The Iceland volcanic ash cloud is proving to be a boon and bust for certain businesses.
As per the market sources the cloud has delayed hundreds of flights and many air carriers has canceled hundreds of flights to and from the United Kingdom and Europe.
Meanwhile, providers of videoconferencing suites are facing a different fate as demand for videoconferencing suites grows among those stranded fliers who still need to meet on international business.
Regus, the global leader in office-space solutions, has seen a surge in requests for its 2,500 video communications suites across the globe.
Regus said bookings are up by 20% in India, 38 percent in the United Kingdom and 12% across Europe. In the U.S., bookings rose 9%, according to Mr. Madhusudan Thakur, the country head- Regus South Asia.
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Mr. Thakur said it’s not uncommon for a major news event to push video conferencing demand. "We do see a spike in use of our service when there are strikes, like the London tube strike in June 2009,"
He said “This is unprecedented because of the scale-- in the UK and beyond. It is a more extensive lock down than 9/11."
It's possible the demand for video conferencing could continue through next week. "Travel is expected to be effected throughout the weekend and even into early next week," said Mr. Thakur. "So we expect there to be a continued need for business people to conduct meetings and communicate with colleagues via video communication throughout the next week”, the Regus spokesperson said.
For all those affected, Regus, a leading in flexible workplace solutions provider worldwide, there are some tips to business travellers.
Utilize Video Communication: Regus has the largest video communication network in the world. Travellers, who had to cancel their meeting due to disruption in air travel schedules, can utilize nearly 2,500 Regus video-conferencing suites, nearest to them.
Get an office: Working in the crowded airport full of disturbed passengers can be distracting. Regus has more than 1,000 locations across the globe and more than 22 in India. The fully equipped spaces can be rented by the day, the hour or the week, depending on your needs. Additionally, with Regus’ Businessworld programme, you can get access to any location around the globe whenever you need and use everything from the business lounges to the meeting rooms and offices.
Use internet communication: If you can’t get to a Regus centre, there are online tools that will allow you to communicate via video. It can be a viable alternative in case you have trouble finding a private area in the airport to have your meeting.
Try to find a quiet spot: If you can’t get out of the airport, try to find a quiet spot. Some known hideaways include near an ATM, an airline lounge, the baggage claim area or even a smoking lounge (if you don’t mind the smoke)
About The Regus Group
The Regus Group is the world’s leading provider of pioneering workplace solutions, with products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the largest network of videoconferencing studios. The Regus Group delivers a new way to work, whether it’s from home, on the road or from an office. Clients such as Google, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, Nokia and Accenture join thousands of growing small and medium businesses that benefit from outsourcing their office and workplace needs to The Regus Group, allowing them to focus on their core business.
Over 400,000 clients a day benefit from Regus Group facilities spread across a global footprint of 1000 locations in 450 cities and 75 countries, which allow individuals and companies to work wherever, however and whenever they want to. For more information, visit www.regus.co.in
