This week will see the first ever Scottish Pavilion at EcoBuild, the world’s largest showcase for sustainable construction products.
The event (taking place in London from 5-7 March) is supported by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International.
With them, 12 Scottish companies will promote their products to 57,000 design and construction professionals from 120 countries.
As part of their visit, the companies will also take part in a B2B matchmaking event, organised by the Enterprise Europe Network, to identify potential commercial and technology partners.
Building for the Future
Hosting the pavilion is all part of meeting the industry's aims - as set out in “Building for the Future: the Scottish Construction Industry’s Strategy 2013-16” - to revive the sector after the recession.
Scottish Enterprise construction director Alistair McKinnon said: “Home to 31,000 businesses employing 170,000 people, Scotland’s construction sector is hugely important.
“In particular, with Scotland aiming to reduce its carbon emissions by 42% by 2020, the sustainability and low carbon agenda offers significant economic opportunities, as the industry fights back from the recession.”
"We recognise the importance of developing new products and services"
Innovation plays a key role in supporting the industry’s economic growth and a number of companies are already embracing the opportunity. For example, Ochil Timber Products Ltd - which designs and supplies engineered wood products. And Westcrowns; whose range of glass products help reduce a building's energy consumption.
Ochil Timber Products Ltd managing director, Andrew McAree, said: “The transition to a low carbon economy offers significant benefits to the construction industry and we recognise the importance of developing new products and services.”
Alistair McKinnon added: “Helping companies like Ochil Timber Products and Westcrowns to compete globally and capture a share of the worldwide market is critical if we are to help grow this important sector in Scotland.
“We are beginning to see signs that the worst of the downturn is over in many parts of the industry, and I’m seeing genuine enthusiasm and commitment across the board.
Companies on the Scottish Pavilion are:
- Enewall / Enemetric / Enevis all part of the EneGroup
- Ewgeco (Tayeco trading as)
- IECHP (UK & Eire) Limited
- IRT Surveys Ltd ITW
- Industry Institute for Sustainable Construction
- Ochil Timber Products Ltd
- Oregon Timber Frame Ltd
- A Proctor Group Ltd
- Val-U-Therm Ltd
- Waterevolution Ltd
- Westcrowns Ltd