A NEW player has arrived to take on the fiercely contested financial recruitment industry market in Southampton.

News that Hudson Cooper is expanding here will be of particular interest to local rivals as competition hots up.

Hudson Cooper is one of more than 50 firms based in and around Southampton vying for a slice of the UK's £24.5 billion recruitment industry.

It specialises in recruiting all levels of accountancy and financial staff.

The move is said to be the first in a long-term plan to open several more Hudson Cooper branches along the south coast. Managing director Lee Cooper said Southampton was the obvious choice to follow the success of the "flourishing" Bournemouth office.

He added: "Southampton is the focal point for the profession on the south coast. It is a base for a diverse range of businesses, from small to medium-sized enterprises to corporate multi-nationals, and complements our existing customer profile.

"It is a vibrant city and home to a new generation of up-and-coming accountants and finance professionals.

"Establishing our new base here means we are close to major clients, and we are already tapping into a rich new source of candidates."

Jon Stead, who has been brought in to head up the Southampton operation, has a decade of experience in the field, having worked in recruitment for Costain and Thames Water.

He said: "We are really excited about being in the area and I'm pleased to say that we are already making our mark."