LONDON and DUBLIN, February 5 /PRNewswire/ --

- Demand for videoconferencing surges as businesses implement cost containment strategies -

Business travelers are trading in their suitcases and boarding passes for a trip to a videoconferencing studio. The Regus Group, operator of the world's largest network of public access studios with 1,000 locations in 75 countries, reported a 40% spike in videoconferencing bookings as cutbacks in business travel forced companies to change the way they do business.

Given the tough economic conditions, we expect the slowdown in business travel to continue, said Regus Group CEO Mark Dixon. The quality of virtual tools available have improved so dramatically in recent years; I can't imagine any company reverting back to its old way of conducting a meeting.

2009 will be a decisive year for businesses, as the grip from the global recession remains firm. Determined to survive, companies will need to examine every process and procedure and make significant modifications in order to effectively compete.

Dixon thinks this may be the year companies finally embrace applications and technologies that have been on the periphery of their radar screen and bring them to the forefront resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.

Regus calculates a videoconference meeting cuts the average cost of business travel by 75% and removes the hassle of the commute. Dixon points to the environmental benefits to be had by hosting a virtual meeting, particularly if it removes the need to fly.

Remote meetings enable effective collaboration among dispersed colleagues and eliminates the headaches and high-cost of travel, added Dixon. Companies can also help the environment by hosting a videoconference -- lower hydrocarbon emissions, reduced fuel consumption and less traffic congestion makes videoconferencing a greener way to work.

In order to meet the growing demand for videoconferencing services, Regus will be rolling out an advanced telepresence product this year. Companies considering this technology should look at its benefits, including:

-- The ability to expand services to a wider customer base -- Access to experts or employees in remote locations easily and cost-effectively -- Better hiring decisions due to wider and deeper recruiting from anywhere in the world

Moscow-based BrunelCR Executive Search, an executive recruiting firm, is using Regus' videoconferencing services to maximize time and broaden its search for executives.

Ekaterina Lakhtikova, Recruitment Consultant at BrunelCR Executive Search, has been conducting videoconferences for the past years and explains:

We take into consideration that many of our clients are based abroad and videoconferencing service can substantially decrease travel and time expenses. We choose Regus because it is not only a worldwide leader in providing business workplaces, but it also allows virtual meetings online through its videoconferencing system. Located in the city centre, a few minutes walk from the metro station, they also offer us professional staff assistance, high tech systems, competitive prices and flexibility.

About The Regus Group

The Regus Group is the world's leading provider of pioneering workplace solutions, with products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the largest network of videoconferencing studios. The Regus Group delivers a new way to work, whether it's from home, on the road or from an office.

Clients such as Google, GlaxoSmithKline, Nokia and Accenture join thousands of growing small and medium businesses that benefit from outsourcing their office and workplace needs to The Regus Group, allowing them to focus on their core business.

Over 400,000 clients a day benefit from Regus Group facilities spread across a global footprint of 1,000 locations in 450 cities and 75 countries, which allows individuals and companies to work wherever, however and whenever they want to.

For more information, visit www.regus.com.

Nathalie Renson of The Regus Group, +33-(0)1-70-92-39-37, nathalie.renson@regus.com