michael marriott's thoughts;

Smiths of Derby
It seems that Smiths, do have a very strong heritage and maybe its something they could (or should ?) draw on more.
However, if as they say, most clients don't want their name on the clocks, that is one problem. The other problems seem to be a limit size to their current operations (which they seem to be doing very well. + I think we all agreed that the analogue / digital crossover technology should be made more of. ). So I can see why they are thinking of making more of their other operations. I think there is potentially a lot of business out there waiting for them, and the main issue for them is how to publicise themselves, what to call the new division, and how to reach new audiences. It seems like they don't have or even really want a 'product' line, and their great strength, (which I think is quite rare in Britain) is that they have a very strong 'can do' culture. I think this is illustrated very well by their grp work. The clock towers, which are a conceptual anathema (fake nostalgia) to all of us as designers, I think. But actually forgetting conceptual clarity and taste, they do their job very well (convincing, and quite possible better conceived and made than the buildings they are destined for?) But the fact that they can knock them out very efficiently, next to a ridiculous big one-off curvy grp roof, alongside all the more purist clock activities, proves their willingness to take on a job, whatever its type and find a means to making it, and making it extremely well.
This is exactly what is needed by artists, designers, and (particularly) architects, wanting to realise ideas, but lacking technical and specific manufacturing expertise.
My feeling is that they should find appropriate trade fairs to advertise their skills and willingness to co-operate etc, whilst settling on the right name and identity. (maybe 100% Detail is worth considering, off the top of my head?)

BGB
BGB seem also to be unusual for a British company, in that they also have a very 'can do' attitude. Also I feel the main issue for them is more about how they present themselves and their products. It seems that there may be possibilities for designing new products, for the Dubai marina type of market in particular. Perhaps they need to be sure first what exactly it is they aspire to be making, and where it sits in the market. (along with an understanding of who is buying the products and how.)
One thought that occured, was to do with that external light sources above the water line were not discussed, and that maybe this is a potential and rich territory, in that the light source is optimised by reflection instead of diffused my the mud? (+ also much more energy efficient). There is something magical about river side or sea front areas that have just regular GSL festoon lighting, which is not to say underwater lighting can't also be magical, but that maybe more can be made of the concept of lights specifically designed to play with reflection on the surface of the water. (I guess LED's would be very good for this too.)