THE owner of a Teesside building has called in an expert to ensure it is offering prospective tenants ideal working conditions for their businesses.

The Chinese art of Feng Shui is becoming a popular way to help achieve a harmonious and healthy working environment, boosting staff morale and increasing productivity.

Christine Martin, from Feng Shui North-East, visited Centre North-East in Middlesbrough to survey the property and its environment to assess its positive and negative energy aspects.

Particular attention was paid to an area of the building being converted into a relaxation zone, where stressed employees can go for a few minutes peace and quiet.

It is also planned to set aside the room so practitioners of alternative therapies, such as yoga and aromatherapy, can offer their services to the building's occupants.

The 18-storey glass fronted building, the tallest office complex in the region, has been refurbished at a cost of £4m.

Ms Martin said: "The principles of Feng Shui can be applied to large buildings such as Centre North-East, or to an individual office."

John Orchard, director of Marchday, which owns Centre North-East, said: "The commercial property market is very competitive and we need to be open and responsive to any ideas that could enhance Centre North-East as a location for new and existing companies to consider.

"We are particularly keen to attract the call centre market, many of whom are aware of the benefits of Feng Shui to their staff. We are awaiting the arrival of Christine's report with interest."