Regus Group, the world’s largest workstations provider, has seen a pick-up in business due to economic uncertainty and will expand in emerging markets – Africa and Asia in particular.

Chief executive Mark Dixon told reporters on a conference call last week that he has seen a rise in demand for Regus’ products as economic uncertainty increases the need for flexible and efficient products.

Dixon said he has seen a pick-up in business in the second half of 2007, even in the US, and that he expects this trend to continue this year.

He added that at time of uncertainty clients want to have flexibility at low cost and without commitment, and this bodes well for Regus.

The CEO said he would focus on further expansion in emerging markets, which delivered full-year revenues of £113.9 million in 2007, up 40 per cent on-year, and that he is most interested in Africa and Asia.

He plans to move westwards into China and open centres in Mauritius and Malta this year.

Dixon said he is planning to continue looking for small bolt-on buys this year, although Regus cannot specify whether a move to a new market will be organic or through acquisitions.

The company added 128 new centres this year, including joint ventures, franchises and managed offices, and opened its first centres in Bulgaria, Qatar, Jordan, Kenya, and New Zealand.