Al-Rashed International Shipping has established its position as a leader in shipping services in the Persian Gulf. General manager Ravi Varrier explains to Gay Sutton why the human touch is so important.

Investing in technology and innovative services to drive its customer appeal, and inspired marketing to unite football with the internet, MTN South Africa is unlocking the massive potential of mobile telephony, as managing director Karel Pienaar tells John O’Hanlon.

Businesses can protect their reputation and boost their chances of survival by tightening up the supply chain, as John Kinge, head of Risk at Exor Management Services (EMS), explains.

Neglecting to ensure that electronic equipment is thoroughly tested before purchase can cost businesses time and money—not to mention the disastrous consequences of an unforeseen failure. Daryl Cornelius, director Enterprise EMEA, Spirent Communications, asks if your request for pricing is fit for purpose.

Giles Wake from ACT Conferencing looks at how businesses can take advantage of video messaging and conference calls to help achieve the right work-life balance.

We hear a lot about work-life balance, but how many of us actually get close to achieving it? Clearly, people will have different points of equilibrium; however, work-life balance put simply is having enough time for work and enough time to do what we want or need to do away from the office.

Simon Kent, head of operations at Harrogate International Centre in the UK, considers sustainability in the events industry.

Jeff Daniels takes a look at how the health delivery system of Abu Dhabi is providing its citizens with the best medical facilities possible.

Over 60 years ago, Britain helped change the health expectations of the world by introducing a universal health service to people who previously had nothing. At times, though, buildings and facilities in the NHS don’t seem to have changed all that much in half a century, so it makes an interesting comparison to see how the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is doing it in the 21st century. 

As ships get bigger, more sophisticated, more specialised and more efficient at moving cargo, a new industry has grown up around operating and crewing them. Managing director of Thome Ship Management, Bjorn Hojgaard, explains to John O’Hanlon how the company is handling a step-up in scale.

The 1980s saw the emergence of developing regions, none more so than South East Asia. This development brought a rising demand for construction and laid the foundations for Trepax Innovation. Director Paul Greenhalgh gives Andrew Pelis an insight into how the business has evolved since Thailand’s “Tiger economy” was born.

Water affects every aspect of our lives and in South Africa it’s regarded as a precious commodity. Dr Cornelius Ruiters, from the Department of Water Affairs, is charged with helping to improve water quality, supply and security on a limited budget. He tells Andrew Pelis about current initiatives to provide safe water for everyone.