Scottish Borders textile companies are leading the charge on the Russian market in April (19-20th), when the biggest ever fashion and interiors trade delegation from the UK visits Russia.

The industry-led promotion, supported by the Scottish Textiles team at Scottish Enterprise, will feature 20 leading Scottish fashion and interiors companies in a bid to target the growing wealthy class of style-conscious Russians.

In Moscow alone, 35% of the city¹s 12 million population is categorised as high income and upper middle class.  These so-called New Russians are very aware of international fashion and style trends with an appetite for fashion and interiors embracing every look from imperial grandeur to urban chic.

Kirsty Scott, National Textiles Manager at Scottish Enterprise said:  ³Russia is a challenging market and we face stiff competition with Italy currently supplying around 56% of the clothing and textile market, compared to the UK¹s 5%.  In addition to the exhibition, SDI Moscow and the British Embassy have worked with us to give companies the opportunity to meet buyers and agents, and to generate some valuable business contacts.²

Yuri Andreev, Country Manager for SDI in Moscow, added:  ³Russians have a real understanding of Scotland and its heritage and the quality attached to that tradition.  There is a potentially huge market in Russia for high-quality, design-led fashion and interiors products - exactly what Scottish textile companies are renowned for.  We¹ve had a lot of interest already in the event.²

The industry in Scotland employs around 22,000 people in 500 companies, supplying fashion and interior markets, and also technical markets such as healthcare and aerospace.

The companies taking part in the event in Moscow include Barrie Knitwear, Begg Scotland, Scottish Cashmere Club, Donald Brothers Ltd, Dovecot Tapestry Studio, Glaschu Fashions Ltd, Holland & Sherry, John Laing of Hawick Ltd, Johnstons, Lochcarron of Scotland, Macnaughton Holdings Ltd, Morton Young & Borland Ltd, Neill Johnstone Ltd, Peter Scott & Co Ltd, Reid & Taylor, Robert Noble, Replin Fabrics, Simply Cashmere and Timorous Beasties.