An apprentice accountant at a March energy provider has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

An apprentice accountant at a March energy provider has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

James Smy, who has been at CUB (UK) Ltd since July 2012, is a finalist in The Family Business Apprentice of the Year category at the Family Business United Awards.

Chairman Jaqui Fairfax said: “James came to work at CUB (UK) Ltd after realising that university was not for him and making the brave decision to leave.

“He started work as an apprentice accounts assistant. Since then he has become a valued member of our team.

“Accounting definitely suits his methodical nature. He sailed through is Level 2 and Level 3 Association of Accountancy Technicians exams and is now working toward the final Level 4 which he should complete in December this year.

“He then plans to start to study for the professional accountancy ACCA qualification which will include the opportunity to gain a degree.

“He is now a young father and is combining work and studying. Amazingly he has never been off sick in two and a half years which makes him our most reliable employee.”

Family Business United is a magazine which promotes family firms. To find out more, go to www.familybusinessunited.com