UBBC visit to Kyiv.

A select group of UBBC members made the trip to Kyiv week of 15^th June, for some the first time, to make new contacts, absorb and learn about the business environment, investments and opportunities to establish a presence.

The meetings focused on members requests and interests, including investment in Miltech, Tech applications for export, financial accreditation for banking and business supply chains, insurance and establishing a mental health charity.

Beyond several Miltech meetings, the group met with the EBA (European Business association) who are the largest lobbying and member supporting business group in Ukraine, where we discussed joint initiatives for our members and communicating the benefits opportunities and relative safety of operating in Ukraine.

Meetings with Sasha Pochkun partner at Baker Tilley, who explained they are enjoying double digit growth and the growing presence of international businesses from Germany, France, Netherlands and Czech companies, in comparison to relatively few UK businesses, who are in danger of missing out, and Deputy Minister of the Economy Andrii Teliupa, around  investment and the dynamics and priorities of the Ukrainian economy.

UBBC held an informal reception at the City Hotel attended by Sergii Ionushas MP and chair of the law enforcement committee, friends of UBBC, tech entrepreneurs, KSE and Piraeus Bank among others. Day two included an in-depth session at Piraeus Bank, including business briefing from Andrew Pryma of UBN and defence tech briefing with ArsenalPatriota. A constant theme arose of the ease and opportunity of doing business in Ukraine verses the media perception dissuading investors and businesses from UK, so we agreed to encourage more businesses to visit and establish footholds in Kyiv as a prelude to significant longer term opportunities within Ukraine, otherwise UK businesses will be left behind in the rush.

The National Bank of Ukraine visit focused on a discussion on the regulation and progress and growth within the Insurance market in Ukraine and the suggestion of using frozen Russian assets as a guarantee to develop the Reinsurance market.

The Unicorn Capital discussion focused on various business investments currently under their management and the establishment of the British Ukraine Economic Forum, with whom UBBC will be collaborating with in London. The meetings concluded with a visit to KSE and their wide ranging ecosystem of projects supporting Humanitarian projects in Ukraine, teaching students and miltech / engineering entrepreneurs, running an influential economics think tank for the Government, devising strategy and advising leading IFIs on investment and business data. Their investment report is a core document for companies interested in entering Ukraine. The evening concluded with a reception at the BUCC hosted by John Jones and Jock Wilson at the Premier Palace hotel. 

The final day included a visit to health ministry, The British Embassy and EBRD.

Participating companies included NMCapital, MSS Global, Blakeny Capital, Amar Foundation.

Honourable mention of AMAR ICF on fact-finding visit to translate support for mental health from Iraq for Ukrainian displaced civilians.

UBBC’s Ashley Goodall.