Most business leaders would confess to comparing themselves with the competition; but taking this one step further and carrying out regular benchmarking activities can lead to a number of benefits and improvements to performance, as Ray Wilkinson, director of the Best Practice Club, explains.

Electricity supply is a crucial ingredient of any supply chain, but in South Africa, urgent action is required to restructure the electricity distribution industry (EDI), as Dr. Willie de Beer explains exclusively to Martin Ashcroft.

The Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka is a stone’s throw from the main east-west shipping route between Australia, the Far East, Europe and the Gulf oilfields—perfectly placed to catch the passing trade.

The Dubai skyline is set to be transformed by the Dubai Pearl development. Jayne Alverca takes a closer look at the planned complex which creates an impression of awe and wonder.

Britannia Industries started as a Calcutta biscuit manufacturer in 1892. Managing director Vinita Bali tells John O’Hanlon about the responsibilities of a food manufacturer in India today.

Bernie Ecclestone is on his second; and Johnny Depp and the president of the Russian Federation each have one. A yacht built in Turkey by Proteksan Turquoise really is the ultimate aspiration.

Research and development is not only the hallmark of Karbochem’s success but also its greatest opportunity for the future, as Gay Sutton discovers from commercial director and chairman Dr Abraham Brink.

In just two-and-a-half years, Etisalat Nigeria has carved a place for itself in the Nigerian communications industry. CEO Steven Evans describes to Gay Sutton how he aims to take the company to the top.

Software giant Microsoft has agreed to acquire internet phone service Skype for $8.5 billion, it has been announced.

In a joint statement, the two companies said the acquisition would increase accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, generate significant new business and revenue opportunities, and further extend Skype’s reach.

The move will also enhance Microsoft’s existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services, which currently include Lync, Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE.

UK tobacco group Imperial Tobacco has reported a rise in first-half net profits of 34 per cent on the back of a strong performance in emerging markets.

The company said that net profit for the six months to March 31 was £926 million—up from £689 million the previous year—driven by a particularly strong performance in emerging markets outside of the EU.