Clearwater, a young UK water treatment specialist, says it came to the Big 5 as a small exhibitor but walked away with a large number of serious enquiries, not just from Dubai but also from around the Gulf, the Far East and Australia.

This did not happen just by chance, according to general manager, David Darbyshire, "We have been preparing for this day for nearly two years. To come out here has required a major investment in a local office, manned full-time by our own representative, Kenneth Carter, under the name of Clearwater (Overseas),'' he says.

Consequently, Carter was able to set up meetings with local customers, as well as with representatives of the Government, so that when we arrived, we were able to fully maximise our time. Furthermore, we have been negotiating with other companies across Europe to act as their representatives here in Dubai. All of this is now coming to fruition and, over the next couple of years, should result in major contracts for the treatment and recycling of water in an area that is desperately short of its own resources."

Clearwater has developed a range of units and systems for the provision of clean water, treatment of hard water and recycling of 'grey' water. The units are designed to reduce the risk of infection from legionella without the use of environmentally harmful chemicals and can be used in hospitals, nursing and retirement homes, schools and swimming pools, says Darbyshire.

The simple, electronic units require no maintenance, which, once again remove the need for chemicals such as acid cleaning, he says. A range of units is available, covering applications ranging from the individual home to larger premises such as offices, and hospitals. Portable units can also be supplied.

Clearwater's technology was shown to the world for the first time in Dubai.