Donna shoots straight to top of corporate ladder

May 23 2007 By The Journal

Associate partner Donna Burn has shot up the corporate ladder to become a resident partner at the Newcastle branch of leading chartered accountancy firm HW North-East.

Donna, from Newcastle, is only the second person and the first woman to have successfully completed this specialised programme to gain this prestigious position. She will now head a team of eight audit partners. She was invited onto the `internal ladder programme' 18 months ago by the other five partners across both offices in Newcastle and Darlington. The programme consists of being evaluated and passing 18 units covering all aspects of the business.

This accomplishment means that as well as maintaining audit and general practice, Donna has her own portfolio of clients which also means she will be responsible for winning new business.

She said "Any change is a challenge but it's exciting, and I love meeting new people so I think it will be great. My main personal goal is to develop owner managed businesses and improve their accounts systems which means ultimately they will be better equipped to make fast financial decisions which will develop business and ensure they don't miss out on any new business.

"I am really thrilled that I completed the programme successfully and can continue to grow with the company."

Donna's mentor and managing partner Chris Scott said "We are very proud of her. Donna is only one of two HW partners to be brought up through the ranks. Our other partners have been brought in externally. It is a huge achievement not only for her but for us all as a company so we can all feel proud and see the rewards."

Donna's fellow partner based at the Newcastle branch Steven Richardson added "We are very proud to have Donna join the current team of partners and for her to come through the ranks internally is an inspiration to our other career minded staff."