Retailer Tesco have developed an internal meetings booking tool that has led to cost savings in excess of £3 million. Speaking at a MPI UK & Ireland Event (Meeting Professionals International) Tesco Internal Events Manager Kate Conway said:

"We've put in place a meetings tool where (Tesco staff) have to book internal meeting space before they can go off-site and they have to get a sign-off from such a high level that it's not worth it."

This is a good example of a strategy that is being employed by a number of large corporates, so much so that Progressive Resources say that it is one of the notable trends to emerge from the recession. Event Consultant Chris Welch says:

"Corporate clients have high quality workspaces, often with kitchens and all the facilities you would expect from a hotel or conference venues. Having this space empty and unused while everyone decamps to a hotel can seem extravagant in the current climate."

Progressive Resources have a range of events which can be held in client offices, including an Indoor Crystal Challenge and Chocolate Making.