IT began in a Hampshire family home 17 years ago - and now a freight business has seen its annual sales break through the £6 million barrier.

Southampton Freight Services (SFS) was launched by former dock runner Dave Negus and his sons Ross and Chris in 1998.

Now, run by managing director Ross and financial director Chris, it employs nearly 30 staff and operates across the globe, handling everything from fresh fruit to furniture.

The firm's cruise logistics division counts Southampton-based Carnival UK and its prestigious Cunard, P&O Cruises and Princess brands as one of its clients.

Ross Negus said: "Just about everything which can go by air, sea and road has been handled by our import and export teams to every part of the world.

"The business has expanded tremendously over the years but we're proud to still have some of our original customers.

"We're also fortunate to have a great team, some of whom have been with us from the early days. It's a cliché but they really are our biggest asset."

In May SFS moved its operations into new 19,000 square foot premises on Totton's Griffin Industrial Park in a £500,000 expansion funded by HSBC, Local First, Eastleigh Borough Council, Green Growth Loans and the Hampshire Community Bank Project.

The facility, which includes who warehouses, has been praised for its unique interior and use of old containers and it was described by Freight Business Journal as having a "wow factor".

It boasts a staff relaxation area with a 20 foot container painted and converted into a full kitchen area, complete with a pool table, while glass frames house scale models of aircraft and ships.

Ross said: "The building gives a real sense of what we're about.

"The designer and our office fit-out specialists, New Milton-based Space & Solutions, have done a fantastic job."

And Ross thanked Martin Aldridge, director of accountancy firm Princecroft Willis, for his help over the years.

He said: "Martin and his team do a tremendous job keeping a close check while allowing us to concentrate on the actual business of getting freight from A to B.

"We're in safe hands."