From Russia, with trade links

A BORDERS firm that advises businesses on international trade is taking a leaf out of its own book by expanding into Russia.

CCB, which is based in Peebles, has worked with firms in the Baltic States for the past 11 years and has offices in Riga, in Latvia, and in Kaunas, in Lithuania.

Now the firm is to open an office in Moscow. Founder Charles Cormack said that although CCB had already helped a number of companies expand into Russia, the Moscow office would be a major benefit in helping Scottish firms tap into the huge potential Russia offers.

“It is clear that if UK businesses are to survive the current economic situation they have to export, and our government seems keen to point at India and China as the key markets,” said Cormack.

“But Russia is a huge, growing market, it is on our doorstep and offers a wide range of opportunities to companies of all sizes.”

The office will provide services including identifying sales agents, joint venture partners and manufacturing facilities. Scottish companies already active in Russia – the ninth-largest economy in the world – include Irn Bru maker AG Barr, dental technology group Cariescan, sausage skin producer Devro and the Scottish Salmon Company.

In January, finance minister John Swinney staged Scotland’s first direct trade talks with Russia in an effort to increase exports.

Scottish food and drink exports to Russia reached £89 million in 2010, while sales of Scotch whisky jumped 61 per cent to £31m.