CPA: Digby Jones gives British construction a lift up at Middle East

CPA: Digby Jones gives British construction a lift up at Middle East’s largest construction trade fair

CPA: Digby Jones gives British construction a lift up at Middle East’s largest construction trade fair

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.”

Press Contact
For more information please contact Susan Grieve in the UK Trade & Investment press office on 0207 215 4644 or susan.grieve@uktradeinvest.gov.uk

Notes for Editors

UK Trade & Investment is the UK Government’s international business development organisation, supporting businesses seeking to establish in the UK and helping UK companies grow internationally. The services offered by UK Trade & Investment bring together a network of business sector specialists and support teams in British embassies and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) posts all around the world, as well as key experts in government departments across the UK. UK Trade & Investment works with a wide range of partner organisations in the UK, including Regional Development Agencies and the Devolved Administrations, Business Links, Chambers of Commerce and trade associations. For more information, visit the web site at www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at http://www.newsroom.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

The Construction Products Association represents the UK’s manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings. The Association acts as the voice of the construction products sector, representing the industry-wide view of its members. The sector has an annual turnover of more than £40 billion and accounts for 40% of total construction output.

The Big 5 runs form 25 – 29 November. 41,058 key buyers and decision-makers from the public and private sectors attended the 2006 event, including architects, engineers, contractors and other specifiers. http://www.thebig5exhibition.com

This is the first year that the Construction Products Innovation Award has been given to the best performing UK construction company. Companies were assessed on the following criteria:

  • Improve ways and speed of construction
  • Reduce construction cost
  • Improve quality of construction
  • Make safer construction on site
  • Reduce energy use in construction
  • Contribute to the more efficient use of resources

The other three shortlisted companies included:
Guardian Locks & Engineering Co
Product – Mortice Locks and Latches

Liquid Plastics Ltd
Product – Seamless protection system for roofs, walls and balconies

Xpelair
For over 50 years, the Xpelair name has been synonymous with fans and offer a comprehensive range of products suited for both domestic and commercial use.