Lakeland Verandahs to Expand Operations in the Middle East Following Success at Dubai's Aura Skypool
In a strategic move that signals both growth and opportunity, Lakeland Verandahs, a decking specialist based in Preston in the North West of England, is setting its sights on significant expansion in the Middle East. This ambitious plan follows the successful completion of a prestigious project at Aura Skypool, renowned as the highest 360-degree infinity pool in the world, located in the heart of Dubai.
The project, which saw the installation of an impressive 800 square meters of Lakeland’s innovative ‘Solidek’ product, took just three months to complete, spearheaded by a dedicated team of fitters led by father-and-son duo Russell and Sam Milburn. This installation did not merely involve standard material; Lakeland Verandahs created a bespoke ‘Aura’ color designed specifically to enhance the luxurious aesthetic of the venue, showcasing the company’s commitment to customization.
Russell Milburn, the founder of Lakeland Verandahs, established the company in 2008 with a vision for quality and durability. He remarked on the challenges of competing in the harsh Middle Eastern climate, noting that traditional hollow wood composite deck boards typically fail within a year. “This is why we believe there is such a substantial opportunity for our Solidek product,” Milburn stated, “which is a premium, solid capped composite that offers enhanced robustness and longevity.”
The significance of this installation lies not just in its scale but in its visibility. “What we really needed was a high-profile installation, and they don’t come much bigger than the Aura Skypool, one of Dubai’s most visited locations, located 48 stories from the ground,” Milburn added, underscoring the marketing potential for their product in a region known for its luxury and opulence.
The logistics of the project were equally challenging. Sam Milburn explained that the timeline was crafted carefully to align with Aura’s tightly packed events calendar. They encountered substantial hurdles due to sea freight delays and opted to transport 24 tons of decking via air, a decision reflecting their commitment to timely project completion. “The hours of planning and the late nights were all worth it,” Sam noted. “We are justifiably proud to have our Solidek product fitted and performing very well at one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ locations in the world.”
Reflecting the confidence in their product’s quality, Lakeland Verandahs has issued a remarkable 25-year warranty for the Solidek decking, highlighting its durability—a feature critical for sustaining performance under the intense conditions characteristic of the region.
Buoyed by this success, Lakeland Verandahs is planning to undertake up to 12 additional projects across the Middle East by mid-2025, representing the company’s first foray into international expansion. This initiative is particularly significant, given the burgeoning growth of the real estate market in regions like Dubai, where luxury developments continue to attract global investment.
In terms of financial performance, Lakeland Verandahs has seen its UK sales soar to £6 million last year, stemming from a robust clientele that includes hotels, architects, and private villa owners, all seeking high-quality decking solutions for their projects. The Middle East represents not just a new market but a strategic avenue for long-term growth and sustainability for the company as it leverages its existing successes.
This expansion aligns with broader trends observed within the global economy, particularly in the construction and real estate sectors, where high-performance materials are increasingly sought after. As companies like Lakeland Verandahs innovate and adapt to meet the specific demands of regional climates and aesthetic preferences, it will be fascinating to observe how their strategies unfold in international markets.
As Lakeland Verandahs embarks on this promising venture, they not only bolster their operational footprint but also set an example for other UK companies aspiring to tap into the vast opportunities presented by burgeoning international markets.
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