Ann Petherick is determined to banish pale grey empty walls from Yorkshire’s offices.

“In these times, businesses need to cut costs, but they also need to find imaginative ways to compete,” says the York gallery owner. “That’s way we’ve launched Art Exchange, an exciting, innovative scheme to transform the appearance of the county’s business premises with displays of contemporary original art.”

Ann suggests Art Exchange can work for businesses by presented the company as creative and forward looking.

“All can be achieved at surprisingly low cost,” she says. “For example, up to ten original works can be leased for less than £25 per week, sufficient to transform a reception area and major public rooms.”

Operating from her gallery at Kentmere House in Scarcroft Hill, Ann will lease paintings and original prints for a fee of three per cent of the value of each artwork per month, with a minimum lease period of six months.

“Several Yorkshire companies, including SFS Intec, Yorkshire Forward, and Yorvale Properties, have been quick to appreciate the advantages of using Art Exchange to create a stimulating work environment,” says Ann.

SFS Intec, in Kirkstall Road, Leeds, has transformed its dual-height reception area with a display of paintings by three Yorkshire artists, Jack Hellewell, John Thornton and David Greenwood.

“All are artists who use colour to maximum effect and all, in their very different ways, excel in capturing the essence of Yorkshire,” says Ann.

She brings a crusading zeal to Art Exchange. “I feel sorry for staff having to work in some of the dreary uninspiring offices I’ve seen around Yorkshire, and the message these premises give to clients is that these are dreary, uninspiring companies. “Yet the cost of original art represents a minor element of any interior design budget and can transform even the dullest spaces instantly,” Ann says.

Art Exchange also allows paintings to be offered for sale to staff or clients if the company wishes. “This generates income to finance continued leasing and providing further opportunities for the region’s artists,” she says.

* Companies seeking more information or advice should phone Ann on 01904 656507 or 07801 810825.