Member News
Independant accountancy firm Robson Laidler has expanded its team with the appointment of eight new trainees who will embark on the firm’s training academy, working within the business alongside professional study.
Together they will be based across Robson Laidler’s Newcastle, Durham and Teesside offices, working in departments including audit, healthcare accounting, business accounts, business advisory and tax.
The Robson Laidler training academy offers apprentices a fully funded structured learning programme, personal development and study time, support from a dedicated mentor and a recognised accountancy qualification through the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
The new accounts assistants, who come from schools and colleges from across the region including Whitley Bay High School, Whitburn COE Academy, Cramlington Learning Village and St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy are; Nevaeh Barnes, Zara Grand, William Grundy, Ethan Haslem, Darcy O’Neil, Harry Petterson, Anya Russell, and Molly Williams.
The appointments bring the total number of Robson Laidler staff to 131, with a total of 42 staff training towards professional qualifications. The firm also notes that in the past 12-months 10 staff have become fully qualified and three internal promotions have seen qualified staff step into management positions.
Robson Laidler co-managing director Amy Park said: “We’re proud to be supporting local young people as they take their first steps into the working world, and it’s been great to see how last year’s apprentices are growing through our training academy. We are investing heavily in the future of our business and the profession in our region.”
Associate director Georgina Rutter who started her career as an apprentice herself, is now a mentor to the new apprentices. She said: “The RL training academy gives apprentices hands-on experience across our different departments, to help them discover where they thrive best.
“We’ve always placed great value on bringing apprentices and graduates into the business, and many have gone on to build long-term careers with Robson Laidler.
“I’m really looking forward to working with this year’s group – there’s a strong sense of teamwork, and everyone’s keen to support and learn from one another.”
New accounts assistant Nevaeh Barnes said: “After attending the RL open evening, I realised apprenticeships are such a great option - you gain real experience, get qualified, and avoid the burden of university fees and student debt. The support here at RL has been amazing, and I already feel like I’m part of a team that genuinely wants me to succeed."
Robson Laidler won Independent Firm of the Year at this year’s North East Accountancy Awards and has been listed in the Sunday Times Best Places to work for two consecutive years driven by its commitment to staff development, wellbeing, and workplace culture. The firm offers its staff professional and soft skills training, a Four Day Working Week, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme and long-service recognition.
Robson Laidler’s apprentice training academy is run in partnership with Kaplan UK in Newcastle to provide AAT apprenticeships for 16 and 18-year-olds, as well as ACA apprenticeships.
The next Robson Laidler apprentice open evenings will be held on Tuesday 4th November between 5:00pm and 6:30pm at Robson Laidler’s Jesmond office and on Thursday 6th November between 5:00pm and 6:30pm at the Chester le Street office.
Attendees will learn about accountancy as a career, engage with current trainees and can apply to join the firm in the summer of 2026.
