A Long Bennington-based lift protection manufacturer 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.

Richard Annable, Managing Director of Kapok 88, based near Newark, is attending the visit to help raise his company's profile and products. The company produce padded protective drapes to prevent damage to walls such as in lifts, stairwells and hallways. Richard said:

"I thought it would be useful to attend Britain in the Region as a way to help our expansion into this market as we are still relatively new to exporting.  

"This is a great chance to network, build contacts and help boost product awareness.

"Our international success is gaining momentum nicely, so we are working hard on increasing our export sales, whilst appointing more distributors to add to the ones we already have in France, the Netherlands, Germany and the Middle East." 

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.

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.