While at an ESF meeting in Italy, BSGA Director David Catanach met Igor Stepanov, the Ukrainian representative on the ESF Board. Mr Petranov, who works for the Art Pyramid Group, market leader in the Ukrainian sign industry, explained that he was planning a visit to the UK in October and would appreciate the opportunity to visit a UK sign business while he was in the country.
Brentford-based BSGA member Octink agreed to act as host and CEO Will Tyler provided a guided tour of their facilities.
“Mr Stepanov and his wife, together with their interpreter, spent about two and a half hours with us and we took them through every department,” said Mr Tyler. “They were particularly interested in our project management and health and safety systems and have been in touch since their return to the Ukraine to ask for more details, which we’ve been happy to provide.
“It seems that the sign industry in the Ukraine is still fairly young and they have been through some tumultuous times. However they do seem very capable and are keen to learn.”