Independent accounting and business advisory firm HURST has welcomed a raft of new arrivals as its expansion gathers pace.
Zeeshan Merchant has joined as a manager in the business services team and Joe Goscomb has joined as an associate manager in the tax team.
Zeeshan has nine years’ experience in external audit and assurance work on behalf of listed and privately-owned businesses. He trained at BDO then worked at firms including EY and Grant Thornton before joining HURST.
Joe has moved to HURST from KPMG, where he worked for five years in the corporate tax team.
The latest graduate intake at HURST sees six trainees with a variety of university degrees join the business services team.
Matt Baldwin studied history at the University of Sheffield, Sophie Christian has a degree in maths and physics from the University of Exeter and a master’s degree in maths from the University of Chester, while Nick Hughes graduated in business economics at Sheffield Hallam University.
Lydia Pearson graduated in modern languages with business management at the University of Birmingham, Will Tierney has a degree in mechanical engineering from Liverpool John Moores University, and Amy Williams studied biomedical sciences at Newcastle University.
Will Hidrey has joined HURST as an apprentice from Aquinas College in Stockport. He has joined the firm’s digital transformation and outsourcing team, known as HOST, and will be studying for his Association of Accounting Technicians qualification.
Meanwhile Danielle Tierney has been promoted to manager with HURST Corporate Finance. She joined the firm in 2021 as a corporate finance executive from EY.
Earlier this year, HURST unveiled plans to double in size amid rapid expansion across the practice. It aims to become a £20m-turnover practice in 2028, fuelled by a growing national client base, extensive recruitment and new service lines to support its ambitions, alongside a multimillion-pound investment in technology.
In spring 2024, HURST moved its headquarters to 3 Stockport Exchange to accommodate its growing team. It occupies 11,000 sq ft at the flagship building, with scope to expand to 170 staff over the next few years.
HURST has also has earned recognition from Great Place to Work as one of the UK’s best workplaces in consulting and professional services, reaffirming the firm’s commitment to fostering a positive culture.
Partner Simon Brownbill, the firm’s director of practice development, said: “We’re increasingly seeing interest in joining HURST from candidates at larger firms who tell us they are looking for a more dynamic, people-focused environment where they can make a real impact.
“We pride ourselves on offering the perfect balance of high-calibre work and a strong, supportive culture, and that is clearly resonating with ambitious professionals previously at Big Four firms.
“We’ve welcomed people from a wide range of academic backgrounds, not just finance or accounting, who are curious, collaborative and driven to make a difference – qualities that align with our culture.
“This is the latest chapter in delivering on the growth strategy that we recently set out. We’re continuing to invest in the next generation of talent, bringing in people who are not only technically strong but who also share our values and want to be part of a firm where they can grow and make a real impact.”
He added: “Danielle’s promotion is thoroughly deserved. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients and colleagues, and she embodies the values we’re proud of at HURST. Her drive, expertise and positive energy make a real impact and we’re delighted to see her stepping up into this next role.”
Pictured (left to right): Nick Hughes, Sophie Christian, Matt Baldwin, Joe Goscomb, Lydia Pearson, Danielle Tierney, Zeeshan Merchant, Amy Williams, Will Hidrey and Will Tierney.