Premium 2005 expo draw strong UK representation

Smiffys, founded in 1894, has the biggest individual stand where it will show a selection of its costumes, wigs, jokes, novelties, Halloween items, make-up and masks.

Five other UK companies are also first-time exhibitors at Premium 2005 - Direct Disk Development (movie and music DVDs and home entertainment systems), Falcon International Bags (business bags for stationery, retail, and promotional markets),Ryland Peters & Small (illustrated book publishing),Transworld Trophies (awards and trophies), and Tutbury Crystal Glass (English crystal and fine bone china).

From the USA, Office 1 Superstore International introduces a new concept in the sale of office products, small business machines, and office furniture through self-service superstores, direct mail, and telemarketing.

More than 60 exhibitors are taking part in Premium 2005, representing Singapore, Malaysia, Italy, Korea, and the Philippines as well as UAE, Lebanon, Turkey, India, China, Germany and Taiwan, as well as the UK and USA.

The event will showcase a wide range of products, from high quality corporate stationery and corporate gifts, to high value trophies, pens, watches, and handicrafts, as well as novelty giftware and products for festive occasions.

"Businesses participating cover a spectrum of leading international brands from a vast diversity of products," says Justin Boutros, managing director of organisers Channels Exhibitions.

"Many have attended the show every year since its launch and we are also welcoming a considerable number of first-timers. The strong presence from UK and US exhibitors is indicative of the show's growing international appeal.

"Being ideally located in vibrant Dubai, the Middle East's commercial and trading hub, Premium 2005 gives exhibitors the best possible access to these dynamic regional markets, enabling them to meet local end-users and corporate clients, as well as regional distributor agents and potential business partners from across the Middle East and the Asian sub-continent."

Dubai's re-export trade was worth $10.4 billion in 2003, the most recent year for which official figures are available, and is estimated to be growing by about 25 per cent annually.

"In the context of that market value, the potential business to be derived from Premium 2005 is enormous," says Boutros.