At a time when fuel prices have reached a record high, business are being forced to assess their need for travel and look for more cost effective alternatives.

Now, Derby-based incubation centre, The iD Centre, based within the RTC Business Park on London Road in Derby, has relaunched its video conferencing facilities in a bid to help local businesses improve productivity and cut back on costly travel expenses.

Tenants and non-tenants can now access a full range of communications and video conferencing facilities at reduced rates. Facilities include two conference suites fully equipped with the latest digital presentation equipment - including video conferencing facilities, plasma screen, portable overhead projector and multi-media projector, as well as full broadband internet access and wi-fi.

Commenting on the relaunch of its video conferencing facilities, Louise Jones, incubation manager at the iD Centre said:

"Used effectively, video conferencing can have a dramatic effect on the way people do business - as well as the obvious savings in terms of travelling costs, it can also improve productivity. It should also be viewed as a way to strengthen bonds with remote colleagues and customers between personal visits and telephone calls.

"With businesses facing more and most costs, video conferencing makes more sense than ever before.

Our video conferencing facilities provide long distance conferencing solutions, which can be tailored to suit one-on-one interaction or large conferences with Q & A sessions and private chat," added Louise.

The iD Centre, which is managed by the University of Derby, is a fully serviced business incubation facility specially for technology-based and engineering businesses, with 32 fully furnished office units ranging from 105 sq ft to 438 sq ft.

All units benefit from a staffed reception, meeting rooms with video conferencing facility, kitchen facilities, subsidised restaurant, free parking and a 360-degree business incubation support package.