Robinson Reed Layton, the independent firm of chartered accountants and chartered tax advisers, are celebrating the news that their accounts assistant Alisha Stone has been shortlisted for Accountancy Apprentice of the Year, whilst the firm have been nominated for SME Employer of the Year in the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.

Alisha, one of six apprentices currently studying for accountancy qualifications at the firm, began her studies last year, and has established herself as an important member of the team since joining.

She was thrilled with the news of her nomination: “I’m delighted that I’ve been shortlisted for an apprenticeship award – it came as a complete surprise," she said.”

Georgie Holbrook, Alisha’s college tutor, said: “Alisha is such a passionate individual in every aspect of her life and likes to succeed and do her very best. It is for that reason that she has already become a highly-valued member of the team at Robinson Reed Layton with feedback always being hugely positive.”

Alisha has also been nominated for the Achiever of the Year award, which is open to a public vote, and Robinson Reed Layton have been shortlisted for SME Employer of the Year.

Stephen Gainey, a partner at the firm, said: “We’re delighted with the news and are extremely proud of Alisha. Her hard work since joining the firm last August has been obvious to all and she thoroughly deserves this recognition.

“As a Cornish firm, it is important to us to support the development of Cornwall’s young talent, and I have been very impressed with the calibre of recruits from local schools in recent years. It is a key part of our ethos to cultivate a working environment in which our people can successfully grow and apprenticeships are a fantastic way to do this.”