A new centre of excellence for the construction industry in Hampshire has been opened by leading trade organisation the National Federation of Builders.

The federation, which provides specialist support to nearly 4,000 professional builders and contractors, unveiled the new Southern business Centre at Tollgate, Chandler's Ford.

It will help the federation to serve its 600 members across the south of England and will provide a meeting point for NFB member companies and other local organisations and bodies to discuss common issues facing construction firms across the region.

Gary Amer, the NFB's regional director for Hampshire, said: "Throughout this year significant changes have been implemented across the federation to further improve our services to member companies in the building and construction industry.

"With major restructuring and new appointments now in place, our members have the necessary support to establish the growth of the businesses and maintain industry representation, both nationally and regionally.

"The opening of this centre for excellence only serves to enhance the NFB's credentials as a true business solutions provider."