Carpenter Box new Southampton office and partner supports continued growth across Solent region
Leading Hampshire, Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box, part of the Sumer Group, has strengthened its presence across the Solent region with the opening of a new Southampton office and the appointment of business services partner Kate Cooper.
The new office, based in Cumberland Place, forms part of Carpenter Box’s continued investment across Hampshire and follows its recent move into larger premises in Portsmouth. Together, these developments reflect the firm’s continued growth and increased demand for its tax, audit and advisory services, particularly among businesses with overseas operations and cross-border requirements.
As a major port and internationally connected business hub, Southampton provides an important base for the Carpenter Box team to support growing SMEs across a wide range of sectors, including marine, defence and logistics.
Kate will work closely with audit partner Peter Reading, head of the Solent offices, to further develop Carpenter Box’s presence across Southampton and the wider region.
Kate qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2004 and brings more than 20 years’ experience helping businesses navigate their finances and achieve their goals. Her career includes time with a top 10 accountancy firm and, most recently, as a client director at a leading independent practice in Southampton.
Kate works with businesses at every stage of their journey, from ambitious start-ups to established companies. With a particular specialism in digital accounting solutions, Kate helps businesses streamline their financial processes, make better use of technology and adopt efficient outsourced solutions, reducing day-to-day pressures and allowing owners to focus on running and growing their businesses.
Of her new role, Kate said: “From the first time I met Peter Reading and managing partner Alan Edwards, I was impressed by Carpenter Box’s people-first culture, client-focused ethos and commitment to building trusted, long-term relationships. The firm combines a proud heritage with a forward-looking approach to advice, particularly for the SMEs and entrepreneurs at the heart of the economy. I’m excited to contribute to its continued growth, support clients in achieving their ambitions and play a part in its future journey.”
Partner and head of Solent offices, Peter Reading, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kate to Carpenter Box; her extensive experience is already proving invaluable. She will play an important role in our continued development across the region.
“Our new Southampton office gives us greater capacity to support local SMEs, expand our business advisory offering and provide enhanced personal tax services to private clients. It also creates opportunities to recruit and invest in local talent as we continue to build our presence across the Solent.”