Cumbrian accountants Dodd & Co have added 14 new staff to their expanding team.

The new intake increases the firm’s workforce to over 170 across both Carlisle and Penrith offices.

The latest recruits will spend two weeks in what has been dubbed ‘Doddie School’ as they begin to learn the ropes before they breaking off into their individual career paths within the team.

Around 40 per cent of the current staff have studied under the firm’s sponsorship for a professional qualification, with over a third having a level seven professional qualification –equivalent to a Masters’ degree.

Partner Alison Johnston said: “We are thrilled to welcome this latest raft of new starters to our team.

“We have a fantastic, solid workforce and we are delighted to be able to invest in training and professional development opportunities, not just in accounts and tax but also areas such as marketing and business and admin.”

Spanning an age range between 16 and 30, four of the new trainees – Joseph Stafford, Leah Mansergh, Lauren Thomas, and Lucy Furness – will be joining the firm’s accounts department in the Penrith office, while eight – Alexandra Bauld, Callum Hind, Chloe Oake, Laura Dent, Lewis Irwin, Mark-Lucas Winspear, Matthew Johnston and Robert Currie – will be joining the Carlisle accounts department.

Hannah Jackman, will be trained up as a member of the Carlisle tax team, and Lucy Winter will be a new addition to the Carlisle support team, working towards a business and admin qualification.

The latest additions take numbers of staff currently studying for professional qualifications of various different levels to a total of 42.