The personal finance division at the Brighton office of accountancy firm Hacker Young has had a 30 per cent increase in turnover.

The division provides advice for people on financial matters from savings and investments, to holiday insurance and school fees.

Partner Miles Cary said:

"The underlying factor for the growth is based on people making significant investments."

It was partly due to the launch of a web site which includes a cheap share dealing facilities www. hyfinancial.myifa. net.

Mr Cary said: "The internet allows people can get an idea of costs before committing themselves to a particular product or service."