With his eye on a prestigious award, Jamie Dobson has credited his success to the "work hard, play hard" philosophy of one of Cumbria's leading accountancy firms.

Jamie and colleague Lewis Dickinson, who both work for Dodd & Co, have been shortlisted for the Northern Society Presidents’ Professional Stage Award.

Both part qualified chartered accountants, they are in the final six of the Advanced Stage of the President’s Award.

They were selected after finishing in the top 20 of highest overall marks in the Northern Society Order of Merit.

Jamie and Lewis began their careers through the Dodd & Co apprenticeship programme.

Jamie, 24, said: “I was first attracted to Dodd’s “work hard, play hard” approach, together with a young and forward thinking workforce, it was an obvious choice for my career plan.”

Lewis did work experience in the accounts and support department of Dodd & Co, before gaining a permanent position at the firm.

He said: “It became clear during my work experience that Dodd & Co is a friendly, fun and growing business which would and has offered lots of opportunities for career progression.”

Jamie passed his final Association of Chartered Accountants exams in November 2017 while Lewis is currently studying for his final exams this November.

During their time with Dodd & Co, both Jamie and Lewis have taken on more responsibility.

Jamie has worked for Dodd’s for over five years and specialises in accounts for charities and not-for-profit organisations while Lewis, 22, has built his experience in a number of areas of practice including family businesses. Both are part of the firm's Cloud Accounting Team.

Jeanette Brown, partner at Dodd & Co, said “We are extremely proud of Jamie and Lewis, continuing to excel in their achievements, not only in their fantastic contribution to our team and our clients, but also in their wider support for their local communities through their voluntary work outside of the office.

"It’s not something either of them shout about, and in today’s 'look at me' world, their low-key, hard-working approach is a rare and admirable characteristic and demonstrates great integrity.

"They both very much deserve their nominations and we wish them both the very best of luck in the final.”

The Northern Society Awards will be presented at the Northern Society Business and Awards Dinner on October 12 at Newcastle Civic Centre.