How might a haunted house help a business reach its full potential? Why could prison be good for employees?

Trapped Escape Rooms in Gloucester has the answers.

Founded by directors Nick Davies and Shane Handcock, the new venture is offering one-day and half-day corporate team-building packages that could hold the key to companies running more efficiently and effectively.

Unlike anything else in Gloucestershire, The Haunted Hotel and Prison Break experiences require players to work together to crack hidden puzzles and escape a locked-themed room before the one-hour timer runs out.

Staff members who take part on the courses will have an opportunity to gain important skills and knowledge, including: what makes an effective team; how to identify leaders among a group; the importance of team roles; understanding communication and its importance.

Nick Davies said: "We're confident that there's nothing out there in terms of our team-building course.

"It has been specifically designed for us by a qualified behavioural analyst who has 15 years' experience in the health and social care sector running and improving large teams.

"Training has been provided for the prison service, police and community projects to support increasing knowledge, understanding and supporting other team members whilst learning how to work as an effective team.

"We guarantee staff will leave feeling more able to support each other, more equipped to be able to see what problems they have and to plan how to tackle these problems."

In The Haunted Hotel, the group will be told that their car has broken down outside the intimidating Hotel Black on a dark and stormy night.

The team decides to check-in for night but the lift to take them up to their room suddenly stops - scared and frightened, how will they get out?

In the Prison Break scenario, the group have been arrested for a bank robbery and are in holding cells awaiting trial - can they escape before the guard comes to take them to the courtroom?

Shane Handock, who also runs a roofing business in Hucclecote, said: "As a company director, I know businesses are always looking for new ways to motivate their staff and improve efficiency.

"Businesses have told us that their employees have benefited from taking part in the exercises and that it was an effective use of their time and provided value for money - virtually every review on Trip Advisor is five star.

"The exercises are fun and exciting, but they're great for business too."

As well as team-building exercises, the Trapped Escape Rooms is the ideal destination for birthday celebrations, hen and stag parties, and family get-togethers.

As well as The Haunted Hotel and Prison Break, it also features new addition The Hangover.

For more information about the corporate team-building packages, visit Trapped Escape Rooms  or telephone 01452 642647.