Lang Bennetts’ Chartered Accountants have been selected as regional finalists in the SME Employer of the Year category of this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards.
The Truro and Falmouth-based firm has successfully progressed through two stages of the judging process to reach the South West finals – Cornwall’s only representative.
Keith Smith, Director of the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency) Apprenticeships Group, said:
“The National Apprenticeship Awards recognise excellence in businesses that grow their own talent with apprenticeships, and apprentices who have made, and keep making, a significant contribution to their workplaces and these awards enable both employers and individuals to showcase how apprenticeships have made a real difference to their organisation and career.
“I am thrilled that so many outstanding applications were made – eclipsing the phenomenal number of entries we’ve had in the past. Judges have had a difficult time selecting the finalists as the applications were outstanding; highlighting perfectly the many benefits apprenticeships bring to the lives of individuals and to our employers.”
It’s the first time that Lang Bennetts have entered the awards and their selection as regional finalists follows hot on the heels of being shortlisted for the British Accountancy Awards for the second successive year.
“We’re absolutely delighted with this latest accolade,” said Lang Bennetts partner Helen Hood. “We’ve been investing in apprenticeships since 2012 and they now represent more than 12% of our workforce. Every apprentice we’ve recruited has remained with us and our first is about to become a qualified chartered accountant.
“We currently have six accountancy and one business administration apprentices and our first level 7 apprentice has also just joined us. It’s an excellent scheme that is playing an important part in growing the company and enriching the five-star quality service we always aim to provide.”
The regional finals will take place in Bristol on 25 September.