UKTI helps StadiArena win £4 million sports stadium contract in India
StadiArena is growing its business overseas with help from UKTI by supplying innovative technology to a new stadium development in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad sports stadium under construction
Warwickshire based StadiArena converts outdoor sports stadiums into indoor arenas. They have been working with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) since 2010 to find new overseas customers for its technology.
StadiArena’s contract win in India means the company’s technology will be used for a new 25,000 capacity sports stadium in Ahmedabad, in the Indian state of Gujarat. When completed the stadium will be the world’s first purpose built indoor and outdoor arena.
StadiArena worked with their Mumbai based project partners TransStadia as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative. This means government and one or more private sector companies work in partnership together on the project.
When finished, the stadium will be able to host a national sports academy. It will also be a world-class, multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena.
Paul Noon, Regional Director, UKTI West Midlands said:
This is a fantastic project which showcases the region’s talent for cutting edge technology and innovation. The stadium in Ahmedabad is the result of years of hard work and commitment and we look forward to continuing to work with the StadiArena team.’
Top tips for exporting to India
Paul Fletcher MBE, Managing Partner of StadiArenas, says company’s who want to export to India should:
- have a clear marketing strategy to help you be specific when commissioning market research
- use the British Embassy facilities for meetings and contacts
- expect to regularly travel to India
- expect extended negotiations – even after contracts are signed
- have patience with Indian administrative procedures which can be slow compared to the UK
Read the exporting to India guide
Help from UKTI
StadiArena has used a number of UKTI services to develop its exports.
Paul Fletcher MBE, Managing Partner of StadiArena, says:
The assistance we’ve had from UKTI to get our product into India – as well as other new markets - has been fantastic. Now we are looking to other markets and are working with UKTI to break into territories such as Brazil, Australia, USA, China and throughout Europe.’
Contact your nearest UKTI office to find out how UKTI can help you grow your business overseas.]
Arrange a face to face meeting with a UKTI international trade adviser.
StadiArena technology
Most stadia are used for around one year out of their 50-year lifespan. The StadiArena system allows the stadium to generate income from both sports and community facilities.
The technology enables activation of a partition wall and retraction of the first 16 rows of seats within 6 minutes. This creates a covered space which can be used for:
- exhibitions
- concerts
- conferences
- film screenings
- indoor sports
Background
StadiArena was founded by former professional footballer Paul Fletcher MBE. In 2009 they won the contract for the stadium in Ahmedabad. The development was supported by the former Gujarat Chief Minister, and now Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Work began in Spring 2014 and is due to be completed in April 2016.