South West accountancy and finance firm Old Mill has taken on 17 new starters this week as it continues to overcome the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.
The firm, which employs nearly 300 people across its offices in Melksham, Wells, Yeovil and Exeter, has recruited into all levels of the business. The new joiners include nine school leavers and graduates as well as staff recruited to more experienced positions.
Managing director Ian Carlson, pictured, said he thought the firm, which offers business, tax and wealth management advice to businesses and individuals, had remained in a strong position primarily because it had continued to do the basics well while adapting to remote working quickly.
“Our whole reputation is built on the passion we have for supporting our clients together with the trust we build with them, and this means that when the world is in turmoil and our clients need us the most, they know they can rely on us to offer expert help, support, and advice,” he added.
“For a business of our size to bring in 17 new staff at any one time is a fantastic growth story, but to be able to do so in the current climate is even more exciting and we are delighted to be in a position to give them the opportunity to either start or further develop their careers with us.
“Throughout lockdown, we made sure we were available to clients to offer support whenever they needed it and updated our website daily, posting information around every government announcement and change as well as movements in the markets, and explaining what it would mean for clients, and how it would affect them, their families and their businesses.
“The commitment of our people has been key throughout this time. They have worked tirelessly to embrace new ways of working, including helping our clients adapt to the use of video technology to hold meetings virtually.
“I am also hugely proud of the incredible levels of teamwork over the last few months, with colleagues always available to help each other out despite not being able to work in the same physical location as one another.”
Technology had also been important. “Our IT team were incredibly proactive and ensured that all staff had laptops and had been able to test working from home before the lockdown was imposed,” said Ian.
“This meant the transition to remote working was almost seamless and we were able to be there for our clients throughout.”
Old Mill’s HR team also had a massive role to play, as it ensured all staff had the support they needed to transition to a new way of working while enabling recruitment to continue in order to support the growth of the business.
“The HR team have been amazing, making all staff feel safe and secure in the ‘new normal’ and enabling us to continue to recruit just as we did in the pre-pandemic world,” added Ian.
The new graduates are Philippa Ashe, Mitchell Stock, Bethany Irvine – who has previously worked with Old Mill on a work placement from university – and Bradley Causey.
The college leavers and apprentices are Sophie Ewens, John Marsh – who previously did work experience at the firm – Jodie Pike, Beth Coles – who was referred to Old Mill by a client – and Tim Midgley.
The other new recruits are at various stages of their careers and, along with the graduates, school leavers and apprentices, will be supported by Old Mill’s training programme to qualify in their chosen fields and further develop their careers.
Joining the rural team are Kirstie Monnington, a qualified accountant who has relocated from London to get back to her rural roots, Charles Tolley, a trainee, and Avril Riglar, an ACA-qualified accountant.
Harriet Bowden and Emma Paull join the Exeter office where Harriet will be part of the commercial team and Emma will work towards becoming a fully qualified accountant. Barry O’Leary, a paraplanner joins the Wells wealth management team, Lorna Wooster, a client service associate joins the Melksham office, while Sarah Emmett will be based in Yeovil as a client service co-ordinator.
Earlier this year Old Mill was named as one of the UK’s best financial advisers to work for in the annual Professional Adviser Awards.
Pictured, below: some of the firm’s new joiners on a welcome call earlier this week
