Leicestershire software firm 4H Solutions, Belper-based IT support firm TBS Enterprise Mobility and established Lincolnshire firm, Guttridge Ltd, are all set for growth thanks to contract wins with Gulf countries.  

The news comes as Prime Minister David Cameron leads a delegation of leaders from the worlds of business, academia and culture to the Gulf.

Trade and investment relations with the Gulf States are of huge significance to the UK: in 2009 alone, UK exports to the Gulf were worth £15 billion.

4H solutions of Rearsby will be increasing their 15 strong team over the next 12 months after winning an order, with help from UK Trade & Investment, to carry out health and safety inspections in the world's largest phosphate mine in Saudi Arabia.

Andrew Davies, Managing Director of 4H Solutions Ltd, said:

"We have been slowly building up our work in Saudi over the last 12 months. Further work is planned over the next 12 months and we'll be looking to expand our team to help deal with the support needed across different time zones."

Belper firm TBS Enterprise Mobility has seen growth in the past year after firms in UAE and Qatar bought their computing software. The TaskMaster solution, launched at the British embassy in Dubai, is tailored to the growing need by Gulf-based firms to have better access to information and visibility of activities when working outside the office.

Jon Poynton, Co Founder and Commercial Director, said:

"Over the last year we have been working with UKTI to launch our project in the Gulf region, namely UAE and Qatar. We have considerable interest from large utilities, oil and gas companies, also vehicle hire and fleet management companies."

Spalding firm Guttridge Ltd, who produce bulk handling machinery for foods, agriculture and chemicals and pharmaceuticals, have been working in Saudi Arabia for the past four years. With help from UK Trade & Investment they aim to double their business within three years.

Paul Gott, Sales & Marketing Director, said:

"We have several large contracts with Saudi Arabia and are now working to develop more. Business is really picking up over there and with help from UK Trade & Investment we are hoping to further increase this.  We have big growth targets to meet and exports will play a significant role."

Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green said:

"The UK has strong trading links with the Gulf but we need to build on this. We want to be viewed as the commercial partner of choice in the Gulf region.

"British companies are well placed to offer the quality, experience, innovation and skills to help deliver the Gulf region's ambitious development and growth plans."

Peter Hogarth, UKTI's International Trade Director for the East Midlands, said:

"The Middle East is a growing market with many potential business opportunities for East Midlands' firms. There are local events and market visits planned and we can provide tailored advice and support to companies. Any company who would like further information on exporting to the Middle East can get in touch with a local trade advisor by calling 0845 052 4001 "

Local firms keen to explore the Gulf can find out more at an Emita Middle East event on Tuesday 17 May at Holywell Park, Loughborough University. 

UK Trade & Investment are running a market visit to Saudi Arabia 3-10 June.  To find out more or register your interest email marketvisits@uktiem.co.uk. The closing date for applications is 18 March 2011.