Member Article

North Shields accountancy firm doubles team

North Tyneside accountancy firm Blu Sky Chartered Accountants has doubled its team, following a 25% rise in turnover.

Now employing a team of 12, the company is growing in its North East client base - particularly in the digital and creative sectors.

The North Shields-based business began life in 2008 by chartered accountant Jon Dudgeon and tax advisor Dave Gibson to provide personalised business advice, accounts and taxation services to SMEs.

Moreover, Director Jon Dudgeon says one of the catalysts for his company’s expansion was taking on two apprentices, with support from Access Training, and the firm is currently looking to recruit two more.

Blu Sky employed accounts apprentice Shannon Asiamah, 18, two years ago and recently took on Harry Cooper and, as a result, has seen efficiency soar. The firm has seen a reduction in their year-end cycle from 12 to eight weeks and the time taken to process all VAT and management information data has been reduced significantly.

Director Jon Dudgeon said: “I’m really keen to share our experience of apprenticeships with other small businesses because I was really surprised by just how much they can benefit a company.

“Our apprentices have brought real, tangible benefits to us. As a small company in the service sector, our employees are our lifeblood. We expected to have to wait a couple of years before our apprentice Shannon was able to effectively contribute but she has significantly surpassed our expectations and, as well as being a popular character within the team, she is already responsible for 60 clients’ VAT returns. She also helps with our marketing and brings new ideas to the table.”