While David Cameron’s visit to Moscow on Monday, 12 September, can hardly be regarded a full ‘reset’ in quite ‘chilly’ UK-Russia political ties, it should definitely have a positive impact on strengthening bilateral business relations between the countries. Talking business without politics, Russia has long been and still is an appealing market for UK companies in some key economic sectors. Taking into account a growing number of Russian companies looking to create and develop strong national brands, and, on the other hand, Britain’s vibrant expertise in branding and design, UK and Russia seem to be ‘uniquely placed to help each other grow’ in this direction, indeed.

As a part of our research on the UK-Russia collaboration in the area of brand and design, we at Popsop have decided to interview the top-notch UK brand industry stalwarts well-known in Russia for their branding work done for the local clients.

Without a doubt, FITCH heads the creative ‘list’ of pioneers who dared to enter the Russian market and make a difference on it, literally, by changing the perception of branding as a key value for some biggest (and the most successful in their segment) Russian businesses to date.

We had a pleasure to ask Elena Chuvakhina, the Head of Business Development, Russia at FITCH about how the company’s ‘success story’ in Russia began and what their future expectations on working in Russia are.

Brand and packaging design consultancy We Are Pure has secured a contract with Slavyanka, one of the biggest names in Russia’s confectionery sector. The consultancy won a three-way pitch to secure the deal, which will see the team reposition, rationalise and develop Slavyanka’s extensive product range. They will become the first agency outside of Russia to work alongside the confectionery giant.