A PROFESSIONAL services group has expanded its national operation with the opening of an office in Southampton – it's fifteenth in the UK.

The new office of Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group (LCBSG), in Ocean Village, - is headed up by newly appointed director David Smithson, who lives in the city and brings with him 30 years’ experience of the south coast business restructuring market.

His new regional remit is to strengthen and develop the brand amongst SME owners, accountants and business communities.

A newly published study reveals that Southampton is expected to have the sixth fastest-growing economy in the UK this year, with a year-on-year growth rate of 1.72 per cent. Portsmouth’s growth was cited at 1.62 per cent and Bournemouth’s at 1.55 per cent – placing them all in the UK top 10.

David Smithson said: “We’re delighted to widen our geographical remit as we open for business on the south coast. By establishing a regional base we are better placed to provide expert and regionally-relevant advice to the many successful businesses and high number of start-ups that are trading here – or indeed, planning to.

“We’ve long recognised the region’s strong economic position and it is great to finally be open for business here.”

LCBSG says its restructuring division has saved more than 14,000 jobs during 2016 and 2017, and there is a growing demand for positive strategic business advice at a regional level along the south coast.