Two young high flying tax professionals have risen quickly through the ranks at Parker & Co Accountants in Newport.

Melanie Jamison, aged 23, started as a receptionist and Gareth Howell, 22, as a junior trainee.

The pair have since quickly progressed Melanie to tax compliance manager and Gareth to senior accountant.

Gary Parker, of Parker & Co Accountants, said: "It can be hard for young people to get a job without much experience, but if people have talent, and the drive to make something of it, we're keen to give them a chance to develop."

Melanie, from Pontypool, originally enquired about a position at Parker & Co in 2001, but at the time there were no vacancies, but, having heard that another person had obtained a position there through Newport-based training provider, T2 Skills, she enrolled on a similar course as a means to getting a foot in the door.

Her determination and resourcefulness impressed Gary, and after being taken on as a receptionist Melanie quickly progressed and undertook accounts training, focusing on tax, and is now tax compliance manager.

Melanie said: "I'm enjoying my career at Parker & Co Accountants, and I really appreciate the chances I've been given and have enjoyed the freedom to explore other areas in which the business operates."

Gareth Howell took a similar training-focussed path. Taken on in 2000 as a junior trainee, Newport Gwent Dragons fan Gareth, quickly enrolled for two years of study in accountancy technician courses, and followed this with an additional three years of study for his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants qualifications, which he completes in June 2006.

While studying, Gareth has swiftly gained promotion after promotion, and is now a senior accountant.

He said: "It's been a lot of work, but I can't believe how far I've come in just five years. "The team at Parker & Co have been very supportive and I really appreciate the opportunities I've been given to develop here."

Parker & Co Accountants, part of the Everest Group of companies based at Summit House, Gold tops, Newport, was established in 1993 by Gary Parker. The Everest Group employs 16 staff in their offices in Newport.