BUSINESS in Wiltshire is thriving, says Lloyds TSB Corporate - its offices in Salisbury have experienced a 20 per cent increase in customers in the past 12 months.

The boost comes as Lloyds TSB's latest Business in Britain survey reveals that companies across the south are in their healthiest state for six years and 19 per cent plan to expand.

Eric Scott, senior relationship manager at Lloyds TSB corporate's Salisbury office, said the bank's improved figures reflected not only the lively state of business in the county, but also the bank's range of services.

"Many companies in Wiltshire have diverse and often sophisticated banking needs.

"These can be met by Lloyds TSB corporate managers, who have access to a comprehensive range of services, including some that in the past have only been available in London," he said.

The level of borrowing through the Salisbury office has risen 67 per cent in the past year, which he attributes to a number of factors.

"Quick decisions are often crucial to businesses planning acquisitions or expansion," he said.

"We're geared up to make fast responses to lending requests, we're committed to supporting the local business community and have recently strengthened our team to meet the growing demand. I'm delighted to report that our business is booming."

Business banking expert Damian Carter has been appointed as a senior relationship manager at Lloyds TSB Corporate's offices in Salisbury, with a mandate to expand the bank's business across Wiltshire.

Mr Carter, who has held a similar role at the bank's Southampton offices, has been with Lloyds for 25 years, working in the commercial and retail banking sectors.

The bank says his advisory experience will be "a valuable resource for Wiltshire businesses seeking strategic financial and management support".

He said: "Our experienced team already works with some of them and I hope to encourage others to make use of our sophisticated financial expertise."