A Sutton in Ashfield firm is set to service up to 40,000 American Freightliner trucks in Russia after winning the tender to take on the Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) franchise. 

On the back of this success they'll be attending a special VIP lunch today  with Head of UK Trade & Investment Russia team, Damian Potter, to share their experiences and find out more about the market.

Mitchell Powersystems Ltd are one of three Nottinghamshire firms who will be attending the event. The company have already taken on one new member of staff to add to their current 185 employees nationally, with 85 based in their Fulwood Industrial Estate HQ, and jobs could be created over the coming months locally, as the business grows.

Alongside the work in Russia, using local operators and dealers to service the trucks, they will also be responsible for looking after the parts supply and technical support of trucks in Europe, the Middle East and in the majority of Africa. The specialist engineers employed by Mitchell Powersystems fly out to these counties to support local dealers and operators with technical support and training.

Andy Lamb International Business Development Director from Mitchell Powersystems, said:

"Being in the diesel engine and transmission supply business since 1955 we have developed an excellent reputation for specialist expertise in supplying and servicing diesel engines and transmissions. We fly specialist engineers around the world to provide support and parts.

"Because of this expert knowledge Daimler approached us to take on the franchise. We now have a great start in these countries and can only grow - this means a great deal to our business and our international growth. From here we can develop a sound platform to expand into other areas"

The firm has been exporting parts for many years to areas including the Middle East and Africa. This is their first foray into Russia and they have just recently completed their first trip to Russia to visit customers, operators and view service facilities.

Damion Potter, Head of UKTI's Trade & Investment team in Moscow, hopes the example of companies like Mitchell Powersystems will help push other firms into taking advantage of the opportunities available in Russia. 

Damion said:

"Setting up business in Russia offers some great opportunities.

"By speaking to business leaders across the country I'm hoping to dispel some of the myths and share UKTI's knowledge and expertise of what it's really like living and working in Russia, and set out how we can help UK companies to expand their business in this market.

"The UK now has a huge presence in Russia, with over 600 companies there. This includes many household names from across all sectors, who have made strong connections and prove that it is possible to succeed and flourish in competitive overseas markets.

"There are a number of opportunities for Nottinghamshire companies in Russia, particularly for the 2014 Winter Olympics and now the 2018 World Cup, Airports, Construction, Creative Industries, Rail and Water."

A Gedling based consultancy who offer their business clients help in better cross-cultural understanding in Russia and Kazakhstan, are also among the companies who will attend the event.

Dr Rachel Farmer, who heads up RSF Consultancy, has many years experience of training and doing business in this growing market.

She said:

"Russia has its challenges but it is a market that is still full of opportunities. With persistence and good guidance, there is every chance to do good business there.

Especially in these times when many companies are looking for new ways to expand their businesses by exploring export markets.  Russia offers a market that is rich in resources and that is developing dynamically. 

"By attending this event I hope to stay up to date with the latest opportunities and to learn what other businesses are doing in Russia. As a cultural specialist and a Russian speaker I am always fascinated to meet with other people who have the same passion for this exciting market."

For companies looking to explore their options in Russia, Rachel suggests five keys to success:

• Allow yourself adequate time and resources

• Do your research thoroughly before you go

• Be open, interested, well prepared

• Be persistent and patient - time works differently in Russia

• Learn a few words in Russian and a bit about the culture so that you can build good relationships because business in Russia is relationship-based.

• Many businesses find that once they have taken those first vital steps they are able to build strong business links which last for a lifetime.