efficiently.
From abattoirs to film production companies, we have engaged in discussions across a vast spectrum of sectors. No opportunity is off the table. If there is potential, we are interested. Our flexible and adaptable approach allows us to consider and thrive in any venture, irrespective of its domain.
The fortitude of AB1 Group lies in ability to swiftly understand business operations and identify areas ripe for enhancement. With a track record as adept problem solvers, we focus on immediate profitability improvements, preparing businesses for significant growth. Our successes, which includes reviving struggling ventures and consistently boosting profits across various sectors, is a testament to our expertise.
Why Sell Your Business to AB1 Group?
We understand the dedication, effort, and passion that goes into building a company, and we are committed to preserving and honouring that legacy. When AB1 Group takes the helm, we do not sweep in with radical changes; instead, we retain and empower the existing staff, providing them with the tools and resources they need to excel even further.
Your brand, the one you have painstakingly built, remains untouched. The principles and values that define your company stay intact. We are not here to rewrite your story; we are here to enrich its next chapters and ensure the foundation you laid continues to thrive.
Talk to Us About New Possibilities
We are interested in speaking with the owners of companies having upward of £500k turnover, who are either seeking investment in their business or are open to selling their enterprise.
Our mantra is ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’ so in the first instance it cannot hurt to have a discussion around the subject and see how it goes.
Complete the form to arrange a call with one of our Senior Partners.
Joint Venture Opportunities
If you are an investor, and are interested in our approach and strategy, we invite you to explore a potential joint venture with us. At AB1 Group, we are continually seeking out new opportunities in businesses poised for growth and expansion.
By partnering with us, you gain access to the investments we source, with the flexibility to choose your level of involvement. Whether you prefer an active role in decision-making or a silent partnership, we ensure a seamless integration. You provide the financial capital; we source the opportunities. It is a partnership built on shared goals.
If you are an investor, and are interested in our approach and strategy, we invite you to explore a potential joint venture with us. At AB1 Group, we are continually seeking out new opportunities in businesses poised for growth and expansion.
By partnering with us, you gain access to the investments we source, with the flexibility to choose your level of involvement. Whether you prefer an active role in decision-making or a silent partnership, we ensure a seamless integration. You provide the financial capital; we source the opportunities. It is a partnership built on shared goals.
We Want to Invest in Your Business!
Are you interested in selling your business or securing investment? Contact AB1 Group today. Our team is ready to provide specialised insights and create opportunities for your business’s growth and success.