Equity investor BGF is relocating its office in Birmingham city centre.

The firm will move its team from 45 Church Street in 2019 to take over the entire top floor of The Lewis Building which reopened after a major renovation last year.

BGF investor Gurinder Sunner said: "2018 has been an incredibly active year with the team transacting an average of one deal a month and investing £70 million in the past ten months alone.

"Despite the obvious uncertainty surrounding Brexit, it's encouraging to see that this has not dampened the appetite of businesses to explore and secure funding for their growth strategies.

"Reflecting the increased level of activity, we've recruited five staff, opened a dedicated East Midlands office in Nottingham and are delighted to have signed the lease on new, larger premises in The Lewis Building in Birmingham.

"Our intention is to maintain the momentum of the past few months as we head towards year end."

During 2018, BGF, which is owned by five high street banks, has taken stakes in Midlands firms such as Purity Brewery Co., online travel management firm Click Travel and collision management technology business CMS.

The team was established in Birmingham in 2011 to provide investment into growing small- and medium-sized businesses.

Formerly Temple Court, The Lewis Building, in Bull Street, was acquired by Legal and General in 2014 along with its neighbour Priory Court for £87.5 million before undergoing a £20 million renovation which included the addition of an extra storey.

The deal with BGF was completed by CBRE which is joint letting agency with GVA.