Andrew Dewing, 39, joined Stockton-based Anderson Barrowcliff in 1994 on a Youth Training Scheme through the North East Chamber of Commerce.
Originally from Guisborough, Andrew, enrolled in the apprenticeship after completing his A Levels and went on to pass his professional exams in 2001.
Anderson Barrowcliff’s managing partner, Nick Upton, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the partnership. His expertise and insight are a key component of our offering as we continue to grow and develop our capabilities to meet the needs of our clients.
“Andrew started at the firm as an apprentice 22 years ago, and through his exceptional skill and determination, has been made partner as a show of our commitment to him and to the future of Anderson Barrowcliff.”
During his time at the firm Andrew, who is a fully qualified member of both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, has worked with a wide range of clients in his roles as auditor, associate and business advisor.
He is the firm’s representative in the UK200’s Property and Construction Group and Freelancers and Contractors Group and has recently developed a sizeable portfolio of ‘one-man’ personal service companies.
On his promotion, Andrew said: “This is an exciting time to be made a partner at the firm, as we continue to expand and succeed, and I am incredibly grateful to be given this opportunity. I am very proud to be able to prove that an apprenticeship can be the first valid step in forging a career path that can lead to the very top.”
“Like many school leavers, I finished my A Levels not knowing what I wanted to do with myself, but the North East Chamber of Commerce steered me towards an apprenticeship in accounting, because my strongest subject was maths.
“As you can imagine, coming to Anderson Barrowcliff as an apprentice was daunting at first, but the friendly and supportive atmosphere really made me feel welcome from the start. That’s why I’ve been here ever since!”
In his spare time, Andrew enjoys spending time with his young family, playing golf and coaching his son’s football team.
The promotion brings the total number of partners at the firm, which was formed in 2001 as a result of the merger of two long standing Teesside accountancy practices, to six.
Anderson Barrowcliff is proud of its reputation as being a quality training firm and continues to offer employment opportunities to appropriate candidates regardless of educational background. The firm currently takes on two apprentices and one graduate trainee every year.
To find out more about Anderson Barrowcliff, please visit: www.anderson-barrowcliff.co.uk
Twitter: @AndersnBarowclf