Wales showcases construction innovation at Big 5 2007

The companies are attending the show thanks to International Business Wales, the overseas trade and investment arm of the Welsh Assembly Government. Its stand reflects the wide range of innovation and expertise available in Wales, with participating companies working in sectors as diverse as biotechnology, chemical testing and security systems.

Lee Jennings, Vice President (Middle East) of International Business Wales, comments:

'Welsh exports to the Middle East have increased by more than 200% since 2004, totalling $680m in 2006. In fact, the UAE is now Wales' largest overseas market, with exports rising from $72m in 2003 to $320m in 2006. Welsh companies have established a worldwide reputation in construction, engineering and design, with many having supplied products and services to high-profile developments across the Gulf.'

One such firm is Teddington Engineered Solutions, which has recently been named Regional Exporter of the Year by International Business Wales. The company designs and manufactures a range of highly specialised bellows and expansion joints which have been used in the construction of Dubai's Burj Tower and Mall - a £4.2bn project that will create the world's tallest building.

The high demand for its products means Teddington is now planning a permanent presence in the Middle East, as Commercial Manager Jason Thomas explains: 'Around 65-70% of our business is in exports and the Gulf market is very important to us: last year alone we secured contracts worth almost £400,000 in the region.'

Returning to Big 5 for the third time is Equipment Supply Services, which distributes recycling equipment across Europe and the Middle East. The construction industry is one of the main markets for the company's technology, as it facilitates the cost effective recycling of waste building materials into reusable end products.

Managing Director Sean Reilly comments: 'The Middle East is an important market for us as we have the knowledge, technology and equipment it requires. We hope to introduce ourselves to potential clients this year, as well as developing market awareness of our brand, our products and the complete service we provide.'

A number of Welsh firms are launching new products at Big 5. These include Conren International, a manufacturer of epoxy and polyurethane industrial coatings and waterproofing materials. Conren has been exporting its products to Dubai and the Middle East for almost 25 years and has an impressive portfolio of worldwide projects. It is supported at the exhibition by its local agents Al-Shirawi Contracting Co. LLC.

Export Manager Veronica Dawson explains: 'Our fast-track installation scheme for waterproofing should prove to be a real asset to construction companies, significantly speeding up the process, and we're looking forward to presenting it at the show. We believe it has real potential, with major projects planned for the region over the next twelve months.

'We have previously attended Big 5 with International Business Wales with great success. We're keen to have a presence again and use the opportunity to meet people face-to-face. We hope we can capitalise on an extremely successful year to build momentum for 2008.'

This sentiment is echoed by Iori Davies, Commercial Director at industrial and security door supplier Rhino Engineering. In the last year, the company has developed its export market and is showcasing its range at Big 5 in order to contact potential partners and new clients.

Iori says: 'Big 5 is rated as one of the best exhibitions in the region and attracts the right people from the industrial and security markets for our products. It will give us the opportunity to raise our profile and build awareness of the products we offer.

'We have 25 years' experience of supplying industrial and security doors to government buildings, cash handling centres and any businesses requiring robust and high-quality doors. Our products can be supplied in any size, from personnel doors to doors suitable for aircraft hangers.'