THE Daily Echo's extensive coverage of regional business news is arguably the best on the south coast - and it's about to get even better.

With nearly 60 dedicated pages a month in the Daily Echo, plus the monthly 48-page Hampshire Business South Magazine, the information service is unrivalled.

Leading business figures in the south describe our business news as "down to earth" and "entertaining". Now this coverage is being stepped up with the appointment of Gareth Lewis, pictured, as deputy business editor.

Gareth, 29, has been with the Daily Echo for nearly three years as a general news reporter. He joins business editor Ron Wain and maritime expert Keith Hamilton.