For me, social mobility isn’t just an initiative – it’s been a lifeline. It’s about second chances, support when it matters most, and workplaces that see the person, not just the qualifications.
After completing my A-levels at college in Manchester, I made the decision not to go down the university route. It didn’t feel like the right fit for me, and I was eager to get stuck into the world of work. At 18, I applied for a placement at Beever and Struthers – and after a steep learning curve through the interview process, I was offered a place.
That first step turned into something much bigger. Following the placement, I was offered a full-time position in the Audit Department, with some exposure to SME work too. I thrived in the day-to-day rhythm of professional life. But behind the scenes, I was facing challenges. Balancing work with exam pressure and other personal factors became overwhelming – and I found myself struggling.
When I spoke with the HR team, they didn’t write me off. Instead, they listened. They supported me in shifting to roles in the Corporate Recovery and Payroll Departments – areas that suited my strengths without the academic pressure. Their flexibility gave me breathing space.
Eventually, the external pressures I was facing became too much, and I took an extended leave from the firm. It was a tough time – but throughout, the HR team stayed in regular contact with both me and my family, offering genuine care and support when it mattered most. When I was ready to return, Beever and Struthers welcomed me back with open arms and created a new role within Business Support that allowed me to contribute in a meaningful way – drawing on all the experience I’d gained across departments over the years.
That role has since grown and evolved, and today I support multiple areas of the business, adapting to what’s needed and being trusted to make a difference.
I’m incredibly proud to work for Beever and Struthers – not just because of the work we do, but because of the way we support our people. I’ll always be grateful for the olive branches I was offered when I needed them most.
Social mobility isn’t just about opening the door once – it’s about keeping it open, making sure people can step through it in their own time, and giving them the space to grow. My journey proves that with the right support, talent can thrive – no matter where you come from or the path you take to get there.