South Africa's status as a safe haven for international business has been re-affirmed with the war in the Gulf.

Regus, provider of customised, "instant office" solutions, has announced that it is responding to an inquiry from a business considering rapid redeployment - a global, US-owned company eager to relocate "at a moment's notice" from its head office in the Gulf.

Kevin Rawnsley, chief executive of Regus Southern Africa, notes: "The request tests all aspects of our core promise that we can provide instant, fully-functioning office facilities with IT connectivity and full support services, customised to any commercial need or staffing requirement.

"The company cannot tell us precisely when they may have to relocate from the Gulf nor the exact size of the staff component. It might be eight or 15, but could rapidly swell to 45. The duration of their stay is indeterminate, too. Total timing flexibility is part of the deal.

"In the event of a withdrawal from the Gulf, senior head office executives will be the first to relocate. They expect to resume full operations from the moment of touchdown in South Africa. And Regus can provide just that."

Regus South Africa is the local subsidiary of the global leader in office outsourcing.