A TAXI company is to officially open its new offices under a new name in a move it says will create 20 new jobs.

Eastleigh taxi company 440 Cars, formerly Handicabs, will today welcome residents into its new offices in Upper Market Street.

The celebrations will start at 10am and will mark the company’s latest expansion which is set to create 20 new jobs in the next 12 months.

Bob Parsons, 58, from Southampton, set up the business six years ago.

He said: “The rebrand means to us a new identity, although existing clients recognise us. We want to have a direct contact with the public and that is why we are based in the town centre now so people can walk in to the office and talk to us. We are a community service.We want to give the community our very best.”

Mr Parsons said the company was previously based in Campbell Road.

He said the head office will always be based in Eastleigh but the company will also start operating in Southampton soon.

“We have just employed our first Southampton driver. I’m very excited about it. This is a very difficult industry and a lot of businesses in the industry are struggling but we are doing well because we provide premium services at a reasonable cost”, he said.

Mr Parsons said he is also planning to create new partnerships with local charities.

Borough councillor Derek Pretty, cabinet lead for economy, said: “I’m delighted that 440 Cars (formerly Handicabs) are relocating their offices within Eastleigh town centre and creating a number of new jobs for local people and contributing to the economic prosperity of the area. I wish them every success with their new business.”

Cllr Bruce Tennent, mayor of Eastleigh, will officially open the new offices on Monday.

Celebrations will start at 10am and refreshment will be available.