Independent accounting and business advisory firm HURST has promoted two members of its team who joined the practice as graduate trainees.
Tom Hooper and Jack Pritchard have become associate managers in HURST鈥檚 business services team, which provides advisory, audit and assurance services to companies across the north west and beyond. It is the largest team at HURST with over 70 staff.
After graduating from the University of Nottingham with a degree in history and American studies, Tom joined HURST in September 2018.
He works with clients across numerous sectors, including manufacturing, construction, hotel management, training and digital marketing.
His role includes completing consolidated accounts and reporting on audit findings to the boards of companies, as well as leading on-site teams.
Tom is also a member of HURST鈥檚 audit, innovation and methodology team, which is exploring how the firm can best leverage AI and other modern tools.
He said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 great to be promoted and for my hard work to be recognised. I鈥檓 looking forward to being further involved as we grow and continue to modernise as a business, and working to set an example for our audit teams, just as I was motivated by the great people ahead of me.
鈥淎s an introduction to the world of business, working in audit is a great option. It gives you the opportunity to get out there and see all kinds of businesses and meet all kinds of people. It鈥檚 challenging work, but rewarding.鈥�
Jack graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in accountancy and finance, and joined HURST in September 2019.
He is involved in audits, statutory accounts preparation work and corporation tax compliance on behalf of clients in sectors including insurance, construction and sport.
He said: 鈥淚 was initially drawn to HURST because of its stellar reputation in the north west. The culture of the firm and the welcoming nature of everyone involved really stood out to me and made coming to HURST an easy decision.
鈥淲orking at HURST is extremely rewarding. We have a vast range of clients across various industries, meaning every job is differing. The supportive team, interesting and challenging work and emphasis on continuous development and innovation mean HURST is a really fulfilling place to work.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited by my promotion. It reflects my hard work over the past five years and the firm鈥檚 recognition of my contribution. It also means I can play a bigger part in contributing to the future success of our clients.鈥�
Jack added: 鈥淎ccountancy provides stability, job security and a clear career path. The skills are easily transferable across industries. It鈥檚 a lot more interesting than just crunching numbers and gives an excellent grounding in business.鈥�
Mike Jackson, head of HURST鈥檚 business services team, said: 鈥淏ringing hugely talented people through the firm is one of the best things about what we do, and to see Jack and Tom step up to the partner and manager team is a great moment.
鈥淭hey have shown they can deliver excellently, in terms of the standard of their advice and with the passion for service and building relationships that is so important to us at HURST.
鈥淕rowing and developing our team is a constant process, and when people reach milestones like this it鈥檚 a great time to reflect on what they have achieved since they joined the firm.鈥�
HURST focuses on advising entrepreneurial owner-managed businesses across all sectors. Clients include Kinaxia Logistics, M&I Materials, Beechfield Brands, Duerr鈥檚, Oliver Valves, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Krones UK, Creamline Dairies, Scapa Group and Hyde Group.
The firm recently moved its head office to a new flagship development in Stockport to accommodate its growing team, taking 11,000sq ft at 3 Stockport Exchange, the latest phase of a 拢145m project by Muse Developments and Stockport Council.
HURST had been based since 1996 in Tiviot Dale in Stockport town centre, but outgrew the premises. The firm aims to grow from 120 staff to around 170 over the next three years.
Pictured (left to right) Jack Pritchard and Tom Hooper.