Two new apprentices have joined the Newbury office of Azets, a top 10 UK accountancy firm.

The strategic appointments of Ellie Warwick and Kristina Pallaiova come as the firm experiences increased business demand.

Both apprentices are now working closely with clients while studying for their accountancy qualifications.

Azets is committed to investing in the next generation of business advisors, as part of its strategy to expand its advisory services to ambitious businesses across the UK.

Ms Warwick, a tax associate, studied accounting and management at the University of Reading.

She said: "I wanted to work at Azets due to its community feel and collaborative environments in smaller offices whilst still being a top 10 firm.

"I have really enjoyed my first weeks here, everyone has been so supportive, and I am very excited for my future here."

Ms Pallaivoa, an ABAS associate, completed a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business at Reading College.

She discovered her interest in accountancy through her fascination with numbers and problem-solving.

She said: "I chose Azets to pursue my career in accountancy because of its position within the finance industry, and how the firm creates a community environment by providing accounting solutions to local businesses.

"I also felt the company values were well aligned to my own and saw a lot of opportunities for career progression.

"During my first few weeks here, everyone has been very welcoming and supportive which has helped me settle in easily."

Neil Elsden, office managing partner for Azets in Newbury, said: "We are very pleased to welcome Ellie and Kristina into the Azets Newbury office where they will be working with our clients in Tax and Business Advisory Services.

"Supporting our trainees through their accounting qualifications means we get to benefit from their enthusiasm whilst helping them develop into the business advisors of the future."

Azets offers a varied career path for early career professionals, with the option to work across different parts of the country and to develop specialist skills in diverse areas of accounting and business advisory.

The school leaver route at Azets UK is a six-year programme which includes two apprenticeship programmes leading to the student becoming qualified in their AAT and then moving onto their chartered accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CTA or ICAS).

The graduate route is a three- or four-year programme where students study toward their chartered accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CTA or ICAS).

An apprenticeship with Azets and its training partners provides a bespoke programme that combines qualifications, skills, and behaviours training.