A Black Country provider of wood-based products will be among
200 British companies in Dubai this week finding out about
potential business opportunities across the dynamic Middle East and
North African markets.
Organised by UK Trade & Investment, Britain in the Region is
the premier event for UK companies looking to win business in the
Middle East and North Africa. The businesses will be able to meet
with trade experts from more than 18 markets from Algeria to
Kuwait, Syria to Saudi Arabia.
Palmer Timber, of Station Road, Cradley Heath, is one of nine
West Midlands businesses that are attending the event.
The company was established over 90 years ago and provides
hardwood and softwood timber and wood-based panel products to a
variety of industries.
It is planning to export its mezzanine flooring, raised access
flooring and fire door cores which prevent flames from spreading
for up to an hour.
Managing director Peter Kerr said:
"Earlier this year, we won our first order to the Middle East
region. Other orders have followed since, and we believe this
market has huge potential for us.
"Fire doors are ideally suited for schools, hospitals and
hotels, while the mezzanine flooring is mainly used for storage
applications, and the raised access flooring for offices and
shops.
"These are all high growth areas in the Gulf and we are looking
forward to visiting the market to explore these opportunities
further with the help of UKTI.
"We have recently started to work with UKTI's international
trade team at Black Country Chamber of Commerce and the practical
advice and support is excellent."
UK Trade & Investment Chief Executive Officer Sir Andrew
Cahn said:
"Britain in the Region is taking place on the eve of an historic
event - the first State visit to the UAE in more than 30 years.
This visit will help strengthen our already close ties with the
region.
"The Middle East and North African markets offer huge
opportunity and promise for British business. Last year exports to
the region were worth nearly £21 billion. I hope each and
every company attending Britain in the Region can find new markets,
new opportunities or business partnerships to boost export
orders."
The event will offer British firms, the majority of whom are
SMEs, a one-stop-shop offering advice, commercial opportunities and
information about how they can win business and succeed in the
Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Markets right across the region have ambitious diversification
and infrastructure plans and are improving essential services such
as education and healthcare. UK companies have the right skills and
expertise to help them achieve their plans.
The Britain in the Region event takes place in the context of
wider efforts to boost ties with the Gulf States. Seeking
opportunities for British business in the Gulf is a key part of
this effort, at the same time as working more closely on wider
regional and global issues such as education, security and human
rights.
Over the past month the UK has hosted the Abu Dhabi Investment
Forum, the Oman Trade & Investment Forum as well as the Gulf
Cooperation Council 'Days in Europe Expo,' a series of events aimed
at strengthening economic and political ties. The UK also welcomed
a State visit from the Emir of Qatar. During the visit the UK
signed an agreement with Qatar to further boost trade and economic
ties.