AN EMPLOYMENT solutions specialist in southern England has signed up to a further year at an innovation hub in Southampton as part of its expansion plans.

Stellamar has grown over 30 months from two desks at Ocean Village Innovation Centre (OVIC) to five open-plan offices with 11 staff.

Led by managing director Alasdair MacMillan, a former University of Southampton student, the business provides recruitment, training and HR consultancy in sectors such as maritime, energy and financial services.

The firm is also expanding its offering to the built environment sector with the appointment of Mike McDonald as business manager and principal consultant; he came from FRAME Recruitment in Southampton.

Alasdair MacMillan, Stellamar’s managing director, said: “As well as our core maritime, energy and financial services sectors, we are growing services for built environment clients and candidates through the appointment of Mike McDonald.

“On the maritime front, our existing seagoing client portfolio is growing exponentially, we are expanding the maritime team, as well as our service offering, to handle this demand.

“Stellamar is also focusing on accountancy roles within the financial services for management and senior management in practices – specifically corporate tax and audit.

“It is against this exciting backdrop that we have committed to at least another year at OVIC.”