CHARTERED accountants and business advisers PKF Francis Clark is to create 80 new jobs for graduates, school leavers and career changers in he South West next year - including five in Taunton.

Applications are now open for 80 apprenticeship vacancies starting in January and August 2024.

Candidates can choose between accountancy and tax pathways, with qualifications tailored to both graduates and non-graduates.

The company is also expecting to take on 110 experienced members of staff based in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Taunton, Torquay and Truro.

Chief people officer Amy Taylor said: “Alongside our ongoing recruitment of experienced professionals as we continue to grow, we’re stepping up our early careers recruitment for next year to ensure we have the capacity and skills to serve our growing client base in the future.

"Our latest recruits have settled in well and are already making an impact, and we’re delighted to be able to offer even more career opportunities to school leavers, graduates and career changers across our region next year.

“Applications so far are well ahead of this time last year, reflecting our growing reputation as a great place to work and the efforts our recruitment team are putting into engaging with schools, colleges and universities.”