Khidmah team grows from 20 to 230 in six months

From launch, Khidmah has stuck to a targeted growth strategy and intense hiring drive despite the global downturn, recruiting 60 head office staff of industry veterans and innovators from UAE and international markets.

The head office team - which includes graduates from some of the world's most renowned educational institutions - has been supplemented with a 140 strong workforce providing on-the-ground property management services; from dedicated call centre staff to maintenance and landscaping teams.

Sutton Turner, CEO, himself an alumnus of Harvard Business School, led international recruiting trips to Bangladesh, India, Nepal and the Philippines to hand-pick employees with the strongest commitment to customer service and most developed skills base.

The growth of the team has also enabled Khidmah to expand its portfolio of services - from property management and leasing at three months; to additional landscaping, cleaning, maintenance, health and fitness, resale, online (www.UAE2let.com) and call centre services today. Khidmah now provides its services to seven residential and commercial developments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including Sun and Sky Towers in Abu Dhabi, Oyoun Village in Al Ain and Lake Shore Tower in Dubai.

Sutton Turner, CEO of Khidmah, says:

"We're an ambitious Abu Dhabi company with great plans. We have been able to take advantage of the current economic crisis to launch Khidmah; there are always opportunities in every crisis. Growing from 20 people six months ago to now over 230 staff and workers will allow us to fulfill the vision of Khidmah. "

"During this first year of business, we have focused our attention on building the foundations of a great company. First you need incredible, positive people with good experience and education. Second, a well communicated vision and mission to focus these employees to become a team and do something bigger than any one person. Third, an integrated software system to increase communication and efficiencies, which decreases costs. Last, and most importantly, great board and shareholder leadership to see what the future needs and build the value of a service focused business."

On the back of this initial period of growth, the company moved to new permanent offices in Abu Dhabi after being based temporarily at Sas Al Nakhl Village.

Khidmah was officially launched at Cityscape Abu Dhabi in April 2009, and is a joint venture company formed by majority shareholder Sorouh Real Estate PJSC and Capital Investment LLC.