Shell and flexible workspace provider Regus have announced the trial of a joint programme that could see Regus business lounges open at Shell petrol forecourts on motorways across Europe.

The first business lounge, which is designed to meet the needs of a growing number of mobile workers, has opened at a Shell station just south-west of Paris, on the A10 autoroute, at the Limours-Janvry service station.

Drivers can drop into the lounge to use reliable high-speed internet; scan, copy or fax documents; print from their laptop, smartphone, Blackberry or tablet; get help from a virtual concierge; arrange courier deliveries; and combine stopping for fuel, food or forecourt services with using professional work facilities.

To access the Regus business lounge, motorists buy a day pass at the Shell checkout or swipe a Regus Businessworld card. The Businessworld programme offers members drop-in access to more than 1,200 Regus business centres around the world.

Istvan Kapitany, vice president of Shell Retail Europe, said: “This alliance allows Shell and Regus as market leaders in their respective fields to come together to better serve our customers. We know that many of our customers are working on the move and are excited to explore offering them accessible and innovative working options as part of our existing network.”

Mark Dixon, CEO of Regus, said: “Research shows there are around 1 billion mobile workers globally. Though they communicate and work using smartphones, tablets and laptops, they miss access to a professional place to work, meet or think where there is easy access to state of the art business facilities.

“By opening Regus business lounges at motorway stations, Shell and Regus are bringing vibrant business hubs right to the roadside. As a result, many people will be able to work more productively in a professional business environment while on the move.”