Insider Media Limited

Three East Midlands businesses have said they are aiming for growth after signing contracts with Gulf countries. It follows Prime Minister David Cameron's visit to the Gulf region.

Leicestershire software business 4H Solutions, Belper-based IT support company TBS Enterprise Mobility and Lincolnshire firm Guttridge have all clinched deals.

4H solutions, of Rearsby, said it will increase its 15-strong team over the next 12 months after winning an order to carry out health and safety inspections in the world's largest phosphate mine in Saudi Arabia.

Andrew Davies, managing director of 4H Solutions, said: "We have been slowly building up our work in Saudi over the last 12 months. Further work is planned over the next 12 months and we'll be looking to expand our team to help deal with the support needed across different time zones."

Belper firm TBS Enterprise Mobility has sold computing software to the UAE and Qatar.

Its co-founder and commercial director Jon Poynton said: "Over the last year we have been working with UKTI to launch our project in the Gulf region, namely UAE and Qatar. We have considerable interest from large utilities, oil and gas companies, also vehicle hire and fleet management companies."

Spalding-based company Guttridge, which produces bulk handling machinery for foods, agriculture, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, has been working in Saudi Arabia for the past four years. It claims contract wins have led to a doubling of its business.

Paul Gott, sales and marketing director at Guttridge, said: "We have several large contracts with Saudi Arabia and are now working to develop more. Business is really picking up over there and with help from UK Trade & Investment we are hoping to further increase this. We have big growth targets to meet and exports will play a significant role."

The news comes as Prime Minister David Cameron led a delegation of leaders from the worlds of business, academia and culture to the Gulf. Trade and investment relations with the Gulf States were worth £15bn in 2009.