Pictured: (l-r) Colin Davidson, Lucy Hansell of GW Interiors and Steve Haselwood, commercial director, from Skanska's Birmingham office

Two major businesses have brought their services, expertise and new jobs to Birmingham with a helping hand from city-based office interiors experts.

GW Interiors has been working alongside leading construction group Skanska and Trowers & Hamlins, an international law firm, as part of contracts worth a total of £200,000 to the fit-out and refurbishment specialists. Both companies are based in prestigious offices at Ten Colmore Row in the city centre.

Lucy Hansell, sales director at GW Interiors, said: "We are pleased to have played our part in helping two major companies as they embark on their new ventures in Birmingham."

Originating in Sweden, Skanska is one of the world's leading construction groups with expertise in construction, development of commercial and residential projects and public private partnerships.

Skanska has been active in the Midlands area for a number of years undertaking projects across the healthcare, custodial and defence sectors. The company's decision to establish a base in Birmingham was in response to its business plan to increase its regional presence in an area where it already has local knowledge and can offer skills, experience and solutions.

The company is currently number one in the Sunday Times Best Green Companies for its green credentials, which is something that it wanted to convey throughout the design of the office space.

As part of a design and build project, GW Interiors created a space that reflected the company's green credentials and strong work ethics by using recycled materials, energy-saving electronics and digital Skanska imagery, said Lucy.

Colin Davidson, one the Skanska directors responsible for the office, said: "The GW Interiors team provided workplace consultancy which allowed the team to discuss how the office space would work most efficiently. They also provided excellent support and design ideas for the new Skanska office in Birmingham. We could not have achieved such a great result without them."

Trowers & Hamlins is an international law firm with offices throughout the UK and the Middle East. The company's new Birmingham office will allow it to broaden its national network so it can continue to meet the extensive needs of its clients across the UK.

As part of a project that was won through competitive tender, GW Interiors installed a top quality acoustic partitioning system to ensure that client confidentially can be maintained. The design was compiled by Trowers & Hamlins' own architects with GW Interiors working to the required specifications. Other key features included the installation of a unique reception area that had highly specialist finishes and bespoke joinery/furniture items.

Gordon Taylor, director of administration at Trowers & Hamlins, said: "It was great to work with a contractor who understands their clients' needs and completed the programme on time and within budget. The after care support reflected their strong working relationship with us."

GW Interiors offers interior design, fit-out and refurbishment services. In partnership with its furniture company Creative Box, the company can provide the turnkey package.