Shop fitter packs global punch

A SHOP-FITTING firm is this week celebrating a move into new premises after winning a “milestone” contract in the Middle East.

When Pride Shopfitting won a contract from Kuwait-based Al Homaizi Group to fit out its department stores, managing director Andy King decided it was time to invest in a bigger base.

He said: “This has been a milestone for us. We previously worked purely in the UK and Ireland, and this has given us a completely new opportunity. We see the Middle East as an area not affected by the recession so we are concentrating on offering them our full design and manufacturing range.”

Pride – whose domestic customers include Dobbies Garden World, Lloyds Pharmacy and William Hill – was introduced to Al Homaizi by a long-standing Irish client.

After designing and making fittings for its department stores in Dubai and Kuwait – and supervising their installation by local contractors – Pride is now working on the group’s sports centres.

King said his firm has found the recession tough but still managed to grow every year bar one since it was set up in 2003. It now employs 25 staff, and last year turnover was nearly £6 million.

It is already operating from its £550,000 new base, but is holding an opening party on Thursday. World champion boxer Ricky Burns will launch a night of entertainment for suppliers and customers as Pride celebrates with a bash for charity.