INSOLVENCY and turnaround specialist Antony Fanshawe is looking forward to a new challenge after being appointed chairman of the Southampton branch of the Southern Society for Chartered Accountants.

Mr Fanshawe, who is a partner with the Southampton-based firm Fanshawe Lofts, will chair his first meeting of the group, known as Sosca, at the offices of solicitors Blake Lapthorn on Tuesday, March 25 on the subject of the Enterprise Act.

He is currently putting together a schedule of meetings for the next six months and looking for venues as well as sponsors for various projects to ensure the group is self-funding.

He said: "I am delighted to have been appointed chairman of Sosca's Southampton branch. My aim is to develop a vibrant networking opportunity for accountants and other people involved in business.

"Hopefully everybody concerned will gain a great deal from membership - both in business terms and the enjoyable social aspect of mixing with their peers. I'm very much looking forward to the challenge."