Russo-British Chamber of Commerce

Russo-British Chamber of Commerce (RBCC) is a trade association, which promotes trade between the United Kingdom and Russia.

History

The Russo-British Chamber of Commerce (RBCC) was founded in 1916 as a not-for-profit organisation to promote trade and economic relations between the British Empire and the Russian Empire. On 29 November 1916, the first event was held at the Savoy Hotel in London.^[1]

After the 1917 Russian Revolution the organisation changed its name to the British-Soviet Chamber of Commerce. On March 16, 1921, trade relations were restored between the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. In 1959, the Anglo-Soviet Five-Year Trade Agreement was signed.^[1]

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher inaugurated the chamber’s new office in Moscow on her visit to the Soviet Union in 1987.^[2] The organisation changed its name once again after the collapse of the Soviet Union.^[3]

In 1998, the RBCC was granted royal patronage when His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent became the patron of the chamber.^[1]

Throughout its history, the RBCC has played a key role in facilitating business partnerships, supporting companies from both countries with advice, networking, and market-entry support. Chamber arranged RussiaTALK Investment Forum in Russia.^[4] It maintains offices in London (head office), Moscow (since 1987), and Saint Petersburg (since 2004).^[3][5][6][7] In 2021, the chamber had offices at 184 Shepherd's Bush Road, Hammersmith, London, and at the Galereya Aktyor Business Centre in Moscow.^[8]

Prince Michael of Kent served as the patron of the RBCC from 1998 until he resigned in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.^[9][3][10]

Charles Hendry served as president of the advisory council. Tim Eggar served as president.^[3] Tony Brenton served as a director.^[11] Roger Munnings was the chair of the association.^[12][13]

Ambassador of Russia to the United Kingdom, Andrey Kelin, and Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Russia Deborah Bronnert served as honorary presidents of the RBCC.^[3][14]

Despite sanctions members still fund the organisation.^[15][16]

Controversies

Following a period of increasing tension, Vladimir Putin’s relationship with Western governments deteriorated significantly, culminating in Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Despite the worsening political climate, the RBCC continued to advocate for closer economic relations between the United Kingdom and Russia. The RBCC maintained its efforts to facilitate trade and investment, emphasising the importance of sustained business dialogue even amid heightened political tensions and the imposition of sanctions.^[3]

RBCC has played a role in influencing United Kingdom foreign policy towards Russia. The RBCC has actively sought to shape governmental perspectives by leveraging its self-described “close and good working relationships” with the administration of President Vladimir Putin. In 2017, under the pretext of submitting evidence to the UK Parliament, the RBCC advocated for “reinstating Russia as a worldwide trade and investment priority”.^[3]

In August 2022, the chamber organized a low-key event for its members and stakeholders. The invitation was subsequently leaked to the media.^[17]