Nicholas Associates Group Invests in Future Talent with Launch of Ashley Kate Academy

The academy has been created to develop the next generation of recruitment professionals, providing structured training, mentorship and hands-on experience for individuals starting their careers in the industry.

The first cohort, comprising Hal White, Jack Taylor and James Moore, has now joined Ashley Kate HR & Finance, marking the beginning of an exciting new initiative focused on long-term talent development and future growth.

The launch comes during a landmark year for Ashley Kate HR & Finance as the business celebrates its 25th anniversary. Alongside this milestone, the business has recently relocated its headquarters to Oberoi Business Hub, Pride Park, Derby, creating a new base to support its continued expansion.

Further highlighting this positive momentum, Ashley Kate has also been shortlisted for Best Candidate Care at the Recruiter Awards 2026, recognising the team’s ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for candidates.

Together, the academy launch, new headquarters and industry recognition reflect both Ashley Kate HR & Finance‘s ambitions and Nicholas Associates Group‘s continued commitment to investing in people, capability and future growth across its businesses.

Developing the Next Generation of Recruitment Professionals

At Nicholas Associates Group, developing talent has always been central to building successful, sustainable businesses. The new Ashley Kate Academy has been designed to identify potential early and provide aspiring recruitment professionals with the skills, knowledge and support needed to build rewarding long-term careers.

Rather than simply teaching the fundamentals of recruitment, the programme is focused on nurturing confidence, commercial awareness, relationship-building skills and candidate-first values that underpin Ashley Kate‘s reputation within the HR and Finance recruitment markets.

Jacqui Wall, Head of Ashley Kate HR & Finance, said:

“We’ve always believed that investing in people is one of the best investments a business can make. The academy is about recognising potential early and giving young talent the support, knowledge and opportunities they need to develop.

 

“Hal, Jack and James are the first cohort and we’re incredibly excited to see how they progress. Everyone has to start somewhere, and creating an environment where people can learn, ask questions, build confidence and grow is incredibly important to us.

 

“We’re entering an exciting new chapter for Ashley Kate, and bringing new talent into the business is a really important part of that. We want to build for the future, and that starts with investing in people.”

Investing in Growth Across the Group

The academy reflects a wider commitment across Nicholas Associates Group to developing people and creating opportunities within the organisation.

As Ashley Kate enters its next chapter following 25 successful years in business, investments in both infrastructure and talent are helping to create a platform for continued growth. The move to the new Pride Park headquarters provides an environment designed to support collaboration and development, while the Recruiter Awards shortlist demonstrates the high standards the team continues to deliver.

Paul Brammer, Director at Ashley Kate HR & Finance, said:

“The purpose of the academy is simple, we want to invest in the future.

 

“Recruitment is a people business, so if we want to continue growing and delivering the level of service our candidates and clients expect, we need to develop great people within our own organisation.

 

“We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for Best Candidate Care at the Recruiter Awards this year. That recognition is a reflection of the team and the way they put candidates first. The academy is about making sure that ethos continues into the future by giving the next generation the opportunity to learn from the people who have built that experience over many years.

 

“The new Pride Park office gives us another platform for growth, and having Hal, Jack and James joining us as our first academy cohort makes this an especially exciting time.”

Meet the First Academy Cohort

As the inaugural members of the Ashley Kate Academy, Hal, Jack and James will have the opportunity to develop their careers while learning directly from experienced recruitment professionals.

Throughout the programme, they will gain exposure to the relationships, commercial understanding and candidate care principles that have helped establish Ashley Kate as a trusted recruitment partner within the HR and Finance sectors.

Hal White said:

“Joining the academy is a really exciting opportunity for me. It’s great to start my career somewhere that is willing to invest in my development and give me the chance to learn from people with so much experience.

 

“I’m looking forward to building my knowledge, developing my confidence and seeing where the opportunity can take me.”

Jack Taylor said:

“The biggest thing for me is the opportunity to learn. There’s so much to understand when you’re starting out, so having experienced people around you who are willing to support and guide you makes a huge difference.

 

“Being part of the first cohort is something I’m really proud of. I’m excited to get stuck in, learn as much as I can and hopefully build a long-term career with Ashley Kate.”

James Moore said:

“Being part of the first academy cohort is a great opportunity. We’re joining the business at an exciting time, with the new office and everything Ashley Kate is looking to achieve.

 

“I’m looking forward to developing professionally, challenging myself and learning from the people around me. Hopefully this is the start of a really exciting journey.”

Building for the Future

For Nicholas Associates Group, the launch of the Ashley Kate Academy represents more than a training programme. It is an investment in the people who will help shape the future of the business.

By creating opportunities for emerging talent to learn from experienced professionals, develop specialist knowledge and progress within the organisation, the academy will play an important role in supporting Ashley Kate‘s long-term success.

As Ashley Kate celebrates 25 years of helping HR and Finance professionals and employers achieve their goals, the focus is firmly on the future. For Hal, Jack and James, that journey is just beginning. For Nicholas Associates Group, their arrival marks another step in an ongoing commitment to investing in people, developing talent and building sustainable growth across the group.