PSCo unrolls rental arm in Dubai

Distributor takes punt on UAE trade-only custom with events producers

Reading-based PSCo has opened an office in Dubai to spearhead a global expansion of its rentals business.

Stuart Holmes, managing director of the distributor, said it will offer large displays, technical training, installation and demonstration support to events producers across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Mike Nield is to head global rentals and the Dubai office. Matthew Diack will be based in Dubai as operations chief.

“People do not think trade-only will work [in Dubai],” said Holmes. “But that is why it will work.”

With the UAE-reducing budget across many verticals, it could be the right time to introduce a trade-only business model.

Previously, according to Holmes, UAE events firms would just buy their own kit.
PSCo has had UAE customers for a number of years, but some opportunities are not cost-effectively serviced from the UK.

Dubai and its neighbouring states play host to many PSCo prospects, including massive global events such as IT show GITEX.

Chris Speller, group director of Cityscape Dubai, said property project viability is being scrutinised.

“However, while some ambitious plans have been dropped, the Proleads database shows a continuing high level of activity in the Emirates that would be the envy of other economies."