British companies showcase "low-carbon" know-how at AMERICANA 2013

Montreal, Québec (March 18, 2013) – The United Kingdom's extensive experience and know-how in the sustainability and environment sectors are being showcased this week by British businesses attending AMERICANA 2013, one of the world's most influential environment-focused forums. A strong contingent of UK companies, led by UK Trade & Investment's delegation, will demonstrate the country's wide-ranging expertise in the low-carbon sector and explore new opportunities in the Canadian market.

"We are delighted to be present once again at AMERICANA 2013 and to welcome five British companies who have developed and are deploying world-class low-carbon solutions. By showcasing our innovative clean technologies at the trade show, we want to share our knowledge and expertise to facilitate and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy in Canada and the UK. This is a great opportunity to enhance both countries' competitiveness for a low-carbon future," said Patrick Holdich, British Consul-General in Montreal.

British businesses have found strong potential for partnerships across a variety of environment and energy sectors in Canada. For example, UK -based Crown Bio, most well-known for its Safe Soil Tester, is forming a partnership with DE Design and Environment, a Canadian environmental consultancy and design firm. The two companies are exploring the opening of an office together in Alberta to leverage DE's environmental consultancy experience and Crown Bio's innovative safe soil testing technology.

"We are very excited to be collaborating with DE in Canada to expand our business into the North American market," said Ed Bell, CEO of Crown Bio. "We hope this partnership will provide a comprehensive suite of services to public and private sector organizations that face complicated environmental issues."

In addition, AMERICANA exhibitor Redhills, part of the UK-based Silverdell Environmental Group, is eager to build on its recent success in Canada. The group signed a contract in January of this year with Hydro Québec, one of Canada's largest electricity generators, to decommission Hydro Québec's Tracy thermal power plant and oversee the parts re-sale.

The UK and Canada's common value of pursuing low-carbon solutions and environmental services has served both British and Canadian companies well, as companies from both countries pursue collaborative opportunities across borders.

"As we saw during our recent clean technology mission to the UK, real synergies exist between our technologies and the ones developed in the UK. The fact that a delegation of UK companies will be present at AMERICANA 2013 is another clear sign of our mutual commitment to develop the commercial relationship further," said Denis Leclerc, President of Ecotech Quebec, a leading cleantech cluster in Quebec.

The UK continues to be globally recognized as a hub for developing clean energy and supporting low-carbon innovation. The nation rose to #5 on a recent index of the world's most attractive countries for renewable energy investment by Ernst & Young. The UK's strong low-carbon policy framework, including a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050, is a core driver behind the country's exceptional experience and innovations in the low-carbon market.

Alongside Crown Bio and Redhills, three other UK delegate organizations are joining UK Trade & Investment this week at AMERICANA 2013 and can be visited at booth #1219. For more information contact Sarah Soetopo, UK Trade & Investment, Trade Officer – Canada Clean Technology Sector at (778-241-9194) or sarah.soetopo@fco.gov.uk.
About UK Trade & Investment

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the British department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's economy – acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000.