Member News
ROBSON Laidler Accountants in Newcastle and Durham has begun 2024 with a string of new and familiar faces to strengthen its team.
Emily Brace, a former Robson Laidler employee has rejoined the firm as healthcare senior after a stint at another local practice. Sarah Middleton, who previously worked at Robson Laidler from 2018 to 2021 has also returned as audit senior.
Their return marks a notable trend of "boomerang employees" at the firm, highlighting its appeal following a range of enhanced benefits and company culture initiatives and ability to attract and retain talent.
Georgina McAleavey is taking up the mantle as a new manager in the firm’s business innovation department, managing client portfolios for small to medium sized businesses, and Anika Venayak is also a new accounts assistant in the growing healthcare department.
Robson Laidler head of people and culture Amy Park said: “We’re delighted to start off the new year by strengthening Robson Laidler with four new appointments and it’s particularly humbling to see the return of two former employees. We are spearheading some exciting wellbeing and business growth projects currently and it’s good to hear these initiatives are being narrated throughout the industry and as such we are seeing a rise in former employees wanting to part of our future.
“We wish Emily, Sarah, Georgina and Anika the very best of luck in their new endeavours with us and we hope to see them continue to grow with our firm.”
Both Emily and Anika are joining the healthcare department, which has growth plans to attract more dentistry associates and practices within the next 12-months. The team has also seen an influx in new GP practice work.
Robson Laidler healthcare semi senior Emily Brace said: “Returning to my former workplace means I have been able to hit the ground running in a more senior role. I’ve advanced my career by leveraging pre-existing relationships and networks while also harnessing experiences acquired elsewhere.
“I thought the grass might be greener, but I missed the positive company culture at Robson Laidler and the enhancements the firm has made to remuneration packages and work-life balance has pulled me back. I am so pleased I’ve returned.”
Georgina, with the support of three other managers, will head up the 20-strong Business Innovation team with a strong focus on scalable businesses in the construction, tech, and retail sectors.
Whilst Sarah takes a senior position in the audit and assurance team, where her skills and input will make a positive difference on a busy line-up of upcoming public and private sector projects for 2024 and beyond.
As well as being the region’s first accredited B Corperation, Robson Laidler currently holds the title of North East Accountancy Firm of the Year in the Medium sized business category. It was shortlisted in the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards last year and continues to maintain its Excellence status for the Northern TUC’s Better Health at Work Awards.
