AN expanding Amesbury firm that is at the forefront of technology in water analysis and colour measurement has appointed new advisers for audit and tax services.

Amesbury-based The Tintometer Group, which designs, manufactures and sells the Lovibond range of testing equipment and reagents, selected accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson for the role.

Innovative equipment developed by The Tintometer Ltd is used in the quality control of products in people’s everyday lives, from drinking water and swimming pools to oils, food, beverages, cosmetics, chemicals and plastics.

More than 80 per cent of sales are exported internationally by the company, which employs 65 people at its headquarters at Solstice Park.

From the South Coast office of Smith & Williamson, Chris Appleton, inset, audit partner, and Paul Duckworth, tax partner, along with audit manager Pete Ciesla and tax manager Ellen Shears, comprise the team who will be working with the company through its next growth phase.

The Tintometer managing director Chris Counsell said: “We were impressed by Smith & Williamson’s trusted adviser approach and we look forward to Chris Appleton and the team providing us with commercial insight and support as we grow the business across the globe. Smith & Williamson’s robust and commercial tax planning approach is also very welcome, given the increasing complexity of compliance regarding UK and international tax structuring."

Mr Appleton said: “This is very much a British success story. The Tintometer Ltd is a high quality, dynamic firm with the expertise and technology, through impressive research and development, to grow the business in overseas markets.

“We will be providing a quality tax advisory and audit service to complement the group’s expansion objectives, including support through fellow members of Nexia International, our worldwide international network, which assists our clients in accessing and developing global markets.”

Founded in 1885, The Tintometer Ltd traces its roots back to Joseph Lovibond, a brewery owner whose 'colorimeter' ensured the quality of beer.

Colorimetry has been central to the company’s business for more than 127 years.

In a separate development, the company has also recently acquired three acres of land at Solstice Park for a new 30,000 sq ft (2,787 sq m) headquarters.

Staff are currently occupying several independent units due to rapid expansion over the last two years, and the new headquarters will see them all brought under the one roof.

Mr Counsell said: “The new building will be ideal for the next generation of leading scientific and technical products which make water analysis and colour measurement not just simple to use but also dependable and reliable.”