Scottish innovation on show at world leading sustainable construction event

Supported by Scottish Enterprise (SE) and its international arm, Scottish Development International (SDI), 12 Scottish companies will promote their products during the three day event to over 57,000 influential professionals from over 120 markets worldwide in the design and construction industry.

As part of their visit, the companies will also participate in a B2B matchmaking event, organised by the Enterprise Europe Network, to identify potential commercial and technology partners from Europe.

Hosting a Scottish Pavilion at EcoBuild contributes to the wider objectives set by the industry in its new strategy document “Building for the Future: the Scottish Construction Industry’s Strategy 2013-16”, which was launched in October last year to revive the sector after the recession.

Scottish Enterprise director of construction, Alistair McKinnon, said: “Home to 31,000 businesses which employ 170,000 people, Scotland’s construction sector is of huge importance to the economy and as such we are committed to supporting its growth ambition.

“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.”

Innovation has a key role to play in supporting the industry’s economic growth and Scotland is already seeing a number of innovative companies embracing this opportunity. Companies such as Ochil Timber Products Ltd which design and supply engineered wood products for all shapes and sizes of buildings and Westcrowns whose range of glass products deliver clear and tangible commercial benefits by reducing the overall energy consumption and deliver daylight benefits to buildings.

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 which capture a share of this important market.”

Mr McKinnon added: “Helping companies like Ochil Timber Products and Westcrowns to compete globally and capture a share of the worldwide market, which is expected to double in the next few years, 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 right across the industry for its success.

“Companies are recognising the benefits of working more collaboratively to secure contracts, that being more innovative is what keeps them ahead of their competitors and trading internationally will help to make a significant impact on their bottom line.

“It’s great to see so many companies participating in the Scottish Pavilion and I wish them every success in securing new business as they deliver their growth ambition.”