Brava new world.

OFFICE refurbishment and fit-out specialist Brava Lifestyle is to leave Teesside and join forces with Bulmer Interior Contracts of Byker in what the company described as a 'recession busting' move.

The two companies said the new joint venture would offer clients a 'one-stop-shop' and cut out the middle-man, while keeping business in the North-east.

Brava, established on Teesside in 1980, was responsible for kitting out Middlesbrough College and the RSPB visitor centre at Salthome, among several high profile clients.

Established a year later, Bulmer Interior Contracts has experience in the public and private sector, working for the NHS, MECCA Group and Greggs the Bakers among others. It employs 16 craftsmen, architects and designers at its workshop in Byker.

All Brava's staff will move from Wynyard in August.

Brava Lifestyle MD Eric Lloyd said: "Everybody is looking to tighten their belts and by joining forces we can cut costs, savings which we can pass directly on to our clients. This partnership means we can take the customer's concept from an idea to a finished product, all from one site."