Lots has been happening at Oake House in the last 6 months, both inside and out of the office.

Our green initiative has continued with the installation of LED lighting to replace the old fluorescent tubes. Not only has this provided a nicer working environment for the team, but the new fittings are significantly more energy efficient and longer lasting than those they replaced.

We have also recycled over 200 unwanted cardboard storage boxes recently, saving them from the tip by offering them to the local community via social media – they were all gone within a morning!

The weather has certainly provided an opportunity for the team to get out and make the most of where we live. Back in April we all enjoyed (well nearly all!), the challenge of the high ropes at Go Ape in Haldon Forest on a team building afternoon. Only Ellie, who was on maternity leave, got away with not giving at least part of the course a go. As we expected, coping strategies varied dramatically and ranged from the ‘Tarzan’ approach favoured by the bolder members of the team, to singing Twinkle Little Star on the particularly scary parts of the course – but hey, if it works don’t knock it!!

In July we went for something more sedate and spent an evening at Beer Beach – altogether much more relaxing!

Our trainees have continued with their studies and we have several successes to report. Congratulations to Emma-May, Katie and Dani who have all qualified at AAT. All three now move on to further studies with Emma-May and Katie starting their ACCA and Dani ATT – good luck ladies!

We are pleased to welcome back Ellie from her maternity leave. Ellie will be working Monday to Wednesday until the Spring, when she will also be working on a Thursday.

And finally, the team was expanded with the addition of Izzy who has joined us as an Accounts Trainee. Izzy is a student at Harper Adams University and will be with us for her placement year. It is the first time we have offered an undergraduate placement and we are delighted to be able to showcase a career in accountancy.