Two former trainees at the Birmingham office of accountants Ernst & Young have just been named as partners, after working their way up to the top at the company.

Audit partner Adrian Roberts and tax partner Steven Wasley both joined the firm as graduate trainees.

Mr Roberts joined the Midlands audit team as a graduate in 1997. During his career he has worked in the firm’s Seattle office for 18 months and on secondment in industry. He now has responsibility for continuing to grow and develop the audit practice and also leads the firm’s Entrepreneur of the Year programme across the Midlands.

Mr Wasley joined Ernst & Young as a graduate in 1998. An international tax specialist, he spent 14 months with the firm in New York, advising large US businesses on UK tax. Using his international and corporate tax experience, he is expected to play a pivotal role in leading the growth of the Midlands tax practice.

Mr Roberts said: “Seeing two Ernst & Young graduates achieve partner is testament to the firm’s commitment and industry-leading development programme, which nurtures an environment that brings out the best in its people.

Mr Wasley added: “The opportunities here go beyond just developing your technical skills and expertise; the firm actively encourages international secondments where you are able to experience different cultures, and work with international organisations. In a world where our clients demand a global outlook, having this experience is vitally important.” Ronnie Bowker, the firm’s senior partner in Birmingham, said that while many firms in the Midlands have reduced the number of senior promotions, the appointment of Adrian and Steven underlines Ernst & Young’s strength and commitment to the region in these challenging economic conditions.

“In an uncertain economic environment, Adrian and Steven’s appointment to the partnership is a sign of the success and strength of the firm. It is always positive news welcoming partners to the firm, but the fact that both have trained, qualified and developed their careers in the Midlands adds to the significance of these appointments.”

He concluded, “Steven and Adrian’s appointment to the partnership will provide a significant boost to achieving our growth objectives.”