Investing in top talent

Zeeshan Merchant has joined as a manager in the business services team. He has nine years’ experience in external audit and assurance work on behalf of listed and privately-owned businesses. Zeeshan trained at BDO then worked at firms including EY and Grant Thornton before joining HURST.

Joe Goscomb has also joined as an associate manager in the tax team. 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 joins with a degree in maths and physics from the University of Exeter. She also completed a master’s degree in maths from the University of Chester. 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’s degree in mechanical engineering is from Liverpool John Moores University, while Newcastle University’s Amy Williams studied biomedical sciences.

Will Hidrey has joined HURST’s digital transformation and outsourcing team – known as HOST – as an apprentice from Stockport’s Aquinas College. He 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.

Ambition meets action

Earlier this year, HURST unveiled plans to double in size amid rapid expansion across the practice. Its aim is to become a £20m-turnover practice in 2028. This ambition is fuelled by a growing national client base, extensive recruitment, new service lines, and a multimillion-pound technological investment.

In spring 2024, HURST moved its headquarters to the flagship 3 Stockport Exchange to accommodate its growing team. It now occupies 11,000 sq ft of the building, with scope to expand to 170 staff over the coming years.

HURST was also recognised by Great Place to Work as one of the UK’s best workplaces in consulting and professional services. This accolade reaffirms the firm’s commitment to fostering a positive culture.

“We’re increasingly seeing interest from candidates at larger firms,” said Partner Simon Brownbill, HURST’s Director of Practice Development. “They 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. That is clearly resonating with ambitious professionals previously at Big Four firms.

“We’ve welcomed people from a wide range of academic backgrounds, and not just finance or accounting. They 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. As well as being technically strong, they share our values. They also want to be part of a firm where they can grow.”

He added: “Danielle’s promotion is thoroughly deserved. She consistently goes above and beyond for clients and colleagues, and she embodies the values we’re proud of at HURST. Her drive, expertise and positive energy make a real impact. We’re delighted to see her stepping up into this next role.”