Earlier this year the British Embassy in Helsinki and Department for International Trade (DIT) launched the Virtual Construction Capabilities Trade Mission, to support UK companies looking to enter or strengthen their presence in the Finnish market.
With trade fairs and international travel on hold, this was an important opportunity for UK businesses to draw attention to their construction expertise and start to build long-term relationships with prospective customers.
A number of UK companies signed up to support the virtual trade mission showcasing products ranging from environmentally friendly machinery to high-tech safety software solutions.
UK Ambassador to Finland Tom Dodd said: “The UK is a leading provider of products, equipment and solutions needed for modern construction development. Many of our firms are leading the way in perfecting environmentally-sensitive products for low carbon and sustainable construction. We are determined to build a green recovery from the Coronavirus, and a greener sustainable future for us all. On top of sustainable solutions, the UK is at the forefront of health and safety management, and is home to many producers of high-quality safety equipment. This online mission allows you to learn from the cutting-edge solutions in the UK market and to connect with innovative British companies.”
Commenting on the company’s involvement in the Finnish trade mission, Greig McGarva, Hire and Sales Team Leader, SafeSite Facilities said: “The pandemic has shown us that now, more than ever, companies need to adapt to the increasingly complex construction environment by becoming more collaborative and more tech-savvy. As a trusted supplier to the UK construction sector, we have a broad range of safety and security products and solutions that can help other markets grow and develop.”
McGarva added: “Over 300 potential specifiers and buyers in the Finnish construction sector were invited to take part in the trade mission and a live event was held online in April to connect them with the UK companies taking part via a series of ‘match-making’ meet and greets and educational webinars. It was a great opportunity to engage with prospective customers and discuss how we can help support their growth now and in the future.”
Further webinars and online networking events on the trends that are shaping the construction sector are being planned to build on the virtual mission, with a view to UK companies being able to follow up in person when the pandemic allows.
The Virtual Construction Capabilities Trade Mission was carried out in association with the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), which represents manufacturers and suppliers, and is recognised as the voice of the UK construction equipment sector. The CEA’s UK Construction Equipment Sector Report sets out the primary trends and themes that will drive the construction industry over the next decade.