Record number of Welsh companies to participate at the Big 5 2006

Some will be following up on their success at last year's show, while many will be exhibiting their exclusive products in the Middle East region for the very first time.

"By global standards it may be a small country, but Wales is proving that it has the might to take on the world as it prepares for the Big 5," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of organisers dmg world media Dubai Ltd.

"More Welsh firms than ever before will be attending this year's Big 5, which is one of the most important of its kind to be staged anywhere in the world, thanks to support from the Welsh Assembly Government's overseas trade and investment arm, International Business Wales (IBW)."

For the second year running, IBW is hosting a major stand at the show and helping firms with the logistics of exhibiting in the region. As the rapid development of the UAE region continues apace, Welsh firms are well equipped to provide the kind of advanced technologies that the construction sector now requires.

Lee Jennings, Vice President (Middle East) of International Business Wales, said: "The regional construction market has a high regard for Welsh products and services, and this year we have a diverse range of products on show. In 2005 Welsh exports to the UAE totalled £210 million, an increase of £63 million from the previous year. Last year's Big 5 Show generated over £1 million in new business for Welsh companies in the Dubai market alone, and the attending companies are keen to replicate that success again this year."

Sean Reilly, Managing Director of equipment supply firm ESS, based in Glynneath in West Glamorgan, said: "At last year's Big 5 show we secured an order from large landscaping contractor in the UAE for one model from our range of Bandit Beast horizontal waste recyclers - the first time the 2680 model has ever appeared in the Middle East. Since then we have secured deals with a wide range of customers from small landscapers to major construction firms and we are hoping for similar success this year."

Sean thinks that the success of the Welsh offering in the Middle East is firmly rooted in its people. He continued: "Welsh firms are doing well in the Middle East because our staff come from a highly skilled background and have a lot of experience in the construction and recycling industry. We are also a practical nation; Welsh companies in general tend to have a very practical approach that clients in the region like."

ESS will be showcasing new products at the show incorporating equipment for the removal and recycling of indigenous materials, such as palm and eucalyptus, using a new cutting technology specifically designed for these applications in the Middle East. The firm provides equipment for the recycling and reutilisation of construction and landscape waste, enabling it to be turned into a valuable product such as mulch and compost that can be resold or reused.

Also attending the Big 5 Show are Bridgend-based technology innovators IEA Ltd. Following the successful launch of its 'V' Tankered Water and Waste Water Management Systems at last year's Big 5, the firm hopes to build on its success this time around. IEA will be launching two new products for the water industry at Big 5; 'TraKKa', the tracking and monitoring management solution for heavy duty machinery and mobile assets, and 'AquatraK', the water based transport monitoring system, which monitors passenger numbers and engine details to help ensure the safety of the vessel.

Managing Director Les Seaton explained that the Middle East provides a huge market for water industry technology. "With massive investment spending in the water industry in the Middle East as companies strive to abide by new legislation, there is now a high demand for the new technologies we have been using in Europe for the last ten years. Last year we signed two partners including Metito in the UAE and Midwil Inc., in Qatar, which have enabled IEA to enter the market with the credibility that such local contacts bring with them allowing us to tender for major contracts in both Qatar and Oman so far."

Among the other Welsh companies participating at this year's Big 5 are Pop Up Products, who produce aluminium access products including aluminium towers, folding towers and podium steps. Its products are used in construction, maintenance, retail, leisure and FM sectors.

Xetal, a research and development company focused on the construction industry, has developed a range of acoustic attenuation products and build solutions to reduce the transmission of noise through walls and floors between apartments. Their products are based on a unique patented noise attenuation membrane and the solutions are lightweight, low footprint offering significant savings in cost of build. Engineering Services (Bridgend) Ltd., offers top quality recycling machinery and highly skilled engineers to solve processing requirements for a wide range of materials, while Axonics design and manufacture Electro-Chemical water and waste water treatment plants and industrial efficient processing sales.

Oxygen Lifestyle will show an innovative well-being product range for the health, leisure, spa and airport sectors, with new applications for the home and car. Oxygen treatments replace oxygen depleted by poor diet, lack of exercise, air pollution, smoking and stress. They enhance healing, restore the immune system, cleanse and detoxify, boost energy, clear the mind, increase stamina and slow the ageing process.

KindaGroup will be displaying Kindadek, a composite decking made from wood and plastic, which has passed British standard anti-slip and fire tests. UV stabilised, termite proof and guaranteed not to warp, rot or crack, it is ideal for commercial and residential applications, including boardwalks, marinas, decking and bridges.

Sani-Sleeve, a patented, tried and tested product, cures urinal problems at source. It helps the environment by negating the need for harmful chemicals and urinal blocks. A low cost consumable, it can be retro-fitted to existing urinals as well as fitted to new units. The products' odour locking design lines the internal surface of the waste outlet and trap that is a source of unpleasant smells.

Rubbertech, which operates in many sectors of the UK market, has developed a new acoustic self levelling flooring system which enables services to pass through floors and also meets high acoustic standards. It also has a full range of acoustic roof protection and equine flooring solutions. Finally, Toplis Project Management provides project management and chartered quantity surveying services to construction professionals.

The Big 5 takes place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 28 October to 1 November 2006.