AN EXPANDING UK company at the forefront of technology in water analysis and colour measurement has appointed new advisors in Southampton for audit and tax services.

The Tintometer Group, which designs, manufactures and sells the Lovibond range of testing equipment and reagents, selected accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson in a competitive three-way pitch.

Innovative equipment developed by The Tintometer is used in the quality control of products in our everyday lives, from drinking water and swimming pools to oils, food, beverages, cosmetics, chemicals and plastics.

More than 80 per cent of sales are exported internationally by the company, which employs 65 people locally at its headquarters at Solstice Park, Amesbury.

From the South Coast office of Smith & Williamson, Chris Appleton, audit partner, and Paul Duckworth, tax partner, along with audit manager Pete Ciesla and tax manager Ellen Shears, comprise the team working with the group through its next growth phase.

Smith & Williamson’s Chris Appleton said: “This is very much a British success story. The Tintometer is a high quality, dynamic firm with the expertise and technology, through impressive research and development, to grow the business in overseas markets.

“We will be providing a quality tax advisory and audit service to complement the Group’s expansion objectives, including support through fellow members of Nexia International, our world-wide international network which assists our clients in accessing and developing global markets.”

Founded in 1885, The Tintometer traces its roots back to Joseph Lovibond, a brewery owner whose “colorimeter”

ensured the quality of beer. Colorimetry has now been central to the company’s business for over 127 years.

In a separate development, the company has also recently acquired three acres of land at Solstice Park for a new 30,000 sq ft (2,787 sq m) headquarters.

Staff are currently occupying several independent units due to rapid expansion over the last two years, and the new headquarters will see them all brought under the one roof.