ACCOUNTANCY firm Deloitte has taken on 18 new starters in the North East, as part of its biggest ever graduate recruitment drive.

The latest intake is part of Deloitte’s continuing success in the region, following the recent move of David Frith, corporate finance partner, to the Newcastle office to lead the firm’s growing business advisory offering.

The new recruits will begin work at Deloitte’s One Trinity Gardens office on Newcastle Quayside having overcome tough competition to become the North East’s next generation of business professionals.

During the next three years, their role will include time working with clients across the region, together with training and studying for professional exams.

Deloitte’s North East office employs over 160 staff and the North East and Yorkshire practice recently announced revenue growth to £85m in the year to the end of May.

Paul Feechan, office senior partner at Deloitte in Newcastle said the firm has recruited from a broad range of graduates. “I am delighted that we are opening so many positions for young people in the North East,” he said. “Deloitte invests significant time and resources in our graduate programme in the knowledge that their development will ultimately benefit our clients and help ensure the firm’s future growth.”

The new recruits had to pass a five-stage interview process designed to uncover the best candidates.

Matthew Weaver, from Hexham, graduated with a 2:1 in Mathematics from Durham University.

He will join the Deloitte Public Sector Audit team as an associate and said: “Given the competition in the job market of university leavers, I’m delighted to have secured a place on the Deloitte Graduate programme.

“It’s a great place to start my career, the chance to work alongside Deloitte’s industry experts together with the firm’s commitment to training and development will prove invaluable.”