The implementation of international standards for quality, safety and reliability by the UAE’s booming construction industry will continue to play a key part in the country’s future economic growth - a point due to be hammered home by the British Business Group at The Big 5 exhibition in Dubai.
The BBG will be promoting British Standards, which include adoptions of European and International Standards, to construction companies from across the Gulf at the event, which takes place from October 28 to November 1 and is the largest trade show for the construction industry in the region.
The BBG’s UK supplier for British Standards, Robert Peacock, will be flying in to speak to companies interested in acquiring the internationally recognised standards and will be resident on the BBG’s stand during the event.
Peacock is managing director of Benma Ltd, which is an official distributor of British Standards in the UAE and works closely with the BBG, the official body for provision of British Standards in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
“Construction is the largest industrial sector in Dubai at present and it is vital for the continuing economic growth of the UAE that the industry implements the highest possible standards,” said Peacock, whose company is a BBG member.
“Throughout the UAE and the Gulf government projects invariably require companies tendering for work to conform to internationally recognised standards. As English is widely used as the language of business, British Standards are frequently stipulated. The British Standards Institution (BSI) was the first national standards body in the world and its reputation for integrity and independence means that standards developed by BSI have worldwide recognition.”
There are currently over 20,000 British Standards covering all industry sectors including building and construction, fire safety, occupational health and safety, manufacturing and healthcare. Companies interested in finding out how to obtain British Standards can contact the British Business Group in Dubai or visit their website at www.britbiz-uae.com
The BBG will also be promoting its wide variety of activities and services at The Big 5 in order to drive up membership. Formed in 1987, the group currently has more than 850 members and has set itself the ambitious target of gaining 1,000 new members by the end of March next year.
The BBG aims to encourage the development of British business in the UAE and its activities range from communicating with decision makers and testing British goods to sharing best business practice and arranging networking events for its members.
“Our participation in The Big 5 is an excellent opportunity for us to let potential members know just what we have to offer,” said BBG chairman Nick Dutt.
“We are particularly delighted that we will have Robert Peacock with us from the UK to promote British Standards. The BBG’s ability to provide the necessary information about British Standards without delay is proving to be an important service to the business community.”
Caption: Robert Peacock (right), representing the BBG’s UK supplier for British Standards, promotes the benefits of the internationally recognised standards on the BBG’s stand at a previous edition of The Big 5
The British Business Group, Dubai & Northern Emirates, more usually known as the BBG, is led by an elected committee of members and operates under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. It is recognised by the UAE authorities as the representative body of British companies and individuals operating in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
It holds around 70 networking events, forums and seminars each year and is widely recognised as one of the largest and most active business groups in the Gulf. It is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.
The BBG’s activities include a cost-effective Product Testing Service that allows British companies to identify how their product or service would compete in the regional markets. The BBG is also the official body for provision of British Standards in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
The BBG’s events include regular monthly working luncheons, dinner and breakfast meetings and networking sessions, which provide a forum for members and guests to discuss their views and frequently feature guest speakers from the British and UAE business worlds. Its monthly Special Interest Groups provide a forum for members with a common interest and include Banking & Finance, Construction, Education and Real Estate.
