Its exciting plans to refurbish the exterior of the famous tower and the neighbouring technology building were given the go-ahead by Melton planners last week. Negotiations are now under way with contractors with work due to start early next year and be completed within 12 months.

John Hill, chief executive of Pera Innovation Network, which occupies the 14-acre site in Nottingham Road, said: "We are absolutely delighted. This is an important milestone.

"We're a 21st century knowledge-based business but from the outside our HQ looks like a 1960s comprehensive school.

"It can be difficult to quantify the payback from investment in the fabric of buildings but in our business perception is important and we want to project a modern image both to the town and to our customers as we continue to grow our European-wide business.

"We also have even bigger plans for the Lodge, to the right of the tower, in terms of a hotel and international conference facilities but that is one for the future."

The council's development committee unanimously approved the plans, subject to a number of conditions including a bat survey, which comprise external re-cladding and solar control to reduce heat loss in winter and overheating in summer.

Chairman Mark Barnes said: "It's looking very exciting. It's going to look very different, the plans look great and the building will be a landmark for the town. Pera is putting the investment into Melton which is great."

As reported in the Melton Times Pera has already invested £250,000 in developing a new conference wing and launched the Pera Foundation with an initial budget of £1m to promote youth enterprise and entrepreneurship with a number of partners including the Prince's Trust, Brooksby Melton College and Melton Learning Hub.
Since 2000 Pera's annual turnover has increased from £12m to £50m and employment from 125 to 300. Pera plans to recruit 200 additional staff by 2010 to sustain its progress.