Businesspeople arrive at Heathrow

With the help of the Entrepreneurs Visa, Russian businessman Sergey Dunyushin has gained fast access to global markets by setting up in UK

Sergey successfully applied for Tier 1 of the Points-Based System Entrepreneur Visa to set up a parquet manufacturing company in the UK.

It is hoped that the start-up operation, based in London and Hertfordshire and set to employ 10-30 people over the next three years, will develop to become the international hub of established Russian firm ArtParquet.

Dunyushin, who also initially considered setting up in Germany before opting for the UK, says: "We were interested in further developing our company and gaining access to global markets. The UK was considered as one of the easiest places to set up and operate a business in Europe, offering a business-friendly environment, excellent infrastructure, including first-class international business and transport links, and the ability to find new partners as well as new clients. The UK Trade & Investment website proved a good source of information on these areas – information that was taken into account when considering whether or not to establish a business in the UK."

Commenting on the process of applying for the visa, he states: "The procedure is well balanced, clear and understandable. Of particular help was the extended period of business registration, which is currently six months instead of three previously. Relocating from one country to another is never an easy task, and so the new six-month period is more suitable."

Discussing the company’s future expansion plans, Dunyushin says: "We are keen to explore new markets, establish a global sales department and relocate ArtParquet’s marketing and finance divisions to the UK."

"In my opinion, the UK provides very good conditions to start up a new business or develop an existing one. It offers more business potential than many other locations. All you need to do is to convert this potential into reality."

More on locating in the UK

GREAT Britain is a great place for investors to locate their businesses. Whatever market sector you operate in you will find the UK an attractive location with customers, product innovators, suppliers and partners easily accessible.

Details about the visa on the UK Border Agency’s website

UKTI-recognised seed competitions related to the visa rules

Global Entrepreneur Programme – opening doors

Essentially a business accelerator, UKTI’s Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP) creates high profit sustainable global companies from pioneering start-ups, using the UK as a strategic headquarters and base for international expansion.

The programme connects entrepreneurs with investors, management talent and strategic partners in the UK to turn their innovation into a global success. GEP is unique in that it combines commercial flair and acumen with the ability to open doors that only a Government department can offer.

More on the Global Entrepreneur Programme