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Interview with Laudy Lahdo in Khaleej Times Newspaper

1. How long has Servcorp been providing its services in the Middle East and the UAE?

We made our entry into the Middle East market in 1999 by opening a business centre in the Emirates Towers in Dubai. Servcorp was originally founded in Sydney in 1978 and has grown to 140 locations around the world. We have been expanding in the Middle East ever since and now have 14 branches in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. This expansion allows businesses to enter the Middle East markets with ease and minimal risk.

2. Which segment of industry or types of individuals constitute the main clientele here? Why do they choose Servcorp to provide these services?

We cater to all industries but we have 2 very distinct customer bases. We provide high quality office space and five star service to branch offices for multinational companies as well as small to medium enterprises. From busy entrepreneurs who are rarely in the same time-zone two days in a row to larger companies looking to expand their presence into new cities. Our business solutions are designed to suit companies' varied needs offering them flexible lease terms, access to a global network of premium offices across the globe and benchmark IT and communication services. The advantage of using Servcorp's tools is that it doesn't matter what kind of business you're running – we have the knowledge and support you need to keep your clients satisfied regardless of their location.

3. Are all the services listed in your website available to clients in this region also?

Servcorp's clients have access to a global technology platform, fantastic support teams and the world's best addresses enabling them to connect, operate and compete in any market they choose. In the Middle East, our clients can choose any of our listed world class services and facilities: from our Serviced offices, equipped with the finest fitouts and advanced technologies, to our Virtual offices, enabling them to work efficiently and even remotely from any location worldwide, while benefitting from a local presence and a professional support. Different packages and many flexible offers are available to fit different business needs. All Servcorp's customers have access to Servcorp's global network, reliable communications and IT system, and a professional support team.

4. What is the growth strategy for Servcorp in this region?

Expansion and global presence are the essence of Servcorp's orientations, along with the international business growth. Our existence, worldwide, is demand driven. We operate through 140 locations in 21 countries worldwide, and 20 of these locations are in the Middle East. Actually, over the past 12 months, 50% of our expansion has been in the Middle East making it easier than ever before for businesses within the Middle East region to have access to our business solutions and services.

5. Do you think the concept of virtual offices will continue to be popular? If so why? What is your forecast for the future in this business and the role Servcorp will play in it?

Servcorp believes virtual offices will soon become the norm rather than the exception, as businesses continue to move towards global rather than local models. More small to medium sized businesses are embracing the concept of working virtually in order to grow their corporate identity and presence as quickly and cheaply as possible. A virtual office gives you the means to develop your business from a variety of locations, without being run into the ground by expensive office costs.

The basic concept that brought Servcorp to life has remained unchanged since its beginning in 1978, and will still be the main driver for all our new concepts and services in the future: offering the best in class business solutions and helping businesses grow and expand while reducing profit-obstructing overheads.