Gulf Construction Online

The Big 5

The UK stand at last year’s show.

Out in force

01 November 2010

WITH a total of 49 companies, the UK pavilion at The Big 5 will be largest that any construction exhibition worldwide has seen in 2010, with many of them, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), making their debut at the event.

“Despite the continuing worldwide economic downturn, UK companies are still committed to export with a particular focus on the Middle East,” says Michael Ankers, chief executive of Construction Products Association (CPA), the official accredited trade organiser appointed by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to once again co-ordinate the UK pavilion in collaboration with exhibition/international event management partner, Building Exhibitions Management.

“The companies that are participating know how important it is to have a presence at this exhibition – it is quite simply ‘the’ event for the industry and you have to be seen at The Big 5 if you want to meet with the major players and you are serious about exporting to this region,” says Ankers.

UK companies are focusing on the Middle East.

A vast array of companies located in Hall 2 at Dubai World Trade Centre will exhibit a product profile that will cover various industries including environment, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) and water equipment, together with products from the diverse building materials and construction sector.

Companies participating for the first time include Thrislington Cubicles, Teletower and Mann McGowan, while Roll Roy, SPE International, Euro Façade, Venture Tape and Weatherite will return to show their commitment to the Middle Eastern market. Some of the SMEs that are participating are new to the market and are financially supported by UKTI.
“We are delighted to have Dyson and Marley exhibiting this year, proving how both small and large organisations in the UK believe that the Middle East is still such a vital market,” says Ankers.

“The companies we have on our pavilion illustrate the wide range of products available from the UK and demonstrate how innovative the UK industry is,” he says. “The group reflects the growing importance that UK companies are giving to the environment. Encouraged by the government, which is taking the lead with ambitious policies related to energy efficiency, resource efficiency, and water saving facilities, the UK manufacturers and suppliers are responding with the development of innovative products and solutions.”

“Companies that exhibit now in the somewhat current downturn will reap the benefits to come in future years,” says Simona Novelli, project director, Building Exhibitions Management.

“The Big 5 attracts visitors from all over the region and it is important that companies understand that they are not just targeting the UAE, they can reach the entire Gulf region and beyond by having a presence at The Big 5.

“The support offered for certain SMEs by the UKTI is vital to those companies who are new to the region and we are pleased that UKTI is able to assist these organisations with their export efforts and I am confident that all the exhibitors within our pavilion will enjoy a tremendous amount of success from business they generate from being at this exhibition.

“These are challenging times and both the Construction Products Association and we ourselves are delighted that so many UK companies are positioning themselves to compete and actively win business in this market and it is our aim to support them every step of the way,” says Novelli.

The CPA acts as a single, influential voice for the manufacturers and suppliers of construction products in the UK. One of the vital roles that the association plays is to assist UK companies with their export activities and through UKTI has an involvement in coordinating UK pavilions at major international building and construction exhibitions each year.
The Construction Products Association will be present in Hall Two, Stand 2C60.