H e a d s u p

C a r e e r s i n a c c o u n t a n c y

Contents

01-02 The world of accountancy 03-04 All about us 05-06 Audit 07 Tax08 Corporate finance08 Restructuring and recovery09-10 Rewards and benefits 11-12 Which qualification will you study?13 Introduction to AAT14 Training, support and development15-18 Meet our trainees19-20 How to apply21-22 Introduction to chartered accountancy 22 Training, support and development23-26 Meet our graduates27-28 How to apply

The world of accountancy

Here’s your first heads up. Whether you’ve just graduated or completed your A-levels, this brochure will open your eyes to the world of accountancy, exactly how we do it here at Baker Tilly, and why it’s such a great career choice. From this very first page where we’ll give you a taste of accountancy, to the very last by which point you should know everything you need, we plan to give you a clear mind about the direction you might want to take.

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Let’s start with a few ‘need to know’ facts about accountancy. As a professional accountant, you’ll provide expert advice to organisations on a wide range of business and finance issues. It’s seeing the bigger picture, having the right insight to influence company decisions that will allow them to improve their profits. It’s so much more than looking at numbers. It’s playing an important role in business decisions.

At Baker Tilly, every one of our trainees will develop expertise in areas such as business, marketing, economics, finance, management and information systems. While most find themselves working in audit, we also offer careers in taxation, accounting, corporate finance, restructuring and recovery, to name but a few. Wherever you’re heading, whatever sector you’re studying in, you’ll need to bring the perfect balance of technical ability, entrepreneurial flair and commercial instinct to really get ahead. Then, we’ll do the rest.

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All about us

First things first, a few facts and figures about Baker Tilly. We’re an independent firm of accountants and business advisers, with more than 1,600 people and over 250 partners generating a fee income of £190 million. This places us as one of the leading mid-tier accountancy firms. So, where can you find us? Pretty close by, actually. Today, we have an impressive network of offices in locations right across the UK.

We’ve built up a solid foundation of knowledge in, amongst others, media and entertainment, not-for-profit, property and construction, pensions and professional practice sectors. We also specialise in working with owner-managed, entrepreneurial and growing businesses to help them achieve their ambitions. Our clients include FTSE 350 corporations, family businesses, listed companies on NYSE, LSE and European exchanges, Premier League footballers, leading charities, TV chefs and more. Of course, such a diverse range of clients means we have an innate desire to employ a truly diverse workforce. Our people work with clients across the UK, sharing knowledge to find the perfect solution for every conceivable business challenge.

So, what do we stand for? What do we believe in? Just as importantly, what makes us different? For starters, our values set us apart from the rest and these have made us the success we are today.

Passion to excel – We don’t just provide the basics. We go the extra mile to understand our clients’ businesses inside out.

Teamwork – We’re passionate about working collaboratively and transparently with our clients.

Can-do attitude – We meet challenges head on and are confident that we can deliver great results.

Respect and integrity – A lot of people say it, but few really mean it. However, at Baker Tilly, we’ve never been anything but honest when giving our opinions and we always stay true to our commitments.

Understandably, you want to get your career off to the best start imaginable. You don’t want to waste time. You don’t want to hang around. That’s why, whether you’re a school leaver or a graduate, whether you want to come and study AAT, ACA or CA, you’ll benefit from our extensive support and guidance. At Baker Tilly, everything we do is designed to help you go further faster. So, get ready to experience different areas of accountancy and work with clients and partners, as we help you develop the kind of commercial mind and dynamic thinking that our reputation is built on.

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As members of Business in the Community, we take our social responsibilities seriously. Right now, we’re making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of the environment and the communities we’re part of. Teams from our offices regularly volunteer in their local communities, whether this is building playgrounds or maintaining paths for the National Trust. We’re keen to support you with your personal fundraising too, through our funds matching scheme. This means that we’ll match any money you raise, making your contribution go even further. We’re also a corporate sponsor and chartered member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

We work with the Carbon Trust to make sure that our offices are as energy efficient as possible. It’s all about minimising our impact on the environment, from big initiatives like recycling in every office and reducing our car travel, to little things like environmentally friendly paint. We also have a Give As You Earn scheme if you want to contribute regularly to your chosen charity.

From your very first day, you’ll benefit from our on-the-ground know-how, our national strength and our international reach. Let’s also not forget our impressive progression and development opportunities. We are already sponsoring more than 20% of our people to study for a professional qualification, and our exam pass rates well exceed national averages. From your very own training manager to extra development courses, we’ll soon have you head and shoulders above the rest.

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Audit

There are questions you’ll be answering in audit such as: do cash balances match bank records? Does a company own its fixed assets? How much is stock really worth? You’ll be quick to acquire a broad knowledge of the business world, helping you to add real value to the companies you work with.

An audit, in its truest form, is an independent check to see whether a company’s financial statements fairly and accurately reflect their financial situation. At Baker Tilly, we use audits to show businesses right across the UK their potential – and help them reach it. Open lines of communication, an early heads up and pragmatic solutions are how we provide an intelligent, constructive audit to each and every one of our clients. In audit, you won’t hang around. You’ll get stuck in head first, learning from live audits throughout your professional training and using our renowned support to develop further, faster.

From the minute you begin, you’ll discover how to carry out risk analysis, review an organisation’s systems and ensure accounting processes work effectively. You’ll get to know our wide range of clients and establish long-lasting relationships. You’ll demonstrate technical excellence at every turn and recommend practical improvements. You’ll make your mark on some impressive assignments, adding value to every company you touch. If it’s a varied, rewarding, challenging and interesting career you’re after, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

Do you want a career where you’ll reach your full potential, meet new people, overcome challenges, and work with like-minded people every single day? If so, then audit could be perfect for you.

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Emma Mason AAT Trainee Studying for my AAT qualification

whilst working in audit is a great way to learn and progress my career. The AAT provides background accounting knowledge, while the audit experience has enabled me to learn practical skills that would not necessarily be taught as part of the course.

Working in audit offers the opportunity to experience a wide variety of clients, stretching across public, private and not-for-profit sectors. I haven’t been here a year yet and I’ve already worked with a number of very different organisations in a variety of sectors.

I’d strongly recommend the AAT route to anyone considering a career in accountancy.

Helen Hunt Audit Manager Accountancy was a career where I

could see a clear progression route to the top – and so far, that’s been exactly the case. I wanted to work within a medium-sized firm where I could experience a wide range of clients, from sole traders and charities to large multi-national corporations.

I’ve been meeting new people and working in different environments every week, and with no two clients the same, the variety of work is excellent.

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Tax

To start with, you’ll get a real blend of business tax, private client tax and indirect tax, as we prepare you for a constantly moving industry and make sure you’re ready to answer clients’ changing needs. At Baker Tilly, we have the experience and know-how to provide proactive, integrated answers for all forms of tax in the UK and overseas. It’ll be your job to provide innovative tax solutions, through well thought-out plans and sophisticated problem-solving.

Tax is split into two main areas. Firstly, tax compliance involves submitting tax returns for both individuals and companies. Then there’s tax advisory and planning, which involves analysing and recommending changes to the way that individuals and companies structure their finances and tax payments.

So, believe us when we say that no two days will ever be the same. One day you could be looking after an individual’s tax needs, the next, you’re working with a major multinational company. From one-off high value transactions to long-term solutions, variety and early responsibility come with the territory at Baker Tilly.

Google ‘tax’ and you’ll come up with around 350 million hits in the UK. Put in ‘tax careers’ and around 1.5 million results will pop up. Incredible, isn’t it? That’s because careers in taxation offer graduates variety, intellectual stimulation and plenty of early responsibility. But why do it here? Why Baker Tilly? We can give you a number of reasons.

Michelle CorazzoTax Associate

A business career in taxation that offers prestige, respect, great prospects and financial rewards is exactly what I discovered at Baker Tilly. I feel privileged to reflect on a career that has not only proved exciting but also challenging. Baker Tilly has taught me the importance of strategic decision making to achieve the most tax-efficient outcomes for our clients, and the ability to identify tax planning opportunities in order to obtain maximum tax savings in the future.

The opportunity to study the ATT (the Association of Taxation Technicians) qualification has significantly contributed towards my progression in taxation and has been a great way to develop. Applying what I’ve learned in the classroom directly to situations at work has really helped me to understand the subject.

The combination of high quality and varied work at Baker Tilly, together with the achievement of obtaining the ATT qualification, has given me, and could potentially give you, the best possible start to a new career.

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Corporate finance

Whether providing an expert opinion from our capital markets, due diligence, modelling or valuation teams, or actively managing or negotiating a transaction in our advisory practice of mergers & acquisitions and private equity, our corporate finance professionals are exposed to the volatility of the market, long hours, triumph, disappointment and jubilation.

We’re not just in the City of London. Baker Tilly corporate finance professionals work around the country with offices in all of the major financial hubs, supporting our diverse client base when their need is greatest.

Restructuring and recovery

Often it’s a case of a recovery expert steering the business towards a successful future, providing lenders with the critical information to fully understand their risk and the value of their investment. At other times, an insolvency expert will lead an insolvency process such as administration. Here, the aim is to run and sell a business quickly, getting creditors as much money back as possible.

At Baker Tilly, we have restructuring and recovery specialists based all across the UK, who focus on improving a company’s performance and securing the best future for business owners and employees.

Join us here and we’ll hand you your own cases early on. They could be anything from a large chain of hotels to small retail outlets. The list is endless. This is where you’ll gain the know-how, credibility and diplomacy to handle sensitive situations and work closely with stakeholders – to preserve as much value from a company’s assets as possible.

Step into the world of corporate finance where Baker Tilly is at the heart of the finance sector. Dealing with lawyers, bankers, brokers and private equity investors, we help our clients navigate through the turbulent money markets to get the deal that they want.

It’s a competitive and demanding world out there, and from time to time businesses encounter problems and go through hard times. This is where we step in.

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Rewards and benefits

We’ll start you off with a competitive salary and top it up with an attractive benefits package. First up, there are the everyday benefits, our standard entitlements. These include full study support; 20 days’ annual holiday; adoption, maternity and paternity leave; an employee support helpline for you and your family; eye care vouchers; flu vaccines; and a group pension plan, permanent health insurance and life assurance cover.

Then we have the incentives, our way of saying thanks for all your hard work and commitment. For example, if you refer someone to us and then we go on to employ them, you’ll receive a bonus of up to £5,000. And that’s not the only time bonuses are on offer. Along with a top performers’ bonus scheme, which values significant contributions, we provide monetary rewards for the introduction of new work. We mustn’t forget our profit share scheme and share incentive plan either: we’ll give you one share for each that you purchase. It’s important to us that you get the chance to share in the firm’s success.

Our Additions benefits allow you to be more flexible, and choose the rewards that best suit you and your lifestyle. These include our ‘bike to work’ scheme; travel and car park season ticket loans; childcare vouchers; opportunities to buy and sell holiday; healthcare cash plan and numerous retail discounts from the likes of Apple, Dell, Virgin and Expedia.

Our people give us the advantage, they take us further and faster than the rest. So, we think it’s only right that we do the same for them.

To be the best, we need the best people working for us. And we need to keep them at the top of their game. That’s why, no matter which scheme you choose, we’ll provide the entire scope of training and support. We’re incredibly proud of our vibrant, open environment which is brimming with talented people – an extensive professional and social network for you to enjoy.

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Before we get into the detail of our training schemes, you need to decide which one works best for you. Just follow the selection tool below and you’ll be one step closer to finding a career at Baker Tilly.

Are you a school leaver or a graduate?

School leaver

Graduate

Do you have or are you expecting a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A to C (including at least a grade B in Maths and English Language), or a minimum

of five standard grades at grades 1 to 3 (including at least a grade 2 in

Maths and English), at least 280 UCAS points (excluding general studies), or equivalent and a minimum of a 2.1 expected or obtained degree

(or an ordinary degree if studying at or obtained from a Scottish university)?

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YES

YES

If you do meet the entry requirements to join our

AAT programme, we would welcome an online

application from you.

NO

If you don’t meet the minimum entry

requirements, unfortunately we are unable to accept an application from you.

If you don’t meet the minimum entry requirements for our

graduate programme, do you meet the minimum AAT entry requirements instead? If you

do, we would welcome an AAT application from you.

If you do meet the entry requirements to join our graduate accountancy programme, we would

welcome an online application from you.

NO

Do you have a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A to C (including at least a grade B in Maths and English

Language), or a minimum of five standard grades at grades 1 to 3

(including at least a grade 2 in Maths and English), and at least 260 UCAS

points (excluding general studies) or equivalent, either

predicted or achieved?

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Introduction to AAT

Here, our vocational qualification will equip you with practical accounting skills, and make sure that you’re ready for the workplace. We use a combination of computer-based tests and computer-administered projects, reports and work-based evidence, to help you achieve your full AAT qualification.

Let’s give you a bit of history about the AAT. It was established in 1980 by two merging accountancy bodies: the Institute of Accounting Staff (IAS), and the Association of Technicians in Finance and Accounting (ATFA). Back then, it had 5,995 members and 19,405 students. Now, the AAT has more than 120,000 members and has expanded its qualifications and branch network into 90 countries.

Whether you’ve just finished your A-levels, you’re a recent graduate or you’ve been working for a while, you can begin the AAT course. The AAT is an entry level qualification, opening the doors to the world of accountancy.

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Potential fulfilled, ambitions realised. That, in a nutshell, is what we’ll help you achieve, through extensive training and induction programmes. You’ll have an impressive support network to help you through your exams and beyond. We’re proud to say that our students regularly achieve 100% pass rates and surpass the national average. We work very closely with our external training provider to guarantee you the highest standards of tuition, and you’ll also have an exam training manager by your side to support your progression. They’ll be the ones making sure your courses are booked and seeing whether you need any extra support.

If that isn’t enough, we run several residential student development courses, which will supplement your technical skills and develop ability in areas like project management, client handling and people management. The AAT is just the beginning of your accountancy career. Many of our trainees go on to study the ACA or CA qualification. So, the options are endless, from becoming an accounting technician right through to becoming a partner. If you’re heading for big things, we’ll give you all the support you need to get there.

Training, support and development

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Tim HamerAAT Trainee

I started at university but didn’t really enjoy it. I’ve always been one for a challenge and I like being busy, so I decided to apply for the AAT programme at Baker Tilly. A friend had given me quite an interesting insight into accountancy: the pace, the involvement, the standard and quality of work. I realised that I could get experience and qualify quickly, while earning money at the same time – a win-win situation.

I joined the firm in the audit department to begin my AAT. The programme has a really good structure to it, and my first week was spent on a training course with my peers. The difference with Baker Tilly is that you’re one of a small team of trainees. You get better exposure to real work, more involvement, and you’re well-known throughout the firm. Baker Tilly also supports you one step at a time, understanding that there are formal processes to follow but that everyone will be happier working at their own level. I’ve completed my AAT and am now studying towards my ACA.

I’ve recently transferred to corporate finance, making the move from Hull to London, where I now sit in the Mergers and Acquisitions team. The culture change was quite a big one – two completely different cities and offices – but Baker Tilly knew this role would suit my skills and that I thrived on the high intensity of work. There’s also the opportunity for an international secondment if I want to take it up. It just shows that if you’re ambitious and willing to work hard, you’ll come out on top.

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Yogi Lalji AAT Trainee

I went to university at UCL and read statistics. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the greatest of grades, so couldn’t join the ACA programme, which is what I’d planned to do. However, I knew there were other ways to get on to the scheme, either through a small firm, work experience or through AAT. I chose the AAT route. For me, it was a perfect way to get professional qualifications and two years’ work experience. It was the clear stepping stone, as I wanted the prestige and potential that the qualification would bring, while being able to experience different areas of accountancy.

I looked at the Baker Tilly website and was really impressed by the client testimonials. I thought that if their clients value what they do, then they must be a good firm. It painted them in a really good light. You can forget the image of a stereotypical accountant. When I started here, the culture was nothing like I’d expected. It was modern, diverse and had a fantastically strong team spirit. Because of the size of the firm, you’re able to make your voice heard, and while it’s completely up to you how far you go, your managers, mentors and fellow graduates are always there for support.

And talk about varied! The clients I work with range from technology clients to charities, and recently I’ve even worked with London Zoo. Baker Tilly really has been a brilliant platform for me to go further. I’ve been able to carve out my own career path and learn so much on the way. If you have a can-do attitude and are proactive with your development, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you.

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How to apply

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So, you’ve read all about us and heard from some of our people. To join us we’d like you to have a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A to C (including at least a grade B in Maths and English Language), or a minimum of five standard grades at grades 1 to 3 (including at least a grade 2 in Maths and English), and at least 260 UCAS points (excluding general studies) or equivalent, either predicted or achieved. But we look for much more than academic achievement. We welcome people with passion and energy, people with ideas and enthusiasm.

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People who can work successfully with colleagues and clients. It’s fair to say we don’t have a Baker Tilly ‘type’ – we’re not that sort of firm. We respect and value difference. After all, it’s what makes teamwork exciting and what makes us the firm we are today.

The application process? Simple and straightforward. Visit our website and we’ll guide you through the whole process, including how to fill out our online application form, and how things like online tests and assessment centres work. The whole process is designed to give you the chance to showcase your talents and find out more about us.

Introduction to chartered accountancy

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Training, support and development

The ACA (representing the Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) and the CA (representing the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) both carry weight and influence all over the world. Our structured training will turn you into a chartered accountant, valued in all sectors from practice to commerce, industry and the public sector.

You’ll then have all the specialist knowledge you could ever want in areas such as audit and assurance, corporate finance, insolvency, tax, forensic accounting and financial reporting, alongside the credibility to take a company’s future in your own hands. So, once you’ve got the ACA or the CA under your belt, you’re set for quite a career. You might even find yourself working abroad.

Join our three-year training programme, and you’ll get the full mix of practical experience and theoretical training. In the classroom, you’ll gain indispensible business and financial knowledge. In the commercial world, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience. Bring them together and you’ll have the perfect balance of skills and know-how to really get ahead.

You’re ambitious. You’re determined and driven. You’re ready to take on the world of work. Typically, our graduates undertake a three year course to qualify as Chartered Accountants. Mind you, we also have graduates taking specialised paths like Accounting Technician (AAT), Chartered Institute of Taxation (CTA), Restructuring and Recovery (JIEB and CPI), Corporate Finance and the Institute of Indirect Tax.

Our pass rate is one of the best in the country. Our trainees regularly hit 100% pass rates and are always well above the national average. We work closely with external training providers to make sure that all tuition is the very best it can be. We’ll give you an exam training manager, someone to advise and guide you, to make sure that you’re booked on the correct courses and have all the right support.

But that’s not the end of the training and support. We also run residential student development courses, boosting your technical skills and helping you get to grips with things like project management, client development and people management. After all, we see you as the future of the firm, the managers and partners of tomorrow. That’s why we also have dedicated development programmes to manage your transition into a managerial role, to help you develop as a leader, and to assess your potential as a future partner.

As one of our graduates, you’ll study towards the ACA or CA qualification, two of the most prestigious qualifications in accountancy. Whichever route you go down, you’ll qualify as a chartered accountant and will be guaranteed a career full of opportunity and diversity, challenges and rewards.

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Bernard YeboahACA Graduate

When I left Brunel University with an accounting and finance degree, I did what every finance graduate does – I searched for the top 20 audit firms online. Who came up? Baker Tilly. I did some further investigation and saw they had offices all over the UK, and in particular, one close to where I live in Croydon. They seemed open and friendly, and I felt that I would get a broad experience, which has definitely been the case.

I saw from my very first day that the culture was welcoming and supportive. There was always someone willing to help, whether this was with studies or on the client side. My college time was determined by a schedule, so I always knew where I was meant to be and what I was supposed to be doing. I was also able to call upon my exam training manager when it came to exams and study leave. With all this support behind me, I began to learn the ins-and-outs of audit by supporting a supervisor on projects. They’d give me work, and even though I’d report back to them regularly, I’d have the freedom to plan my own days and tasks.

Jobs varied from day to day, in terms of length, responsibility and clients. One day, you’d be working with a charity, the next on a pensions trust. The spread of work and massive support certainly paid off. Now over half way through my training scheme, I’m an assistant, soon to be a supervisor, then who knows from there? That’s the great thing about Baker Tilly – you can choose to work in a specialist area or broaden your horizons. There’s also a really diverse, fun workforce, and we go out together quite often. Every month there’s normally an event, like go-karting, a charity fundraising team event or a sports day which I particularly enjoy. I’m an ex-international athlete after all!23 24

Laura BrophyACA Graduate

After graduating with a Masters in Chemistry and gaining the skills that I needed for a career in accountancy, I looked at my options. I knew about Baker Tilly because of its strong local presence in Liverpool. Being a mid-tier firm with a friendly reputation, it was my first port of call when applying for a job. My application was successful and I started working at Baker Tilly as an assistant in audit.

Because of the size of the firm, you’re given a lot of responsibility early on. I immediately got involved in a small part of an audit, and as my skills developed so did my confidence and I took on a more senior role within months. Never once did I feel that I didn’t have enough support. I reported in to my manager who proactively looked for ways to develop me. I was also given an exam training manager who was my ‘go to’ person for help with my studies. If I had a question, there was always someone around. My work was tied in with my college and studies, and if there was a particular module I was completing, Baker Tilly would try and give me practical experience to balance the theory.

As for the clients, well, they certainly are varied! It’s one of the advantages of working for a mid-tier firm. They range from top-100 charities and sole traders to shipping companies and colleges, meaning you get a really broad spectrum of knowledge. There’s also a good social scene: we all celebrate birthdays together, we’ve been to the races and more recently held a charity sports day. It’s been great to find such a friendly place to work, where you’re valued as an individual and encouraged to progress.

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How to apply

So what do we look for? It’s actually the kind of individuality that’s unique to every graduate, because we believe that’s what makes our teams so dynamic. But there are a few things we ask you to arrive with, including a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A to C (including at least a grade B in Maths and English Language), or a minimum of five standard grades at grades 1 to 3 (including at least a grade 2 in Maths and English). At least 280 UCAS points (excluding general studies), or equivalent and a minimum of a 2.1 expected or obtained degree (or an ordinary degree if studying at or obtained from a Scottish university). As well as the sparkle and ambition to make you stand out from the crowd.

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So, how do you apply? We’ve made it as straightforward as possible. Just visit our website and you’ll be guided through the whole process, which will include an online application form and tests. Then you’ll meet us and do some group assessments, interviews and take a tour of our offices.

The whole process is designed to give you the chance to showcase your talents and find out more about us. It’s certainly as challenging as it is rewarding, but with the right attitude, you’ll enjoy every minute. You’ll hear back within a week if you’ve been successful, so there’s no hanging around either. So, over to you. Impress us and we’ll do our very best to impress you.

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