First 02 business centre outside London launches in Leeds

THE first O2 business centre outside of London has opened in Leeds.

Ajaz Ahmed, the founder of FreeServe, once the UK’s largest internet service provider, officially opened the O2 Workshop which is operated by O2 franchisee Talk Direct Leeds and based in the newly refurbished 2,000 sq ft O2 store at the Merrion Centre.

The new store, opposite the new First Direct Arena on Arena Mall, includes a board room meeting space, which can be booked by any businesses to use free of charge.

The room seats up to 12 people and includes complementary tea and coffee. There is also a printer service, conference call facilities, a smart interactive board and free wifi available.

Zak Patel,Talk Direct Leeds founder and managing director, said: “We’re really pleased to have O2’s first business workshop in the North. We opened our first store in the Merrion Centre back in 2006, and from there our business has gone from strength to strength, so it’s fitting to have our first business workshop store also located here. It was great to have Ajaz Ahmed join us to help celebrate the opening.”

Helen Green, associate director for Town Centre Securities, which owns and manages the Merrion Centre, said: “This is a really handy free facility for visitors to the Merrion Centre and Arena Quarter, who can drop in to do some work or meet clients. It’s great for small businesses, freelancers and consultants or arena conference delegates who want a quiet space to conduct business or just make a few calls away from the crowds.

“It’s a real coup to have the first O2 Workshop outside of London here at the Merrion Centre. ”