A trade mission to Russia has proved successful for mid-sized manufacturers.
The trade minister Lord Green and CBI director-general John Cridland accompanied 25 mid-sized UK firms looking to boost commercial links, has been hailed a success.
On the visit, arranged by UK Trade & Investment and the CBI, firms in industries ranging from manufacturing & construction, to design and technology and agriculture, visited the UK’s 11th biggest market – also one of the fastest-growing destinations for UK exports.
Delegates comment on the benefits of the trip, with emphasis on the importance of the country as an export destination.
Daniel Dayan, the CEO of Fiberweb, said:
“This trade mission created opportunities to talk to people I would never normally be able to access and my customers really appreciated the invitation I could extend to the business networking reception at the British Ambassador’s residence. It allowed us to punch above our weight and to learn about an exciting market.”
Mark Ridgway, the MD of Group Rhodes, said:
“As a manufacturer of special machinery for the aerospace sector we have been focusing our export drive on China and India and had very much neglected Russia. This UKTI/CBI led visit to Moscow and St Petersburg has reopened my eyes to the potential of the Russian market and dispelled a number of generally held myths on the difficulties of market entry.”
Chris Emes, the Mechatherm International MD, said:
“We joined the mission to extend our existing relationship with our longstanding client Rusal and look at our new recycling aluminium projects. To expand our business we need a bigger banking facility. We joined the CBI because they are focussing on helping SMEs get better access to financial facilities.”
Keith Attwood, the e2v CEO, said:
“Russia has a big focus on science and technology and is pushing ahead with research and innovation. There is lots of scope for e2v to collaborate and be involved with Russian partners. We are engaged with the space industry, and involved in a number of projects that will lead to greater knowledge about the origins of our universe.
John Cridland of the CBI said:
“This mission has proved a great success, with MSBs from a wide range of sectors finding out the information and making the commercial contacts they need to increase trade links with Russia.
“These companies have the real potential to boost our exports to fast-growing markets, so missions like this where firms have the opportunity to meet key decision-makers in business and government help make this a reality.”
