If you were unable to attend our dynamic Making Russia Easy workshop in December, there is another chance to learn about the wealth of trading opportunities with this vast market.
The Institute and Albion (Overseas) Ltd will team up again to run a second half-day MRE event, which is free to members, on March 21st at the Marriott Hotel, Peterborough. Here, expert presenters will also explore practical issues, such as finding and working with distributors, business culture, product certification, travelling to Russia and sending goods there.
Other areas covered include dispelling myths about the country, challenges for market entry, creating Russia-specific pricing and support organisations that can help exporters. Delegates can also register for one-to-one consultations with the expert presenters afterwards.
Led by David Cant, managing director of Albion Overseas and Trevor Barton, executive director of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce, the first sell-out workshop was a great success, with some 30 delegates from a wide range of industries attending.
David Cant said: “With 103 million internet users and just a three-and-a-half hour flight away, the world’s biggest country loves to buy British and before the recession, Russia was the UK’s fastest growing export market. A large turnout of exporters ensured a vibrant and positive discussion and practical tips were in abundance at our first event.”
Feedback for the December session was hugely positive, with much praise from delegates.
Institute member, Antony Wilson, international sales manager at Dartington Crystal of Torrington, Devon, said: “The speakers were inspiring, highly knowledgeable and gave a great insight into the Russian market, the opportunities it offers and the practicalities of doing business there.
“They stressed the importance of a personal focus – that businesses must actually get out there and meet potential customers and partners and that the UK lags behind other European countries in doing this.”
Ideal Sourcing international account manager, Lisa Miles, added: “We had no prior experience of the Russian market, but are interested in entering it as part of our growth plan. As such, the session was very useful for us as it provided a lot of guidance on business practices and customs there.”
The Making Russia Easy workshop is just one of a packed programme of learning events and training courses for Institute members and those with an interest in international trade throughout 2017. You can register for the event here.