AN EXPANDING defence company has appointed a new auditor and R&D tax adviser.

Poole-based Aish Technologies, with 200 staff and a £14m turnover, has appointed the south coast office of accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson.

Aish Technologies, whose roots date back to before the Second World War, supplies naval and military electronics hardware, cathodic protection systems and rugged enclosures.

Staff work on major projects, either for the Ministry of Defence or in partnership with companies such as Babcock, BAE Systems, Force Protection, Lockheed Martin, Thales and Northrop Grumman.

Lloyd Bates, managing director of Aish Technologies, said: “We’ve been impressed by the regular business breakfast seminars held by Smith & Williamson and, given their demonstrable expertise, feel they can support us at the next level as we expand operations.”

Chris Appleton, senior partner at the South Coast office of Smith & Williamson, said: “Aish Technologies is a superb example of an international business with real strength and potential here on the south coast. Our strong suit is advising ambitious, mid-corporate businesses and it will be a privilege to advise Aish in the next chapter of its growth.

“One of the areas we will be looking at is to explore the opportunities for Aish to benefit from the substantial government-backed rebates due to businesses undertaking R&D.”