Word-of-mouth recommendations by clients have enabled a Cleckheaton accountant to expand her business well ahead of schedule.

Caroline Askin launched CJA Accountancy Services in Roberttown last May and aimed to grow the business and recruit a member of staff in two to three years. But, due to growing demand, Carol has been able to take on an apprentice sooner than planned.

Emma Kirk, 18, from Cleckheaton, has been studying accountancy at New College in Huddersfield and will learn the profession under Caroline’s guidance while continuing her college studies.

Caroline, who has 21 years’ accountancy experience and looks after the finances of small and medium businesses in the region, said the expansion bucked a trend as many professional firms had cut staff.

She said: “I started in 1991 on a YTS scheme in Mirfield, where I was nurtured by the amazing people there, and I always planned to do the same for someone when the time was right.

“It’s been doom and gloom about the economy for so long, but I’ve seen an upturn in business over the past year. Most of my new clients are business start-ups that are just completing their first year of trading. It’s tough when companies first get going, but they’re still going strong and I fully expect to be doing their accounts in years to come.

“Emma impressed me from day one and she’s already made an impact. She’s learning fast, and that’s allowing me to give even more to the business.”