Michael Edelson, most renowned for bringing soar-away shells such as Knutsford to the market, is currently focusing on building up a more substantial business called EXC. This company was formed by merging David Conrad Investments, an importer of leather goods in which Edelson has long been involved, with new trading concern Excalibur Ventures.

Excalibur's managing director is Simon Larah, a former broker with WH Ireland who was until recently involved with technology investment vehicle Tecc-IS. This AIM-quoted concern joined AIM during the dotcom boom in 2000 and concentrated on finding high-growth Israeli ventures, backing six ventures.

Now Larah is using his connections in the Middle East to win contracts to supply goods to 'government-related' organisations and multi-national concerns involved in reconstruction projects across the troubled region, though he will not say whether these include the military. The group, which floated last July, recently reported a £1 million pre-tax profit.

'We will supply everything from trucks to loo-rolls,' says Larah. 'There are huge customers who will need to spend a great deal over the next few years.' To meet this custom, EXC plans to open an office in New York shortly as well.

Unsurprisingly Larah remains reticent about identifying these customers. There is also strong demand for protective clothing, which Edelson intends to source through his supplier to David Conrad Investments.