Firm that helps companies with international expansions picks Tampa for new HQ
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Dec 14, 2021

A firm that helps other companies expand internationally plans to establish a headquarters in Tampa and create 200 to 300 jobs in the coming years.

HSP Group, led by veteran global expansion services executive Larry Harding, launched virtually in late 2020. Harding, who sold his previous global expansion services firm in 2014, assembled an executive team that's comfortable working together virtually — but as the business grows, the team sees a need to establish a physical headquarters to train new hires and build a company culture.

“HSP Group is the latest global company to instantly recognize the business advantages and excellent quality of life that Tampa offers,” Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement.

For most of 2022, HSP will work from coworking offices. Harding told the Tampa Bay Business Journal he'll likely engage a commercial real estate broker in 2023 to search for more permanent office space. He sees the headquarters as serving two purposes: It's a meeting place where his executive team can convene three or four times a year, and it's also a place to train and build camaraderie with new hires, which will include many recent college graduates.

The roles that HSP will look to fill in Tampa include international business consultants, financial managers, human resources specialists, project management professionals, sales and sales support personnel, accountants, paralegals and legal assistants. Harding said that while he can't name current clients, his focus is on venture-backed technology companies.

At his previous firm, High Street Partners, his clients included Tesla and Airbnb "before anybody had heard of them." Tampa Bay's booming technology scene, Harding said, is a key reason HSP will establish its headquarters here.

"The majority of our clients are tech companies," he said, "so being part of a tech ecosystem is really nice."

Harding is based in Boston and Bonita Springs and said he's considering relocating to Tampa. In the meantime, he'll be in the city three to four days a week. With HSP's focus on global expansions, international travel is critical, and he says he's been assured more direct international flights are coming to Tampa International Airport.

"We are all about international business," he said, "and I’m looking forward to us becoming a meaningful part of the Tampa business community."

The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council announced HSP's headquarters plans in a news release Tuesday.

“The Tampa area’s reputation as a leading hub for professional and financial services continues to attract new companies that want to be part of a vibrant, growing community that provides access to highly-skilled talent,” James Nozar, EDC chairman and strategic adviser to the board of developer Strategic Property Partners.