Roman Mikhailov, Kassone company.

What are your overall impressions of participating in the mission and the LDF exhibition? What were the challenges and successes?

– Overall, the impressions are positive. The first mission showed us the specific nature of the market and the need to adjust our strategy concerning the demands of architects, designers, and dealers working in the local market. We realized the importance of adapting our positioning to be valuable to them. The main challenge for us was understanding which product could be relevant and how we could be useful.

Regarding successes, our Bubble cabinet is now decorating the showroom at FCI in London. During the trade mission, they noticed us, and after the Decorex exhibition immediately following the mission, we contacted them again, arranged a meeting, and agreed to leave the Bubble cabinet in their showroom. This systematic effort yielded results. Next, we will conduct training for FCI showroom managers so that they know how to effectively use this item.

Can you tell us about the negotiations conducted and the potential for export sales?

– The two missions showed that each visitor has their own specificity and specialization—be it architects and designers shaping space, dealers in need of a product, or those involved in project implementation. Each of them has a different goal. The key task is to understand what each client needs and how we can be helpful. Regarding export, we have two key components: ready-made products from functional art, the PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS, known as high design, and the implementation of complex production projects. We understand our strengths, know where we cannot be helpful, and agree on this during negotiations. The export potential is significant, considering Europe and the world are developing, and London has many designers and architects working globally.

What are your plans for further exporting to the UK market?

– Our plans include developing and serializing sales, increasing the number of representations selling our products, placing them in showrooms, offering inclusion in catalogues, and building relationships regarding PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS. We also aim to expand into project implementation, finding a project to execute in Britain. The focus is on forming business relationships and demonstrating our capabilities within the UK market.

Valentyna Vasilyeva, Atelier Lilu.

What are your overall impressions of participating in the mission and the LDF exhibition? What were the challenges and successes?

– The first thing to note is that the British market and business, in general, are about relationships, and the more we communicate with potential clients, the better. Despite digitalization, nothing can replace the value of personal interaction, and these events provide us with the opportunity to do just that. London Design Fair is a large exhibition with over 10,000 visitors, including architects, designers, and design enthusiasts, so the number of people who attended impressed me.

I was especially happy for those exhibitors who were able to showcase their furniture items because it was highly effective for them. Unfortunately, my product did not make it to the exhibition, but for those who were featured, the expo proved more beneficial. It provided the chance to make more contacts, and thanks to these contacts gathered by our colleagues, we have expanded our database of potential clients that we will now process.

Tell us, please, about the negotiations conducted, what is the potential for export sales?

– The personal benefit for those who participated in the trade mission to London in April is that we solidified contacts with all the visitors who came to us. They approached us as friends because they were familiar with our product. They came for new items and discussions regarding potential partnerships. Continuing communication in the business direction was very effective.

What are your plans for exporting to the UK market?

– In two weeks, I participated in another exhibition in London – Decorex. My company invited designers to the exhibition to see my furniture. And this had the greatest impact on me. We are moving forward, aiming to conquer the British market with Ukrainian furniture and design!

Roman Sidorenko, INSTYLE company.

What are your overall impressions of participating in the mission and the LDF exhibition? What were the challenges and successes?

– The challenge is that you have to go, prepare, go through the whole process. Our successes include our development, sales, and communications that we establish with potential partners and clients. Cooperation in the UK market is gaining momentum, and this has value and meaning. We will continue to work on this market.

Can you tell us about the negotiations conducted, what is the potential for export sales?

– More than 30 communications were conducted, negotiations with representatives of the furniture and design industries, as well as with intermediaries and buyers. There was a lot of interest in our products, Ukraine, and the furniture industry. I believe that the potential for export sales in the UK market is quite significant.

What are your plans for exporting to the UK market?

– Plans include participating in future trade missions, and exhibitions, and consolidating and strengthening relationships with existing partners. More activity equals more results. Therefore, we continue to work towards our goal!

Volodymyr Mysyk, Brand Roomio company.

What are your overall impressions of participating in the mission and the LDF exhibition? What were the challenges and successes?

– Overall impressions are very positive. There were not high expectations, but it turned out that this was our target exhibition because buyers were specifically looking for furniture for commercial and individual orders, which is our speciality. After the exhibition, we have 15 target contacts, and if even one of them yields results, it will be more than enough for us, as the price for individual furniture projects is very high, especially in the UK.

Can you tell us about the negotiations conducted, what is the potential for export sales?

– More than 30 communications were conducted, both with representatives of the furniture and design spheres and with intermediaries and buyers. There is a very high export potential, and the past mission has already brought us actual orders. While the sale did not happen in the UK, we met the buyer during the mission, continued communication, and started working.

What are your plans for exporting to the UK market?

– Our plans include exporting and working with contacts. We already have several settlements. Currently, we are working on the technical component: how to sell better and how to clear customs.

 

This trade mission is organized with the support of the USAID Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine (USAID CEP).