Planning firm Old Mill expands team with 17 hires during pandemic

The new starters joined a Zoom call (pictured) on Tuesday (8 September) to welcome them on their first day.

They include four graduates, several of whom had previously worked with Old Mill on placement from university. Five college leavers and apprentices have also joined the business. The other new recruits are at various stages of their careers and will be supported by Old Mill's training programme to qualify in their chosen fields. 

Old Mill managing director Ian Carlson said he thinks the firm has been able to recruit despite Covid-19 primarily because it has continued to do the basics well while adapting to remote working.

"Our whole reputation is built on the passion we have for supporting our clients together with the trust we build with them and this means that when the world is in turmoil and our clients need us the most, they know they can rely on us to offer expert help, support, and advice.

"The HR team have been amazing, making all staff feel safe and secure in the ‘new normal' and enabling us to continue to recruit just as we did in the pre-pandemic world," he said.

"For a business of our size to bring in 17 new staff at any one time is a fantastic growth story, but to be able to do so in the current climate is even more exciting and we are delighted to be in a position to give them the opportunity to either start or further develop their careers with us."

New starter Harriet Bowden, who was working as a self-employed bookkeeper prior to joining Old Mill, said she is delighted to have joined the firm.

"Although very excited to join Old Mill, I was a bit apprehensive about starting from home. I have been completely put at ease and made to feel very welcome. The other new starters are lovely and I'm glad to have an opportunity to get to know them before we are immersed in our different offices."

New starters

The new graduates are Philippa Ashe, Mitchell Stock, Bethany Irvine and Bradley Causey.

The college leavers and apprentices are Sophie Ewens, John Marsh, Jodie Pike, Beth Coles and Tim Midgley.

Joining the Rural team are Kirstie Monnington, a qualified accountant who has relocated from London to get back to her rural roots, Charles Tolley, a trainee, and Avril Riglar, an ACA qualified accountant.

Harriet Bowden and Emma Paull both join the Exeter office where Bowden will be part of the commercial team and Paull will work towards becoming a fully qualified accountant. Barry O'Leary, a paraplanner joins the Wells Wealth Management team, Lorna Wooster, a client service associate joins the Melksham office and Sarah Emmett a client service co-ordinator will be based in Yeovil.

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