Awards: Armstrong Watson; Northern Lights; EY
ARMSTRONG WATSON’S tax team has been shortlisted for Best Tax Investigations Team at the National Taxation Awards.
After winning the award for Best Tax Practice in a Regional Firm last year, the business is hoping to scoop another accolade this year.
Paul Dickson, managing partner, said: “I am very proud that our tax team have once again been recognised on a national scale for their hard work and dedication to providing our clients with the highest levels of service and support possible. It is a direct reflection upon our commitment to being the best we can be, and I hope the team will be able to add another award to their collection in May.”
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on May 19.
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A YORKSHIRE businesswoman has been honoured with a Leadership Award by the University of Leeds for helping to shape a future of award-winning education and ensure student skills are relevant to business.
Victoria Tomlinson, chief executive of Harrogate-based public relations and marketing agency Northern Lights, is chair of the university’s management division advisory board and leads a group of international business leaders as they shape courses and research programmes.
The university said the board has been instrumental in helping to create a new generation of students who have the skills, experience and insights needed by the modern workplace.
Ms Tomlinson said: “The management division has an amazing advisory board with directors from Marks & Spencer, Microsoft, leading local businesses and entrepreneurs operating in the US and China. Many travel great distances to support the university and is testament to what we are trying to achieve.
“My role as chair is all about maximising the employer input to help shape research and courses and to make sure they are relevant and result in jobs for students.”
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EY is one of 11 companies that has been recognised as an employer which is leading the way in opening up the world of work to young people from all backgrounds.
The firm has been awarded Social Mobility Business Compact Champion status, announced by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.
To achieve the status, employers must meet a set of criteria, including demonstrating how they are supporting their local communities and schools, providing opportunities for all young people to get a foot on the jobs ladder, and recruiting openly and fairly.
In August 2015, EY transformed its student recruitment process by removing the academic entry criteria for applications to the school leaver, undergraduate and graduate programmes. The firm has since seen a 49% increase in applications, with 15% of applicants progressing through to assessment level that would not have been eligible to apply under the previous system.
