Behind the scenes in Moscow: super cars and a charity cycle ride
Alfresco’s CEO shows us behind the scenes of her latest business trip to Russia
On this trip, I went as a guest of the UKTI to the "Great Britain Trade Fair” held at the Ambassador’s residence on the banks of the Mosca River. The banqueting suite faces the Kremlin. Wow, what a view! In the olden days, the British Embassy and the Kremlin used to be close neighbours on opposite sides of the river.
It truly was a GREAT show. There were exhibitors including Fortnum & Mason, Chester Barrie (the Savile Row tailors) and Wedgwood. There was also a fantastic array of luxury car brands, from Bentley and Aston Martin to Crosslé racing cars from Northern Ireland. I met Paul McMorran, the charming MD who liked the brand so much he bought the company in 2012. I also palled up with Ken Smith, who works at the British Embassy in Moscow. While I was there, he was gearing up for a sponsored bike ride from the British Consulate General in St Petersburg to the British Ambassador’s Residence in Moscow. This mammoth cycling trip lasted a week and covered 1,000km. Ken was cycling in aid of Action for Russia’s Children, an amazing charity that funds Russian charities which provide an alternative to orphanages and children’s homes. Given the excellent cause, I stepped in and donated on behalf of Alfresco. So that’s the latest on my Russian adventures. Look out for my next blog which shares my tips on doing business in Russia. (Always entertaining… rarely straightforward!) Until next time, Sarah-Lou, CEO Alfresco