A leading shop and office-fitter has just announced it has secured a three-year contract to fit out at least 30 new schools in the south of England.

Fife-based Havelock Europa has welcomed the £20m deal with Balfour Beatty Construction to fit-out the schools with furniture and other equipment.

Based in Fife's Dalgety Bay, Havelock Europa said the deal was part of its strategy of investing in the education market following a difficult few years.

-- Advertisement --

Over the past two years the company has had to reduce its workforce from 1,000 to 750, to help tackle overheads.

In the first half of 2011 they reported a loss of £1.5m compared with a loss of £4.6m for the same period last year.

Chief executive Eric Prescott spoke positively about the new contract, stating: "This framework agreement strengthens our leadership in the educational supply market and provides us with good visibility going forward.

"Having worked with Balfour Beatty for many years, we are delighted that our relationship has been recognised through a framework agreement and now both parties can now focus on maximising the value and quality of service we deliver for our mutual customers."

(JG/GK)