Baker Street reveals secret history - 17.05.2007

Businesses will be able to share the same office and meeting space that Winston Churchill once used at MWB Business Exchange’s new Baker Street location. The office and meeting rooms at 83 Baker Street,Central London, previously known as Norgeby House, were the secret base of the Special Operations Executive, a covert network of spies set up by Churchill, during the Second World War and Churchill himself used the building for some of his critical meetings.

And to honour the history of the building, MWB Business Exchange has themed the meeting spaces to include The Churchill Strategy Rooms, Dug Out and Field Room, which have been styled by leading architect, Anne Machin, to reflect their fascinating history. The rooms will be available to hire for events, meetings and business presentations as well as for use by its own internal clients. The design style is contemporary, conveying the building’s history with a modern, innovative twist.

83 Baker Street will be the first of many themed offices and meeting venues to be introduced by MWB Business Exchange as it plans to make this a regular feature of its buildings. Future plans include a rugby inspired venue in Richmond.

John Spencer, CEO, MWB Business Exchange commented: "Companies are increasingly looking for meeting rooms that offer something different to the drab grey look found in many offices. By introducing themed meeting rooms we are catering to this need whilst ensuring we offer value for money at all times.

83 Baker Street offers companies a prime central London location from which to run their business and hold meetings. After just five weeks the building is already 52% occupied, highlighting the current popularity of flexible space for start-up, SME and established organisations."

Not only will the themes help businesses stand out from the crowd, it can also help inspire staff as Gwyn Rogers, Business Psychologist explains:"Research has shown that people's working environment has a significant impact on their commitment and creativity and this is particularly important in meeting rooms where people will be searching for inspiration. Creating an exciting and provocative business environment means more than ensuring an impressive 'outward face' of the organisation for clients and visitors. It also helps employees and visitors to think more creatively whilst sending strong psychological signals about what the organisation stands for.

"The use of colour, layout, furniture design, lighting and partitions as well as the general architectural 'impression' all work together to create a 'sense' of the organisation. Sending the 'right' messages means that people identify with the business and are inclined to invest extra effort and commitment. Stimulating this sense of 'emotional well being' also creates the 'right' mood, ensuring they are relaxed and can be more creative.

"MWB has interpreted this idea perfectly at 83 Baker Street,creating a particularly stimulating environment using its fascinating history as inspiration. The themed meeting rooms will provide striking and innovative venues for business meetings, ensuring they are not only productive but enjoyable as well."Office and meeting space is now available at 83 Baker Street.

For further information, please contact Freephone 0808 100 1800 or visit www.mwbex.com.

MWB Business Exchange Plc provides five star Serviced Offices operating a portfolio of over 1,500,000 sq ft of prime office Space throughout the UK, Meeting Venues with over 250 meeting rooms, and Virtual Offices.