Property and construction consultancy Wakemans has been appointed to lead the £2.2 million extension of Midshire Business Systems' headquarters in West Bromwich.

The firm, which is based in Edgbaston and has offices in Bristol and Caernarfon, will provide Midshire with a complete design and build service and project manage the redevelopment of the site.

Midshire Business Systems sells office technology products such as photocopiers, printers and software and this project will expand its current HQ, including larger offices, warehouse and workshop, from 20,000 to 25,000 sq ft.

Wakemans' associate director Adrian Cartwright said he believed the scheme represented a new mood of optimism for businesses which were willing to invest as the outlook for the economy improved.

"We are experiencing more enquiries as companies that had put projects on hold are starting to dust off their plans and move forward with their investments," he said.

Midshire managing director Phil Powell added: "We have seen continued and steady growth since the company started 24 years ago.

"This has been accelerated over recent years by expanding our portfolio of products and services as well as increased brand awareness through marketing campaigns, sponsorship and charity work.

"This is a significant investment for us and I'm pleased to say that building is commencing the month after our best ever month on record."

Wakemans has also recently expanded its surveying team in Birmingham with the appointments of Gerard Belfield and Michael Greenway.

Mr Belfield has 28 years' experience as a quantity surveyor with a wide range of expertise across the public and private sector.

He has managed multiple facilities management contracts across the UK as well as carrying out the quantity surveying services on projects in the healthcare, residential, educational and hospitality sectors.

His career has included time with national companies such as Arcadis AYH and Interserve Facilities Management as well as smaller regional practices, such as Holbrow Brookes and partners where he began his career.

Mr Greenway is an experienced building surveyor with more than 14 years of experience.

These include contract administration, dilapidations, professional development. He began his career with AECOM 14 years ago where he qualified as building surveyor.