DIGBY JONES GIVES BRITISH CONSTRUCTION A LIFT UP AT MIDDLE EAST’S LARGEST CONSTRUCTION TRADE FAIR

28 November 2007

More than 65 UK construction companies are this week attending the Big 5 Exhibition in Dubai, the Middle East’s largest trade fair for the construction industry, Minister Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham said today.

UK Trade & Investment in partnership with the Construction Products Association is supporting all of the exhibiting UK companies. The ‘Big 5’ is the most important event for contractors, specifiers, architects, engineers and buyers throughout the Middle East and is also seen as the annual meeting place for the worldwide construction industry.

Lord Digby Jones, who is meeting the British companies on the ground said:

“Booming is an understatement for the development going on all around me in Dubai. With the ninth largest seaport in the world, the area is truly a gateway for the entire region. It is clear why the Middle East’s largest construction trade fair is being held here.

“I am delighted that UK companies are forging strong business links with this region. By being here in person I can see the future construction challenges the region faces and how the UK may be able to help.

“UK firms are construction world leaders with over £5 billion of products and materials exported annually. UK firms also have a magnificent reputation of being able to manufacture products on a one off basis to meet the needs of the most demanding designer.

“I am also proud that the UK is rising to the much more demanding challenge of climate change. Through innovation and creativity UK designs are cutting energy consumption and CO2 emissions.”
Construction Products Association Chief Executive Michael Ankers welcomed the Minister to the UK pavilion and introduced him to many of the UK exhibitors and their customers. Commenting on the visit he said:

“We are absolutely delighted that the Minister was able to join us at this prestigious event and to show his personal support for the work that UK companies are doing to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities for product manufacturers and suppliers in this part of the world.”

Whilst in the Middle East, Lord Digby Jones also presented the ‘Construction Products Association’ Innovation Award to the best performing UK company. This is the first time such an award has been given out and in presenting the award to Corriform the Minister added:

“Corriform has shown those truly British qualities which make our brand world class. Innovation, creativity and boldness! Well done to the whole team for achieving first class products which have proved to be in demand the world over.”

Mr Ankers said: “Corriform won the award for its permanent shuttering system – the most innovative foundation forming system to be introduced to the construction industry in the last fifty years. Their solution increases the speed of construction, reduces cost, and makes for safer installation.”

On receiving the Award, Corriform’s Joint Managing Director, Bernard Jones said:

“We really are proud to have won this Award, coming on a day we secured a major contract for this permanent shuttering system in Abu Dhabi, and so soon after securing contracts in Australia and Russia.”

Bill Winter, the company’s other Joint Managing Director added:

“I want to pay tribute to the crucial role that the British Board of Agrement has played in the development of the product, as well as all those who have helped secure the protection of the intellectual property rights worldwide.”