Details have emerged of a new headquarter for a specialist financial services firm whose roots go way back into Gloucestershire's past.

And it turns out the business, which grew from the ideas laid down in an 1878 essay by Stroud businessman George Holloway, who described a then dream of many - a scheme which could provide sick pay for workers.

It was off the back of this early idea of income protection that what has become Cirencester Friendly was born, and recent expansion and an eye of future growth have seen the mutual invest in a new purpose-built headquarters.

It found the skills to achieve its dream here in the county too - hiring Barnwood General Works as its main contractor and then building fit-out specialists Cobus. Both based in Gloucester.

The result is Mutuality House South Cerney.

For Cobus, which employs 11 staff, the contract was worth an estimated £100,000. The firm has also been involved in recent times with the likes of Hartpury College and the giant Laithwaites Wines depot at Brockworth.

Gemma Gold, project manager at Cobus, said: "With our 40 years' experience in interior design, Cirencester Friendly felt they could trust us to carry out the work to their exact requirements and, subsequently, were thrilled with the end results.

"We hope they enjoy their new working environment and that it enables them to continue to offer excellent service to their members and supporting advisers."

The family-run firm was tasked with creating a high-quality, professional working environment ahead of the relocation, whilst incorporating Cirencester Friendly's values, motives and colours.

The full furniture fit-out included the main building reception, both open-plan and private offices, a training room, breakout spaces, boardroom, canteen, washrooms, meeting rooms and kitchens.

The initial stages saw the design team produce 2D floor plans, 3D renders, and mood boards detailing fabrics and finishes for Cirencester Friendly to ensure their core values were being reflected accurately, in the open, light, contemporary and flexible design.

Michelle West-Wiggins, head of customer care at Cirencester Friendly, said: "Our overall project brief was to design an impressive working environment to accommodate up to 95 staff members in comfort.

"It had to be capable of bringing people together and incorporating our brand subtly, ensuring the building had a professional feel whilst keeping in mind that we are a mutual and member-owned business."

No detail was available on the cost of the overall project. The firm moved from its old offices in Dyer Street, Cirencester, with the new building officially opened by chief executive officer Paul Hudson.

Cobus is a specialist design and interior family-run company, based in Gloucester, head up by managing director Lloyd Coldrick.