Accountancy firm HWB has welcomed eight new starters to its team, three up on the equivalent intake a year ago.
The Southampton-based firm has brought in a mix of graduates and placement students covering activities such as accounts and audit, payroll, tax and marketing.
The move reflects a wider trend among accountants and business advisers to develop the next generation of leaders in-house rather than rely solely on senior hires from elsewhere.
The new arrivals are: Trainee Accountants Jack Somerton, Richard Knight, Cohan Lewis and Izzy Borisova; Payroll placement students Dalbir Bhullar and Aaron Hatter; Accounts placement student OIivia Ridout; and Marketing and Administration Assistant Sophie Taylor.
At the same time, the firm has appointed two Accounts Seniors, Adrian Latoszewski and Norain Umair.
HWB Chartered Accountants Managing Director Tracy Jenkins said: “A warm welcome to all our new starters.
“As with all our annual intakes, our talented 2023 cohort will receive training and hands-on experience as they look to progress their professional journeys with us.
“They will work across a range of departments to gain knowledge and develop their skills.
“Their input will help our established team continue to meet the needs of our diverse and ever-expanding client base of companies, limited liability partnerships, charitable organisations and individuals.”
The Financial Reporting Council, which upholds industry standards, reported in its annual publication Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession 2023 that there are currently 155,621 accountancy trainees in the UK and Republic of Ireland.