Swedish banking group Handelsbanken has added to its portfolio of West Midlands branches by opening a new base in Stratford.

The group has taken 2,000 sq ft of space at the newly refurbished Kings House, at Elm Court.

Handelsbanken is the first tenant to move into the three-story property since it was completely remodelled to provide open-plan office suites on each floor.

The bank already has two bases in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry and Leamington Spa among others

Stratford Branch manager Andy Smith said: "I am delighted to have founded this office. I have recruited a vastly experienced team and we are looking forward to supporting individuals and businesses located in and around the Stratford area."

The new branch will be one of more than 170 offices opened across the UK as part of Handelsbanken’s ongoing UK expansion programme.

Commercial property agency Tim Cox Associates completed the letting in conjunction with D&P Holt on behalf of the trustees for King Henry VIII Endowed Trust which owns the building.

Tim Cox said: "The landlords took a brave decision to completely refurbish the property while the office market was still fragile and the accommodation has been transformed into one of the best office buildings in Stratford.

"We are delighted that Handelsbanken has decided to take up the ground floor office unit at Kings House having found that the property was best suited to meet the needs of their business.

"The banking group has a strong presence across Coventry and Warwickshire and this move will increase its coverage in the area."