TWO of the biggest names in recruitment in Southampton have become one after Lawton Communications Group (LCG) paid an undisclosed sum for headhunters Carrington Chase.

Owned by Conservative councillor John Hannides, pictured, Carrington Chase's clients include some of the UK's highest paid executives from top blue chip firms, including 37 FTSE 100 companies.

Lawton said the Queensway based company complemented its existing LawtonWare Executive Search business, which now sees Cllr Hannides become managing director.

He also stays as managing director of Carrington Chase, which is being retained because the brand "carries so much weight in the industry".

Founded just four years ago, Carrington Chase focuses on recruiting senior executives among the top ten per cent of UK professionals, earning salaries between £70,000 and £450,000.

Nick Lawton, managing director of LCG, said: "We have ambitious expansion plans in a number of sectors. In the recruitment side of our business, we've always been strong in advertising, media, branding and specifically digital but we now have the exec search talent to help drive the business growth we're looking for. The Carrington Chase team bring valuable experience and clients that give us a very strong presence in the market."

Cllr Hannides said: "We built the Carrington Chase business into a success story very quickly and it is important to me that our hard-won reputation in the market is maintained. LCG has an excellent track record and the fit between our two businesses is right. Also, this deal means I take my team with me. So, as far as our clients are concerned this move is simply a change of address and business as usual, but the LCG backing opens up incredible added value opportunities."