Businesses in the North East are being forced to review their property costs as they look to fight their way through the recession, according to workplace design experts, Space Solutions.

The Aberdeen-based company is reporting a surge in interest from companies in the region who are anxious to reduce costs during the economic slowdown or while oil prices remain low.

The firm has also revealed that its new workplace performance service - which shows companies how to realise efficiencies in the way they operate - has also exceeded all expectations.

In the past week, Audit Scotland highlighted the need for Scottish councils to improve management of their property assets with Aberdeenshire and Highland Councils topping the list of buildings in Scotland in the poorest condition.

Managing Director Steve Judge said the challenge for businesses and councils alike to reduce costs has never been greater.

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He said: "Property is one of the biggest costs faced by businesses or organisations so in these challenging times, and with concerns over low oil prices, the importance of good estate management is crucial.

"Many companies in the oil and gas sector have problems with their property estates. Some have had to react to strong growth in a haphazard fashion with staff being squeezed into any space available. This has caused problems with some teams being split over various sites. In other cases, project teams have swiftly sprung up and grown in size without being properly accommodated."

According to Mr Judge this means Facilities Managers or people in charge of property portfolios are under pressure to sweat their assets like never before.

Steve said Space Solutions has been flooded with inquiries in recent weeks from firms and organisations looking to make better use of their property to reduce costs - as well as overwhelming interest in its specialist workplace performance service.

The creation of the workplace performance service follows the appointment of two of the UK’s leading workplace strategist specialists - Mark Breingan and Rory Cochrane - who have some 32 years experience in the sector.

Space Solutions has already been asked to present proposals to 15 firms, including some blue chip companies in the oil and gas sector, just six weeks after the service was launched and have been given the go ahead to carry out four reviews to date.

(GK/JM)