THE name is synonymous with Basingstoke – but now the fight is on to persuade the bosses of the Automobile Association to keep the business based in the town.

The AA is “reviewing its entire property portfolio” – and speculation is rife that it is set to leave its long-standing home in Fanum House, and could quit the town altogether.

The AA employs more than 800 people – making it one of the borough’s biggest employers – and it has been based in Basing View for 41 years.

Now, the leaders of the borough council and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce have both spoken about the importance of keeping the business in the borough, and of making sure that Fanum House remains in use.

Reports of the AA possibly leaving its iconic building surfaced last Friday in Property Week, a business-to-business property magazine.

The AA told The Gazette: “The fact is that the AA constantly reviews its entire property portfolio across the UK to accommodate an evolving organisation, and to ensure that our people are in the right places to best serve our customers.”

Andrew Finney, the Basingstoke-based president of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said he understood that the AA is considering moving to a different location in the town.

He said: “Obviously, the AA has been in Basingstoke for many years, and it would be a great loss to the local area if it left.

“As I understand it, they are reviewing their premises and they may move within Basingstoke, which would be better than them moving out of Basingstoke.

“That though does leave the issue of what would happen to Fanum House, which would ideally require a large occupier to fill it, and that would be a concern.

“As I understand it, it would be difficult to subdivide the building for several businesses. It would be for the local business community to look at what could be done to provide alternative uses.

“I would hope that when the AA complete their review, they decide to stay in Basingstoke and I would hope that they remain in Fanum House – but the needs of businesses do change over the years.”

The AA owns, and is the sole occupier of, Fanum House, but the firm pays rent to the borough council, which owns the land.

The 18-storey tower block, in Basing View, is one of the most iconic buildings in the borough. It stands at 274ft and is the second-tallest building in the town. When it was opened by The Queen in 1973, it was said to be the tallest building between London and New York.

Basing View is currently undergoing an ambitious £200million regeneration programme by the borough council, and council leader Councillor Clive Sanders described The AA as “an important part” of the town’s reputation.

Cllr Sanders told The Gazette: “We understand that the AA looks at its property portfolio on an ongoing basis.

“We are working with them to find a solution that meets the company’s needs for premises within the borough.

“The AA is one of our major employers and an important part of the town’s growing reputation for innovation and enterprise. “As a council, we are keen to support our existing companies to ensure they stay and grow in the borough, while also attracting new high-profile companies.”

The speculation about a possible move comes after a difficult year for the AA.

In March, GMB members held a rally outside the company’s offices, calling for a substantial, real terms pay increase.

In August, chief executive Chris Jansen resigned, and a drop in pre-tax profits was reported by the company in September.