Over the past few years the proliferation of digital technology has fundamentally changed the way the British public buy many products and services. The shape of the British high street has altered radically with the disappearance of travel agents, insurance brokers and a whole raft of retailers. With 94% of UK households connected to broadband and 49% of households with mobile internet connectivity (Ofcom, August 2013) this transition to digital is unlikely to abate.

Last month, March 1-2, Sam Stone, Creative Director at London-based Identica, taught a masterclass on visual identity and branding for the Russian designers and managers in Moscow. Popsop sat down with Sam to discuss how local Russian brands can fulfill their potential to become globally known and iconic, and why Russian FMCG brands choose to imitate Western style rather than developing their own.