Expanding pension consultancy Barnett Waddingham (BW) is recruiting a record 85 apprentices and graduates this year.

It has so far recruited this year 43 graduates and 26 apprentices, with a further 16 graduates starting later in the year.

BW, which employs 1,600 people including 98 partners, says the cohort is the largest to date and represents continuing expansion.

The firm has expanded its early careers programmes and initiatives as a result.

This year’s graduates and apprentices are joining the firm in a variety of business areas including pensions, insurance, investment and corporate risk services. Careers include IT and software development roles across all nine of BW's UK offices.

BW says it is investing further in its training programmes and all joiners will be supported with a mixture of virtual and in-person training. BW is also planning to diversify into new areas which it says should offer more opportunities for this year’s recruits.

Andrew Vaughan, senior partner, said: “It’s truly fantastic to welcome our new graduates this year as they embark on their challenging and rewarding careers with us. Our future growth and continued success rely on recruiting and nurturing new talent at all levels."

"We are also delighted that BW has taken on 26 apprentices this year. They bring a range of valuable skills and insights that are indispensable to a successful, modern, and dynamic business. A talented team requires individuals from diverse backgrounds."

Becky Jaques, Early Careers Network lead, said: "The Early Careers Network is an integral part of our strategy and also looks forward to our new intake of apprentices and graduates across the business. They bring immense talent, fresh perspectives, and diversity to our business. We offer a warm welcome to all our new apprentices and graduates with the wish for a long and purposeful career within Barnett Waddingham.

BW has nine offices nationwide in Amersham, Birmingham, Bristol, Cheltenham, Glasgow, Guildford, Leeds, Liverpool and London.