A NEW apprentice has joined one of the county's fastest growing chartered accountancy firms.

Jessica Deadman, who is 18, has joined Redditch-based Hayward Wright as a junior trainee, becoming one of two apprentices developing their skills and learning their trade with the company. As part of her appointment she will be working through the Association of Accounting Technicians qualifications, covering tax, audit, accounts preparation, ethics, costing and budgeting.

Hayward Wright’s client manager Gareth Wood said: "Jessica has been a brilliant addition to the team and really hit the ground running. We are committed to recruiting talented young people from the local area who believe, as we do, that apprenticeships are of mutual benefit to employer and employee alike. The only way businesses will grow and thrive is if they take the time to train the next generation of their workforce. An apprenticeship provides that essential on the job training along with vital advice and support. Jessica’s doing a great job and we’re looking forward to taking the next career steps with her.”

Miss Deadman came to Hayward Wright while studying production arts at Bromsgrove Heart of Worcestershire College. Her appointment at Hayward Wright boots the team to 14 between offices in Redditch and Worcester,