THE global slowdown has not dampened the enthusiasm of UK companies that are coming out in force to have a major presence at this year’s Big 5, says the Construction Products Association, which is once again co-ordinating the UK pavilion at the show.

“The pavilion will include a vast array of companies, some of which are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who are new to the market and are financially supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKT&I),” says Michael Ankers, association chief executive.
The product profile of the 51 companies participating in the show will cover various industries including environmental, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and water equipment, together with products from the huge and diverse building materials and construction sector.
Companies that are returning to take part in the expo are Roll Roy, SPE International, Flowflex and Command Alkon.
New participants include Balmoral Tanks, Aspen Pumps, Crown Acquisitions, Packexe and Slick Systems.
The Construction Products Association has been appointed by UKT&I as the official accredited trade organiser and is organising the pavilion in collaboration with exhibition/international event management partner, Building Exhibitions Management (BEM).
“The Construction Products Association acts as a single, influential voice for the manufacturers and suppliers of construction products in the UK.  One of the vital roles that the association plays is to assist UK companies with their export activities,” says Ankers.
Supported by UKT&I, the association plays a major role in co-ordinating UK pavilions at major international building and construction exhibitions each year.
“The Big 5, however, is by far the largest event in the exhibition calendar for the association, its members and UK industry in general,” says Ankers.

“The companies we have on our pavilion illustrate the wide range of products available from the UK and how innovative and environment-friendly the UK industry is.”
“The government is undoubtedly taking the lead with ambitious initiatives related to energy, resource and water efficiency and the UK manufacturers and suppliers are responding well by using this opportunity to develop innovative products and solutions,” she adds.
Simona Novelli, project director of BEM, says the encouraging response from the UK companies wishing to participate in the show, despite the difficult times underlines how vital the region is in export terms.
“The Big 5 attracts visitors from all over the region and it is a big opportunity for companies to extend their reach beyond the UAE,” she says. “The support offered for certain SMEs by UKT&I is vital to those companies who are new to the region and we are pleased it is able to assist these organisations with their export efforts.”
“I am confident that all the exhibitors within our pavilion will enjoy tremendous success as a result of their participation of the exhibition. These are challenging times and both the Construction Products Association and the BEM are delighted to see so many UK companies positioning themselves to compete and actively win business in this market and it is our aim to support them every step of the way,” she concludes. 
The UK pavilion will be present in Hall 2, Stand 2D61.

Link for the UK Pavilion: