HEALTH and wellbeing support for staff during the pandemic has contributed to a York firm's recruitment success.

Chartered accountants and business advisers, Clive Owen LLP, which also has offices in Darlington and Durham, has grown its team from 102 in January to 112 in September.

Many of the recruits have been graduates, trainees studying AAT or ACCA and qualified accountants, with roles created in audit and accounting, tax, IT, marketing, payroll, HR and administration.

During the pandemic the firm introduced mental health and wellbeing initiatives to support teams working remotely and during their phased return.

These initiatives which will continue have been credited for helping the firm to recruit effectively. The firm updated people on business news, invested in mental health training for managers and introduced an app, with activities to get staff moving, talking and motivated.

These challenges included developing healthy habits such as experiencing new fitness activities from walking to cardio, and mindfulness and meditation.

All staff were given branded water bottles and fleeces to keep them hydrated and warm and to encourage them to get out and exercise,

Gary Ellis, managing partner, said: "The last 18 months have been a very difficult time for so many reasons, but it has been a privilege to work with such a dedicated and motivated group of people.

“It’s better that our new starters can now be in the office to integrate with the existing staff as they gradually return.

"Hopefully this will enable them to learn and develop as a part of an experienced team to facilitate the social aspect of being in a physical workplace and promote the general conversations which help us all make real human connections and develop work friendships.

“I’m proud to say that we have worked together as a team to drive the success of the firm during this period, and feel we have emerged in a strong position and created a significant number of new job opportunities across our offices

“I am delighted to welcome all of our new starters and look forward to seeing their careers develop.”

Clive Owen LLP also has plans to open a fourth office this year in Middlesbrough, which will help them service their Teesside clients and attract the best talent locally.