MATTHEW Jowett is well into his stride now as general counsel and company secretary to Hampshire's leading support services and shipbuilding company.

Matthew, 37, a father of three, joined VT Group from the building materials company RMC Group where he has spent the past seven years in senior legal roles, latterly as group general counsel.

Before joining RMC, he spent six years with solicitors Linklaters in the London and Paris offices, completing his articles with the firm following studies at The College of Law, Chester. Having decided not to remain in private practice, he spent a year travelling in Latin America, joining RMC on his return.

Matthew said: "This is an exciting time to join VT as it consolidates its position as a leading provider of government services. The role represents an opportunity to develop my career and help VT to expand its business, particularly in the UK and US."

VT, based at Hedge End, near Southampton, is a major support services and shipbuilding company, supplying services and products to governments, government agencies and businesses worldwide.

The group, which employs more than 10,000 people, comprises two divisions.

They are support services, operating from various locations primarily in the UK, USA and Middle East, and shipbuilding, which operates principally from its £50m shipyard in Portsmouth.

The group made pre-tax profits of £46.2m in its last financial year, against a turnover of £671m.