THE Managing Director of Ammanford-based luxury socks and knitwear manufacturer Corgi Hosiery will travel to Moscow with Wales’ Economy Minister Edwina Hart this week, to take part in a Welsh Government trade mission to Russia.

Chris Jones, who runs the company jointly with his sister Lisa Wood, will join representatives from a range of other Welsh businesses embarking on the three-day mission, which is designed to boost Russian investment in Wales and to promote Welsh businesses across Eastern Europe.

Events scheduled during the mission include a reception for European Business and a Welsh Reception, both to be held at the UK Ambassador’s Residence in Moscow.

Royal Warrant holders Corgi already have a very strong export market that accounts for nearly 70% of the company’s total business; however, Chris Jones is keen to focus on expanding the their European sales network.

Mr Jones said, “The Corgi brand has a huge following in both the United States and Japan, and we are currently working on developing our sales network in Korea; however, cracking major developing European markets is a key aim for us this year. Russian consumers are increasingly prosperous and value high-quality brands”.

Edwina Hart visited Corgi’s Ammanford factory earlier this year, as part of a tour of the region meeting businesses that employ people from within their local community. The Russian trade mission comes ahead of Corgi’s trip to Buckingham Palace next month, where the company will join 200 other Royal Warrant Holders at a unique four-day event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Coronation.