The DBA is planning to re-launch its international activities in 2007 through its participation in a number of overseas exhibitions and its first in a series of annual export missions to Moscow.

The aim of the mission will be to raise the profile of design consultancies in the Russian market and to introduce them to local design consultancies with whom they could collaborate.

The DBA will also be looking at what additional support it can offer in order to help build lasting and effective trading relationships. If successful, this initiative will be repeated annually with the aim of developing stronger links direct into industry and into the country’s design sector.

At this stage it is anticipated that 10-15 consultancies will take part each contributing £4,500 to project costs.

In return, they can expect to take part in a high-level invitation-only event, possibly hosted by the British Ambassador in Moscow against a backdrop of their work curated by the DBA to target growth industry sectors in Russia, such as finance. Those taking part will have the opportunity to meet businesses on a 1-2-1 basis and invite prospects to an Embassy-hosted reception.

These activities will be supported by some in-country public relations work, the development of a CD-ROM and a website-based directory of participating consultancies. Distributed to Russian businesses in English and Russian, the CD-ROM will help build the UK’s reputation for world-class design services over the coming years making it easier for smaller consultancies to move into the market once that status has been established.

Working with DBA member, Mildbery, participants will also take part in an information exchange and networking event with the best Russian design consultancies, enabling them to fast-track joint ventures/collaborations - the aspect of design export which is often overlooked and the most complex to navigate. Another area that is likely to be impacted by consultancies working more closely together, is that of contract negotiations. What are the issues that you are likely to face and can some best practice standards be established that save us all time and money?

Any DBA member wishing to take part should consider that they may have to invest in this initiative over the next three years before realising a return and that they will themselves incur additional business costs to prepare the ground for their visit.

The DBA will be working with UK Trade & Investment throughout the mission and will also host a number of preparatory and planning workshops free of charge and exclusively for those taking part.

To register your interest email jolita.vadopalaite@dba.org.uk to receive further information and to attend a project briefing seminar on Thursday 8 February at 5pm in London at a venue to be confirmed.