Carpenter Box, part of the Sumer Group, has opened a new office in Southampton, expanding its presence across the Solent region. The firm cites growing demand for its tax, audit and advisory services as the primary driver for this expansion, particularly for businesses with overseas operations and cross-border requirements.
The Southampton base at Cumberland Place is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the marine, defence and logistics sectors. The office takes advantage of the city’s position as a major port and internationally connected business hub. This move follows the firm’s recent expansion into larger premises in Portsmouth.
Kate Cooper has been appointed as business services partner. She brings more than 20 years of experience and will work alongside Peter Reading, audit partner and head of the Solent offices. A chartered accountant since 2004, Cooper previously worked for a top ten firm and most recently held a client director role at an independent Southampton practice. She specialises in digital accounting solutions, helping businesses streamline financial processes and adopt new technology.
“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,” Kate said. “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.”
She added that she is excited to contribute to the firm’s growth and support clients in achieving their ambitions.
The Southampton office is expected to handle a range of corporate matters for regional clients. Local businesses often face complex compliance issues due to international trade regulations. The new facility provides a dedicated space for these discussions.
Cooper’s expertise in digital solutions allows the practice to offer more streamlined services to local businesses. The appointment also signals a continued focus on recruitment and investment in local talent, which helps maintain a personal touch for private clients seeking enhanced tax services.
For the firms in these sectors, the arrival of a larger regional player with a dedicated local office can change how they approach professional services. Many SMEs in marine and logistics operate with tight margins and complex cross-border compliance needs. Having a specialist team nearby that understands these specific challenges can reduce the administrative burden, allowing business owners to focus on operations rather than paperwork.
Carpenter Box now has 30 partners and nearly 300 colleagues across eight offices, providing tax, audit and advisory services to businesses across the South East.
The firm targets companies interested in new international contracts.
