Pictured: Michelle Hammett, Accounts Senior Manager, Ballard Dale Syree Watson, James Kerry,Chloe Reeley,Toby Edwards, Isobel Taylor, George Aston and John Palmer, The Chase

Accounts Senior Manager Michelle Hammett and Business Development Director Steven Jones from Droitwich-based Ballard Dale Syree Watson have proved that they have great mentoring skills.  

Ms. Hammett and Mr Jones offered their support as mentors in the recent Hereford and Worcestershire heat of the Business, Accountancy and Skills Education (BASE) competition. The annual event held by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has proved to be a great success with schools and businesses nationwide. 

Aimed at 16-18 year olds BASE links schools, students and employers work together in a bid to increase awareness of accountancy as a career option. An important part of the initiative is also to help our young people develop the desirable skills to equip them in the workplace.

Mr Jones acted as an advisor to Bromsgrove School while Ms. Hammett advised The Chase School, Malvern.  

Ms. Hammett was particularly delighted with the outcome of the competition as The Chase secured first place. 

The competition involved students assuming the role of ICAEW Chartered Accountants within a fictional organisation. They were given just two hours to analyse, discuss and decide on a financial strategy before presenting their ideas to a panel of business professionals.

Sponsored by local firms an exhibition zone, which formed part of the day's activities, gave students the chance to research the career options available to them. They were given the opportunity to talk to trainee or qualified accountants representing Baker Tilley, Crowe, Clarke Whitehill and Ballard Dale Syree Watson who are all ICAEW members.

Ballard Dale Syree Watson's Ms. Hammett said: "I spent a thoroughly enjoyable day with the students from The Chase and I was impressed with the way they embraced the challenge which, in my opinion, was quite a difficult one. Their teacher John Palmer is a real champion for enterprise education and the need for businesses to engage more with local schools. 

"The ICAEW is working hard to attract young people into our profession. I think the business games gave us and other local firms an opportunity to showcase what we are all about and highlight some of the fantastic career options we have to offer in our sector."