The business advice specialist, which increased its client portfolio by a remarkable 20% since the lockdown days of 2020, has taken on three trainee accountants and a qualified senior accountant to raise the total number on its team to 18, with further appointments scheduled for the New Year.

The appointments are a sign of increasing confidence at the highly respected firm as it seeks out new business areas and opportunities in the changed commercial landscape of the post-Covid recovery period.

The headcount increase will help the firm deliver its stated ambition of trebling its turnover within three to five years, on top of the growth it has experienced within the preceding year.

Stuart Clark, managing director at Russell & Russell, who stepped into the managerial hot seat at the firm just before the Covid closedown in February last year, said: “We have been actively looking for new hires and we are delighted with the four talented people who have joined the team.

“They are signing up with Russell & Russell at an exciting time as the firm brings all its collective expertise to bear on the plethora of opportunities which are open to us as we enter a new phase of our development.

“This is a close-knit firm, with a supportive and encouraging working environment, and we look forward to helping our new recruits fulfil their professional and personal potential.”

Robyn McLauchlan, 26, has been appointed senior accountant. A University of Glasgow graduate and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, she worked previously as a management accountant at independent fuel supplier, Oilfast.

Conor Casey, 28, joins as a trainee accountant, preparing financial statements and year end accounts while undertaking his accountancy qualifications. A former pupil of Arran High School and a graduate of City of Glasgow College, Conor was in hospitality before beginning his training.

Paul Smith, 43, will also be a trainee accountant, aiming for the ACCA qualification. A student at Currie Community High School, he spent 15 years in Japan where he owned an English language school.

James Cassidy, 24, yet another trainee accountant, attended Girvan Academy and graduated in finance at the University of Strathclyde. He has three more ACCA exams to sit before qualifying. Formerly a member of Celtic FC’s Youth set-up, James played, more recently for East Kilbride FC.

Russell & Russell has expanded from its keystone sectors of manufacturing, engineering and professional services to gain clients in construction, consultancy, medical and renewables.

It is now also eyeing potential acquisitions as an add-on to its organic growth.