Why we stay at Shorts: stories from our team

At Shorts, many of our people haven’t just built careers - they’ve put down roots, with almost a quarter of our team having worked here for more than 10 years.

When people stay somewhere for a long time, it’s rarely by accident. Some arrived fresh from school or college, some joined mid‑career, and many have stayed far longer than they originally expected. But what is it that makes someone choose to stay at a firm year after year? What really makes a workplace feel comfortable and settled and not just a place to clock in?

To explore this further, we spoke with colleagues from across the firm - long‑servers, rising stars, quiet heroes and big personalities to ask them some light-hearted yet honest questions about what keeps them here. Their answers give a warm, authentic glimpse into the culture, relationships and everyday moments that make Shorts a place that our people genuinely want to be. What stood out wasn’t just what people said, but how their answers evolved over time. 

5+ years: opportunity, encouragement and balance

For experienced colleagues who have been with us around 5 to 10 years, the emphasis is often on opportunity and feeling supported to grow – being trusted early, encouraged to try new things, and given flexibility when life changes.

Emma, who joined Shorts on a placement year, recalls a moment that shaped her decision to return permanently:

“When I was leaving after my placement year, I got a phone call from the team asking me to come back while I finished my degree… I thought they were joking at first, but then realised they genuinely wanted me. It made me feel appreciated and part of the team.”  Emma Mosley

Madeleine highlights how recognition and development go hand in hand:

“Shorts has enabled me to qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant and to progress to Assistant Manager. Throughout my career, Shorts has been consistently supportive and has given me the opportunities I needed to grow.”  Madeleine Hague

Anisa describes how policies that recognise individual circumstances can make a lasting difference:

“Before I had kids, work–life balance didn’t matter as much to me. Since having children, it’s an absolute priority, and the work–life balance at Shorts allows me to succeed in my career as well as be a good mum. Shorts have always been supportive of me putting my family first when it matters.”  Anisa Malik

For many at this stage, work–life balance becomes increasingly important as personal circumstances change. That flexibility isn’t seen as a ‘perk’, but as something embedded in how Shorts operates day to day.

10+ years: Trust, flexibility and being known as a person

For colleagues with 10+ years’ service, the focus shifts. The language becomes less about progression alone and more about trust, autonomy and consistency.

Beki, who has held several roles during her time at Shorts, reflects on what’s remained constant:

“I think a lot of things have stayed consistent – feeling appreciated, being part of a team, good benefits, flexible working hours and working from home, and importantly always feeling supported by my team and leadership.” Beki Pearson

Lauren echoes this sense of being supported as a whole person, not just an employee:

“I have consistently been supported both professionally and personally over the years. Having an understanding team and line manager makes a lot of difference to your working life.” Lauren Jaques

This stage of service is also where flexibility becomes less theoretical and more personal. One other describes how this has made a lasting impact:

“Pre‑kids I used to start work at 10am, which helped me mentally at the time. Post‑kids, I work around school pick‑ups – and that flexibility means everything to me.”

20+ years: Values, evolution and pride in what Shorts stands for

Among those with 20 or more years at Shorts, the answers take on a broader perspective. These reflections are less about individual roles and more about values, identity and long‑term pride.

Malcolm, who joined Shorts as a graduate over 25 years ago, puts it simply:

“The core values of the firm are the same as they were all those years ago. The team work hard, do a great job, and have fun whilst they’re doing it – and there’s never been pressure to do overtime.”  Malcolm Pope

Andy reflects on how growth hasn’t diluted what matters most:

“The firm has changed a lot, but looking after our team and building strong, lasting relationships with clients has been consistent throughout.”  Andy Irvine

There’s also a strong sense of pride in seeing others develop. Dan describes returning to Shorts after leaving early in his career:

“Shorts were good enough to welcome me back and let me pick up where I left off. That trust and genuine support for people says a lot about the firm.” Dan Neal

And another Andy highlights how values are lived, not just stated:

“It should feel like a family, where people are committed to working hard and providing high‑quality advice – but where partners genuinely care about the team.” Andy Ryder

10% of our team have been with Shorts over 20 years
3 people have been here over 40 years!

Growth and honesty - what’s changed and what hasn’t

Many long‑serving colleagues are honest about the fact that Shorts today is bigger and more structured than when they joined. For some, that change is noticeable, but what matters is that approachability and care haven’t been lost

One individual reflects on how growth has altered the day‑to‑day experience, while still retaining the firm’s character:

“I used to know everyone who worked at Shorts and it felt more like a family. Now I don’t know everyone — but it’s still friendly, and the partners are still approachable.”

Howard reflects on this balance:

“While we’ve grown, we’ve pretty much managed to resist becoming too corporate – and we’re able to recruit and retain a great team of people as a result.” Howard Freeman 

 Dawn, who joined in 2002, describes the constant that’s mattered most:

“From day one, I was made to feel welcome and part of a team – and that’s never changed. No matter what it is, there is always someone there for you.” Dawn Sharman

 

Why people stay

What these responses show is that people don’t stay at Shorts for just one reason – and that reason often changes over time.

Early on, it’s about opportunity and encouragement. Later, it’s about trust, flexibility and being treated as a person, not a job title. And after decades, it’s about shared values, pride, and knowing you’ve been part of something that’s grown without losing its heart.

As Margaret puts it:

“I didn’t feel anonymous – I was made to feel as if I was part of a work family.” Margaret Hall

And that sense of belonging is the thread that runs through every stage of service however long you've worked at Shorts.

What that means for our clients

Looking to join a team like this?

Would you be interested in joining our team?  Contact Laura Collins for a chat about the opportunities and next steps.