Bishop Fleming’s apprentice programme draws record numbers

Bishop Fleming has welcomed a record-breaking 75 new apprentices into its business, marking a fifth consecutive year of growth in apprentice recruitment. 
 

This record intake, which includes 50 university graduates, 22 school leavers, and three placement students comes just four years after the firm became an accredited Apprenticeship Employer Provider, further solidifying its commitment to developing future talent.

This achievement follows the firm’s recent Outstanding rating from Ofsted’s inspection making it one of only 18 Employer Providers, and only the second accountancy firm in the UK to do so. Ofsted praised the programme giving it an outstanding rating across all five key areas: quality of education, personal development, behaviours and attitudes, leadership and management, and apprenticeships.

The new Level 7 apprentices will be spread across the firm’s eight offices in Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Truro, and Worcester. Each trainee will undergo an extensive 100-day induction programme as they begin their qualifications from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), with whom Bishop Fleming are a ‘Partner in Learning’.

Anna Averis, Partner and Chief People Officer for Bishop Fleming said: 

“We have ambitious growth plans and our record-breaking number of apprentices yet again this year is testament of our commitment to invest in new talent into our business. As one of the few Accountancy firms in the UK to have Employer Provider status it is fantastic to see that our own tailored apprenticeship programme continues to go from strength to strength."  

The Outstanding Ofsted rating coincides with Bishop Fleming’s recognition among the UK’s leading organisations in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers List for 2024. Placing in the Top 100 for the third year in a row, the firm has seen its ranking increase from 41st to 27th, making it the highest-ranked South-West headquartered professional services firm on the list. Additionally, Bishop Fleming is a Certified Great Place to Work® and is ranked as a Best Workplace for Women and a Best Workplace for Consulting and Professional Services.

Managing Partner Andrew Sandiford added: 

"On behalf of the partners, I offer a warm welcome and wish all our new recruits the best with their future careers with us. I encourage any candidates seeking a rewarding career to explore our 2025 intake and the exciting opportunities we have here at Bishop Fleming."

The firm has been shortlisted for Employer of the Year at the prestigious Accounting Excellence Awards in October, alongside three other awards for Large Firm of the Year, ESG Award and Client Service.

Bishop Fleming's success is also reflected in its recent announcement of another year of double-digit growth, taking revenue to over £43m in the year ending 31 May 2024. The firm is one year into its Better Growth business strategy designed to double the size of its business and transform its operations.  

Explore our vacancies

Thinking about joining our 2025 intake? While applications go live in October, you can explore our apprenticeship programme and discover what we offer on our careers site. Click here to see our vacancies!