Building UK-Australian partnerships at AusRAIL Plus 2009

14 UK rail companies took part in Adelaide's AusRAIL Plus in November, and came away with plenty of business and new Australian partners.

The conference and exhibition, from 17-19 November, gave the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) trade mission the chance to explore opportunities in the rapidly developing Australian market, and meet key powerbrokers and leaders in the rail industry.

The companies in the diverse UKTI group reported a range of successes, and intend to encourage yet more businesses in the UK to consider Australia as a prime market in these times of financial uncertainty.

Leading Yorkshire-based rail safety company Zonegreen joined forces with Andrew Engineering, an Australian agent, at the exhibition.

Zonegreen's Technical Director, Christian Fletcher, said: "This is an exciting time for the Australian rail industry and there is huge interest in Zonegreen's products. There's significant potential for improved safety and efficiency within Australia's growing number of traincare depots, and we are now well placed to assist in that process."

British Consul-General to Victoria, Stuart Gill, said in his keynote address to delegates at AusRAIL Plus:

"Rail is an important part of the broader economic relationship between the UK and Australia. At the beginning of the last financial year we were expecting a tough time in trade and investment but actually we've never been busier."

"The Australian Government's Nation Building package offers a wide range of companies, from the UK and elsewhere, a vast array of business opportunities. It also means the best UK and Australian rail companies can work together and build lasting partnerships."

For further information, contact Anna Bathgate: anna.bathgate@fco.gov.uk