HURST welcomes new trainee intake

Independent accounting and business advisory firm HURST has welcomed its latest cohort of trainees, selected from over 300 applicants. 

The group includes five university graduates and one A-level student from a sixth-form college.

Graduates Alyssa Broughton, Benjamin Harrison-Mirfield, Liam Lloyd and Simone Soni join the business services team to train as chartered accountants, while Lewie Ridgway will study for the Association of Taxation Technicians qualification in the tax department. 

Meanwhile, Emily Combs joins the firm’s outsourcing team, HOST, following her A-levels.

The intake also includes university students Lewis Clough, Anya Lloyd and Maysa Machachane in business services, with Tobias Graham in HOST, who are undertaking one-year placements.

HURST, which recently moved its headquarters to Stockport Exchange, specialises in owner-managed businesses, private equity-backed enterprises and UK subsidiaries of overseas companies. 

The firm is expanding rapidly, aiming to double in size and grow to a £20 million-turnover practice by 2028.

Senior manager Jon Ward, who heads the graduate and placement recruitment programme at HURST, said: “We are delighted to welcome our latest graduate trainees and students on our placement programme.

“Following intakes in January and April, this brings our 2025 cohort to 20 trainees and placements, which is an increase on last year. 

“This growth reflects our commitment to building the firm’s future and ensuring we have the talent to deliver our strategic plans.

“We recognise that today’s trainees are tomorrow’s managers and partners. 

“By offering opportunities to school leavers and graduates, we ensure we attract the very best talent at all entry points.”

Jon added: “The large number of applications demonstrates the high level of interest in joining our firm. 

“Applicants told us that our supportive culture and the opportunity for a clear career progression path were key reasons they wished to join us.

“It illustrates the strength of our reputation as an employer of choice, and reinforces the quality of opportunities we provide for the next generation of accounting professionals.

“Our placement students, who work in the audit team, receive the same first-year experience as our graduates. 

“This gives them an excellent foundation in the role of an auditor, and we are proud that many return to us after completing their university studies.”

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