Bishop Fleming welcomed a record-breaking number of apprentices into its business.
Our firm, which delivers audit, accounting, tax and advisory services to businesses and individuals from its base in the South West and West Midlands, have employed our highest number of school leavers and graduates.
The intake of 60 apprentices, which includes 42 university graduates and 18 school leavers, represents a third year of successive growth in apprentice numbers and comes just two years since we became an accredited apprenticeship provider.
Having delivered fee growth of 19% in 2022, we have seen its headcount grow to over 460 people - continuing our ambitious growth plans to double its size in the next few years.
The apprentices will work across our seven offices in Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Plymouth, Truro, Torquay, and Worcester.
Each trainee will receive an extensive induction plan for their first 100-days as they start to undertake their qualifications from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), with whom we are a ‘Partner in Learning’.
Anna Averis, Partner, and People Director for Bishop Fleming said: “I am delighted that we have recruited a record-breaking number of trainees yet again this year, particularly as we continue our growth across the South West and West Midlands. As one of the few firms in the UK to have Employer Provider status it is fantastic to see that our Apprenticeship programme is yielding great results."
Bishop Fleming has been ranked 14th in the UK for our apprenticeship programme in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer rankings for 2022. Last week we were recognised with the Investing in People award at the 2022 Accounting Excellence Awards and next week is shortlisted for Best Apprentice Programme award at the prestigious Charted Institute of Personnel and Development People Management Awards in London.
This year’s school leavers and graduates have joined from a variety of schools and universities including: South Devon College, Truro School, Devonport High School for Boys and Droitwich Spa High School and Sixth Form; University of Exeter, University of Bath, and the University of West England. Some apprentices have made significant career changes to join us, including an Olympic diver, music teacher, and digital marketing manager.
Andrew Sandiford of Bishop Fleming Our Managing Partner Andrew Sandiford added: "We welcome our latest apprentices to Bishop Fleming and look forward to supporting them to reach their full potential while undertaking their qualifications. I wish them all the best with their future careers with us. I encourage any interested students seeking a similar rewarding career to contact us to find out about joining our 2023 intake and the exciting plans we have for our firm."