HURST appoints first trainee cohort of 2026
Accounting and business advisory firm HURST has appointed its first trainee cohort of 2026, including a medal-winning swimmer and a graduate who worked at a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia caring for injured and endangered animals.
Mia Aspinall, Charlie Kay, Callum Livingston and James Pennington have joined HURST’s business services team, which provides audit, compliance, strategic advisory, outsourcing and business planning support to clients nationwide. Toby Parker has joined the tax team.
The five were selected from more than 200 applicants as the firm continues to recruit high-calibre emerging talent to support its growth plans.
HURST aims to double in size to become a £20m-turnover practice in 2028, fuelled by an expanding national client base, extensive recruitment and new service lines to support its ambitions, underpinned by a multimillion-pound investment in technology.
The Stockport-headquartered practice recently became part of the Dains Group, a national accountancy and business advisory firm with 30 locations across the UK and Ireland, further strengthening its resources and expertise for clients in the UK and internationally.
Mia has switched careers, having previously worked as a personal finance manager at debt management company GW Financial Solutions. She graduated in accounting and finance from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Charlie, who has a mathematics degree from the University of Liverpool, has gained business experience running his own venture, KC Kicks, which sells high-end designer sneakers and clothing.
Callum, who graduated in economics from the University of Bristol, is a keen sportsman. He plays football, golf, rugby and cricket, and also enjoys surfing and skiing.
James, who gained a degree in economics with finance at the University of Sheffield, is a medal-winning swimmer and a qualified lifeguard. He has competed as an Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games trialist for England.
Toby graduated in accounting and finance from Cardiff University and subsequently worked at the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia, supporting the care and rehabilitation of injured and endangered animals, as well as wildlife tracking and conservation activities.
Anthony Woodings, the HURST partner responsible for trainee recruitment, said: “Our first trainee intake of 2026 brings together individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and achievements. They will play an important role in supporting our continued growth while working towards their professional qualifications.”