Crowe UK, the national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm, has welcomed Richmond Akpan to its Cheltenham office as it supports the pioneering 10,000 Interns Foundation to open-up more of British Business to talented young black people.

Crowe is in its third year of supporting the 10,000 Interns Foundation, which was established as a non-profit organisation in 2020.

This year’s cohort will be based across five Crowe offices. Meet the new interns here as they discuss how Crowe, and the 10,000 Interns Foundation, is helping kick-start their career.

As part of its commitment, Crowe has offered the new interns a minimum of six-weeks paid employment which includes a comprehensive programme that enables them to learn new skills and experience a professional work environment to kickstart their career in the world of business. Throughout their internship, each will be supported by a dedicated mentor.

The firm joins over 700 other participating organisations to offer underrepresented people an opportunity to work in finance, technology and advertising and many other sectors. In total, the 10,000 Interns Foundation has helped 5,000 individuals into paid internships since its inception.

Nigel Bostock, chief executive of Crowe, said: “At Crowe we care about our people, and by being inclusive and offering opportunities for all, it helps open up an industry which has traditionally lacked diversity.

“I am delighted we’re continuing to support the 10,000 Interns Foundation, which last year saw two interns successfully gain permanent positions at the firm. Having had the pleasure of meeting this year’s cohort, they are a talented group of people and I look forward to following their development over the next few weeks.

“Take it from me, as someone who began their career at Crowe as a trainee, accountancy is a fantastic profession with many opportunities to develop new skills and have a fulfilling career. I wish them every success at Crowe.”

Ross Price, Audit, Midlands and South West Office managing partner at Crowe, said: “We, at Crowe, are committed to quality in everything we do and that means we employ the very best talent no matter what their background, ethnicity or where they are from.

“We want the brightest and best people so that we can deliver exceptional audit, tax, advisory and risk services to our clients and we want our team to reflect the changing nature of British society and business.

“We are proud to be partnering with and promoting the 10,000 Interns Foundation for the third consecutive year because helping change a societal mindset is a mammoth task and requires positive action from all quarters to break down unnecessary barriers for everyone.

“We’re delighted to welcome Richmond Akpan to our Cheltenham office as part of this year’s cohort of 11 interns across Crowe’s UK business and look forward to helping shape their future.”

Azeem Zafar, partner, Global Business Solutions and REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) lead at Crowe, said: “Since 2022, we have been delighted to be part of the 10,000 Interns Foundation programme as we share their vision in giving more young and talented Black people opportunities in business.

“We strive to create a truly inclusive organisation at Crowe by ensuring there is an environment which allows people to flourish and achieve their potential, and at the same time recongising their contributions and value to the firm, regardless of their race, ethnicity or cultural heritage.

“We’re delighted this year’s cohort have chosen Crowe. Crowe is so proud to be offering young people the opportunity to learn new skills and lay-down the foundations of a potential new and exciting career path.”

Crowe’s aim is to create a community where, regardless of gender, identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, education or background, everyone is valued and can flourish to achieve their full potential.

The firm aims to foster a culture of respect, where its people support each other and clients, are listened to and can develop their knowledge and awareness of each other’s differences. Crowe encourages celebration and promotion of the diversity within its teams and the benefits that this brings to the firm and to individuals.

To find out more about Crowe’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion visit: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion | Crowe UK.