From Moscow to Amsterdam

Russia’s changing economic climate was one of the reasons why Aleksei started looking for other alternatives. Instead of focussing solely on the national market he saw new possibilities in international expansion. Executing his plans from his office in Moscow proved to be challenging. In order to manage his international business without any difficulties, he then decided to set up his international headquarters elsewhere. Considering his options, he chose Amsterdam as his new location. Its close proximity to Moscow and favourable business climate were decisive, the city’s architecture and its friendly inhabitants an added bonus: ‘I have visited many countries but when I was in the Netherlands for the first time, I fell in love with Amsterdam. It is a great city and the people are friendly.’ Aleksei’s search for an accountant started using Google. Judging by their website, Koppel Services looked like a professional organisation, communicating in a clear manner. The positive outcome of their first meeting three years ago, strengthened Aleksei’s belief in a long-term relationship: ‘During our meeting, Bas Hollenberg made me an offer I could not refuse: an excellent price for the services they would provide. Other tax consultants present a basic rate and will charge extra for additional services. A construction like that will get confusing. Koppel presented a solution to meet my specific requirements. That is why I chose Koppel to help me set up my international business.’ Koppel Services are not afraid to go the extra mile. Aleksei adds, ‘they are very approachable and give clear answers to my sometimes difficult questions. I can ask them anything, even when it does not directly involve tax issues. Koppel advised me on how to deal with the Dutch chamber of commerce, for example.’

Koppel Services’ business strategy is similar to LeaderTelecom’s vision: offering a speedy and simple service. Aleksei explains, ‘we provide fast and easy security services. Our slogan for this year is ‘SSL is fun’. Clients usually associate SSL with problems, since its installation can be difficult sometimes. We offer simple solutions in order to keep things ‘fun’ while our service remains professional, ensuring optimal security. Like Koppel, we like to keep things simple.’ Listening to clients, giving clear answers and coming up with fitting solutions, that is what Koppel Services do best. To Aleksei it feels like playing on the same team, going for the same goal: ‘For example, when their fees go up Koppel explains why this is the case. Maybe certain tasks take more time than they did in previous years. Koppel gives insight in their way of working and come up with solutions on how to keep costs low. Because of their guidance we grow as partners.’

To boost their international expansion LeaderTelecom has recently opened an office at the World Trade Center in The Hague. The location offers new possibilities like easier access to international clients based in the Netherlands, or being part of The Hague Security Delta, an important security cluster in Europe. ‘We are able to discuss the latest technology during specially organised events, spot the market’s needs at an early stage and act upon it fast,’ says Aleksei, ‘It allows us to combine forces, yet each organisation remains focused on their own skills, whether this is marketing, technical development or legal matters. Our multi-disciplinary approach stimulates innovative ideas.’ Aleksei understands the importance of outsourcing certain tasks. Making use of each other’s strength saves time as well as money. ‘Koppel is very important to us. By trusting them to take care of our tax and accounting, we can fully focus on our business development.’