BUSINESS advisery firm BDO is expanding with the arrival of 14 new graduate trainees as it celebrates 25 years in business in the north.
The latest recruitment drive brings the number working for the firm in the north to 156.
At an event held at the Ulster Museum to mark the occasion, BDO's managing partner Peter Burnside described it as "an important benchmark" for the firm.
"Throughout the last 25 years one constant feature of the business community in Northern Ireland has been a determination to not only survive but to flourish during some very difficult economic times," he said.
"That determination characterises the way we in BDO approach our work, it also is a part of how our client companies operate. Many of those clients who are with us this evening have been part of the BDO journey for the better part of the 25 years. They include businesses which have become established household names as well as some who will do so in the years ahead."
And he said the company had thrived despite the changing economic climate.
"Despite the recent downturn our staff numbers have grown; our client numbers have grown, and so has the level of service provided to our clients. We now have in place a team which has a depth of experience over a wide range of business sectors including energy, family businesses, agri-food, procurement and business recovery," he said.
"Next week a new tranche of 14 graduate trainees and recruits will join the BDO team, they will be spread across our business sectors and each one knows there is a long term career path open to BDO employees. We are proud of the fact that six of our ten partners joined BDO as trainees.
"So as we look back and acknowledge where we have come from we are also forging ahead, preparing for growth and planning to continue our role in helping drive forward Northern Ireland plc. It is a very exciting time for BDO in Northern Ireland."
* 'EXCITING TIME': BDO directors Nigel Harra and Peter Burnside celebrating 25 years of the company PICTURE: Elaine Hill