Wbg – which has been an ICAS authorised training office (ATO) since 2013 – has an exceptionally long and rich history in Glasgow, dating back to the 18th century. The full-service firm was formerly known as Wylie & Bisset for almost 100 years before rebranding, and can trace its heritage back more than 300 years through mergers and acquisitions. In its more recent annals, 2022 is a key year. That was when Wylie & Bisset underwent a period of rapid expansion, growing well beyond its traditional base.

The following year, the firm was acquired by Opulus Financial to provide accounting and business services to small businesses. Then, in 2024, it received investment from N4 Partners and was rebranded as Wbg, consolidating sister firms under a single, unified brand. It now has offices in five locations – Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Manchester– with plans to open two more later this year.

During that time, the firm has doubled its annual ICAS graduate programme intake from five to 10, driving a near tripling in external audit fee income, the department in which these graduates are based being on track to exceed £3m in the current financial year.

By any measure, Wbg’s recent history is a success story, and that success has been underpinned by an investment in young talent. Indeed, it was also in 2022 that the firm launched its training academy, a structured development programme focused on giving people the tools to grow within the firm.

“With every intake of graduates comes a wave of fresh ideas. That’s particularly important in the current climate”

And yet, this growth has occurred during a period when many smaller accounting firms report significant recruitment challenges. So why is Wbg succeeding where others are struggling?

“Over the past five years, the qualified job market has become really challenging,” says Danny Johns CA, Senior Manager in Wbg’s external audit department. “But we took the decision to grow our own qualified staff through the CA training programme.”

Danny says: “The firm has ambitious growth targets in place, and within external audit we’ve almost tripled our revenue over the past five years. That growth has largely come from increased headcount, which we’ve been able to achieve through the CA training model.

“We choose to train our accountants with ICAS because we believe its global reputation and the quality of the CA training programme help us attract the best young talent entering the market.”

Boosting intake

In August 2025, the firm took on nine new graduates, its largest intake to date. “We attend a number of career fairs organised by ICAS, which helps us introduce ourselves to potential candidates ahead of the recruitment stage,” says Danny.

“Another benefit of being an ATO is that our vacancies are listed on the ICAS website. With ICAS’ reach and reputation, our ads are getting to the right people.

“And once we’ve agreed to take on a trainee, there are a number of ‘meet and greets’. Over the past couple of years, our ICAS contact has also attended, to outline what a traineeship with Wbg looks like and to answer any questions in advance. This is great because it relieves some of the pressure and anxiety students may feel ahead of starting a new role.”

Danny also speaks from personal experience: “Having gone through the CA graduate training scheme myself around 10 years ago, I can personally speak to the level of support ICAS provides as part of the programme.”

The CA training of today, however, is somewhat different from when Danny qualified. “The introduction of the new syllabus and delivery model in 2024 has resulted in a significant improvement in student attainment,” he says.

“From a business perspective, the delivery model is also a major benefit. The flexibility around studying and exams gives us greater certainty for forward planning, while minimising disruption to our day-to-day client work.”

While the role of the accountant has evolved over time, the profession is now undergoing a more fundamental transformation. Taking on an ICAS trainee not only means hiring high-calibre individuals but, as Danny adds: “With every intake of graduates comes a wave of fresh ideas. That’s particularly important in the current climate, given the rapid pace of technological change, especially in AI.”

So, what advice does he have for other firms – especially those facing recruitment challenges?

“Take the plunge and go for it. The support that ICAS provides makes the whole process as straightforward as possible, and being an ATO can set your business up for the future. It’s a total no-brainer.”

wbg.co.uk

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