RS Clare Join Liverpool Pavilion Sponsors
One of Merseyside’s leading exporters is to be a sponsor of the Liverpool Pavilion at the World Expo.
RS Clare, the UK market leader in rail track lubrication, is to use the Pavilion as a platform to expand its export business.
The company, which was founded in 1770, is a world leader in the production of specialist lubricants and greases.
Some 40% of its £18m turnover is based on exports and the firm is targeting the massive expansion of the Chinese rail network for future growth.
Company chairman Ian Meadows said: “The Shanghai EXPO is a great way for Merseyside companies to benefit from Liverpool’s international reputation and its sister city status.
“I would encourage some more of the smaller independent businesses to take advantage of this opportunity, particularly if they have innovative solutions to sell.
“Last year exports were 40% of our turnover. With literally dozens of new metro lines being installed in China, we simply have to be there to benefit.”
RS Clare, which employs some 125 people at its premises on Stanhope Street, Liverpool, currently provides specialist rail lubricants to the whole of the London Underground and the vast majority of the UK’s Network Rail tracks.
It also provides specialist valve greases to the offshore oil and gas industries and anti-skid surfacing to be used on ramps between decks on merchant ships used to carry cars.
Mr Meadows added: “For businesses like ours the Liverpool Pavilion offers a major opportunity to build on our existing international networks. It is the perfect way for us to forge relationships with key people involved in the Chinese rail business and with those involved in international shipping and the offshore industries.”
Mike Taylor, director of investment and enterprise at Liverpool Vision, said: “RS Clare may be an extremely old business but they are also highly innovative.
“Their decision to take part in the Expo sends a clear message about the kinds of benefits which SME businesses can take from participation. We are delighted they have come on board and look forward to assisting them in winning new business in the global marketplace.”
Liverpool is the only UK city outside of London to have a dedicated presence at the World Expo. Its participation is being led by Liverpool Vision in partnership with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool-Shanghai Partnership.
The World Expo runs between May 1 and October 31 and will attract around 70 million visitors. It is regarded as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to consolidate existing and forge new relationships in the world’s emerging markets and is predicted to deliver up to £50m in benefits to Liverpool and the North West over the next decade.
The lead sponsor of the Liverpool Pavilion is Peel Holdings, which has interests in ports, airports, renewable energy, media and property development across the North West.
Notes to Editors:
Liverpool is the only city in the UK to have a dedicated presence at the World Expo in Shanghai.
The Expo takes place every four years and is an opportunity for participants to showcase investment opportunities and cultural distinctiveness to an international audience.
Organisers of the Shanghai
2010 Expo estimate that 70 million people will visit the Expo during its six month run from May 1st to October 31st 2010.
Liverpool’s presence at Expo 2010 is being led by Liverpool Vision in partnership with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Liverpool City Council, and the Liverpool Shanghai Partnership.
Its main sponsor is Peel Holdings, which has interests in ports, airports, renewable energy, media and property development across the North West.
The NWDA has committed £1.25m to support Liverpool’s presence, whilst Liverpool City Council has committed £300,000.
The Liverpool Pavilion will be housed within the Urban Best Practice Area of the 5.3 sq km Expo site which overlooks the Huangpu River.
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