Abishek Chand, The Fiji Times / April 8, 2022
Bula Outsourcing has made an impressive impact on the global business process outsourcing industry, having grown exponentially during the pandemic last year.
According to executive chairman Clive Kirkpatrick during the launch of their head office in Suva, the company had reached countries in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the European Union.
Mr Kirkpatrick said he and chief operations officer Aaron Milburn travelled globally, not only spreading the word about their organisation but also about the potential Fiji had to offer business internationally.
“Business process outsourcing (BPO) or offshoring is increasingly seen as a solution to many businesses in many sectors and we are convinced Fiji has what it takes to tap into this moment,” he said.
“Given our backgrounds, we saw the opportunity to support the mortgage broker industry in Australia.
“To give you some context as to why that’s an important sector for us to focus on and the Fijian BPO community.
“Over 60 per cent of all mortgages in Australia are set by mortgage brokers to lenders and the mortgage Australian mortgage industry is about five times the size of that of the Fijian GDP.
“So as you can see, it’s large in its opportunity.
“This has value diluting in the customer value chain and presents a wonderful opportunity for outsourcing capabilities,” he said.
In Europe, especially Ireland, where the impact of Brexit in the United Kingdom was seen, large global companies such as Facebook and Google had moved their headquarters in Dublin, according to Mr Kirkpatrick.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama with Bula Outsourcing officials at the launch on Wednesday night in Suva. Picture: SOPHIE RALULU
This had caused wage inflation across the country and caused the skill shortage which not only impacted Ireland, but other areas which traditionally looked at to solve the problem of shortages such as Croatia, prior to the conflict in Ukraine.
“As a result, global companies are searching for new areas of talent to solve this issue.
“We are fortunate enough to be part of the growing sector locally and exuberate to know that Fiji is well on its way to make its mark worldwide.
“And I’m excited to see the Fijian economy and its people reap the benefits of this potential reward.”
Mr Kirkpatrick said they had invested substantially into Bula Outsourcing in terms of financial and human capital.
“Bula Outsourcing currently focuses on both outsourcing and offshoring arrangements.
“To see how quickly our organisation is growing thanks to the impeccable services provided by our team, and most importantly, the support from our clients and stakeholders we are pleased to announce that Bula Outsourcing is now looking to expand further into other sectors, specialised fields locally.”
Mr Kirkpatrick revealed they were happy as their clients were pleased with what they had been receiving.
“Positive feedback says so much about our people, and Fiji as a whole.
“And potential clients have now reached out to us in regards to outsourcing their needs, mainly because of the quality of the service that we provide.
“As we expand we hope to continue to work closely with the Fijian Government and local stakeholders in providing more opportunities for the citizens of Fiji not only with employment, but also with community initiatives that we have in place and we would not be here today if we weren’t around people.
“Giving back to the community has always been one of their main goals at Bula Outsourcing and we are adamant in ensuring that this is guaranteed.”
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, during the launch, said the executives and staff of Bula Outsourcing had taken the company with a staff of 10 to a staff of 70.
Guests at the Bula Outsourcing official launch on Wednesday night inSuva. Picture: SOPHIE RALULU
“And that is something very important behind those numbers, confidence and trust.
“The staff has increased because the business has increased and the business has increased because you have satisfied customers who trust you.
“That trust in you is also trust in Fiji and the Fijians who work at this company and all of that has a way of creating exponential growth.”
Mr Bainimarama also congratulated Bula Outsourcing for being a company which gave back to the community.
“Even in your first year you made it a part of your business to support worthy causes.
“I encourage you to expand your charitable initiatives to compliment my Government’s continued efforts to empower Fijians in particular, those on the margins of society.”