A DORSET business which produces the Lakeland kitchen catalogue and works with the likes of HSBC and LV= is opening a New York City office.

Creative agency CHS has a particular specialism in financial services and said it would bring its expertise to the North American market.

Chris Southgate, managing director of the Christchurch-based business said: "We’ve been working with clients in the US for many years, and introducing a more formal presence there is the next natural step for our agency. We couldn’t be more excited.

"Over the past years, we have demonstrated what going ‘beyond expectation’ in the UK really means. It results in an exceptional performance when compared to our industry peers and we’re passionate about bringing this way of working, enthusiasm, and success to the US market.

"New York is the finance capital of the world, and with such a huge specialism in the financial services space, there’s a huge opportunity for growth.”

The agency has won a string of awards recent years, coming away with trophies from the Digiday Advertising Awards Europe, The DMAs, and The Drum Awards for Marketing.

It has also been shortlisted for other prizes, including the Oystercatcher’s Agency of the Year.

The company said: “This recognition is a testament to the talent and dedication of CHS, and their ability to produce innovative and effective work. CHS looks forward to the opportunities for growth that this new market will bring.”

The marketing agency, which this year celebrates 50 years in business, employs more than 70 people on its own island on the River Avon at Mill Lane, Christchurch.

It is the lead agency for all HSBC’s product marketing after being hired for the launch of its rewards credit card in 2019.

CHS became creative lead for Petplan after helping the pet insurer rework its online display strategy in 2017.

It has worked for LV= general insurance since 1999, handling customer journey planning, communications development and renewal campaigns.

Its services include catalogue production, strategic planning, branding and integrated campaigns that combine video, photography, direct marketing, web design and advertising.