The world’s largest provider of flexible workspace is celebrating the fifth birthday of its Barking business centre.

Regus Fortis House, in London Road, has become a popular base for hundreds of local start-ups, growing businesses and several multinational corporations.

The centre offers varied workspaces over four floors, and recently unveiled a brand new 20-person meeting room on the top floor.

In particular, the company has seen increased take-up from the recruitment, charity, legal, training and media sectors, attracted by the versatile rooms and convenient location.

John Spencer, UK chief executive at Regus said: “Our Barking centre has seen a particular spike in interest from start-ups recently, which is a reflection on the rise of local entrepreneurs for whom flexibility is the watchword.

“Companies of all sizes, and across all industries, are turning their backs on the 20th Century model of fixed overheads, long leases and single-location working.”

Regus also last week announced the opening of a new centre for the borough’s City commuters, close to Fenchurch Street station.

However, motivational speaker Ubong Essien insists the centre’s Barking location is the perfect place to hold training sessions for his East London and Essex-based clients.

He said: “Barking is a thriving area with excellent transport connections, so, for me, the centre represents an ideal base to hold meetings and to do business in east London.”