Developers of a smartphone app that allows users to save money at local shops are swapping ideas with a Russian entrepreneur, running a similar business in Moscow.
Spotamo, based at the Century Business Centre in Rotherham, made the link after Amanda Parris, from the town’s inward investment agency, RiDO, visited Russia to develop a relationship between the organisation and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations.
Amanda is project manager of the European Union funded Rotherham Soft Landing Zone, which helps Rotherham companies to do business abroad.
During her visit she met Russian entrepreneur Georgi Mahmurov, co-founder of AlmaCard.ru, which has created a no hassle loyalty card for students in the Russian capital.
“Spotamo have had great success with their product on a local level and they are now looking for ways to expand nationally and, in the long-term, internationally,” said Amanda.
“The exchange gave Spotamo the opportunity to share their experience and knowledge and develop their long-term plans for international expansion.”
Spotamo managing director Chris Cooper said: “Working with Georgi has really benefitted our businesses and within minutes of meeting him, we started to share new ideas and discuss our current challenges.
“We have had a lot of support from RiDO’s Soft Landing Zone in setting up our business and this exchange visit has really helped us to develop our plan to grow the business throughout the UK.”
While Spotamo benefitted from the Russian entrepreneur’s experiences of working with major retail brands, he gained an insight into smartphone technology and the opportunity to discuss with Spotamo how it could help him expand AlmaCard in Russia and reduce the cost of producing membership cards.
Mr Mahmurov said: “It has been invaluable to see first hand how they have embraced smartphone technology and social media to enhance their service, which is quite similar to the service I offer in Russia.”
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