Managing Editor
Bhushan Bhad
heninbusiness,beanopportunist,”
Wmightsoundlikeacontroversial statementtomake,butaperfect opportunitycansky-rocketabusinesshasbeena provenbusinessmantra.
Aroundthebusinessspectrum,challengescan turnintoanopportunity.Adheringtothis teaching,manyentrepreneurspioneertheir respectiveindustriesandhelpfacilitatethe perfectsolutionforongoingcrises.Many corporationsscoutforundiscoveredterrainsand introduceabusinesssolution,sproutingmultiple benefits,notonlyfortheindustrybutforthelarge customerbase.
Ifyouareanentrepreneurandhaveafuture-proof solution,thebeststrategycanbetoimplement yourbusinessideawherethedemandsarehigh andsupplyislow.Understandingthisguru mantra,manybusinessgiantskeepan investigativeeyeoneverycorneroftheglobe.
thInthe20 century,awell-establishedpresumption wasthat,investyourmanufacturingunitsinthe West,procurerawproductsfromtheAfrican region,andestablishamarketintheEast.Using thisstrategy,theEuropeanbusinesscorporation madehugeprofits.Traversingtheentitlementof beingtheworld’soyster,Europemarkedits dominanceinalmosteverycorneroftheglobe. But,asthetideoftimehasitsmagicalwandthat keepsabalanceofboththeworld,theMiddle
Easthaschallengedtheoldpresumptionof investmentandmarketandattractedthesame oysterstosproutitsorganizationfromtheMiddle East.
Forquitesometime,oneoftheeye-popperinthe globalbusinesscommunityhasbeenQatar Knownasoneoftherichestcountrieswitha high-qualitylifestyle,businessleadersare lookingforeverywindowtohelpthemestablish themselvesinQatar’sMarket.
Therearemanyreasonsforthisparadigmshiftin theglobalbusinessorder.Firstandforemost, Qatarisconduciveandwelcomingtoforeigners, andthesecond,butamajorone,isthe government’stax-freepolicyforthebusiness community.Knowingthesebenefits,many multinationalcorporationsarealigningwithQatar markets,utilizingtheopportunityandobtaining theirfairshareofsuccess.
Knowingtheseupgrades,weatInsightsSuccess crossedpathswiththerisingbusinesscorporates ofQatartosharestoriesthatmadeadifference.
Ournewedition,“Qatar’sMostAdmired Companiestowatch,”willdriveyouthrougha journeyofinspiringstoriesofQatarbusinesses andtheopportunitythatliesinthisflourished terrain.Followthetrailandwhileyouflip throughtheadmiringbusinesstales,makesureto readtheinsightfularticleswrittenbyourin-house editorialteam.
Iwishyouahappyread!
- Bhushan Bhad
,,Qatar has been a true facilitator of global corporation and the industries established are changing the business dynamics with standout leadership.
AnsarGroupofCompanies ansar-group.com
DOHABANK dohabank.com.qa
EFSFacilities ServicesLLC efsme.com
ReemKhalifaATAl -SubaeyPublicRelations &CommunicationStrategy, CorporatePerformance &Marketing
AnsarGrouphasmovedthroughgreaterstagesofgrowthfromits inceptiontoexpansionwith17massivemallsandRealestate propertiesthathavebeenattractingasteadilyrisingnumberof visitorsovertheyears.
DohaBankisoneofthelargestcommercialbanksintheStateof Qatarandhasbeenconsistentlyregisteringastronggrowth duringthelastdecadewithparticipativeleadershipphilosophy.
KataraHospitality katarahospitality.com
KEOInternational Consultants keoic.com
EFSisaregionalleaderandleadingfacilitymanagementcompany across21countries.Itoffersintegratedfacilitymanagementservices fromdesignanddevelopmenttooperationalperformanceassessment, review,stabilization,andtransformation.
KataraHospitalityhavecreatedarichportfolioofproperties, partneringwithsomeofthebestbrandsinthehotelindustry.
KEOisacreativeenterprise,whereinnovationisawayoflife.It isuniquelyresourcedwithend-to-endservicestotakeclients frominspiration–throughconceptualization–torealizationof planning,designorprojectdeliveryinthebuiltandnatural environments.
maktApp maktApp.com
NAKILAT nakilat.com
MaktAppisaleadingcompanyincreatingdigitalproductsand providingelectronicsolutionsthathelpyouaccomplishand developyourbusinessforthebetter,accordingtothehighest standardsofqualityandprofessionalism
NakilatisashippingandmaritimecompanybasedintheState ofQatar.Withtheworld’slargestLiquefiedNaturalGas(LNG) shippingfleetcomprisingof69LNGcarriers,thecompany providestheessentialtransportationlinkinQatar’sLNG supplychain.
nehmeh.com
RajaV Assili CEO
NehmehisthepartnerofchoiceofferingTotalSolutionsforthe Automotive,Construction,HeatTransfer,Rental,Service& WoodworkingIndustries.
Mobility InnovationsCenter qmic.com
SharakaHoldings sharakaholdings.com
AmerFares CEO
TheQatarMobilityInnovationsCenter(QMIC)isthefirst independentinnovationscenterintheregionwithafocuson usingR&DtodevelopanddeployIntelligentMobilityand SmartCitiesplatformsandtechnologies.
SharakaHoldingsoffersvariouspartnershipopportunitiesasit continuouslyevolvesandgrowstowardsafuturewithinfinite possibilities.
We are always dedicated to providing our consumers with a range of good quality merchandise at most fair prices accompanied by an enjoyable shopping and leisure experience.
TheretailsectorintheMiddleEastisrapidly evolvingasconsumerpreferenceschangeandnew technologiesarebeingintroduced.Globalbrands areexpandingtheirpresenceintheregionandlocalplayers areinnovatingtokeepup.
Thisgrowingcompetitioniscreatingopportunitiesfor shoppers,whocanbenefitfromincreasingchoiceand enhancedservices.However,italsopresentschallengesfor retailers,whomustkeeppacewithchangingtrendswhile adaptingtoacomplexanddiverseregionallandscape.
Onecompanythatischangingtheparadigmsoftheretail industryisAnsarGroupofCompanies,aleadingretail companywithanexpertiseindeliveringahassle-free shoppingexperience.
BasedinDoha,Qatar,thecompanyendeavorsfor excellenceinavarietyofproductsandservicesincluding fashion,furniture,electronics,perfumes,cosmetics, householditems,homefurnishingproducts,andmany others.
FacilitatingthistransformationisAliAkbarShaikhAlias theChairman.
ForAnsarGroupofCompanies,theadventurebeganin 1980withtheopeningoftheNewWorldCompany–a singleretailstore.TheGroupwasofficiallycreatedafew yearslater,in1987,withtheopeningoftheNewWorld Centre–anappealingnewshoppingcenter Thegrouphas beencreatingoutstandingvaluessinceitsinitialendeavorin Doha,theNewWorldCompany.Itstrajectorytookitto nearly20branchesacrosstheGCC.
TheGroupalwaysstrivestoprovideagoodquality,fair pricing,andanever-endingsearchforbettermethodsto serveitscustomers.Ithasdevelopedadiverserangeof mallsandretaillocationsthatprovideshopperswith high-qualitylifestyleitemsandservices.
Thegrouphasprogressedfromitsinceptiontoexpansion withlargemallsandgalleriesthathavebeenattractinga continuallyincreasingnumberoftouriststhroughoutthe years.ItsretailpresencehasgrowntoincludefourGCC nationsandmillionsofpleasedcustomers.
Passion is at the heart of Ansar Group.
AnsarGroupiswalkingtowardsitsvisiontobethemost trustedproviderofthebestworldwideproductsthatensure thesatisfactionofitscustomersanddeliveringhappiness andagreatexperiencetoclients,employees,andallthe visitors.
PassionisattheheartofAnsarGroup.Itiscontinuously movingforward,innovating,andimproving.Each employeerepresentsthecompanyandhiscommitmentto thecustomersisthemostvaluedasset.Honestyisthebest toolwhichensuredthecontinuedgrowthyearafteryear.
Today,theAnsarGrouphasmorethan20famousoperating centersaroundtheGCC,eachofwhichisspecializedtofit theuniquedemandsandobjectivesofeachmarket.The Groupholdsacomprehensiveassortmentofproductsfrom awiderangeofareasacrosstheworld,allofwhichare designedtomeetthehigheststandards.Thisdiverse
selectionofitemsappealstoawidespectrumofcustomers, fromthebudgetshoppertotheelitebuyer.
AllofthemallsandgalleriesintheAnsarGroupare convenientlylocated,haveenoughofparking,andprovide avarietyofdiscounts.Itsenticingprizedrawings, enormousdiscounts,andwell-targetedpromotional activitieshelptodrawinasignificantnumberofcustomers.
AnsarGroupiscommittedtoprovidingadiversechoiceof high-qualityitemsatthemostcompetitivepricing,aswell asapleasantshoppingandleisureexperience.Itsmalls havebecomealifecenterforcommunitiesaroundtheGCC, providingexceptionalproducts,service,andenvironment.
AnsarGrouphaslaunchedanewconceptapparelstore namedA&H.Throughthis,theGrouphasexpandedto includefashionandclothes,healthandbeautyitems,and interiorandexteriorproductsforthehomeandoffice.
Garments,footwear,bags,cosmetics,perfumes,electronics, kitchenware,beddings,carpet,furniture,lights,tilesand
floorings,bathroomaccessories,andmuchmoreareamong theluxuriousproductsofferedbyA&Hbrandtoits community
Aconsumer-drivenstrategyofsupplyingreasonablecost, high-qualityitemsbysourcingthemdirectlyfromfactories inovertwentycountries,includingFrance,Brazil,Italy, Spain,Thailand,Turkey,Germany,Malaysia,andIndia,is attheheartoftheGroup.
AnsarGroupiscurrentlystrivingtoexpanditsboundaries ofsuccessbeyondothermarketsinthearea,backedby ambitiousgrowthplans,anextensivemediapromotion,and marketingstrategy,anda4000+professionalteam.
TheGroupislookingforwardtoexpandingitsbusinessto newhorizons.Initsjourneyforward,thegroupis committedtocontinuebringingtheexceptionalretailmix ofattractiveprices,quality,andrangetoitsever-growing centersacrosstheregion.
From the beginning, EFS has set new benchmarks in facilities management through quality service delivery and innovation.
Tariq Chauhan Group CEO EFS Facilities Services Group
hatinitialimpressionwouldyouliketomake
Wonprofessionalsorclientswhentheyvisityour officepremises?Asisknown,whenan individualstepsintotheofficefacilityforthefirsttime,s/he instantlyformsagoodorbadimpressionofthe organization,evenbeforeinitiatinganycommunication.
Havingawell-maintainedofficespacehelpsinmakinga fineimpressiononclients.Furthermore,theregularupkeep ofmachines,accessories,andotherutilitiessustainstheir efficiencyforanextendedperiod.
Inaddition,timelymaintenancehelpssavecostsby preventingunnecessarydamage.Moreover,acleanand pleasantofficeenvironmentcontributestoboostingthe employees'morale.Hiringofficefacilitiesmanagement servicesisbecomingaregularpracticeforprofessional maintenanceofeveryaspectofofficeresources.
Deliveringexcellenceinintegratedfacilitiesmanagement servicesacrosstheMiddleEast,Africa,SouthAsia,and Turkeyfor20+yearsistheEFSFacilitiesServicesGroup
EFShasbeenrecognizedforprovidingqualityfacility managementservicestosomeofthegiantcorporates, includingleadingmultinationalsintheregion.The companyhasapersistenttrackrecordofnear100%client retention.
Theaccoladesthatithasreceivedfromnationaland internationalorganizationsforhighcustomersatisfaction havebeenthecornerstoneofEFS'legacy.DrivingEFS Grouptonewheightsofsuccessandinnovationisitsexpert leader,TariqChauhan(CEO).
WegottheexclusiveopportunitytointerviewMrTariq, wherehesharedwithusindetailaboutEFS'sjourneyand thevariousachievementsithasobtainedovertheyears.
Tariq Chauhan is the Group CEO and the transforma onal driving force behind the growth of EFS. Since 2010, Tariq has been at the helm of EFS Facili es Services Group, leading as the Group's Chief Execu ve Officer and a member of EFS' Board of Directors.
Tariq has led the evolu on of EFS Facili es Services' business por olio, spearheaded the company's expansion into 21 markets across MENA, Turkey, and South Asia, and supervised the growth of its workforce of 22,000 globally.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourcompany,its values,andhowthecompanyhasbeenpositionedasa leadingplayerintheindustry.
Apeople-firstorganization,EFSFacilitiesServicesGroup, isaregionalleaderindeliveringintegratedfacilities managementservices.EFS'sglobalpresencespansthe MiddleEast,Africa,SouthAsia,andTurkey,anditis amongthetop-rankingfacilitiesmanagementcompaniesin theUAE.
Tariq was named one of the Forbes Top 50 Indian Execu ves in the Arab World in 2018, as well as one of the Forbes Middle East Top CEOs in MENA in 2021.Forover21years,EFShasbeenwell-acknowledgedbythe businesscommunityforprovidingqualityservicestosome ofthebiggestregionalnames,includingleading multinationalsintheregion.WithUSD1.5billionin contractbacklogandmanaginganapproximatetotalareaof over45millionsquaremeters,EFShassetnewbenchmarks infacilitiesmanagementthroughqualityservicedelivery andinnovationwith28operatingcompaniesin21countries acrosstheregion.
Thegroupofcompaniesisuniqueincombining progressive,people-focusedleadershipwiththefast adoptionoftechnologicaladvancements,creatingthebest environmentforpersonalgrowthforemployeesandclients' portfolios.
Whatrangeofservicesdoesyourcompanyoffer,and howarethesemakinganimpactontheindustryand yourclients?
EFSendeavourstodeliverqualityfacilitymanagementand value-addedservicesdesignedtomeetourclients'demand forsustainableservicedelivery,optimumcostsavings,and measurableend-usersatisfaction.Ourservicesrangefrom integratedfacilitiesmanagementservices,technical operations,andmaintenanceservices,softservices, disinfection,projectmanagement,andsupportservicesto consultancyandotherspecializedservices.
Fromthebeginning,EFShassetnewbenchmarksin facilitiesmanagementthroughqualityservicedeliveryand innovation.Thesustainedtrackrecordofnearly100percent clientretentionandaccoladesforhighcustomersatisfaction hasbeenthecornerstoneofEFS'slegacy.
OurFMportfoliocomprisesprominentandprestigious clients,rangingfromlargegovernmententitiestomany Fortune500companies.Weoffertotalfacilities managementsolutionsconsistingofover75services throughdedicatedbusinessverticalssuchasOil&Gas, Banking,Industrial,PublicSector,IntegratedWorkplaces, Education,Retail,andMixed-UseDevelopments.
EFSisledbycompetent,experiencedmanagementwith severaldecadesofcombinedcoreindustryexpertiseanda pasttrackrecord.OurcompanyiscomplementedbyQMSISO9001:2015,EMS-ISO14001:2015,OHSAS 18001:2007,andISO/IEC27001:2013standards.Wehave builtandearnedourreputationandgainedthetrustoftop companiesintheregion.
Beinganexperiencedleader,sharewithusyouropinion onhowtheadaptationofmoderntechnologieshas transformedbusinessesandwhatmorecouldbe expectedinthenearfuture?
Thefastadoptionoftechnologieshasbeenatopgrowth indicator,mainlysincetheglobalpandemicshiftedthe businessenvironmentintoafast-forwarddynamicof growth.Inourindustryspecifically,technologyhasbeenan importantallyinscalingupprocesses,upskillingthe workforce,andinvestinginlong-termstrategicgrowth.As wemovetowardsapost-COVIDworld,thehybriduseof collaborativetechnologyandfastupskillingareimperative.
Takingintoconsiderationthecurrentpandemicandits impactonglobaleconomies,howareyoudrivingyour companytosustainoperationsandensurethesafetyof youremployeesandclientsatthesametime?
Fromtheonsetofthepandemic,EFS'sresponsewasfastand designedwiththesafetyandwell-beingofouremployeesin mind. As a people-first organization, our employees are paramount to the swift operations and steadiness of our growth.
From mass vaccination drives to preserving and retaining employee and client benefits to implementing policies to preservethesafetyofourfirstresponders,EFShadanaroundthe clock leadership team working to ensure a multidimensional and simultaneous response across all verticals:
Health and safety for all employees, clients, and the communityatlarge.
Adherencetolocalandinternationalregulationsand guidelines.
Businesscontinuity
Supportingendeavoursandinitiativesbythenational leadership.
Use of technology and innovation for dealing with COVID-19 challenges, including remote working, healthprotection,automation,decontamination,real-
a
es, communication,andcontinuousimprovement.
Financialsafetyandsecurity
Employeeengagementandcommunication.
Continuedlearninganddevelopment.
Continuedclientengagementandsatisfaction.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothebusinessworld?
First-timeentrepreneursshouldconsiderobtainingasmuch knowledgeaspossibleaboutfinancialoperations.Aside
Ÿ
Won Pres gious Taqdeer Award mul ple mes, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and Chairman of the Execu ve Council of Dubai.
EFS has been ranked as one of the region's top facili es management companies by Forbes ME.
For several years in a row, named "Construc on Industry Power Hour" by Construc on Business News Middle East.
Award from the Interna onal Organisa on for Freedom, Protec on of Human Rights, and World Peace.
fromthat,understandingthatmindset,introspection, resilience,andgrowthcomeasapackageisimportant. TheentrepreneurialWorldrequiresahugeeffortanda resilientspirit,whichiswhyprioritizingmindsettraining andself-reflectioncanbecomeagame-changerinthe performanceofanystart-up.
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourcompany'soperations andofferingsin2022?
Asweareinthelastquarterof2021andweareapproaching thenextyear,wearepreparingtolookbackatourgrowth.In 2021 alone, we acquired new businesses to support our growthandexpansioninnewmarkets,weinvestedinlearning and development, we launched the Abhaar Worker Welfare Foundation, and we serviced some of the most prestigious projectsintheregion.
Qatarisopeningbusinessopportunitiesfor
Qentrepreneursaroundtheworld.Thecountrywillbe hostingtheFIFAWorldCupin2022,becomingthe firstArabiccountrytodoso.Itisrapidlydevelopingits infrastructuretoaccommodatefootballfansaroundthe world.ThegovernmentofQatarexpectstogainsignificant industrialandtourismmomentumfromtheevent.Thishas createdvariousopportunitiesforexpatriateslivinginthe countrytoestablishtheirbusinessventuresinthecountry
Manybusinessesinthecountryarelargelydependenton foreignworkers.Afterworkingorhavinggoodknowledge ofQatar’sbusinessindustry,manyofthemwishtostart theirownventure.
Thisarticleaimstohelpsuchentrepreneursintheir businessventuresbyprovidingusefulinformationand insightfuldirection.
Below are some tips that can make your entrepreneurial journey easier in Qatar
Firstofall,oneshouldbeawareoftheseveraltypesof companiesthatareallowedinQatar,namelytheLimited LiabilityCompany,theRule68Company,andtheSingle ShareholderorOwnerCompany
Amongthese,theLimitedLiabilityCompany(LLC),or WLL,isoneofthemostchosenprospectsbymany expatriatestoestablishabusinessinthecountry.Qatar’s LLCformationrulesrequirethefoundersfromaforeign countrytopartnerwiththelocalindividuals.
Thelawofthecountryallowsexpatriatestoholda49% shareinthecompany,andtheremaining51%ownership shouldbewiththeQataricitizens.Oneisallowedtohave asmanyas50Qataricitizensaspartnersintheirventure.
AsaforeignerdoingbusinessinQatar,oneshouldlookinto appointingalocalsponsororserviceagent.Arobustlocal collaborationisagreatwaytodealwiththelocal authorities.AforeignorlocalcompanyinQatarhasto obtainacommercialregistrationdocumentfromthe MinistryofCommerceandIndustry(MoCI).
AnLLCcompanymusthaveaminimumauthorizedshare capitalofQataririyal(QAR)200,000andtwoshareholders. Qatar’sMinistryofEconomyandCommerce,incertain specialcircumstances,canallowforeigninvestors’ shareholdingtoexceed49%byupto100%.However,this isgrantedwhenthebusinesspurposematchesQatar’s developmentplans.
TherearevariousschemesthattheQatargovernmenthas formedtoboostforeigninvestmentinthecountry.The governmentgivesactivesupporttobusinessmenwhowish toenteragriculture,education,tourism,healthcare, explorationofnaturalresources,energyandmining,andthe technicalandITservicesindustry Thegovernmentcould offerlucrativeincentiveslikenoincometaxfortenyears forforeigncompanieswhowishtoestablishabusinessin theaboveindustry.
ThegovernmentofQataralsooffersbusinessincubators andfreeeconomiczoneplatformstoinviteforeigndirect investment,suchastheQatarFinancialCentre(QFC).
StartingabusinessintheQFCiseasy.Onceyousubmit yourapplication,arelationshipmanagerwillleadyou throughtheprocedureofregistering,acquiringalicense, andcommencingoperations.Foreigninvestorscanfully owncompaniesthatareregisteredunderQFC.
Belowaresomethingsthatexpatriatesshouldfollowwhile registeringabusinessinQatar.
1.RegistertheTrademarknameforyourcompany.
2.Theexpatriatebusinessmenshouldhavetheirarticlesof associationsignedbyalltheshareholders.Afterthis,the
documentshouldbesenttobesignedbyQatar’sMinistry ofJustice.
3.Oneshouldsubmitthenameandthearticlesof associationfortheircompanytobeissuedbya CommercialRegistration(CR).Afterthis,theapplication willbesubmittedforreviewtothedifferentministerial departments,dependingonyourbusinessactivities.
4.Aftergettingtheapplicationapprovedandallfeeshaving beenpaid,oneneedstoreturntotheMinistryof EconomyandCommerce(MEC)togetthecommercial register Withthisdocument,theentrepreneurcanfinally openacorporatebankaccount.(Pleasekeepinmindthat CRisonlyvalidforoneyear.)
AfterCRisreceived,onecanapplyforaTradeLicense.It willallowyoutoowncommercialspacetocarryoutyour businessoperations.Itissuggestedthatexpatriate businesspersonsplantheirtimingcarefullyasthisprocessis expectedtotaketimetocomplete.
Afterthisprocessiscompletedandabusinessissettobe established,onecanconsiderhiringemployeesfortheir operations.Youwillneedacomputercardtoprovide employeeswitharesidencepermit.Thecardisbasicallya documentthatindicateswhohasthesigningauthorityof thehiringcompany.Qatar’simmigrationdepartmentissues thesecards,whicharealsoknownas“SignatureCards.”
Allthingsconsidered,foraspiringbusinessmenamong expatriatesinQatar,itisnecessarytobeclear-minded.One shouldconductathoroughinvestigationintothenecessary stepstobetakenfromalreadyestablishedbusinesses, governmentoffices,andofficialwebsites.
StartingabusinessinQatarrequiresonetoobtainvarious licenses,trademarks,capital,andvariousotherimportant matterstocompletelylegalizetheestablishment.The processcanbecostlyandbureaucraticforforeigners.
Itisadvisedtohireprofessionalsoruseconsultancy servicestoexpeditethebusinesssetupprocess.These agenciesorindividualserviceswillhelpyouspeedupthe wholeprocess.Theywillalsoprovideyouwithseveral localcollaborationoptionsthatcansignificantlybringdown therequiredinitialinvestment.
-VishalGolekar
Donna Sultan
Officer
Our mission now is not so much about scaling the business but about how we can provide more higher value-add services for our clients.
Itisageneralbeliefthathumansarewitnessingthe IndustrialRevolution4.0.Thankstothen-numberof bloomingbusinesses.However,everyblossomcomes withitsownsetofobstacles.Torunabusinessandinorder tosucceedinthatbusiness,entrepreneursmustinvestigatea numberoftasks,rangingfromhumanresourcesand accountingtotechnicalsupport.
Figuringouteverythinginoneplacealongsidemakingthe businessthrivehasitsownsetofintangiblecomplications. Butthankstotheeaseofhiringconsultants,whoprovidea widearrayofskillstoassistbusinessownersinupgrading theirendeavors.
Oneofthefundamentalconductsofhumanresource consultantsishowtheyexecutebusinessalongside implyingethicalvaluesthatdefinethecompany'scharacter Maintainingandreinforcingworld-classethicalpractice, KEOInternationalConsultantsisaregionalleaderofone ofthelargestMiddleEasternConsultancyFirms.Itisbuilt uponfairdealingsandethicalconductprinciplesandthe companyadherestocarefulobservationofallapplicable lawsandregulations.
StandingattheguidinglightisitsPresidentandChief ExecutiveOfficer,DonnaSultan. Inaninterviewwith InsightsSuccess,DonnatalksabouttheroleofKEOand howsheendeavorstoscaleitsbusinessintheupcoming year
Below are the highlights of the interview:
PleasebriefouraudienceaboutKEOInternational Consultants.
KEOisacreativeenterprisewhereinnovationisawayof life.Weareuniquelyresourcedwithourend-to-end
servicestotakeclientsfrominspiration–through conceptualization–totherealizationofplanning,design,or projectdeliveryinthebuiltandnaturalenvironments.For over57years,we'veledwithvision,contributingtomany oftheworld'smostambitiousprojects,iconicplaces, remarkableexperiences,andprosperouscommunities.
Takingintoconsiderationthecurrentpandemicandits impactonglobaleconomies,howareyoudrivingyour companytosustainoperationsandensurethesafetyof youremployeesatthesametime?
KEOhasaworld-classHealth&Safetyteamthathasdone anoutstandingjobkeepingpeoplesafeonthesiteswe managethroughouttheGCC.Fromthestartofthe pandemic,ourHealth&Safetyleadershaveplayeda crucialroleinhelpingsetcorporatepoliciestoprotectour staffandmakesurethatwesuccessfullynavigatethrough thepandemic.Weareproudtosaythatwehavevaccinated nearly70%ofourstaffandbeenabletokeepourpeople wellprotectedoverthepast18months.
UndertheleadershipoftheCEO,KEOSeniorManagement hasbeenrelentlesslyfocusedonthewell-beingofthestaff. COVIDmanagementprotocolsarereviewedonaregular basisandareapriorityagendaitemduringeachsenior managementmeeting.
Weattributeourabilitytohavemanagedthroughthe pandemictoourpeople'sincredibleteamspiritand outstandingprofessionalism.Welookafterourpeopleand ouroperationswithequalcare,andtheresulthasbeena businessthathascomethroughthiscrisisinstrongshape andisreadytogrow
Itisasimpleaxiom;whenyoutakecareofthepeople,the peoplewilltakecareofyourorganization.
Makesureyouaredoingsomethingthatyoucaredeeply aboutandhaveapassionfor
Does your product or service meet the needs of the market?”Thenumberonefactorlinkedtothesuccess ofstart-upsistiming,start-upsthathavetheright productattherighttimesucceed.
clientsandmakingsurethatweexceedtheirexpectations. Whileweareveryexcitedaboutournewdigital,advisory, andsustainabilityofferings,weknowthatitisessentialthat wemaximizethevaluewecreatefromourcorebusiness lines.
Whatisyouropiniononthefutureofthebusinessworld withrespecttocustomers'/consumers'changing preferencesandchoices?
Ÿ
Cashflowandcashreservesareessentialtoany enterpriseandevenmoresoforaneworganization. Historyislitteredwithcompaniesthatdidnotgetoffthe groundbecauseofpoorcashplanning.Thinkcarefully aboutyourcashrequirementsandplanaccordinglyso thatyoucancreatethevitaltimeandspacenecessaryto getyourbusinessofftheground.
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourcompany'soperations andofferingsin2021?
KEOisalreadyoneofthelargestconsultanciesintheGCC. Ourmissionnowisnotsomuchaboutscalingthebusiness butabouthowwecanprovidehighervalue-addservicesfor ourclients.Tothatend,weareexpandingoursustainability, environmentalandadvisorypracticestocapturealarger shareoftheserapidlygrowingmarketsegments.
KEOhasalwaysbeenattheforefrontintermsoftheuseof technologyinouroperations.Wearecontinuingtoinvest heavilyinBIManddigitaltechnologiesthatareanessential partofthemoderndesignandconstructionworld.Weare oneofaselectfewfullycertifiedBIMconsultanciesinthe GCCandrecentlylaunchedourBIMconsultingpracticeto helpourclientsworkintheBIMenvironment.
Ontheadvisoryside,wehaverecentlylaunchedourBlack Mulepractice,whichisaRealEstateInvestment, Redevelopment&AdvisoryServices.TheBlackMuleteam leveragesKEO'sextraordinaryskillsandmarketknowledge tohelpourpartnerclientsbringbacktolifestalledunder constructionprojectsthatareinneedoffreshcapitaland newideas.TheBlackMuleteamalsoassistsclientsin implementingbusinessprocessimprovementprogramsto enhanceoperationsandincreaseoperatingcashflows.
Allthatsaid,weemphasizethatasafirm,wewillnot compromiseondeliveringthebestqualitysolutionstoour coreclients.Weknowthatourfirstdutyistowardsour
Theconstructionindustryhasbeenveryslowwhenit comestochange.Becauseofthelabor-intensivenatureof boththeconstructionandapparelindustries,theyhaveseen thelowestlevelsofproductivitygrowthoverthepastthirty yearsdespitethemassiveadvancesintechnologyoverthe sameperiod.
However,aneweraisuponus.Thankstocutting-edge technologiesthatareforcingmuch-neededchangeand advancementsacrosstheindustry.Finally,theadventof lower-costnewtechnologieshasbroughtaboutthe modernizationofthewholeindustry.
ItisvitalforKEOandallotherconsultanciestoembrace thewaveofchangethathasresultedfromtheadventofnew technologies.Itisnotenoughforustosimplyprovide drawingsanddesignssothatclientscanbuildnewprojects. Weneedtotakeaholisticlookatclients'requirementsand alwaysthinkofwaystoaddmorevaluetotheirprojects.
Inahighlycompetitiveworldwhereclientscanchoose fromamultitudeofdesigners,thewaytostandoutis throughexcellenceinserviceandinnovationinthinking.At KEO,wearticulatethefutureforourclientsbyproviding end-to-endsolutionsthatgobeyondjustmeetingthe requirementsoftheclientbrief.Wehelpourclients considerthelong-termimplicationsofdesigndecisionsnot onlyintermsofdollarsandcentsprofitdecisionstodaybut howtheycanmaximizethevalueoftheirprojectsover thirtytoforty-yeartimehorizons.Thismeansbringingto thetablethelatestinBIMmodelingandsustainability offeringstodemonstratehowsmallincrementalinvestments duringconstructioncanleadtosignificantupsidevalue duringtheproject'soperationallife.
Citizensaroundtheworlddemandmoreoftheirurban infrastructure,andthusitisincumbentonKEOtobringto lifeinspireddesignsanddevelopmentswithadeepsenseof placeandidentity Whiletherightlocationisthe cornerstoneofanysuccessfuldevelopment,therightdesign iswhatcanreallymaketheprojectfly.Ourroleistotake theordinaryandmakeitextraordinarythroughthemindsof ourexceptionalstaff.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothebusinessworld?
uringthepandemic,thesupplychainprocess
Dexperienceddisruptions.Avarietyofissues contributedtothechallenges,includingashortage ofworkersthatreducedproductioncapacity,material shortages,fluctuatingdemand,andshippinglane disruptions.Thiswasaperfectstormofissueswith financialconsequencesthatstemmedfrominventory fluctuations,volatiledemand,andashortageofproducts duetodelayswithcomponentsrequiredformanufacturing andassemblyoffinishedgoods.
Uponreflectingonthefinancialimpactthatthis unprecedentedeventhadonmanybusinesses,manyhave advocatedto"reshore"orbringbackcertainpartsofthe manufacturingorassemblingprocesstothehomelandand becomemoreself-sufficient.Werealizedjusthow interdependentwearewithourglobalpartnersand network.Butisreshoringreallyaviableoptionfora businessinthelongterm?
Theanswerismaybe,anditdependsonwhatbusiness you'reinAvnan,aCanadian-basedelectronicsdesignand manufacturingcompanywithanextensiveglobalnetwork ofsuppliersandOEMpartnersandisrecognizedasoneof theTop10ManufacturingCompaniesinCanadabya globalbusinessMagazine,believesthatoffshoringstill offersacompetitiveadvantage.Theyrelyontheirglobal partnersforcomponentsandmanufacturingtodeliverbestin-classelectronicproductsolutionsatacompetitiveprice fortheirclients.Offshoringispartoftheirstrategy,and therearemanykeyconsiderationsforchoosingthisover reshoring.
Offshoringgivesthemaccesstoalargerpoolofskilled workerswhocanefficientlygetthejobdoneontimeandon budget.Withsomepartsofmanufacturingautomatedwith robots,economiesofscalecanbeachieved.Alargerpoolof skillsandautomationtranslatestolowerproductioncosts, whichgetpassedontotheendconsumer.Offshoringwill
- Allan Read, Chief Opera ng Officer – Avnan Electro Inc.
As Avnan's Chief Operations Officer, Allan is responsible for driving innovation and operational excellence, expanding Avnan's overall value. As part of his role, Allan leads Sales and Marketing, Engineering, and Operations. Allan has over 30 years of experience in the high-tech industry, serving in a variety of engineering and operational leadership roles, including a two-year assignment in Taiwan, where he was responsible for strategic partnerships and was the Chairman of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining Avnan, Allan was the Chief Product Officer responsible for technology development, engineering, and manufacturing of wearable devices for Mio Global, at the time a leading Vancouver, a Canada-based wearable manufacturer. Prior to that, Allan was a product launch Director at Celestica in their Diversified Markets division and is responsible for leading the development and mass production, most notably consumer devices such as Readers and tablets. Before Celestica, Allan was an engineering site director at Murata Power Solutions and, before that, held a variety of engineering management positions. Allan is the proud father of three children, enjoys a variety of challenging fitness activities and team sports, and continues to study Mandarin when not spending time with family.
thengivebusinessesamorecompetitivepriceadvantage andprofitabilityduetolowerproductioncosts.
Anoffshorestrategydoesn'tnecessarilytranslatetolower quality.Infact,therearehighlyskilledworkersindifferent partsoftheworld,namelyinAsia.Becauseofthehigh competitiontowinbusinessfromNorthAmericanhead offices,qualityisoftensomethingtheydon'tcompromise.
Withcloseoversightofeveryaspectofthesupplychainand manufacturingprocess,AvnanmonitorsQAtoensurethey delivertothehighstandardstheyset."Our team in Asia is an extension of our head office team here in Canada. They work seamlessly together using established processes and standards that guide our quality control expectations,"says AllanRead,ChiefOperatingOfficeroverseeingAvnan's globalbusinessdevelopment,engineering,andoperational teams.
Anotheradvantagetooffshoringisthemanufacturingfriendlyregulations.WithfewerrestrictionsinAsia, manufacturingismoreseamlessandlesscostly.Policies thatcreateredtapeformanufacturingbusinessestendto lengthenproductioncyclesandcostmoremoney
Reshoringmaysoundlikeanidealsolutiontoalleviate supplychainissues,butitisnotaneasilyachievablereality.
Firstly,afteryearsofoffshoringmanufacturingwork,North Americanolongerhasthecapacitytoprovideaskilled laborpool.Canada'spopulationisageing,withthelabor forceparticipationratedroppingfrom65%in2022to64% by2026.Manyworkershadtransitionedtootherindustries whenmanufacturingmovedoffshore,whileotherstook earlyretirements.
Inadditiontothedeclininglaborforceparticipationrate, minimumwagerulesmeanhigherproductioncosts.Evenif thegapinactiveskilledworkerswerefulfilledthrough immigration,thecostoflaborortheminimumwage regulationimposedbythegovernmentwouldstillresultin highproductioncosts.Businesseswillfinditdifficultto maintainacompetitivecostadvantagewhentheirprofit marginsaresqueezedbecausetheirproductioncosts, specificallylaborcosts,remainhigh.
Reshoringmaymakesenseforshort-runproduction customizedforlocalmarkets,butthiswouldapplyto certaintypeofindustries.Therecouldbeanargumentmade
forbringingbackcertainpartsofthemanufacturingprocess totheirhomecountry,buttheidealscenariowouldbe "distributedmanufacturing."Businessescanmitigatetheir exposureandvulnerabilitytomarketdisruptionsby distributingtheirmanufacturingfacilitiesthroughoutthe worldwithcertaincriticalactivitiesevenbroughtbackto theirhomebase.
InthecaseofAvnan,offshoringanddistributed manufacturingmakessenseandalignswiththeirbusiness strategy.Somekeyareasoftheirmanufacturingprocessare offshoredinordertoprovidethebestoutcomefortheir clients-lowercostswithoutcompromisingqualitybecause ofcloseoversightbytheheadofficeinCanada.
Theyleverageanestablishedelectronicsmanufacturinghub inChinathatoffersthemthebest-skilledlaborataffordable rates,whichallowsthemtoreducetheirproductioncost. Withhands-onoversightoftheprocessfromendtoend, theyensureproductionmeetstheirstandards-accuracyin designingtotechnicalspecifications,deliveryontime,and onbudget.
Withfacilitiesandglobalpartnershipsaroundtheworld, Avnanmaintainsflexibilityandcontrolovertheproduction processandreducesitsrelianceandexposuretomarket disruptions.Byhavingmanufacturingfacilitiesinother countries,likeIndia,theycanchoosetooffshorecertain typesofjobsorprocessesthatmakesensefortheirclients.
Certaincriticalareasoftheirbusinessstillremainin Canada,suchasproductplanning,researchand development,anddesignengineering.Butaspartoftheir strategytodiversifymanufacturing,theyalsoleveragelocal partnershipstomanufactureandproducecertain componentswhenitmakesbusinesssense.
Attheendoftheday,Avnan'sclientswantareliablepartner thatcandeliverhigh-quality,cost-efficientproductsand undisputedexcellentservice.Thecombinationofoffshoring anddistributedmanufacturingwithmanagementoversight fromheadofficeisaformulathathasallowedthemto providehighlycompetitiveproductstotheirsatisfied clients.
QQatarisworld-famousforbeingoneoftherichest nations.ItissituatedveryclosetoSaudiArabia.The nationhasabundantnaturalresourceslikepetroleum andnaturalgas.TheQatargovernmentearnshugerevenues fromtheexportoftheseproducts.Thoughthecountryis smallarea-wise,itseconomyisoneofthestrongest worldwide.Almosteverycitizenofthecountryhasaluxury lifestyle.
Qatar’sgovernmenthasmadesuretocreateabusinessfriendlyenvironmentinthecountry.Duetothis,theprivate sectorinthecountryisflourishingallthetime.The governmenthascreateditsmarketasanappealing investmentdestinationforbusinessmenfromthetaxpoint ofview.Ithasaflat10%corporatetaxprovisionfor companiesoperatinginthecountry.Thismakesitoneof thetopreasonsforworldwideentrepreneurstoconsider exploringmarketopportunitiesinthecountry
Besides,theQatargovernmenthasanongoingdevelopment plancalled the Qatar National Vision 2030.Thisplan envisionstransformingthecountryintoanadvancedsociety capableofachievingsustainabledevelopmentby2030. Qatarisinvestingaround200billiondollarstoachievethis goal,andmanyentrepreneurscanbenefitfromit.
AreyouenticedbyQatar’sopenbusinessenvironmentand lookingtostartyourownventureinthecountry?Ifso,let ushelpyouwithfindingtheperfectbusinessopportunityto getthingsgoing.Afterthoroughresearch,wehavecomeup
withthesevenmostintriguingbusinessopportunitiesfor onetoconsiderinhis/herbusinessestablishmentexpedition inQatar
Therestaurantbusinessisconsideredoneofthemost reliableandprofit-makingventuresinQatar.TheQataris arefondofgoodrestaurantsandfast-foodcenters.They adorerestaurantsthatprovideahealthydietalongwith tastyandgood-qualityfood.
MostoftheworkforceinQatar,beitfromoverseasorlocal, isbusyatworkallday.Menandwomenkeepthemselves involvedinprovidingthehighestqualitywork.Cookingat theendofthedaybecomesanexhaustingpursuit.Hence, mostofthemrelyonthequalityrestaurantsaroundthemto enjoytheirmeals.
Onecanaddavarietyofforeigndelicaciestotheirmenus tosatisfythetastesofexpatriateslivinginQatar The governmenttoohassupportivepoliciesforonetosmoothly startarestaurantbusinessinthecountry.
Thefitnessbusinessisboominginthecountry Themajor reasonisthepopularityofmaintaininghealthamongthe Qatar’spopulation.Hard-workingcitizensprefertorelieve theirall-daystressbydoingvariousfitnessworkouts.
IfoneisconsideringstartingafitnessbusinessinQatar, s/hecanbeginfromDoha.Theplacehaswelcoming opportunitiesforonetoopenagymorotherfitnesscenters.
Anentrepreneurcanconsiderbuyingafamousfitness franchisetoestablishfitnesscentersandstartleveragingits popularity.But,tobuyafranchise,onewouldrequire strongfinances.Onecanalsobeginwithanindependent centerthatcanbestartedwithasmallerinvestment.
ThepeopleofQatarlovetospendonluxuriousactivities. Theyarepassionateabouthavinguniquefurniture,their ownarrangements,andeverythingthatmakestheirhome comfortableaswellasclassy.Duetothis,theinterior designingbusinessisflourishinginthecountry.
Itcanbeaperfectbusinessventureforentrepreneurswho arepassionateaboutdesign,art,andhomedecoration. Besides,thebusinesscanbestartedfromhomewithasmall investment.
Theinformationtechnology(IT)industryisgainingasolid holdonseveralbusinesssectorsinQatar.Manybusinesses needinnovativetechnologysolutionstobringefficiencyto theiroperations.ITentrepreneurscanassistmany businessesandindividualsinQatartostrengthentheir onlinepresence.
Onecanexploreopportunitieslikesoftwaredevelopment, networking,biometrics,mobile,digitalentertainment, contentdelivery,digitalmarketing,mobilewallet technology,theinternetofthings,andsoon.Basedonone’s investmentcapacity,s/hecanstartanIT-relatedbusinessin Qatar
Fashionsenseisgainingalotofsignificancearoundthe world.PeopleinQatararenoexceptiontothis.Moreand morepeople,menorwomen,aregivingimportancetotheir clothing,accessoriestheywear,andmuchmore.
Thismakesitoneofthemostsignificantfuturesafeguarded opportunitiesforbusinessmentoconsiderenteringthe fashionbusiness.Onecanstartthisbusinesswithsmall capitalandincreaseitsscaleasitbeginstogetrecognition. ThisbusinesscanbeofgreatvaluetoQataristomatchtheir standardofdressing.Also,opportunitieslikefashion
tutoring,consulting,andtrainingcanbeexploredinthe sectorthroughonlineandofflinemediums.
TheQatarislovetheircars.Thecountryisfullofavariety ofworld-famouscarmodels.Mostpeoplehavedifficulty locatingthebestgaragetorepairtheirvehicles.Theauto repairbusinessisoneofthemostthrivingventuresinthe country.Entrepreneurscaneasilysetuptheirgarage operations.
Thevehiclerepairbusinesscankeepongrowingaslongas peoplekeepusingcars.Beitanewcaroranoldone,it oftenneedstoberepaired,serviced,andhaveparts replaced,etc.Onecanbesureofhavingacustomerall aroundtheyearinthisbusiness.
Thee-commerceindustryhasbeengaininggood momentumacrossQatar Thereisasignificantdemandfor deliveringonlinepurchaseditemstoconsumersassoonas possible.
Startingadeliverybusinesscanhelponetopartnerwith manye-commerceplatformsintheirfastdeliveryof products.ThedeliverybusinessisboominginQatarandit willkeepongrowingasthevariousindustriescomeonline toenablepeopletopurchasetheirproductsonline.
Qatarisfilledwithsomanybusinessopportunities.Nearly everysectorinthenationcanbeexploredtogainthemost outofbusinesswhilehelpingitscitizenstomaintaintheir luxuriouslifestyles.Itsgovernmentprovidesneeded assistanceaswellasabusiness-conduciveenvironmentfor entrepreneurstogetstartedsmoothly.
Alongwiththeabovebusinessopportunities,onecanalso comeupwithinnovativebusinessesthatpromotehealthand theenvironment.Theseendeavorscanaddvaluetothe Qatargovernment’seffortstoestablishsustainable developmentby2030.
-VishalGolekar
Foranybusinesstosucceed,itisimportanttosetits corevaluesasthefoundationtobuildupon.Having clearlydefinedvaluesbeforecommencinga business,resultsinexcellentoutputandunmatched prominence.Italsomakesthegoalofthebusinesseasierto identify
Nehmehisasimilarexampleofsuchorganizationsthat haveastrongbaseofvalues,uponwhichthebusinesshas beenbuilt.Nehmehhasbeensuccessfullydeliveringa plethoraofindustrysolutionstoseveralclientssinceits inceptionandsettinghighindustrialstandards.
SituatedinDoha,Qatar,Nehmehisspearheadedbyits CEO,RajaV.Assili
ThefollowingextractshedslightuponNehmeh’sinception anditssuccessfulfunctioningintheInternationalTradeand Developmentspaceformorethansevendecadesnow
Establishedin1955,Nehmehisamongsttheoldestgroups incorporatedinQatar.Thevaluesofitslatefounder, AntoineNehme,remaintothisday,attheheartofits operations:People,Trust,Quality,andCommitment. Nehmehisconstantlybuildinganorganizationtolast, offeringsolutions,andbuildingbrandsthatwillcontinueto benefitpeople,communities,andcompaniesforthenext sixtyyearsandbeyond.
NehmehprovidesawideandgrowingrangeofIndustrial Solutions,whichfallintothefollowingcategories:(i) Automotivepaintsandsupplies,andequipmentforgarages,
Raja V. Assili CEO Nehmeh(ii)Toolsandequipmentforuseinconstruction–Nehmeh representsleadinginternationalbrands,includingMakita,a topmanufacturerofpowertools;(iii)HeatTransfer Solutions–Nehmeh’sfactoryproducesinQatartopquality airhandlingunitsforcommercialandresidential applications;(iv)Servicingandrepairofgoodsitsellsand alsoindustrialradiators;(v)Woodworkingequipmentand products;and,equipmentrental.Allsupportedbyits recognizedServiceSolutions,Nehmehgroup’saftersales arm.
Nehmehdoesnotsellsecondtier.Itonlysellsproductsthat complywiththecompany’sstandards&values,whichit calls‘TheNehmehWay’.Thecompanyconstantlyworks onbringingandmaintainingthebest-in-classproductsand innovationstoitsmarkets.Thecompanyishappythatit playedandcontinuestoplayaroleinmostconstruction sitesandindustrialfacilitiesinQatar.
Whileexpandingonhisprofessionaljourneytillbecoming theCEOofNehmeh,Rajasaid,“My career started in academia, as a university lecturer. I taught a subject which most business students run away from: Accounting and Finance. After 6 years, I switched to the corporate sector, working over 20 years for one of Saudi Arabia’s largest conglomerates. I was exposed to multiple sectors in this diverse group, and gained experience in many industries including fast food, telecom, financial services, subscription TV, cosmetics, and perfume retail, to name a few”
“
I moved to Qatar in 2013, joining HEC Paris, a top ranked business school, as its COO. I enjoyed returning to a university setting, particularly interacting with some of the brightest minds in Qatar who studied there, and worldrenowned professors. After 5 years, I moved to Qatari Investors Group, a company listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange, leading it until my very recent move to Nehmeh in the summer of 2021.”
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Nehmeh is a family business, and that is one of its greatest assets and virtues. Its shareholders took the bold step of appointing, for the first time in the company’s 65-year history, a non-family CEO. This adds another dimension to the normal responsibilities of a CEO. My aim is to blend my diverse experience with our board’s vision and guidance to position Nehmeh as a resilient and future-ready enterprise, preserving the legacy of its founders into future generations,”headded.
Whenaskedabouthisopiniononhowtheadoptionof moderntechnologieshastransformedbusinesses,Rajasaid, “When I started my career, there were no mobile phones, no internet, and no Amazon. Fax, telex, paper memos, and fixed line phones dominated business communications. When I tell this to my 13-year-old daughter, she looks at me puzzlingly. Had I not adapted to and adopted these technologies, I would not have survived in the corporate world. The same principle applies to companies.”
Furtherexpandingonwhathethinkscouldbeexpectedin thenearfutureintermsofmoderntechnologyinbusiness, Rajasaid,“My experience tells me that the progress of technology will continue to outpace the corporate world’s ability to adopt new technologies. How many of us have purchased the latest mobile phone, only to use a fraction of its features? In the corporate world, there are many reasons why this lag happens, a key factor being return on investment.”
“Investmentintechnologyneedstobecarefullythoughtout andstrategic,withanexpectationthatobsolescencewill comesoonerratherthanlater.Focusonthevaluebrought bythecorebenefitsandthinkcarefullyabouttheextras.It canalsobeadrawbacktoofferproductsorservicesthatare toosophisticatedorcomplicatedforconsumers.”SaysRaja.
“AtNehmeh,wearestrongbelieversininnovation,we embracetechnologyanddigitaltransformation.Among
Nehmeh does not sell second tier. It only sells products that comply with the company’s standards & values, which it calls ‘The Nehmeh Way’.
Qatar's Most Admired Companies
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Nehmeh’sfirstsare:FirstQataricompanyontheinternet, firstecommercesiteforindustrialsolutionsinQatar,and firstcompanyintheworldtodevelopanapptotracktool repairsinreal-time.Wewillcontinuetobepioneers, blendingtechnologyandhumaninteractiontoprovidea superiorcustomerexperience.”saysRaja.
WeaskedRajawhathistakewasonthecurrentpandemic, anditsimpactonglobaleconomies,andhowhewas drivingthecompanytosustainoperationsandatthesame timeensuringthesafetyofhisemployees,towhichhe replied,“Our business experienced major disruption last year. We could not access our warehouses due to a strict lockdown. Our supply chain experienced severe disruption.”
“Wereactedbylaunchingoure-commerceonlinestorein justthreeweeks.Thankfully,theauthoritiesinQatarhave managedthepandemicwithgreatskill,strikingtheright balancebetweenlockdownsandsustainingeconomic activity.Manylessonswerelearnedfromtheseexceptional times,”sharesRaja.
Hemarks,“Ourcontingencyplanningisunderconstant review.Ataminimum,weadheretotherecommendations setbyhealthauthorities,andwillnothesitatetogobeyond theseifwesenseheightenedrisk.Wehaverolledout technologytofacilitateaswiftshifttoworkfromhome,if necessary Wehopetheworstisbehindus,butwemust remainvigilant.”
Onbeingaskedabouthisadvicetothebudding entrepreneurswhoaspiretoventureintothebusinessworld, Rajasaid,“Mytopfivepiecesofadvicewouldbe:
Leverageyournetworkandexpandit.Donotbeafraid orashamedtoaskforadvice,fromseveralindividuals onthesamematter.Donotassumeyouknowitall.
Watchthedownside–always.Entrepreneursareprone todevelopingblindspotstothedownside.Iwasonce involvedinthedevelopmentofabusinessinwhichwe weresodeeplyengagedgettingitofftheground,that
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weignoredwhatwashappeningaroundus.Bythetime welaunched,ourservicehadlostmanyofits competitiveadvantages.
Donotallowanerrortobecomeamistake.Alongthe way,therewillbeerrorsofjudgement.Learningfrom errorsisjustasvaluableaslearningfromsuccesses.If youdon’t,itbecomesamistake.
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Bepreparedtoacceptthereispointwhereitisbetterto killthancureafailingventure.Isolateemotional attachmentfromcommercialreality;andtoendona positivenote.
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Ifyousucceed,scaleupcautiously,nottooaggressively, andmaintainahealthyfinancialpositionforarainyday ortwo.Donotdrainthevalueoutofyourbusinesstoo soon,alwaysthinklong-term,”notesRaja.
Uponaskingabouthisplanstoscalethecompany operationsandofferingsin2021,Rajasaid,“Theshort answeris‘prudently’and‘selectively’.Thepandemic’s potentialtodisrupthasnotdisappeared,althoughweknow alotmorenowthanwedidin2020.”
“Wearepastthehalfyearmarkthereforeourfocuswillbe onstrengtheningthecompany’sresiliencethrough innovation,value,andalittlebitofdisruption.Weare assessinganumberofnewopportunitiesthatwillbe deployedinthecomingmonths,”concludedRaja.
