Forget pea pods in your garden, try OfficePOD!

IT has been touted by designers as the "next generation of workplace"; a radical new solution to the long-standing work/life problem.

This is the OfficePOD: the compact, stylish and eco-friendly workplace designed for your own back garden.

The 2.1m x 2.1m, fully self-contained unit meets all standard office accommodation regulations, and in most cases does not require planning permission to build.

And by cutting the need for employees to commute, the OfficePOD saves the environment, not just travel time.

It is the brainchild of three men: Robert Walter, from Burnham Green, Stephen Tanner from Bishop's Stortford and David Forbes, who lives in Kent.

Mr Walter, from Burnham Green Road, said: "Where we can make a difference is simply to change the way people work.

"OfficePOD can demonstrate that our way of working from home creates the opportunity to bring about this change."

Mr Tanner said: "The idea stemmed primarily from a desire to help businesses change the way they organise themselves.

"It's really all about reducing commuting time and giving employers and employees the opportunity to reduce CO2."

Mr Forbes said: "We are providing a solution that works for both the employee and employer.

"We are also seeking to further educate businesses about the huge benefits of allowing home working as part of their operational structure.

"The efficiencies and savings are too attractive to ignore, we are stunned by the response so far, both in the UK and internationally."

The "Pod" was originally marketed for larger companies to lease the units out to their employees, saving on the need for large central offices and reducing travel costs.

But now small and home-based businesses have also registered an interest, after the Pod took the recent Grand Designs Live exhibition in London.

The OfficePOD is expected to be available to lease by the end of March 2010, and is expected to cost around �5,000 a year.

Visit www.officepod.co.uk for more information.