JEDDAH: Most people would like to increase their income potential, but all too often find the stresses and strains of workplace administration tasks get in the way.
Associates is a Saudi startup set up in 2016 with the aim of saving professionals’ time and energy by providing virtual assistants to allow them to concentrate on the work that matters.
Jawaher Afandi, general manager and co-founder of Associates, told Arab News that the company targeted those who “love what they do and want to focus on it more.”
Associates (@AssociatesCo) offers virtual support services, through monthly subscription plans, tailored to the specific needs of its clients.
Tasks that are not the customer’s main duties are handed over to the virtual assistant allowing the client to get on with their core responsibilities and so giving them “the confidence they need to do great work,” Afandi said.
Jobs that can be delegated to virtual assistants include managing calendars and work schedules, making travel arrangements, following up on tasks, collecting data, building and updating databases, and screening CVs.
The remote help is aimed at saving money for clients on the costs of training, insurance, extra office space, equipment and supplies.
“We also save our clients the time and effort of going through the recruitment process, and find the best fit based on a client’s requirements in 24 hours,” Afandi added.
When it was established three years ago, Associates brought a new concept to the regional market, and it took time to convince businesses of the merits of the services it offered. There were also high costs attached to marketing campaigns, office rents, and meeting government requirements.
“Since the concept of virtual services is not fully applied in our region, especially the type of services that we are offering, we always aim to delight our clients by our flexible plans, prompt actions and response, ensuring the best quality is provided and that feedback is acted upon,” Afandi said.
The company now has a team of qualified professional associates and works with more than 100 clients from industries in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“We aspire to be one of the most trusted virtual support service providers in the GCC,” Afandi added. “Away from the key performance indicators and targets we have, we rate our success on achieving Associates’ purpose with each of our clients, which we see in their feedback and expression of trust in us.”
Startup of the Week: Save your money and energy by hiring a professional virtual assistant
Startup of the Week: Save your money and energy by hiring a professional virtual assistant
- The company now has a team of qualified professional associates and works with more than 100 clients from industries in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference
- Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
- Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan
RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.
The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.
Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.
Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.
“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.
“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.
“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”
