Electronics group switch on to new auditor and tax services provider

An electronics engineering group with world-beating products has switched on to a new auditor and tax services advisor.

Our south coast office was appointed by Larasian, a holding company which owns Lascar Electronics and Corintech.

Lascar's international operations, which are headquartered in Whiteparish, have tripled in size in just four years, with overseas bases in the United States and Hong Kong.

It designs products in the UK which are manufactured in the Far East, such as data loggers and panel meters, before being imported into Southampton by ship or flown into Heathrow Airport.

Customers of the multi-million pound turnover company include blue-chips, such as British Gas, and luxury car maker Aston Martin.

Lascar's flagship product is the world's first USB data logger, which is increasingly being used by sectors across the globe, including the transportation, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries.

Similar in shape and usage to a computer memory stick, the EL-USB range has internal sensors that record critical operational data such as temperature, humidity and, or, the detection of gases, including potentially lethal carbon monoxide.

The cutting-edge technology, with alarm thresholds, graphs the logged data after being downloaded on to a computer.

Smith & Williamson, which employs 60 people at its Southampton office, was appointed after Lascar's previous accountancy practice retired.

Rod Piwowarski, Lascar's managing director, said: "In today's economic climate you have to surround yourself with the best people, and Smith & Williamson has expertise which can't be matched elsewhere.

"Smith & Williamson's market knowledge and global reach will play an important role as we continue to grow internationally."

Chris Appleton, the senior director at Smith & Williamson in Southampton, said: "Lascar is an inspirational example of how Britain can lead the world in knowledge-based industry, and we are honoured to help them fly the flag.

"Our role will be to provide advice to the Group both locally and internationally, reflecting growth and aspirations for the future. Our strong international tax expertise will be particularly important in setting the optimal tax structure."

Lascar employs nearly 40 people at Module House in Whiteparish, with a further 14 staff overseas.

Departments include industrial design, software and hardware development, procurement and sales and marketing, as well as some light assembly.

Smith & Williamson's remit also includes Corintech, an electronics components specialist in Fordingbridge in the New Forest, Hampshire, in which holding company Larasian has a majority shareholding.

Larasian itself is based in Fordingbridge and is owned by local businessman Brian Currie, with Geoff Allen the group finance director.

For further information

Chris Appleton 02380 827622

Disclaimer

By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing.

Note to editor

Smith & Williamson is an independent professional and financial services group employing over 1,500 people. The group is a leading provider of investment management, financial advisory and accountancy services to private clients, professional practices and mid-to-large corporates. It operates from offices in London, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Glasgow, Guildford, Maidstone, North London, Salisbury, Southampton and Worcester. Nexia Smith & Williamson is the audit practice of Smith & Williamson and is an independent company.

Smith & Williamson Limited
Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International.

Nexia Smith & Williamson Audit Limited
Registered to carry on audit work and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International.

Smith & Williamson Financial Services Limited
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Smith & Williamson Investment Management
A trading name of NCL Investments Limited Member of the London Stock Exchange Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and of

Smith & Williamson Investment Management Limited
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance
Limited A member of M&A International Inc. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. A member of the London Stock Exchange.