From Russia with goods
West Midlands businesses are invited to a conference exploring ways of developing trade with Russia. The Russia: Practical Solutions event, supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), is to take place on 25 November at law firm Wragge & Co in Colmore Row, Birmingham.
Hosted by BBC journalist Bridget Kendall, the event will include presentations from a UKTI commercial officer from the British Embassy in Moscow, the Russian government on business potential in the Russian regions, and companies that are already exporting to Russia.
Topics will include the legal aspects of doing business in Russia and the opportunities arising from the Sochi Winter Olympics 2014.
Specialists are also to be on hand all day to answer questions on issues such as travel and visas, translation, product certification, freight and export documentation.
Linda Smith, international trade manager at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "With sterling so weak and the Russian economy so strong by comparison, there has never been a better time to start exporting to Russia. Small manufacturing companies in particular will benefit from taking a closer look.
"Russia has recovered quickly from the world recession, mainly thanks to its huge financial and strategic reserves.
"Russian companies have a good history of paying on time, and payment can sometimes be made in advance. Margins tend to be higher than in Western Europe or North America because competition is not so fierce."
