The leading audit, tax and consulting firm has attracted a record high of 723 new students this year, comfortably surpassing its previous record-high intake in 2021 by 20%.

According to RSM UK’s latest Middle Market Business Index (MMBI), the quarterly index and survey of approximately 700 senior executives, businesses are dialling down their hiring needs across the UK with just 33% of middle market firms recruiting more staff – down from 52% in Q1.

However, RSM UK’s student recruitment continues to rise, driven by its ambition to invest in its long-term growth plans and its future.

Amongst the new trainees, the firm attracted 507 graduates and 116 school leavers, with many being based outside of the capital, throughout the firm’s network of 32 offices stretching from Southampton to Aberdeen.