The world widens

The trading world grows ever wider, and the number of markets highlighted as “up and coming” grows.

In Europe, the once tight division between east and west is loosening, as more countries are admitted to our European Union.

But even beyond that widening community we see movement. In October, Jensen and its Russian distributor held a joint event in Hildesheim, Germany. the first of its kind. A one day conference was followed by a day at the Jensen-Senking plant and a visit to a leading laundry to see technology in action. The 40-plus delegates included equipment and chemical suppliers, textile suppliers, Government representatives and laundry directors. LCNi deputy editor Tony Vince also attended.

He will give a full report in January, but the view he brought back is of a country that is seeing more young entrepreneurs and where the concept of textile rental, as opposed to more basic laundries, is starting to take hold. These entrepreneurs bring with them a fresh attitude to the equipment and more interest in up-to-date machinery.

Funding may yet to be finalised, but the impression Tony Vince gained is that there may be more willingness to seek it, and less contentment with making do with outdated equipment.

Co-incidentally, the same week I met three Russian delegates at the TSA Scottish conference in Edinburgh. They came from two textile rental companies, and were there because of a trading partnership with one of the UK’s textile suppliers.

Of course, trade with Russian textile care sector is hardly a new concept, but both gatherings lent a little more weight to the prospect of future opportunities.

Textile rental is a concept in its infancy in Russia, but is starting to take off, I was told. Again I sensed an enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit at work.

As with any “up and coming market” progress may not be rapid, there are barriers, of language, possibly political and social attitudes that both sides will have to tackle, but change could eventually come bringing benefits to both sides.

India is another market oft cited as a growing prospect, with a strengthening economy, growing IT industry, and expanding manufacturing sector.

As Rajiv Kumar reports this month, interest in more modern textile care is growing, and there are some ambitious initiatives to change from outdated, though traditional methods.

So it continues to be a market to watch.

Turning to an established market, Milan, Italy will again extend a welcome to an international and home market this month with Expo Detergo, and it will be interesting to note how the show is affected by a changing international scene.

LCNi will have its own stand and the editorial team will be there to make contacts, report and learn more about our changing industry.