Senior partner at RNS Chartered Accountants John Heeney (centre) welcomes Judith and Antony at the firm's Scunthorpe office. Judith Cousins Woodrow has become a manager at the Scunthorpe office, a town where she grew up and went to school.
The firm has also recruited another 'local' to a key role, with Antony Burnett, who used to be a landlord in Scotter before switching career, joining as an accounts senior.
Judith is “really enjoying” working in Scunthorpe having previously made a daily commute to Rotherham.
She, like the rest of the team, is working from home during the current crisis but had been walking into the office.
Judith's lived in Scunthorpe most of her life. A former pupil at Brumby Comprehensive School, she went to John Leggott College before studying accounting at Sheffield Hallam.
Upon graduation in 1999, she won a training contract with a Rotherham firm and became a chartered accountant in 2002.
“I was appointed as a director in 2006 and we worked hard to expand the practise taking over a couple of smaller firms.
“I had my first daughter in 2014 and my second in 2016 and reduced my working hours accordingly.
“My workload eventually got too much and so, when I saw the opportunity to work at RNS, I jumped at the chance. I assisted in the sale of my old firm before I left.”
She has settled in well to her new role.
“I completed a week's work experience at a firm on Oswald Road when I was 15 so it's strange that I've ended up back on the road where I first started,” she said.
“My colleagues at RNS are very nice, friendly and helpful.
“After 20 years of working elsewhere, it is a challenge to learn how a different firm operates.
“My husband is also a Chartered Accountant and he has been very supportive over the last few years but is now pleased that I am able to spend more time at home and less time travelling.”
Outside of work, her two daughters keep her very busy.
“If I ever have any spare time, I enjoy walking and have covered many miles of the south west coast path.
“We have a little cottage just outside Looe in Cornwall and thoroughly enjoy spending time on the beach with my girls.”
Antony used to be landlord of The Gamekeeper in Scotter, but decided to sell the lease to start a career.
He began his accountancy training at home before being taken on by a Scunthorpe firm and then moving to a Gainsborough practice.
He completed his Association of Accounting Technicians' qualification during his five years there.
He lives in Blyton and went to The Queen Elizabeth's High School in Gainsborough.
He said: “I am really happy with the move. I like the structure and professionalism.
“All the staff and partners have been more than friendly.
“I'm pretty much an all-rounder, having experience in VAT, payroll, company accounts, sole traders and taxation.
“I must admit though I am partial to pub accounts – I have fond memories!”
Outside of work, he plays five and six-a-side football, has two boxer dogs and enjoys a day at the races.
“I play poker regularly with friends and in tournaments, although the big wins are elusive!”
Senior partner John Heeney welcomed Judith and Antony.
“We're pleased to have recruited experienced professionals into two senior roles,” he said.
“They have strengthened our offer and service to clients.
“It's also great that they are local to Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire and understand its people and business.
“I wish them both a long, happy and successful career at RNS.”