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Azets recruits over 200 graduates and school leavers for this Autumn Azets, the UK’s largest regional accountancy and business advisors to SMEs, has announced plans to recruit 213 graduates and school leavers as trainees, all of whom are due to start this August. In total, Azets will have 975 students studying professional qualifications. This includes 58 in London and 23 additional students across the South East of England. Investing in the next generation of talent is a key strategy for Azets, as it looks to further expand its offer and continue to deliver a high-quality service locally to businesses across the UK. Azets is able to offer a varied career path for joiners, with the option to work across different parts of the country and to specialise in different aspects of accounting and business advisory, from general practice and tax to corporate finance, trade, and restructuring. William Payne, Regional CEO for London and South East, commented: “The continuation of Azets’ graduate and school leaver national recruitment drive, against the backdrop of the current pandemic, wider economic challenges and the UK adjusting to postBrexit life, is also a reflection of growing demand for tailored business advice and services, as companies and individuals look to navigate through the increased levels of uncertainty and change.
“Following this extremely successful year of trainee recruitment, Azets is keen to continue this commitment to developing the talent of the future. Our September 2022 intake will open to applications in September 2021, and will offer opportunities in Audit, Accountancy, Corporate Finance, Tax and Business Technology Consulting for both graduates and school leavers. These roles will be an excellent opportunity to joining a rapidly expanding firm experiencing fantastic growth.” The school leaver route at Azets is a six-year programme which includes two apprenticeship programmes leading to the student becoming qualified in their AAT and then moving onto their chartered accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CTA or ICAS). The graduate route is a three or four year programme where students study toward their chartered accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CTA or ICAS). An apprenticeship with Azets and its training partners provides a bespoke programme that combines qualifications, skills, and behaviours training. Everyone gets a talent coach, and each new student gets a buddy and substantial amount of on-thejob training, giving them the opportunity to pave a career path for life.
David Whitson-Black, Group Head of Talent Development for Azets, said: “It has been a tough year for all of us and as we start to move out of our various lockdowns and our economy starts to pick up again, we are more committed than ever in our investment in people and to developing the talent of the younger generation, who will be the business leaders and advisors of tomorrow. More and more young people find themselves struggling to find good jobs since the pandemic and I am excited we are able to kickstart the careers of so many and offer them a bright and interesting future. “Investing in our people and their careers is a key strategy for Azets, benefiting them as well as positioning the company well for the future, as we continue with our ambitious plans to grow the business and deliver a service of outstanding professional quality, that is both personalised and localised.”
Cross Keys Homes Chief Executive included in birthday honours Claire Higgins, Chief Executive of Cross Keys Homes (CKH), has been awarded an MBE for services to housing in recognition of a career dedicated to bringing affordable homes and support to the communities who need them. Having worked in the housing sector for more than 35 years, Claire has delivered many varied projects to increase housing supply and provide new and innovative ways to support residents. Claire joined Cross Keys Homes 17 years ago and became Chief Executive in 2014, during which time she has overseen the launch of Cross Keys Care and accelerated the growth of the organisation’s development programme to deliver more than 500 new homes a year. 32 connected
Under Claire’s leadership, CKH also boasts a substantial community investment programme designed to support with access to education and training, inspiring young people, increasing employability, and the promotion of mental and physical wellbeing. Claire Higgins MBE said: “I was surprised, delighted and very overwhelmed to learn that I was to be honoured in this way. A safe, stable, affordable home really is the foundation for everything else in life, which is why I believe the work we do in the housing sector is so vitally important. “Housing associations don’t just provide homes, we work to make sure people have the skills and opportunities they
need to live happy lives within successful communities. I have worked alongside many wonderful and passionate people over the years who have inspired me and shared my commitment to building better communities. Someone once said that if you find a job you love you will never work again and that has been something I have found very true 99.99 per cent of the time during my career so far. This recognition is a great personal honour, but it is also a reflection of the combined energy and determination of the partners, colleagues and peers who have inspired me and that I have collaborated with on countless projects that have gone on to make a real difference to people’s lives over the years.”
