The growing importance of Russia and the Middle East as major markets for UK fashion and accessories was highlighted at last week's presentation in London of the 2004 UK Fashion Export Awards, with Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood and Janet Reger among the winners.
"Russia looks set to become the third largest non-EU market for EU apparel, after the USA and Japan and UK companies in particular are really making their mark," says the Awards' guest speaker, Charles Hecker, associate director and general manager of the Moscow Office, Control Risks Group.
"Until quite recently UK businesses were a little scared of trading in Russia but they are now approaching the opportunities there with more confidence and recognising the importance of selecting the right partner."
Total UK apparel exports to Russia increased by 19.7 per cent in 2004 to around ?0.5 million compared to 2003 according to HM Customs & Excise figures, and the signs are that these will rise significantly over the next five to 10 years.
With the opening of a new store in Moscow, Janet Reger, winner of the Intimate Apparel category, has seen Russia rise to become its third largest export market in 2004, above France and Germany.
Its largest market, however, was the Middle East, a region showing tremendous growth, boosted by the opening of stores such as Harvey Nichols and Saks in the region.
In 2004, the United Arab Emirates entered the top ten markets for UK exports of apparel for the first time at number seven, with an increase in exports of 149 per cent over 2003 figures.
For winner of the Small Business Award William Sharp, Russia is the largest export market for the third year in a row for its range of crystal-laden hats and separates.
"Russians in particular are increasingly looking to the UK for inspiring and individual designs as an alternative to France and Italy," says Paul Alger, executive director, UK Fashion Exports.
The Gold Award, sponsored by GMAC Commercial Finance, recognises Vivienne Westwood? 30 years of export excellence. Mulberry, which has US buyers vying to stock its handbags, took the Accessories Award.
Other winners are, for Womenswear: Tashia; for Menswear: Mackintosh; for Childrenswear: Start-Rite, which sells to 35 countries; for Urban/Streetwear: Ben Sherman, Designer: Sara Berman; Export Newcomer, Zufi Alexander, whose handbags are selling extremely well in the Middle East and USA.
As in previous years, the Awards were presented by HRH The Princess Royal, president of UK Fashion Exports.
