Every year, Cooper Parry welcomes a wave of bright new talent. And 2025 is no exception. In fact, it’s our biggest student intake yet. This year 102 new trainees are joining us across our 7 UK hubs, with an additional 45 already onboarded earlier this year. That’s over 140 fresh faces, all ready to kickstart their careers at CP.
To mark the occasion, we hosted our annual Launchpad event — a high-energy, high-impact induction programme at The Studio in Birmingham. It’s where our new joiners get their first taste of CP life, culture, and values.
A Packed Programme
Launchpad isn’t just about meeting new people and getting familiar with the company. It’s an opportunity for our new recruits to learn more about what makes CP different. Launchpad took place at the end of August and included:
- People Fundamentals: Our approach to collaboration, communication, and culture.
- Gallup Strengths: Helping everyone show up as their best selves.
- DE&I Awareness: Building an inclusive workplace from day one.
- Sustainability & Resilience Coaching: Equipping trainees with tools for long-term success.
- Professional Qualification Support: Introductions to ACA/ACCA and how we’ll support their journey.
After Launchpad, most trainees will head into seven days of technical training within their new business areas before getting involved with real client work.
Where They’re Joining From
Our new trainees are joining us from across the UK, bringing fresh energy to every corner of the business. From our mothership office in the East Midlands to superhubs in London, Reading, Birmingham, Manchester, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, this nationwide intake reflects our growing footprint and the diverse talent we’re attracting.
What They’ll Be Doing
This year’s cohort is spread across a variety of business areas, with the majority joining our 800+ strong Audit team. This significant boost in audit talent strengthens our ability to support mid-market clients across the UK, ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality, forward-thinking services that meet growing demand.
Others are stepping into roles in Tax, Business Services Outsourcing, Corporate Finance, and Operations, entering at different stages of their career journeys — from graduates and placement students to school leavers — each bringing their own unique perspective and potential to CP.
And they’re coming in at different entry levels with 105 graduates, 21 school leavers and 19 placement students.
Why CP?
We asked some of our new joiners what drew them to Cooper Parry and what they enjoyed about Launchpad 2025. Here’s what they had to say:
“The rebellious nature of the firm and their unique approach compared to other typical firms like the Big 4.” — Graduate, Audit, London
“Top 30 accounting firm, good future prospects and learning opportunities, seemed supportive environment.” — Graduate, Tax, Scotland
“The culture and values were different to any other company I had seen. I also knew someone who worked there already and said he really enjoyed it.” — Graduate, Audit, East Midlands
“It was relaxed and took the pressure off at points, which aligns with the company values from the start.” — Graduate, Audit, Manchester
“The ‘all in it together’ feeling — people support each other. I’d hate to be sat down not knowing what to do with no one to ask for help.” — School Leaver, Audit, London
A Word from Our CEO, ADE CHEATHAM
“Welcoming over 140 new trainees to Cooper Parry this year is another huge milestone for us — and a reflection of the energy, ambition and growth we’re driving across the firm. These fresh faces bring new perspectives, curiosity and a hunger to learn, and we’re excited to support them as they kick off their careers. Launchpad is more than an induction — it’s the start of a journey where they’ll be challenged, empowered and celebrated every step of the way.”
READY TO FOLLOW IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS?
Applications for our 2026 trainee intake are now open.
If you’ve just completed your A Levels, Degree, or had some time out, and you want to find out more about the #1 Accountancy Firm to Work For in the UK, head here to check out our early careers roles.
