However, the business is now being divided to enable leading businessman Mr Carter to move his business from offices in London Road in North End, to Cumberland Business Centre in Fratton.

The accounting business, which will now be known as Jackson and Green Carter, will also be upgrading to become registered auditors.

Jackson and Green deals with accounts across the south of England, and also has an office in Horsham.

Mr Carter said: 'It's been very successful, but it's a new start for us down there and it's more centrally located. It means we can raise the profile of the business within the city.

'We decided we wanted to halve our management. It's not easy working in a partnership trying to make decisions about all aspects.

'The best way to move is forward – to take our practice off on our own. It's a good decision because it gives us the opportunity to become registered auditors.'

Mr Carter is moving down to Fratton with five members of his staff, but is optimistic that the success of the company will show a need for further recruitment.

'Hopefully, we can expand the practice,' he said. 'We shall be running with existing staff but I think within 12 months we will be looking at hiring two extra staff members.

'The client retention has been really good – we haven't lost many clients in the past couple of years.

'We are looking to build on a small business. I am sure that it will be very successful. I hope to generally expand the practice and provide a new accountancy service to the city.'