Annual Activity Report - The French Chamber GB by French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain

ANNUAL REPORT 2012 The French Chamber of commerce in great britain

Our Patron Members

LOGO Nยบ dossier : 20110049E

100

LONDON BRANCH

Date : 31/05/11 Validation DA/DC : Validation Client

table of contents 02 OUR PATRON MEMBERS 04 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 05 MANAGING DIRECTOR’S OVERVIEW 06 WHO’S WHO 10 HIGHLIGHTS 14 MEMBERSHIP 16 FORUMS AND CLUBS Climate change

legal

cross cultural relations

quarterly economic updates

finance

luxury club

human resources

sme & entrepreneurs club

24 EVENTS 29 PUBLICATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 34 BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES 38 FINANCIAL REPORT 39 PARTNERS

The French Chamber of Commerce is part of the Union

Lincoln House, 300 High Holborn, London WC1V 7JH

of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad

www.ccfgb.co.uk

(UCCIFE), which comprises 110 accredited French Chambers in 80 countries that agree to comply with the Union’s ethical

Managing Director: Florence Gomez

rules and professional standards. UCCIFE is the largest

Project Supervisor: Keri Fuller

private French business network in the world with a combined

Project Manager: Hannah Medioni

membership base of more than 30,000 companies.

Printed by Service Point UK

president’s message Arnau d

Va i

é,

id en

It is a great pleasure to introduce the 2012-13 Annual

s si

Report as the Chamber has had another very rich and eventful year. 2012 has been an extraordinary year for London and the UK with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June and the Olympic and Paralympic Games over the summer. It was the second Diamond Jubilee in the history of the country and the third Olympics to be held in London after those in 1908 and 1948. We, at the Chamber, were delighted to have as guest speakers, the key actors of this success: Paul Deighton, CEO of LOCOG (the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) at our 2011 Gala Dinner and Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, in 2010. The British economy has avoided falling back into a recession after recording faster-than-expected growth

Chairman and CEO, International SOS Chairmand and Co-founder, Le Cercle d’outreManche (CoM) President of the Union of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad (UCCIFE)

in the first quarter of the year (+0.3%) but it is taking longer than anyone hoped to recover from the biggest debt crisis of our lifetime. Companies need to watch, wait and perhaps most importantly assess the international opportunities and environment. The imperative to stay

subsequently joined the Chamber’s Board, Sir Martin

alert and optimistic has never been stronger, even as the

Sorrell, CEO of WPP, Nicolas Petrovic, CEO of Eurostar

pressures grow.

and Maxime Holder, Chairman of Paul UK to name but a

In this context, the Chamber’s value as a safe haven has

few.

never been greater. Where better to discuss the impact

We are also very grateful to HE Mr Bernard Emié, French

of a new government on your business and your own

Ambassador to the United Kingdom, for his commitment

responses than at a Forum or Club meeting. Here members

in supporting the French business community in Great

meet colleagues in similar industries and situations.

Britain. His ‘Ambassador’s briefings’ at the Residence

These are difficult times for economies and two countries

have meet with considerable success.

such as Britain and France with much in common can

My six-year term as President of the French Chamber is

only gain by pursuing policies of mutual interest and

now coming to an end. I would like to take this opportunity

learning from each other. The French Chamber of

to thank Florence Gomez and her team who have done a

Commerce in Great Britain continues to strengthen trade

great job navigating the lows of the economic crisis and

and investments between France and the UK as cross-

bringing more value to our members. I would also like to

border investments keep increasing. France is the third

thank all the Board members for their continuous support

largest source of foreign direct investment in Britain with

and dedication, in particular, Peter Alfandary who has

a stock of £68 billion in 2012 behind the United States

been an outstanding Deputy President. Last but not least

and the Netherlands. Throughout the year, our Chamber

I wish to thank all our members. It is a real honour and a

organised various exclusive events which are always of

privilege to work and develop the Chamber with you all.

the highest calibre. Some of our latest guest speakers

The Chamber generates new business and it also forges

included Carolyn McCall, CEO of Easyjet, who has

friendships.

managing director’s overview F lor en ce

2012 was a momentous but challenging year for the French

ag in

Chamber and the UK as a whole. While the Diamond

g Di

Jubilee and the Olympic Games delivered spectacle and

cto

good will, raising morale and London’s profile beyond expectations, it was not quite the boost for business it was expected to be, and did not succeed in mitigating the wider economic malaise. The Chamber was not spared the effects of scarcer resources, but we remain as enthusiastic and committed as ever to serving our members in the best way we can, and in this we can count many successes. We redoubled our efforts to listen to our members, represent them and answer their needs. Consequently the year saw the launch of a new recruitment service, which already offers a database of over 1,500 fully bilingual candidates at all levels and sectors. The Finance Forum was inaugurated, and held sessions involving high level presentations and insightful roundtable discussions. We

the networking and business expanding opportunities

also played our part in expanding horizons by organising

they provide, join our forums and clubs where appropriate,

a trade delegation to Leeds, led by HE Mr Bernard Emié,

and gain visibility for your companies by contributing your

French Ambassador to the UK. For my part, I made a

knowledge and expertise to platforms such as forums,

special effort to attend as many of our members’ own

clubs and INFO magazine.

events as I could to show the Chamber’s support for their

I would particularly like to thank the French Embassy for

activities and get to know the businesses and the people

their continued support of the French Chamber, as well

in them.

as all our members, without whom the Chamber would

As a member of the Union of French Chambers of

not exist.

Commerce and Industry Abroad (UCCIFE), we have been

My sincere thanks also go to the Directors of the Board,

able to put members in contact with some of the 110 other

the Advisory Councillors and the Chairs of all our Forums

French Chambers as well as other businesses abroad.

and Clubs for their time, dedication, support and advice.

We have increased the Chamber’s visibility in the press

Special thanks go to my team for all their hard work and

with no less than 30 different press reports (Challenges,

dedication.

La Tribune, Les Echos, etc.), and it is indicative of the

Last but not least, I would like to take this opportunity to

Chamber’s standing in the Franco-British business

thank our President Arnaud Vaissié and Deputy President

community that we are increasingly being approached

Peter Alfandary, who have come to the end of their six-

and consulted by journalists for information and contacts.

year tenure. It was they who recruited me and it has been

Behind the scenes, working to bring to fruition all our

my great pleasure to work with them over the years. I am

events and activities has been the Chamber team, which

truly thankful for their commitment, leadership and advice.

is fully dedicated.

Although we are bidding farewell to them as President and

This annual report is the perfect time to take stock of the

Deputy President, we are not saying goodbye as they will

different services and benefits offered by the Chamber.

both be staying on as Board members and continuing to

I encourage you to read it for the overview it gives. To

support the Chamber. There will be other occasions to

take full advantage of your membership, please visit www.

work together again, as we are very proud to announce

ccfgb.co.uk, read our newsletters and publications, speak

that Arnaud Vaissié has been appointed President of

to our staff about your needs, attend our many events for

UCCIFE. We offer him our warmest congratulations.

directors OF THE BOARD As of 31st December 2012

Peter Alfandary Partner & Head of French Team Reed Smith LLP Deputy President

Arnaud Bamberger Executive Chairman Cartier Ltd

Richard Brown, CBE Chairman Eurostar

Bruno Deschamps Chairman & CEO, Entrepreneurs Partners LLP and EP Capital, President CCEF UK

Ian Fisher Group Country Head for the UK Société Générale

Florence Gomez Managing Director French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain

Brian Gosschalk Head of President’s Office Ipsos

Carolyn McCall, OBE CEO easyJet

Christian Porta Chairman and CEO Chivas Brothers

Arnaud Vaissié Chairman and CEO International SOS President

Treasurer

Vincent de Rivaz CBE Chief Executive, Member of EDF Group Executive Committee EDF ENERGY

Honorary Members

Pascal Boris, CBE Chief Executive Officer BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA Honorary-President

Gérard Ocquidant Honorary-Treasurer

Nicolas Ribollet Executive Director Mazars Business Advisors Treasurer

tHE TEAM

business support services

Florence Gomez Managing Director Carla Coutinho Executive PA

business consultancy Sabrina Mimid Head of Business Consultancy Anne-Laure Albergel Project Manager

Membership / Forums & clubs Karine Desplanches Head of Membership – Patron Relationship Manager Aude Reungoat Membership Coordinator Karim Mijal Project Manager – Forums & Clubs, Patron Events

Finance & administration company set up Naser Nashaat Accounting & Business Support Manager Irène Engelhardt Accounting & Business Support Coordinator Laetitia Bochut Payroll & VAT Coordinator Mariam Jatta Accountant Julien Maes Accountant Manon Chauvin Accounts Assistant Nicole Joyce Communication Officer

Publications & communications Keri Fuller Head of Publications & Communications Marielle Fraize Corporate Communications Executive Prima Hevawitharane Graphic Designer

Events & Marketing Cécilia Gonzalez Head of Events & Marketing Kim Darragon Events & Marketing Coordinator Lorraine Germaix Advertising & Sales Coordinator

Recruitment & HR Véronique Revington Head of Recruitment Service & HR Manager

members OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL As at 31 December 2012 Peter Alfandary Arnaud Bamberger Mark Bomer Guy HR Bondonneau Estelle Brachlianoff Richard Brown CBE Stephen Burgin Olivier Carret Laurence Colchester Renaud Digoin Danzin Elisabeth Delahaye Bruno Deschamps Pascal d’Hont Laurence Dubois Destrizais Paul Evans Raphaël Fainac Ian Fisher Marie-Caroline Frochot Christophe Gasc David Glass Florence Gomez Brian Gosschalk Patrick Gougeon David Herbinet Maxime Holder Henri Hourcade Michèle Jackson Pierre Jeanjean Trevor Lampen Carolyn McCall, OBE Jean-Noël Mermet Bertrand Michaud Jeanne Monchovet Olivier Morel Ray Newton Richard Nicholas Olivier Nicolaÿ Philippe Perret Christian Porta Marc Reboux John Rees

Reed Smith LLP Cartier Ltd BDO Web Consulting Team Ltd Veolia Environmental Services Eurostar Alstom UK NuGeneration Limited Bitter Lemon Press SPIE Delahaye Moving Ltd Entrepreneurs Partners LLP DLA Piper UK LLP French Embassy AXA UK Plc Sagemcom Société Générale Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP IBM UK Pritchard Englefield CCFGB Ipsos ESCP Europe Mazars LLP PAUL UK Ltd Air France KLM Promosalons UK Ltd EMA Partners Thales UK easyJet Frenger International Ltd Hermès GB Ltd Olystix Cripps Harries Hall LLP Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotels Browne Jacobson LLP Chanel Ltd Cockpit Consulting Chivas Brothers CBRE Ltd Government of South Australia

Vincent de Rivaz, CBE Bob Scott Peter Smith Peter Stevens Thierry Sybord Madani Sow Alexandre Terrasse Marc de Thomasson Martin Tricaud Arnaud Vaissié Paul Voller Ian Weatherhead

EDF Energy Capgemini Constantin TWM Solicitors LLP Renault UK Ltd Bouygues UK Jeffrey Green Russell Victanis Advisory Services HSBC Bank Plc International SOS Bircham Dyson Bell LLP Sanofi

Treasurer Nicolas Ribollet

Mazars Business Advisors

Honorary Members Pascal Boris CBE Gérard Ocquidant

CCFGB CCFGB

THE chairs of our forums & clubs As at 31 December 2012 Climate Change Forum Richard Brown, CBE, Chairman, Eurostar Cross Cultural Relations Forum Peter Alfandary, Partner and Head of French Team, Reed Smith & Deputy President of the CCFGB Finance Forum Patrick Gougeon, UK Director, ESCP Europe John Peachey, Managing Director - CFO Global Markets, HSBC Bank Plc Human Resources Forum Rose Gledhill, HR Director, Northern Europe, International SOS Quarterly Economic Updates Philippe Chalon, Director of External Affairs, International SOS & Managing Director of the Cercle d’outreManche SME & Entrepreneurs Club Frédéric Larquetoux, Senior Manager, Financial Advisory Services, Ernst & Young LLP Sébastien Delecour, Managing Director, Doublet UK Ltd Luxury Club Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director of Hermès GB Ltd Launched in 2013 Legal Forum Michael Butcher, Former General Counsel and Company Secretary of Veolia Environnement Olivier Morel, Partner, Cripps Harries Hall LLP

highlights 2012

events aNNUAL gALA dINNER WITH sIR mARTIN sORRELL, ceo OF wpp

2,950 pARTICIPANTS

tHE fRANCO bRITISH bUSINESS aWARDS 2012

Annual financial lunch with Benoît Coeuré, Executive Board Member of the European Central Bank

CEO BREAKFAST WITH CAROLYN MCCALL, CEO OF EASYJET

active on social media Intercultural Trophy winner: French Radio London

EVENTS

highlights 2012

30 forum & Club sessions luxury cocktail with walpole and the financial times

176

companies involved in 8 forums & clubs diner des chefs at le manoir aux quatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; saisons

570

member companies cross cultural relations debate at the residence de france

climate change forum: visit of THE capgemini data center

launch of the finance forum launch of our recruitment service climate change survey

highlights 2012 François Hollande praised ‘the work and dynamism of the French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain which is the Largest foreign chamber in the UK with more than 600 member companies’ tHE fRENCH pRESIDENT’S VISIT TO lONDON

gET READY FOR THE oLYMPICS!

THE CHAMBER AND THE FRENCH NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITtEE BECOME PARTNERS

785 smes MET AND ADVISED

increased press coverage

Chamber’s AGM at Reed Smith Offices

department activities

Membership Forums & Clubs Events & Marketing Publications & Communications Business Support Services Financial report Partners

membership The Membership Department’s ‘raison d’être’ is to look after Chamber members by promoting their interests to key decision makers, introducing them to new clients/partners and contributing to their business development. We provide our members with 8 Forums and Clubs, which offer them the opportunity to exchange experience and expertise at the highest level of management. Finally, we are in charge of some publications: the Franco British Trade Directory, the Member to Member Offers booklet and any Forum publications such as the Cross-Cultural booklet Light at the End of the Tunnel / Le Piège de la Ressemblance. Our greatest satisfaction comes from the feedback we receive from our members about the connections they have made and business they have generated thanks to their Chamber membership. When our members tell us they feel part of an extended family we know we are doing our job in developing strong relations, understanding their specific activities and industries, offering valuable information and advice, and referring them to other members to help find the right partners, suppliers or clients. These introductions help members save time and give them direct access to decision makers.

Achievements The Chamber has been very proactive in developing new services in response to members’ needs. We launched a Recruitment Service with very competitive rates that enable members to recoup their membership fees in one to three recruitments. We also launched a Finance Forum to bring together CFOs of member companies as well as representatives from academic and regulatory institutions for benchmarking, exchanging and sharing expertise. We have continued to nurture our existing partnerships with renowned institutions such as the Royal Academy of Arts, the Financial Times and more recently the Royal Opera House. We have also developed a multicultural and cosmopolitan reach by organising events with other foreign Chambers of Commerce, thus allowing our members to extend their network on an international level. An event was organised at the HSBC premises in Canary Wharf with guest speaker Lord Stephen Green, Minister of State for Trade and Investment.

Karine Desplanches Head of Membership, Patron Relationship Manager Aude Reungoat Membership Coordinator Karim Mijal Project Manager, Forums & Clubs, Patron Events

122 new members Including 7 Patrons Danone UK & Ireland PricewaterhouseCoopers Renault Trucks Oltec Group Facilities Management Safran Paul UK Hermès GB

8 forums & clubs We had 29 sessions in 2012, involving no less than 176 companies and 698 members.

Our recruitment service Offers competitive rates that enable member companies to recoup their membership fees within one to three recruitments.

As a member of UCCIFE, the Union of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad, we have been able to put members in contact with some of the 110 French Chambers abroad, such as Brazil, Hong Kong and Korea, as well as other local businesses. In terms of communication, we embraced social media with the creation of a Facebook page and a Twitter account in addition to our LinkedIn group. Professional photos and videos are now systematically uploaded after each event so members can view them.

Networking is more important than ever In a year in which business conditions became more challenging for our members, the Membership team provided support, advice, opportunity and leadership

Our members’ directory online Our Franco-British Trade Directory lists more than 3,000 contacts.

95 discounted offers in our member to member booklet The Member to Member Offers booklet gives members discounted rates on products and services such as hospitality, transportation and retail, amongst others. It also allows members to promote their products or services to fellow members, and entitles members to benefit from exclusive offers not only in the UK but in more than 50 countries around the world thanks to the UCCIFE network.

Light at the end of the TUnnel 2,000 copies sold The need to understand cultural factors is critical to developing relationships in business. Misunderstandings can arise if this is not realised, and relationships may fail as a result of factors that are easily avoidable. These factors are addressed in Light at the End of the Tunnel/Le Piège de la Ressemblance, which contains top tips for business relations between the French and the British. The booklet was featured in the Financial Times Weekend Magazine and since then we’ve sold no less than 2,000 copies.

OUTLOOK 2013 The department will continue to seek new members in order to strengthen the membership base, thereby enhancing the benefits to all affiliates. The department will focus on specific sectors such as luxury, successful SMEs, new hotels (to provide new venues for our events), UK universities (to boost the number of English candidates on our recruitment database), companies with relevant expertise related to our Forums & Clubs as well as British companies with an interest in France.

membership profile

by category

by job title 1% 10%

14%

12%

74%

14%

Patron

12%

Corporate

74%

Active

11% 51% 13%

14%

51%

Managing Director Level

14%

Executive Level

13%

Chairman & CEO Level

11%

Head of department & regional director

10%

Lawyer, Solicitor, Partner & Associate

Others

79 Patron member companies represented by 700 representatives 66 Corporate member companies represented by 300 representatives

65% of representatives occupy Chairman, Chief Executive and Managing Director positions

424 Active member companies and representatives

by sector of activity 3% 5%

10%

11%

48%

11% 12%

48%

Services

12%

Food, Drink & Hotels/Restaurants

11%

Industry, Technology & Transport/Energy

11%

Services

Retail & Consumer Goods

Health Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics

Construction and Engineering

13%

17% 16% 17%

a franco-british network main representative by nationality

56%

French

35%

English

Other

Marketing, Media & Communication

17%

Consulting

17%

Human Resources, Professional Training & Education

16%

Law Firm & Legal Services

13%

IT, Telecoms, Electronics

Property & Location

Public, Services & Development Agencies

22%

Banking & Financial Services

10%

22%

Forums & Clubs The mission of our Forums and Clubs is to be leading and

both of whom stepped down from their respective roles

influential platforms, able to define best practices and

to pursue other opportunities. We would like to welcome

to represent our Members’ interests in both the UK and

Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director, Hermès GB and

France. They also offer exclusive learning and networking

Sébastien Delecour, Managing Director, Doublet UK

opportunities for our Members at no extra cost.

who became co-Chair of the Luxury Club and the SME

2012 saw the launch of the Finance Forum, co-chaired by

& Entrepreneurs Club, respectively.

Patrick Gougeon, UK Director ESCP Europe and John

We would also like to thank co-chairs Christophe Gasc

Peachey, Managing Director - CFO Global Markets, HSBC

and David Glass for their work for the CSR Forum.

Bank Plc, bringing the number of Forums to five (Climate

During the year, it became apparent that there were

Change, Cross Cultural Relations, Human Resources,

obvious synergies and replication between the CSR, the

Finance, Quarterly Economic Updates), alongside our two

HR and the Climate Change Forums, which led to the

Clubs (SME & Entrepreneurs Club, Luxury Club). They have

CSR Forum being wound down.

been particularly active, with 29 sessions involving 176 member

Finally, a Legal Forum, co-chaired by Michael Butcher,

companies participating in topical roundtable discussions and

former General Counsel and Company Secretary

hearing an impressive array of guest speakers.

at Veolia Environnement and Olivier Morel, Partner,

We take this opportunity to thank Thierry Outin, former

Cripps Harries Hall LLP, was conceived and launched

Chair of the Luxury Club and Nathalie Zimmerman-

at the beginning of 2013. An Annual Legal Lunch will be

Nénon, former Chair of the SME & Entrepreneurs Club,

organised for the very first time in 2013.

8 FORUMS AND CLUBS

33 Guest speakers invited

sessions in 2012

176

MEMBER COMPANIES involved

Forums  Climate  cross

change

cultural

 finance  human

resources

 legal  quarterly

economic updates

Clubs  luxury

club

 sme

& entrepreneurs

Annual Chairs Lunch in 2012 at the Connaught Hotel

articles in INFO

54 PATRON, 24 CORPORATE and 98 ACTIVE members

climate change

Launched in April 2011. 6 sessions, 1 visit in 2012

Despite the financial crisis a clear majority of firms saw climate change as a more important issue than three years ago, many firms are ahead of governments in taking practical action

mission statement The main and ambitious objective of the Climate Change Forum is to become the very first Franco-British think tank on this critical issue by being recognised as a legitimate, credible and leading voice. To achieve this goal, the Chamber has brought together decision makers and key

Richard Brown, Chairman, Eurostar International Ltd

actors of the business community who are particularly proactive in terms of Climate Change commitments.

sessions & events

achievements

10 January: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): ready

The Forum has successfully delivered a programme of

to deliver with Philippe Paelinck, VP Portfolio & Strategic

activities that enabled its members to discuss and learn

Position, Alstom France.

more about some of the most defining issues and critical

28 February: Green economy trends in the UK and

challenges related to climate change and sustainability.

France with Angus McCrone, Chief Editor at Bloomberg

The Forum’s commitment to showcase its members’

New Energy

policies and best practices produced engaging debates

15 May: Reducing emissions from deforestation

and unique opportunities for the Forum’s members to

and degradation with Zubair Zakir, Director of Carbon

learn, share and cooperate with each other.

Sourcing - CarbonNeutral Company 26 June: Working session: analysis of the Climate

survey

Change Survey

The Forum designed and launched an opinion survey

25 September: Smart metering, smart grid with Niels

to assess all Chamber members’ climate change

Roberts - Programme Director, Smart Metering, EDF

policies and actions. Strikingly the survey showed that

Energy

despite the financial crisis, a clear majority of firms saw

30 October: Visit to the Capgemini’s Merlin Data

climate change as a more important issue than three

Centre

years ago, and four out of five firms surveyed reported

11 December: Funding the Green Economy with Simon

active programmes to develop low carbon products

Pringle, Head of Sustainability and Cleantech, BDO LLP

and services or to reduce their own carbon footprint. The conclusion was that many firms are ahead of governments in taking practical action.

OUTLOOK 2013 • New series of roundtables on green buildings, resource scarcity, research & innovation and staff engagement • A visit to the Veolia Environmental Services Energy Recovery Facility in Newhaven • A second edition of its opinion survey as well as leading a follow-up communication and outreach campaign highlighting the survey’s results • Development of partnerships with other leading organisations and reach to key stakeholders.

cross cultural relations Launched in May 2009. 1 roundtable and 1 evening debate in 2012

Cross-cultural awareness remains uppermost in the minds of many international companies. As a Franco-British Chamber, we trust that the work and the shared experiences of members of this Forum will continue to ensure that we are at the very cutting edge of FrancoBritish cross-cultural understanding for the business community Peter Alfandary, Head of French Team, Reedsmith

mission statement This Forum continues to welcome senior leaders from different business backgrounds who share the a passion as well as first-hand experience in cross-cultural management issues and bi-cultural business environments. Our Forum’s aim is to operate as a hub for best practices and open dialogue in order to foster a better understanding of business culture and to disseminate cross-cultural know-how to Chamber members and a wider audience.

sessions & events

an informative evening debate

5 March: Roundtable session

This event was a unique opportunity to celebrate and

12 June: Evening debate at the Résidence de France

better understand cross-cultural management by exploring

with Lady Sylvia Jay, CBE, Chairman of l’Oréal UK and

the remarkable professional and personal journeys of two

Vincent de Rivaz, CBE, Chief Executive of EDF Energy,

incredibly inspiring business leaders.

Member of EDF Group Executive Committee.

The bilingual version is out! Translated by Over the Word The

booklet

had

impressive

press coverage and was featured in the FT Weekend Magazine as well as Le Courrier International

From left to right: HE Mr Bernard Emié, Vincent de Rivaz CBE, Lady Sylvia Jay, CBE and Peter Alfandary

OUTLOOK 2013 • Host a third Evening Debate • Promote the bilingual version of the booklet • Co-host two sessions aiming to share expertise and to relay best practices with the SME & Entrepreneurs Club and the HR Forum

human resources

Launched in February 2009. 5 sessions in 2012

A stimulating and informative year for the HR Forum. I’ve been really delighted to welcome new HR professionals who bring a refreshing perspective to our debate Rose Gledhill, HR Director Northern Europe, International SOS

mission statement This Forum offers HR Directors and HR professionals an opportunity to share best practices and experiences to benefit their teams and, ultimately, their organisation and employees. It hosts regular sessions at the Chamber inviting speakers and experts, encouraging open discussion and the exchange of experiences from a wide range of industries on people-related subjects.

sessions

achievements

24 January: Roundtable to define the Forum’s forward

A new dynamic has helped to strengthen the Forum’s core

agenda and program of activities for 2012

group of HR Directors and HR professionals and to position the Forum as a leading platform for dialogue, exchange of

24 April: War for talent with Laurent Grossi, UK Head of

best practices and cooperation between its members.

HR, Exane BNP Paribas

The Forum delivered a programme of activities that focused on defining and critical topics for the HR community. The

19 June: An open conversation on fairness with Prof.

session’s themes, selected with the Forum’s members,

Claudia Jonczyk, PhD - Associate Professor of Organisation

produced a series of engaging and insightful debates,

Studies at ESCP Europe and Sharokh Koussari, Partner at

which helped HR Directors and HR professionals to better

HowardKennedy FSI

understand current trends and future developments affecting their industry and beyond.

9 October: Joint session hosted with the CSR Forum:

To celebrate London 2012, the Forum hosted a very

Staff engagement through the prism of sport with Tim

successful joint-session with the CSR Forum. It was a

Lawle, Chief Executive, SportsAid

unique opportunity to compare and contrast how companies and organisations leverage sport activities to engage and

4 December: International mobility with Eve Mathieu,

mobilise their employees, consumers and stakeholders.

Resourcing, Talent & Development Director, EDF Energy.

OUTLOOK 2013 • 5 sessions focusing on human capital, corporate volunteering, HR 3.0, pension reform and skill shortage as well as a jointsession with the Cross Cultural Forum to discuss cross-cultural management • Continue the partnership with ESCP Europe seeking to produce briefs and reports with a special focus on international mobility and social media • This year, the Forum also hopes to host its very first open session on Diversity. This milestone activity will seek to gather HR professionals, business leaders and decision makers to discuss policies and actions shaping the diversity agenda • Thanks to a subsidy granted by French Chambers of Commerce (CCI de France), the forum is aiming to produce an HR guide with top tips on recruitment and HR processes in the UK, in partnership with the Recruitment Service of the Chamber.

quarterly economic updates Launched in 15 June 2011. 2 sessions in 2012

Access to the right people and to the right information is critical to any business success. That is what the Chamber is offering with this Forum

Philippe Chalon, Director of External Affairs at International SOS & Managing Director of the Cercle d’outre-Manche

mission statement The Forum aims to discuss the current UK economic performance, financial stability, growth policies as well as short and mid-term perspectives. The Forum invites Chief Economists to speak and offers a direct access to relevant economic information in these challenging times.

sessions

achievements

21 February: Presentation by Mark S Berrisford-Smith,

The Forum has strengthened its core audience by

Senior Economist at HSBC.

successfully reaching out to CEOs, entrepreneurs,

4 October: Presentation by Stephen Nickell, CBE, FBA

decision makers and business leaders from a wide range

- Member, UK Budget Responsibility Committee.

of industries and sectors. The Forum’s credibility and capacity to provide clear, reliable and intelligent economic information was amplified by the exclusive briefs delivered by our guest speakers and their willingness to engage in rare public debates with Chamber members.

Quarterly Economic Update at the Institut Français

OUTLOOK 2013 By inviting Chief Economists from leading banks, professional services firms and financial institutions, the Forum will aim to provide to all Chamber members a series of engaging presentations and thought-provoking debates. In addition to presenting qualitative and quantitative analyses, the Forum will seek to further compare and contrast British and French economic performances and recovery plans. It will also pay special attention to the European agenda and especially the reforms affecting the Euro zone. in 2013, all sessions will take place in the Médiathèque of the Institut Français in South Kensington.

finance forum Launched in May 2012. 6 sessions in 2012

mission statement The Finance Forum aims to be one of the leading voices of the financial community by bringing together key players from blue-chip companies, successful SMEs and representatives from academic and regulatory institutions. It also aims to provide a trusted space for an open dialogue and to produce engaging recommendations and

John Peachy, Chief Financial Officer | Global Markets, HSBC Bank Plc

best practices.

Patrick Gougeon, UK Director ESCP Europe

sessions

achievements

18 January: Brainstorming session

The successful launch of the Forum, followed by a series

10 February: Brainstorming session

of roundtables and presentations, has demonstrated the

3 May: Roundtable on The unintended consequences

interest in this initiative and underlined the enthusiasm for

of the financial regulations

such a platform that aims to foster dialogue, cooperation

9 July: Roundtable on Mid-Caps and corporate

and open conversations.

financing

The Forum managed to proactively engage with its targeted

27 September: Infrastructure financing with Vincent

audience and build a dynamic core group made of leading

Policard, Director, Private Equity, KKR and Harry

figures and experts from the financial community as well

Partouche, Financial Counsellor, Economic Department

as senior representatives representing a broad range of

at the French Embassy in the UK

industries and institutions.

6 December: The role of rating agencies with Michael Troege, Professor of Finance at ESCP Europe

a successful partnership with escp europe business school The Forum implemented a partnership with ESCP Europe Business School. Students from the school attend the sessions and write reports which will be compiled at the end of the year.

OUTLOOK 2013 The Forum will focus on critical and topical issues such as financial regulations, new currencies, export strategies and growing economies. It hopes to reach a larger and more diverse audience. Hence, it will develop partnerships and synergies with other Chambersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Forums and Clubs and sister organisations. In order to establish itself as a credible and recognised information provider, the Forum will publish its first report that will compile a series of observations and thought-provoking points on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the impact of the credit crunch on financing the economyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

sme & entrepreneurs Club

Launched in April 2009. 4 sessions in 2012

Alone you go fast but together we go further! That is what the Club is all about, sharing best practices and knowledge, helping each other to drive our business further. Frédéric Larquetoux, Senior Manager, Financial Accounting Advisory Services, Ernst & Young LLP

Sébastien Delecour, Managing Director of Doublet UK Limited

mission statement The SME & Entrepreneurs Club is the place for successful

Director, Coface UK & Ireland and Elisabeth Fells, Head

SMEs and ambitious entrepreneurs looking to grow and

of International Strategy, CBI.

willing to share their experiences. It also provides a supporting

9 May: Beyond the Games, the case for a great

platform to work on case studies, identify best practices and

business legacy with Janet Coyle, Associate Director

discuss topical subjects as well as the challenges faced by

2012 Games, London & Partners, Sébastien Delecour,

them, with a special emphasis on Franco-British trade.

Managing Director, Doublet UK Ltd and Brett Taylor, Chief Executive, London Business Network.

sessions

5 September: Brainstorming session to discuss the

7 February: Innovation: a key driver for business

club’s forward agenda

development with Sandrine Delabrière, Managing Director of Pourquoi pas, John Kearon, CEO of Brainjuicer plc, and

achievements

Arjan Overwater, CEO of The East India Company.

In addition to a brainstorming session, a feedback

27 March: Winning overseas: boosting business

mechanism has been developed to better understand the

export performance with Xavier Denecker, Managing

Club members’ needs and expectations.

OUTLOOK 2013 • Each session will be designed as a dynamic and interactive workshop with (a) testimonial(s) from (an) entrepreneur(s) followed by an open discussion • The following topics will be covered in 2013: pitching techniques, logistical and operational challenges, e-commerce and social media, serial entrepreneurs, learning from failures, cross cultural management and relations with suppliers and providers • The Club will also launch its ‘Club at the Pub’, an informal gathering presenting the opportunity to network and exchange with fellow entrepreneurs and SME leaders • One of the milestone activities of the year will be the ‘Grands Projets - Success Stories’. This event will aim to celebrate entrepreneurship by showcasing the personal and professional journeys of some inspiring entrepreneurs.

Be part of

Luxury club

Launched in April 2010. 1 session and 2 events in 2012

mission statement The Club’s ambition is to be a leading platform reserved for companies operating within the luxury space including iconic retail brands, highend hospitality services, prestigious cultural institutions and Michelinstarred Chefs. It aims to encourage exchange of best practices, share experiences and savoir-faire.

Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director of Hermès GB

sessions & events

WALPOLE and the Financial times Join the French Chamber to celebrate british & french Luxury

29 February: ’Quintessentially British: luxury from a local perspective’ with John Ayton, Founder of Links

of London, Chairman of Annoushka and Bremont Watch Company, Founder & Chairman of Walpole Brands of Tomorrow; Stephen Etheridge, Group Chief Executive at Church & Co; and Guest of Honour Lucia Van Der Post, Associate Editor of Financial Times How To Spend It magazine, at the Connaught. 11 September: Dîner des Chefs with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons 10 October: Cocktail Reception at the May Fair Hotel, jointly hosted with Walpole. A celebration of British and

From left to right: Anthony Lee, General Manager of the May Fair Hotel, Florence Gomez, HE Mr Bernard Emié, Ben Hughes, Deputy CEO of the Financial Times and Chairman of Walpole

French luxury, in association with the Financial Times.

achievements An issue of INFO dedicated to Luxury

The Club had the pleasure of hosting its very first Cocktail Reception to celebrate the best of British and French luxury as well as to reaffirm the positive economic footprint of the luxury industry for London and beyond.

OUTLOOK 2013 • Host a series of breakfasts on themes such as ‘Art & Luxury’; the iconic London department stores and the new generation of luxury entrepreneurs • Organise an open session to explore the impact of the new luxury consumers for the industry and for London as one of the emerging capitals of luxury • The Luxury Club will further partner with Walpole and the Financial Times to host the second edition of its Luxury Cocktail Reception aiming to position this event as one of the flagship annual activities for the luxury community.

D îners C hefs des

The Luxury Club hosts regular Dîners des Chefs that have become unmissable evenings and exclusive rendez-vous for all gastronomes. They seek to be a celebration of art de vivre and gastronomic excellence, which is delivered by iconic Michelin star Chefs such as Pierre Gagnaire, Hélène Darroze and Raymond Blanc. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is the embodiment of Chef Raymond Blanc, OBE’s vision of a hotel and restaurant where his guests would ‘find perfection in food, comfort and service’. For those members of the Luxury Club who attended the Dîner des Chefs there on 11 September, the whole experience was, indeed, nothing short of perfection.

thanks to pernod ricard uk, Citroen and Le Manoir The Chamber and its Luxury Club wish to sincerely thank Pernod Ricard UK for its loyal and most generous support. Since the very first Dîner des Chefs in 2010, Pernod Ricard UK has partnered with each Michelin star Chef to select premium champagnes and cognacs to pair with their our exclusive menus, making these gastronomic experiences even more memorable. Citroën has also been a long-standing partner of the Chamber for dinners taking place outside London, offering transportation to all our guests.

Luxury Club Breakfast at the Connaught Hotel

events 2012 was a dynamic and productive year for our Events Department with a number of high quality events, the pictures of which can be found on our website. We take this opportunity to thank José Farinha, our photographer (jose@josefarinha.com, +44 (0)794 2294 777) for the quality of his work and his availability, and David Attiach from Jeux d’Images (info@ jeuxdimages.co.uk, +44 (0)795 7592 200) for the superb videos and

Cécilia Gonzalez Head of Events & Marketing Kim Darragon Events & Marketing Coordinator Lorraine Germaix Advertising & Sales Coordinator

photos of the Gala Dinner and the Dîner des Chefs.

High profile speakers Iconic venues 68% bookings online Improved communication strategy

EVENTS

2,950

PARTICIPANTS

a line up of high profile speakers

Lord Stephen Green, Minister of State for Trade and Investment

HE Mr Bernard Emié, French Ambassador to the UK

Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO and Founder of WPP

Benoit Coeuré, Executive Board Member of the European Central Bank

Lord Robin Janvrin, Deputy Chairman of HSBC Private Bank UK Ltd, former Private Secretary to the Queen

Carolyn McCall OBE, Chief Executive of easyJet

Jean-Dominique Mallet, former CEO of Veolia Environmental Services UK

Denis Masseglia, President of the French National Olympic and Sport Committee (CNOSF)

Jonathan Ross, TV Presenter

Janet Henry, HSBC Chief European Economist

David Bloom, Global Head of Foreign Exchange Strategy for HSBC

Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod, directors of Bel Ami

our sponsors We would like to thank the 24 member companies that sponsored our events in 2012, as well as the donors of prizes for our various tombolas.

LOGO Nº dossier : 20110049E

100

Date : 31/05/11 Validation DA/DC : Validation Client

Our tombola donors: Accor, Air France, Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel, Annick Goutal, Baglioni Hotel, Cartier, Caudalie, La Cave à Fromage, Chivas Brothers, Club Med, Club Gascon, Concorde Hotels, Chaumet, Dans le Noir, Dior, The East India Company, easyJet, Eurostar, The French Institute, Hermès, Josephine Home, Ladurée, The Landmark Hotel, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, L’ Atelier des Chefs, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Louis Vuitton, LVMH Watch & Jewellery UK Ltd, Melia White House, Relais & Châteaux, Roger Vivier, Sagemcom, St Ermin’s Hotel and Virginie T. The members who exhibited at the Member to Member cocktail event: AGS Four Winds, Annick Goutal, Artelia UK, BMM Connection Limited, Bourner Bullock, Business Solutions Disneyland® Paris, Capemoor Investments Ltd, Centre d’Echanges Internationaux / Centre Charles Péguy, Citroën UK Ltd, Coles Trading Limited, Delahaye Moving Ltd, Fondation Belem - FairPlay Conseil, L’Atelier des Chefs, La Cave à Fromage, International Movers, MIC Hotel & Conference Centre, Moving Home Company, Peugeot, Voulez-vous Parler, Web Consulting Team and Wine Story Ltd.

iconic venues

The Andaz Liverpool Street

The Landmark

The May Fair

The Dorchester

Last year, we organised events in the following venues: Andaz Liverpool Street, Charlotte Street Hotel, Chinawhite, Club France, The Dorchester, HSBC St James’s Street Offices, Knight Frank’s Offices, The Hospital Club, Ladurée Covent Garden, Ligne Roset Westend showroom, The May Fair Hotel, Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, Résidence of the French Ambassador, Royal Garden Hotel, The Royal Academy of Arts, St Ermin’s Hotel, Waddesdon Manor, ME London Hotel, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, London Landmark Hotel. All these venues contributed immensely to the success of the Chamber’s events and we would like to thank them for their professionalism and support.

events 1 February: CEO Breakfast with Jean-Dominique

Street Offices, with The Rt. Hon. Lord (Robin) Janvrin

Mallet, Former CEO of Veolia Environmental Services

GCB, GCVO, Deputy Chairman of HSBC Private Bank

UK, at the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel

(UK) Ltd, Janet Henry, HSBC Chief European Economist, David Bloom, Global Head of Foreign Exchange Strategy for HSBC. Sponsored by HSBC

29 February: ‘Quintessentially British’ Luxury Club Breakfast kindly hosted by the Connaught Hotel with John Ayton, Founder of Links of London Chairman,

5 July: CEO Breakfast with Carolyn McCall OBE,

Annoushka and Bremont Watch Company, Founder and

Chief Executive of easyJet, at the Andaz Hotel. In

Chairman of Walpole Brands of Tomorrow and Stephen

partnership with Ladurée UK Ltd

Etheridge, Group Chief Executive at Church & Co 11 July: Summer Champagne Reception kindly 8 March: Special Trade Delegation to Leeds

hosted at the St Ermin’s Hotel. In partnership with

Led by HE Mr Bernard Emié, French Ambassador to the

Champagne VIRGINIE T

UK and Arnaud Vaissié, President of the French Chamber. Sponsored by Veolia and in partnership with Leeds City

12 September: International Wine Tasting at

Council

Chinawhite. In partnership with Enologia. Co-organised by the Austrian, Argentinian, French, Georgian, Italian and Swiss Chambers of Commerce in Great Britain

29 March: ‘London Property, The New Gold Rush?’ at Knight Frank’s Offices. Sponsored by Gregory Rowcliffe Milners and Knight Frank

26 September: Intercultural Trophy Cocktail Event at the May Fair Hotel. Sponsored by AXA

4 April: Member to Member Cocktail Evening & Exhibition at the Royal Garden Hotel

10 October: Luxury Cocktail Evening at the May Fair Hotel hosted by Walpole and the Chamber’s Luxury

15 May: Retirement savings and transfers of

Club. In association with the Financial Times. With the

UK pension funds to France, at the Radisson Blu

generous support of Pernod Ricard and the May Fair

Portman Hotel, London. Sponsored by Fern Hill SARL

Hotel

- The Partnership 15 October: Indulgence at Robuchon at 24 May: CCFGB Annual General Meeting kindly

L’Atelier Joël Robuchon organised exclusively for personal

hosted by ReedSmith

assistants. Sponsored by l’Atelier Joël Robuchon

30 May: Design & Champagne Evening at Ligne

23 October: Annual Gala Dinner with Sir Martin

Roset Westend showroom

Sorrell, Chief Executive Officer, WPP, at the Landmark London Hotel

12 June: Cross Cultural Relations Forum

Gold sponsors: Ernst & Young, International SOS

Second Evening Debate at the Résidence de France with

Silver sponsors: Accor, easyJet, EDF Energy, HSBC

Lady Sylvia Jay, CBE, Chairman of L’Oréal UK Ltd, and

Partners: Perrier-Jouët, Les Vins du Médoc, Les Vins

Vincent de Rivaz, CBE, Chief Executive of EDF Energy,

de Graves - Pessac - Leognan

Member of EDF Group Executive Committee 21 November: Franco-British Business Awards 14 June: Get ready for the Olympics! at the

Dinner at the ME London Hotel

Résidence of the French Ambassador. In partnership with

Sponsored by

2/21/2013 12:40:10 PM

Monday 3 December 2012, 12.00 - 14.30 the Dorchester, 53 Park Lane Mayfair, London W1K 1QA

Christie, Belshazzar - GF Handel. Sponsored by Alstom, Principal Sponsor of the Arts

afl_2012_v1.indd 3

Florissants at the Barbican Centre

11/12/2012 9:57:49 AM

Printed invitations

events tOP MOST ATTENDED EVENTS IN 2012 ANNUAL GALA DINNER (350) MEMBER TO MEMBER COCKTAIL (250) ANNUAL FINANCIAL LUNCH (150) FRANCO-BRITISH BUSINESS AWARDS (140) Intercultural Trophy (100) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (>100) CEO Breakfasts (>100) Ambassador’s Briefs (>80)

Annual Gala Dinner

Arnaud Vaissié, Sir Martin Sorrell, Florence Gomez, HE Mr Bernard Emié and Jean-Benoît Berty

The Annual Gala Dinner is the pinnacle of the Chamber’s social calendar. Held at the elegant Landmark Hotel for the fourth year running, the 2012 event was sponsored by Ernst & Young and International SOS, with Accor, easyJet, EDF Energy and HSBC as supporting sponsors. 350 of the most prominent members of the Franco-British community had the opportunity to listen to Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP, speak about the four ‘grey swans’ on the economic and political landscape, and what can be learnt from the strategy of successful marketing companies like WPP, namely ‘fast-growth markets, digital media, consumer insights and the application of technology and horizontality.

congratulations to Trevor francis... A member of the Revelation Gospel choir which performed at the Gala, Trevor Francis went on to be selected for the Voice 2013, in which he reached the knockout stage.

mEMBER TO mEmBER cOCKTAIL The Member to Member Cocktail, held at the Royal Garden Hotel, was a great success with more than 250 attendees and 20 exhibitors. The Member to Member Offers booklet was also launched and distributed on the evening. This particularly successful networking initiative was acknowledged by all as an occasion which allowed each attendee to develop his/her own network in a very convivial environment.

Annual Financial Lunch The 2012 Annual Financial Lunch took place at the Dorchester Hotel. Members had the rare opportunity to listen to and question Benoît Coeuré, an Executive Board Member of the European Central Bank at a time when its role in the Eurozone is so pivotal. In broad outline Benoît Coeuré reflected on what had been a momentous year and shared his outlook in the presence of Didier Valet, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking and Global

Investment

Management

and

Services. Société Générale Corporate and Investment Banking reaffirmed its loyalty to the Chamber by sponsoring the event for the sixteenth year running.

Antoine Anfré, Ian Fisher, Benoît Coeuré, Laurence Dubois Destrizais, Didier Valet, Peter Alfandary

events fRANCO-bRITISH bUSINESS aWARDS (FBBA): 12TH aNNIVERSARY

Brian Gosschalk, Elisabeth Maxwell, Andrew Craig, Marc Foster, Vanessa Wright, Julia Massies, James Abinger, Cordelia de Castellane, Hélène Helsser, Nicolas Petrovic, Bob Lewis

Co-organised by the French Chamber of Commerce

MIC Hotel (now TheWesley). Those deemed outstanding

in Great Britain and the Franco-British Chamber of

in their groups by the jury were Deezer (SME/Entrepreneur

Commerce & Industry in France, the 12th anniversary of

category) and A-Music/Audio Network Plc (Innovation).

the FBBA was celebrated in London and sponsored by

Pernod Ricard received the Jury’s Special Award, while

Barclays, Eurostar and Mazars, with supporting sponsor

the ‘Coup de Coeur’ Award went to CdeC.

iNTERCULTURAL tROPHY wINNER: fRENCH rADIO lONDON

David Herbinet, Partner at Mazars - 2011 winner- and the 2012 winner, Pascal Grierson, Managing Director of FRL

For the fifteenth year running, members of the Chamber voted for a company that has made particular effort to develop and promote Franco-British relations. Members gathered for a cocktail reception at the May Fair Hotel for the presentation of the trophy to the winner: French Radio London (FRL). The sponsor of the event, AXA is itself a great proponent of cross-cultural relations with its ‘Vive la Différence’ campaign. The trophy is designed by Cartier.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The AGM is a major event in the Chamber’s calendar. It gathers all members including Directors of the Board, Advisory Councillors and Chairs of our Forums & Clubs for an exclusive presentation of the Chamber’s activities in the past year and outlook for the next. In 2012 the AGM was attended by more than 100 participants and honoured by the presence of the French Ambassador to the UK. It was followed by a cocktail with a spectacular view of the London skyline from the ReedSmith offices.

ceo breakfasts Carolyn McCall, CEO of easyJet, sponsored by Ladurée Carolyn McCall delivered a memorable speech to more than 100 guests at the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel. EasyJet’s success, she explained, lay in its reliable and carefully balanced operational model, which it must stick to while also rethinking its global position. She vowed to deeper ties with the Franco-British business community,

Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry, Arnaud Vaissié, Carolyn McCall and Peter Alfandary

highlighting France, as ‘a core part of our strategy’. Jean-Dominique Mallet, former CEO of Veolia Environmental Services (UK) The theme was ‘We are rubbish! Rubbish is what we do – it’s our business and our passion’. JeanDominique Mallet explained that rubbish is ‘a valuable and precious resource’ in an industry worth £13 billion annually in the UK alone, underlining that it is pivotal to sustainable development in Britain. Veolia Environmental Services employs 17,000 staff in the UK, making it one of

Jean-Dominique Mallet, Florence Gomez and Peter Alfandary

the largest French employers on British soil.

Hosted at:

ambassador’s brief No less than 80 Patron and Corporate members had the opportunity to listen to HE Mr Bernard Emié, French Ambassador to the UK on 17 December at the sumptuous Résidence de France. The event took place right after the European Summit and the Ambassador spoke about the outlook for Europe and the challenges for France and the UK.

Trade delegation to Leeds The visit of Chamber Patron members to Leeds on 8 March was one of the highlights of 2012. This trade delegation was sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services and the programme was put together by Leeds City Council, enabling Chamber members to get excellent insights into the facilities of Leeds.

events pATRON eVENTS The Reveal of the DS5 The first Patron event of 2012 was sponsored by Citroën and gave Patron members the opportunity to discover the new jewel in the Citroën collection, the DS5. It was hosted by Linda Jackson, Citroën UK Managing Director and Charles Peugeot, Sales Director with Marc Lechantre, Director General Peugeot Citroën UK also present. We were delighted to welcome the DS5’s designer Andrew Cowell too.

Bel Ami Over 70 Patron members attended the exclusive Cinémoi film preview of Bel Ami at Charlotte Street Hotel, on 1 March, a week before its official launch in the UK. The event was hosted by TV presenter Jonathan Ross in the presence of both Directors Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod.

Waddesdon Manor An escape to the country couldn’t come soon enough for dozens of Chamber Patrons on a hectic Friday afternoon. They left London in a fleet of Renault cars, and arrived at Waddesdon Manor where they enjoyed a garden tour including the Christie’s sculpture exhibition, which was timed as a sculptural counterpoint to the Chardin exhibition on the theme ‘House of Cards’, an exclusive access tour of the Collection and a reception with a seated dinner, courtesy of Lord Rothschild.

Laduree Location, reputation, salivation and celebration – all four blended together as the Chamber partnered with Ladurée to celebrate 150 years in business at its branch in Covent Garden. We wish to thank in particular Olivier Voarick, Global Head of Operations at Ladurée, and Benedict MacDonald, Managing Director of Ladurée UK, for hosting and sponsoring this fantastic evening.

vip mornings at the royal academy of arts (RA) A partnership was signed with the RA in 2012, allowing Patron members privileged access to main exhibitions as part of the VIP Mornings programme, including the fantastic Bronze exhibition featuring some of the world’s finest bronzes from antiquity to the present.

publications & Communications The role of the Publications Department is to keep the members of the Chamber

Keri Fuller

informed of relevant news, views and Chamber activities, as well as offer them

Head of Publications &

visibility through editorial contributions and advertising opportunities in the

Communications

various print and digital media. The department underwent some upheaval

Marielle Fraize

and restructuring in 2012, but as a result has consolidated and strengthened

Corporate Communications

its role. A full-time Head of Publications and Communications, Keri Fuller,

Executive

was appointed in September 2012 and the position of Advertising & Sales

Prima Hevawitharane

Coordinator was moved to the PR & Marketing Department.

Graphic Designer

info magazine

INFO FACTS:

As the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main publication, our bi-monthly

Launched 34 years ago 5,000 copies Readership of 20,000 Distributed in the Business Lounges of Air France and Eurostar in Paris and London Sent free of charge to all members and to more than 1,000 Franco-British decision makers

magazine INFO continued to improve in terms of content and scope, gaining a reputation for its quality and calibre of information in the Franco-British business world. It was a tough year for advertising as marketing budgets were cut and also dedicated to the Olympics. However, we managed to secure yearly advertisers in 2012 and compensated with other sources of revenue such as publications sales and online advertising.

INFO EDITORIAL COMMITTEES For each issue of INFO, an editorial committee is convened to which we invite representatives from member companies with particular knowledge or expertise in the Focus topic as well as other experts and academics. The purpose is to discuss the Focus topic and come up with a framework for the contents, to which committee members ultimately contribute in the form of articles. Editorial committees serve as a useful platform for us to hear directly from our members, get to know them personally and better understand their business and global expectations. Over and above that, editorial committees provide networking opportunities for members operating within the same sector of activity or sharing similar interests, and have been known to spark connections between member companies that have led to business partnerships.

653

references to member companies were made in the news section of INFO featuring their latest news, developments and achievements...

publications & Communications The franco-british trade directory Eagerly

anticipated

each

year

Chamber members and with a circulation of 1,500 copies, the directory lists 3,000 representatives

from

570

member

NEW IN 2012 : Online Directory

companies, from blue chip firms to SMEs

•

3000 contacts

and entrepreneurs. Distributed free of

•

1500 copies

•

Search fellow members by company name, level of membership and sector of activity

charge to members, this publication is an extremely useful facilitator for members to approach each other, and find clients or potential business partners.

The member to member offers booklet featuring 95 offers

light at the end of the tunnel

The Member to Member Offers booklet gives members

The cross-cultural

discounted rates on products and services such as

booklet was produced

hospitality, transportation, beauty and retail, amongst

by the Cross-Cultural

others. It also allows members to promote their

Forum of the Chamber.

products or services to fellow members for free.

2000

This publication is launched every year at our Member

been sold so far and

to Member Cocktail event but is also available online.

an article was featured

The programme is affiliated to UCCIFE and therefore, members are

in the Financial Times

entitled to benefit from exclusive offers in more than 50 countries.

Weekend

Magazine.

copies

The

have

booklet

available at £6 and can be purchased on

NEW FEATURE IN 2012: Member to Member Offers newsletter

www.ccfgb.co.uk

we want to thank OUR 2012 ADVERTISERS We would like to thank our 2012 advertisers for their support: AGS Four Winds, Asendia, AXA, Boulle International, CHANEL, BMM Connection, CIC Banque Transatlantique, Cartier, Citroën, Chivas Brothers, Delahaye Moving, Disney Business Solutions, EDF Energy, ESCP Europe, Favero Di Gioia Costa Clinic, FFA, The Financial Times, GDF Suez, HSBC, International SOS, Locate Jersey, Peugeot, Renault, The Royal Academy of Arts, Société Générale, The Connaught, VINCI Constructions Grands Projets and Voulez-vous Parler.

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Asendia is a partnership between La Poste and Swiss Post that brings together the expertise and global networks of two leading mail service providers.

Lloyd Webber Marketing and Sales Director

Asendia is your full-service provider: from market entry, printing, fulﬁlment to domestic and worldwide distribution. Ask for more information about our services!

Constructing a Sustainable future.

Chief Financial Officer & IT

Creating synergy and innovation, Asendia brings cost-efficiency to you, the customer. Contact us to make savings along your company’s whole value chain.

The world is your address

If feels better being powered by Character under licence BeatBots LLC. EDF Energy is a trading name of EDF Energy Customers plc, Reg. No. 02228297 whose Registered Office is at 40 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7EN, incorporated in England and Wales.

01753

or endia.com info.uk@as

Asendia is an international partnership between two leading postal operators, La Poste and Swiss Post. We offer innovative solutions along the value chain, from data and printing services to fulﬁlment and postal solutions. Whether you need to send direct mail, magazines, parcels, or business post we can help you. Visit www.asendia.com for more information

Conceived and designed by Mark Barfield Architects

on Call us 070 486

At VINCI Construction Grands Projets, we engineer solutions that are not only financially competitive, but work sustainably for the planet. It starts with putting Safety first, always, at all times, on every site. Health & Safety training, policies and guidelines are all in place, but to generate the best possible results, we go further with our innovative (A)live on Site programme. We understand that our people are more reactive to what concerns them directly, we have a team who visit the site, shoot a short movie and then broadcast it to the team. Each scene is analysed with behaviour experts, underlining the good (and less good) actions. (A)live on site has been successfully delivered to more than 2,000 people, in 12 languages, across 14 countries, including the UK. To learn more please visit www.vinci-construction-projects.com/british-isles

A global audience at your fingertips The FT has established a successful channel neutral strategy, encompassing print, digital and mobile, that provides flexibility for business professionals around the world on how they choose to receive our content. Every day, 2.1 million* people read the FT in print or online across the world. We have over 300,000 digital subscribers and over 5 million registered users on FT.com.

“1932” COLLECTION 80TH ANNIVERSARY

173 NEW BOND STREET – LONDON W1 FOR ALL ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 7499 0005

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Job No: 46579-3 Publication: Franco British Trade Directory Size: 210 x148 Proof no: 1 Network Tel: 020 7291 4700

To have this audience at your fingertips, contact: emeaads@ft.com or +44 (0)20 7873 4000

*FT ADGA, May 2012, assured by PwC

While we’ve been busy promoting the interests of our member companies, we’ve also spent time boosting our brand to ensure the French Chamber is known as a place for business and a provider of relevant information to its members as well as the wider Franco-British community.

e-newsletters Our monthly e-newsletter is designed for members and those associated with the Franco-British business community. Featuring the latest news about the Chamber’s activities and services such as new publications, forthcoming events, picture galleries and information to optimise membership, it is sent to more than 3,500 contacts in both the UK and France and is also available on the Chamber’s website. The INFO e-newsletter is a selection of the best articles in the latest INFO. It is sent to all member representatives and is the most read newsletter of the Chamber. The bimonthly Patron e-newsletter was launched at the end of 2011 and has proved to be a great success. Patron members are keen to receive targeted information and updates on the calendar of Patron events, new Board and Advisory Council members, and the Chamber’s latest activities. Our quarterly newsletter France-UK Express includes updates on UK market opportunities, UK regional focuses, testimonials and practical advice. It is sent to 5,000 contacts in France (French Chambers of Commerce, French SMEs interested in developing in the UK, etc.)

access photos and videos on www.ccfgb.co.uk All pictures of events are now available online for members to view. A video section was also added to the website and we published video clips of major events such as the Gala Dinner and the Dîners des Chefs. High quality photos and videos showcase the quality and modernity of our events, and are one of the most highly viewed links in e-newsletters.

José Farinha (jose@josefarinha.com, +44 (0)794 2294 777) David Attiach from Jeux d’Images (info@jeuxdimages.co.uk, +44 (0)795 7592 200)

publications & Communications www.ccfgb.co.uk

Top 5 sections in 2012

The website is an important tool to provide relevant and up-to-date information to our visitors. Unique visitors and page views have increased significantly from 2011 to 2012. Unique visitors increased by 91% from 20,581 in 2011 to 39,393 in 2012, while visits per year nearly doubled from 31,982 in 2011 to 62,973 in 2012.

forthcoming events Recruitment INFO magazine online directory photo gallery

68%

+91%

unique visitors

visits per year

in 2012

of event bookings are made online

265,235 page views 62,973 visits 39,393 unique visitors

new features a new home page

The Shop An e-commerce platform was plugged into our website in 2012 and members have got into the habit of booking events and buying publications online rather than going through an invoice process. This is a significant improvement for the Chamber, demonstrated by the rise in e-shop bookings.

An online membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; directory

Designed to facilitate targeted networking within the Franco-British business community, the online Directory is an excellent tool to promote businesses and services to fellow members. Comprising more than 3,000 business contacts, and updated every week, the online Directory allows members to search for fellow members by company name, level of membership and sector of activity.

active on social media LAUNCH OF our facebook page & twitter account Facebook and Twitter have helped brand awareness within our membership and beyond. We post and tweet pictures of all our events, latest activities and publications for the benefit of our members and to give the Chamber a public face to a wider audience. We also raise awareness of our members’ activities by posting their news. linkedin We had an increase of 100 members in the LinkedIn Group in 2012. We also implemented the profile page featuring the Chamber’s profile and the presentation of our products & services.

extensive press coverage & awareness Thanks to partnerships and development of press releases, we have increased visibility of the Chamber in the press with 30 different press reports (Financial Times, Challenges, La Tribune, Les Echos, lepetitjournal.com, Ici Londres and French Radio London). It is indicative of the Chamber’s standing in the Franco-British business community that we are increasingly being approached and consulted by both French and British journalists for information about diverse subjects (succesful French entrepreneurs in the UK, possible UK withdrawal from the EU, etc.) and contacts.

30 articles 20 ads in various media creation of a journalist database

key partnerships AFP French Radio London The Financial Times THE Royal Academy of arts THE french institute

RECRUITMENT AT THE CHAMBER YOUR PARTNER IN UNITING TALENT AND DIVERSITY

Vous recherchez un emploi en Grande-Bretagne ? Vous souhaitez trouver un CDI, CDD, temps partiel, télétravail... ?

La Chambre de Commerce vous accompagne Grâce à: Son réseau de 600 entreprises membres Un accompagnement personnalisé Une équipe qualifiée

www.ccfgb.co.uk/recruitment Enregistrez votre CV en ligne et bénéficiez d’un accueil personnalisé Enregistrez votre CV en ligne et bénéficiez d’un accueil personnalisé VÉRONIQUE REVINGTON Service de recrutement t: +44 (0) 207 092 6624 e: recruitment@ccfgb.co.uk

ccfgb_ici-londres_nov2012_v2.ind1 1

Coverage of the Franco-British Business Awards and the Energy Conference in the Financial Times

11/8/2012 10:23:27 AM

Ad of our Recruitment Service in Ici Londres

outlook 2013 In 2013, the Publications & Communications Department of the Chamber will focus on developing press relations with French press correspondents as well as British journalists. We aim to develop our social media strategy and will also look into developing an Iphone app. We will nurture our existing partnerships and look for opportunities to develop new ones. A brand new guide for British expatriates, France on the Move! will be published as well as a bilingual version of Light at the End of the Tunnel.

business support services These services aims to support businesses on both sides of the Channel at all stages of their development through long-term strategies and solutions. Our Business Consultancy, Company Set-up and Recruitment departments work in synergy to offer a wide range of services thanks to a dedicated and experienced team of 10 who take great pride in

Sabrina Mimid Head of Business Consultancy Anne-Laure Albergel Project Manager

accompanying businesses in their successful development in the UK.

Get informed:

785 smes MET AND ADVISED

• Market studies and industry reports • Quarterly newsletter: France-UK Express • Guides and trade fairs directory

CLIENT SOURCE

10%

Develop your sales:

37%

19%

• Desk rental service • Shared commercial service • Partner search • Bespoke export missions, collective missions

34%

37%

French Chambers of Commerce

34%

Direct

19%

Members

10%

Others

Company set up: • Domiciliation • Accountancy and payroll services • VAT management • Recruitment/HR consultancy service

Get Informed Through:

A series of roadshows in France to promote and showcase UK business opportunities

Our

booklet How to succeed in the UK, published on the French Trade Ministry’s website

228 one-to-one meetings in France to promote the UK market

Our

Industry Reports on Automotive, Food & Drink, ICT, Renewable Energy, Biotechnologies and Chemistry

6 industry reports A quarterly newsletter FranceUK Express distributed to 5000 contacts in France

Our quarterly newsletter FranceUK Express includes updates on the UK market opportunities, UK regional focuses, testimonials and practical advice Our

selected list of 150 trade fairs, essential platforms for French businesses to showcase their products and services, understand their sector and generate trade opportunities

Free access to these publications at www.ccfgb.co.uk

develop your sales Desk Rental Services The all-in-one package met with great success in 2012 with 21 desks rented. Situated in the heart of London, the platform offers French businesses a unique springboard coupled with the advantages of an active membership at the Chamber as well as a premium working environment.

Bespoke export missions Projects ranged from market and feasibility studies, identification of partners and/or distributors, organisation of B2B meetings with potential clients and the shared commercial service.

31 export missions 2 collective missions: Renewable Energy and Finance A Business Centre of 21 desks (96% occupancy rate) 85% of survey respondents declared satisfied or very satisfied

Shared Commercial Service Launched in 2012 and aimed at French and British businesses wanting to develop sales across the Channel, the shared commercial service includes a dedicated phone line as well as sales & marketing support from our in-house team based on a company’s needs.

Collective missions

City Tour 2012 Mission (first edition) » Participation by 6 UK-based financial institutions » 6 out of 19 French companies presenting innovative solutions to UK buyers, selected for meetings » 10 subsequent B2B meetings organised

In addition to our permanent staff in France, we use the Chamber’s shared commercial service through a dedicated phone and commercial support service for our British customers. Their support enabled the business to deal with an average of 20 enquiries per month since 2011. We are renewing the service for 2013! David Ibanez, Alphatrad

The French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain and Ubifrance (the French Trade Commission) joined forces to organise a sourcing process, which introduced 19 selected suppliers and commercial partners from France to UK-based financial institutions including BNP Paribas, Natixis, Credit Agricole, Espirito Santo Financial Group and Lloyds TSB. The objective was to bring together companies from the financial services sector, which often outsource part of their back-office services (IT-related or not) and French SMEs, which have developed innovative solutions for the financial service industry.

Thanks to the identification and setting up of 10 meetings with potential clients, our collaboration with the Chamber has been an accelerator in our approach and understanding of the UK market. Frédéric Gervais, Fred&Fred

business support services What they say

Renewable Energy

We strengthened our network of contacts in Great Britain thanks to a very relevant selection of businesses made by the Chamber. We met each of them on a one-to-one basis during the Renewable Energy mission. The mission also provided us with key intelligence for HEOS’s future development in the UK. Nicolas Job, Heos Marine » 2 days in Ireland (ICOE), 1 day in London, 1 optional day in Thanet » 16 French businesses from Normandy, Brittany and North of France » 109 B2B meetings In October, the Chamber organised a Renewable Energy Trade Mission in partnership with the Chambers of Commerce of Normandy, Brittany and Northern France, with the aim of connecting French and British companies in this field. Speakers from leading locally based energy companies including EDF Energy, Areva, Alstom and Atkins Global presented future projects and opportunities for collaboration. In one afternoon no less than 109 B2B

The location of the offices at the heart of London was a bonus for our VIE* and the Chamber’s business network enabled us to sign our very first contract in the UK! Valérie Serralta, Via Humanis

meetings took place between 16 French and 22 British companies. The delegation was also welcomed by the Thanet & East Kent Chamber of Commerce co-president and Member of Parliament (MP) for South Thanet, Laura Sandys.

COmpany set-up The Implementation & Accountancy department assists and supports French and British SMEs who want to set up a subsidiary or a branch in the UK. The Chamber offers a large range of services from domiciliation, accountancy and payroll services to VAT management.

the Chamber deals with the accountancy and payroll services of 116 French SMEs in the UK We helped 16 companies set up an increased turnover of 24%

*VIE: Volontaire International en Entreprise This Government programme enables French companies to send graduates, aged between 18 and 28, on working assignments abroad for flexible periods of 6 to 24 months

Naser Nashaat Accounting & Business Support Manager Irène Engelhardt Accounting & Business Support Coordinator Laetitia Bochut Payroll & VAT Coordinator Mariam Jatta Accountant Julien Maes Accountant Manon Chauvin Accounts Assistant

Journée Implantation

Business Support

This all-in-one day package includes customised B2B meetings with

Accountancy

Franco-British experts (solicitors, bankers, auditors, estate agents as well as HR consultants). The experts are chosen for their expertise linked directly to the company’s specific business activity. This is a tailor-made service that helps businesses and entrepreneurs to save a considerable

Payroll Domiciliation

VAT Management

amount of time and money.

business activities

Business Activities

What they say

59%

Accountancy

28%

Salary

VAT Return

Dom

IMPL

The French Chamber was hugely helpful in getting Deezer set up in the UK, by introducing us to all the right people and handling the boring things like payroll. Mark Foster, UK Managing Director, Deezer

some of our clients CdC by Cordelia de Castellane, Astek, Empreinte, Systar, Caudalie, Deezer, Sandro, Maje, Bonpoint, Maped

a base for meetings in central London

Bookings for the Chamber’s meeting rooms increased exponentially over the course of the year as more and more members made use of them for meetings, seminars and conferences, and went on to make repeat bookings. Among the regulars are companies such as AXA, Interactifs, a Paris-based company which hires the rooms for its London training sessions’ and Cercle d’outre Manche, the only French think-tank in the UK. Apart from their convenient location in central London, the rooms are well appointed, quiet and bright, offering different configurations for different needs. The room are equipped with Wi-Fi, audio and video conferencing, plasma and drop-down screens. There is a professional front desk reception and waiting area. Additionally bespoke catering for breakfast, lunch or cocktails is available on request.

We thank you very much for this Journée Implantation at the Chamber and for the different sources of information that we collected in this one truly enriching day. David Bettan, CEO of Halbronn When we decided to expand in London, the French Chamber of Commerce was really helpful in providing valuable advice to us. It is thanks to them that we have had such success in England. Cordelia de Castellane, Owner and Founder of CdeC Thank you for your professionalism in the preparation of the Journée implantation for our company, and for your warm welcome. George Martin, CEO of Sunnikan

RECRUITMENT ‘Uniting talent and diversity’ Véronique Revington Head of Recruitment Service

A professional service… The Recruitment Service is a professional recruitment consultancy launched in September 2012, giving our members privileged access to bilingual and high profile candidates in a wide range of disciplines. We maintain close relationships with our member companies so that we are

• 20 clients within 4 months in 2012 • 11 vacancies filled • A team with 18 years’ experience • Highly competitive fees • Privileged access to bilingual and high profile candidates • Committed to social responsibility and promoting diversity

What they say

aware of their needs and constraints, and can accompany them in their development and growth in the UK.

…At very competitive rates Our service, which is tailored to each member’s requirements, provides assistance throughout the recruitment process, from assessing the company’s needs and drafting the job description to the pre-selection of candidates. Our rates are very competitive, with no retainer, allowing our clients to recoup their annual membership fee in one to three recruitments at the most.

centred on values As part of the Chamber’s commitment to social responsibility and diversity, the ‘Spouse Mission’ is a new concept of employment, which promotes skills and flexibility. It is an ideal package for companies that need flexible, short-term or part-time staff, or specific skills for a particular project, as well as those looking for ‘work from home’ professionals or experienced spouses to fill roles.

and very innovative The Recruitment Service is offered to all member companies, regardless of size, as well as French SMEs who are looking into setting up in the UK. Besides ‘classic recruitment’ comprising full-time permanent positions for both junior and senior profiles, we have launched two innovative packages: The ‘A to Z Package’, for SMEs employing up to 10 members of staff. We support the company in its recruitment process from the job description to the selection of candidates at an extremely competitive fee. The ‘Spouse Mission’, a service for talented spouses and companies looking for flexible solutions.

an asset for the chamber to recruit and retain new members The Recruitment Service adds value to the global offer of the Chamber, supporting French and British companies already set up or planning to launch their businesses in the UK. It not only helps to retain but also gain new members, with five new members joining the Chamber for the Recruitment Service in 2012.

We have been very pleased with the quality of the candidates that we were offered which matched our requirements very closely. We were also extremely impressed by the reactivity and personalised service offered. We would have no hesitation in recommending the CCFGB’s new service to other companies seeking to recruit new employees.’ Jean-Noël Mermet, Managing Director, FRENGER International I had a very good experience working with the CCFGB, especially with Véronique Revington whom I met a few weeks after attending the conference ‘Travailler en Grande-Bretagne’. She immediately understood my personality, values and expectations and gave me efficient advice on how to approach the UK job market. Thank you Véronique and your team for helping me to find a new professional challenge in London! Sophie M. - Account Manager

partnerships with schools

our school members

With the aim of attracting the best profiles, the Recruitment

Arts et Métiers Ecole Centrale Paris EDHEC Business School EISTI EM Grenoble EM Normandie ESC La Rochelle ESCP Europe ESSEC Business School HEC Paris INSEEC London Reims Management School Sciences Po Paris

Service develops particular links with schools and universities that are members of the Chamber. The first partnership was signed in November 2012 with Reims Management School. Other partnerships with Grenoble Management School, HEC, ESCP Europe and EISTI were signed at the beginning of 2013. All candidates including spouses, whether young graduates or alumni can benefit from the Department’s consultancy expertise and support in their search.

‘Travailler en Grande-Bretagne’ conference In partnership with Londres Accueil and with the support of Mamans à Londres, 15 November 2012 Over 200 participants attended the conference led by Véronique Revington, Head of the Chamber’s Recruitment Service, at which they heard from 11 speakers, who shared experiences and provided advice on two aspects of working in Great Britain: finding a job and setting up a company. Videos of the proceedings and workshops were posted on the Chamber’s website.

our online platform & database www.recruitment-ccfgb.co.uk

Candidates’ sectors

To increase both recognition and visibility, the Recruitment Department launched its own website in 2012. However, technical problems delayed its implementation from

38%

Commercial Sales / Marketing

29%

Business Support

upload their CVs and apply for positions online. The

17%

Communication Events

database contains only active candidates, bilingual and

11%

Finance Accountancy

Engineer

March to November. On this website, candidates can create their profiles,

high profile from junior to executive level. As at January 2013, 1,500 job seekers were registered. The team analyses each CV more than once, stays in touch with candidates and updates the database regularly.

92%

63%

37%

classic application

9,168

1,833

1,150

42%

visits in 5 months

average visits per month

average unique visitors per month

increase in unique visitors within 5 months

spouse mission

junior

senior

outlook 2013

Encouraged by its initial results, the Recruitment Department will be implementing a communication and marketing plan directed at member companies and potential candidates. It is also looking to initiate partnerships with schools and universities, with a particular focus on British schools to boost the number of English candidates.

financial report by Nicolas Ribollet, Treasurer of the Chamber

The financial highlights below are derived from the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 that have been approved by the Directors and audited by Byrne Palmer & Co. 2012 was a tough year for businesses in general and as the Chamber represents a network of companies, it obviously wasn’t spared. The global economic context deteriorated in 2012 compared to 2011 and unfortunately, even though the Olympic Games were very positive for London as a city, they did not have the expected impact on local businesses. The Chamber’s overall result before tax in 2012 was a deficit of £37,614, which was notably impacted by the fact that the Recruitment Service did not break even in 2012 as the turnover generated in its first year did not cover its full operational costs. However, we expect this service to break even from 2013 onwards. If we exclude the turnover and costs of the Recruitment Service from the result before tax in 2012, the result of the Chamber would have been a surplus rather than a deficit and slightly higher than budget.

TURNOVER 2012: +2.1% (£1,694k VS £1,659k) Membership subscriptions increased by 1.2% as

2000 £k

compared to 2011 despite a negative balance of members.

1500

Both Events and Publications Departments activities suffered in 2012 as it was difficult to

581

657

1000

105 221

104 171

500

752

762

2011

2012

sell both sponsorship and advertisements. The turnover of Business Support Services increased significantly, thanks to the Company

Set-up services (+23% compared to 2011), the VIE hosting service (which saw an exceptional

Events

Members Subscription

rate of activity in 2012) and the turnover of the

Publications

Business Support Services

Recruitment Service launched in 2012.

TURNOVER BY CATEGORY

6% 10%

The 2012 turnover splits as follows:  Subscriptions (membership fees): 45%  Business Support Services: 39%

45%

(Business Consultancy, set-up services, 39%

VIE and recruitment)

Subscriptions

Events

Business Support Services

Publications

Amounts in % Source : Statutory Accounts

 Events: 10%  Publications: 6%

Reserves: £746K as of 31 December 2012, equivalent to nearly 6 months’ of turnover These financial results are the outcome of the continuous support of members, partners and sponsors of the Chamber in 2012. They are also the reflection of the very hard work and commitment of the Chamber’s staff and managers who operate in a challenging environment.

our partners For the past two years, the Chamber has continued to develop and nurture its existing partnerships as well as seek new ones for the interests of its members and the Chamber itself. Our press partnerships with the Financial Times, French Radio London, Ici Londres and lepetitjournal.com have had a significant impact, particularly in terms of increasing press coverage of our events and publications, thereby increasing visibility for our sponsors and members. Some of our key partners also helped us to secure high profile speakers. A valuable partnership was implemented with ESCP Europe Business School in the framework of our Finance and HR Forums. Others, such as those with renowned British institutions such as the Royal Academy of Arts (RA), and more recently the Royal Opera House (RoH), have not only enabled us to expand our portfolio of iconic venues but also benefited our Patron members with VIP Mornings at the RA and priority bookings for the RoH. Our fruitful partnership with the French Institute allows the Chamber to use both the Cinéma and the Médiatèque, which will soon be undergoing a revamp. Thanks to our partnership with l’Agence France Presse (AFP), a live news stream in both French and English runs on the Chamber website, giving members access to the latest business news. In this Olympic year, we also signed a partnership with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF). One of our flagship events, the Franco-British Business Awards, is co-organised each year with the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce and in partnership with UKTI and Invest in France Agency.

In addition, the Chamber is a member of three different networks, the Union of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad (UCCIFE), CCI International and the Council of Foreign Chambers of Commerce. The latter comprises 40 foreign chambers, of which we are the largest. The Chamber is also involved with the Collège Français Bilingue de Londres, with the responsibility of appointing half of the Board of trustees (including chair and treasurer) from company representatives.

The French chamber Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about connections Lincoln House 300 High Holborn London WC1V 7JH t: +44(0) 20 7092 6600 m: mail@ccfgb.co.uk