Aversion uses MEPLEX to boost confidence in Iraqi rebuilding programmes

The company, which also has offices in London and Iraq and is in the process of opening in Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, aims to make Dubai its international headquarters. From its Jebel Ali base, Aversion provide a comprehensive package including security, consultancy, operational support, security training and product representation.

'Some companies may be keen to assist in the rebuilding of Iraq but are concerned about the safety risks,' said Aversion Managing Director John Garbutt. 'At MEPLEX, we have been speaking to various companies about representing their interests in Iraq, where, of course, we have our own office.

'We offer training for corporations moving to high risk areas and provide the necessary on-the-ground protection for the companies involved and their employees. Because of the type of exhibitors who attend, MEPLEX provides us with the ideal platform to explain the turnkey service we can provide in places like Iraq.'

Meanwhile, after a highly lucrative first visit to MEPLEX in 2002, Tyron Automotive Group - whose Middle East distribution is handled from Oman - has signed contracts worth a combined total of more than ₤500,000.

The contracts, with companies from Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Botswana, are to supply Tyron safety bands, which help drivers keep control of vehicles after high-speed blow-outs.

'After the success we experienced at MEPLEX two years ago, we had no hesitation in returning,' said Tyron's Managing Director Middle East and Africa, Nasir Al Wadhahi. 'This has been validated by orders this year from throughout the region, as well as Botswana. We have been delighted to confirm an order with Saudi Arabia to provide Tyron bands for 500 armoured cars - this is the business potential of MEPLEX.'

Held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Defence Minister and Head of Dubai Police and Security at the Dubai Police Academy, the three-day event was organised by Streamline Marketing who were delighted with the quality of this year's show, which ran concurrent with the conference, 'Victims of Crime', organised by Dubai Police Academy, and a series of live demonstrations.

Among the visitors over the three days of the show at the Dubai Police Academy was His Highness Sheikh Talib Al Qassimi of Ras Al Khaimah, senior military and security officials and police delegations from throughout the region.

'We also had 103 exhibitors from 16 different countries in attendance which is up on 2002,' said director of Streamline Marketing Nick Webb. 'The event's status as a major annual showcase and forum has now been firmly established and we are already making plans to build on the success of the event. The combination of live displays and demonstrations, an exhibition, and a conference seems to provide a perfect balance in creating a major regional platform for the discussion of new tactics and the presentation of the latest technology being employed in the global fight against crime.'