Gulf Construction Online - Major presence

The Big 5

The British pavilion last year ... 42 firms to join this year.

Major presence

01 October 2012

THE UK contingent at The Big 5 will once again be the largest the country has hosted in overseas construction exhibitions, underlining the importance accorded to this premier construction event in Dubai.

The country’s pavilion, organised by the Construction Products Association (CPA) in collaboration with its exhibition/international event management partner Building Exhibitions Management (BEM), will feature 42 companies, some of which are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) new to the market and are financially supported by the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). As in previous years, the Construction Products Association is the officially accredited trade organiser for the UKTI.

Making their debut at the show will be 3D Laser Mapping, Apollo Insulation and SEAC, while companies such as Roll Roy, SPE International, Dura Composite, Command Alkon and Laidlaw Solutions will be coming back once again, showing their commitment and dedication to the Middle East market.

The product profile of exhibiting companies will cover various industries including environmental, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and water equipment, together with products from the huge and diverse building materials and construction sector.

“Despite the continuing worldwide economic downturn, UK companies are still committed to export with a particular focus on the Middle East and once again have a major presence at the show this year, larger than any other construction exhibition worldwide in 2012,” says Simona Novelli, project director of BEM.

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 the UKTI has an involvement in co-ordinating UK pavilions at major international building and construction exhibitions each year.

“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. The group reflects the growing importance that UK companies are giving to the environment. The government is undoubtedly taking a lead with ambitious policies related to energy efficiency, resource efficiency, and water saving facilities, and UK manufacturers and suppliers are responding to the opportunity this presents for the development of innovative products and solutions,” says Novelli.

“The response we have received from UK companies wishing to participate at the show, despite the difficult times we are all facing, underlines how vital the Gulf region is in export terms. The companies that are participating at the show this year 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,” she adds.

She says the companies that exhibit now in the somewhat current downturn will reap the benefits to come in future years.

Novelli says the support offered to certain SMEs by the UK Trade and Investment is vital to companies that are new to the region. “We are pleased that UKTI is able to assist these organisations with its export efforts. I am confident that all the exhibitors within our pavilion will enjoy a tremendous amount of success from the business they generate from being at this exhibition.”

She says in these challenging times, both the CPA and BEM are delighted that so many UK companies are positioning themselves to compete and actively win business in this market. “It is our aim to support them every step of the way.”

The Construction Products Association will be exhibiting at Stand 2C80, Hall 2, at The Big 5 show.