2016 Annual Activity Report by French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain

Reaching New Heights ANNUAL REPORT 2016

What they say... Being a member of the Chamber helps us to better perform as a business. Connecting with like-minded individuals challenges us to be better. Meeting others offers me a different lens through which I can look at what we are doing at Dassault Systèmes, as well as what the UK is doing in a wider context. This dialogue and exchange of views is very valuable. STEPHEN CHADWICK, MANAGING DIRECTOR EURONORTH, DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

Being a Patron Member is a fantastic opportunity for PSA Groupe to share and learn from the experiences of other French companies. Even if we come from different business sectors or industries, or offer different kinds of services, it’s still important to share our experiences of the British market, to ensure we all succeed as best as we can. STÉPHANE LE GUÉVEL, DIRECTOR GENERAL, PSA GROUPE UK

We feel very much part of the Anglo-French community – we are a global company, but very proud of our French heritage, and it is apt that we belong to the French Chamber. It offers great networking opportunities with other members, many of whom are our clients, and we also participate in the Forums and find the interactions very beneficial. CHRISTINE HODGSON, CHAIRWOMAN, CAPGEMINI

The French Chamber provides an opportunity for us to engage with other businesses and clearly this results in excellent networking opportunities. Also, the Chamber hosts some very interesting and stimulating events, which provide insight into the challenges of a variety of business sectors. ALISTAIR GORDON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, KEOLIS UK

The French Chamber brings great opportunities to meet peers. I particularly value the quality of events – for example, I recently attended a really informative speech by HE Ms Sylvie Bermann, the French Ambassador, on the relationships between the UK and France. The French Chamber also brings a good opportunity for us to showcase our business in France. DAVID MCMILLAN, CHAIRMAN, GLOBAL HEALTH INSURANCE AND CEO, AVIVA EUROPE

Of all the organisations that I am a member of, the French Chamber has without a doubt provided me with the best return on investment. I have been given access to investors and high profile mentors to help me develop my start-up, while my company has benefited from added visibility within the Franco-British business community through the Chamber’s magazine, INFO. SÉBASTIEN GOLDENBERG, CEO AND FOUNDER, THEHOUSESHOP.COM

about the Chamber

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE MANAGING DIRECTOR’S OVERVIEW WHO’S WHO OUR PARTNERS / NETWORKS BREXIT STRATEGY A DIGITAL FUTURE A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR START-UPS AND SMES MEMBERSHIP FORUMS AND CLUBS

Climate Change & Sustainability

Digital Transformation & Innovation

Finance HR

Start-up & SME

Luxury

Women’s Business Club

Outlook 2017: Brexit & Retail

EVENTS

Major events

Discover fellow members

Patron events

BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

Business Centre

Business Consultancy

Accountancy, Payroll & Company Set-up

Recruitment

PUBLICATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS FINANCIAL RESULTS

Project supervisors: Florence Gomez / Jason Hesse Project managers: Marielle Fraize / Daphné Aguettant Cover and design: Katherine Millet Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Event photos: José Farinha / Sara Lacuesta Calvo

President’s message Estelle Brachlianoff President, French Chamber of Great Britain Senior Executive Vice President, Veolia UK & Ireland

am very pleased to present our Annual Report for 2016 – a landmark year for

2016 will be remembered as the year

Yet, despite the significant business

that the British people voted to leave the

uncertainty caused by the Brexit vote,

European Union. While the Chamber is

2016 was a landmark year for the French

an apolitical organisation, it was clear that

Chamber. As well as the increase in

record-breaking for the French Chamber,

the outcome of the referendum left our

membership, we recorded significantly-

with more than 120 new companies

members with unanswered questions.

increased demand for our business

the French Chamber of Great Britain. The last 12 months have been

joining our network and underlining our

We acted swiftly to position ourselves

support services, such as Company

role as a business platform for Franco-

strategically and extensively engage

Set-up, Accountancy and Recruitment.

British businesses to benchmark,

and inform members over what Brexit

Paired with currency exchange gains,

grow and learn best practice from one

might mean to them. Shortly after the

this helped the Chamber to achieve

another. The Chamber team has worked

EU Referendum outcome, I initiated

strong financial results, with a turnover in

hard in 2016 to ensure members are

the first President’s Circle Dinner,

excess of £2.2m (an increase of 5.9 per

aware of – and know how they can

inviting some of the Chamber’s top

cent against 2015) and pre-tax profits

benefit from using – our full range of

Franco-British employers to discuss

of £181,000. These are the best-ever

business services. As President, I

and benchmark with one another what

financial results for the Chamber; we are

have been delighted to host a number

the immediate impact of Brexit might

in good financial health, with sufficient

of events throughout the year, where

be. The Chamber’s Board of Directors

reserves to guarantee our long-term

I have had the opportunity to meet

also very quickly endorsed a strategy

future as the premier Franco-British

many members. It is always a delight

that placed Brexit at the heart of the

business platform.

to receive positive feedback about our

Chamber’s activities in order to meet the

services, events and publications, which

demand from members – as a result,

thus far, demand for our services has

the team works hard to deliver. A key

we dedicated a special issue of INFO

remained strong in 2017. The Chamber

mission for the Chamber is to ensure

to the topic, our Forums and Clubs

will continue to leverage its position and

that members make the most from their

held sessions on Brexit throughout the

build on France’s status as the UK’s

membership and we will continue to

autumn, we invited top-class speakers

fourth-largest investor. Thank you to

expand the range of services on offer as

to talk about Brexit at our events and

all of our members for your continued

the Chamber continues to grow.

much more (see p. 10 for full details).

support.

I am also pleased to report that,

‘The last 12 months have been record-breaking for the French Chamber, with more than 120 new companies joining our network and underlining our role as a business platform for Franco-British businesses to benchmark, grow and learn best practice’

Managing Director’s overview Florence Gomez Managing Director, French Chamber of Great Britain

s you will discover in the pages of

for early-stage businesses), introducing

as their first port of call to enter the

this Annual Report, 2016 has seen

thematic dinners and increasing the

UK market. Particularly during times of

the French Chamber of Great Britain

number of free events for members to

uncertainty, the Chamber’s expertise,

reach new heights.

attend. I am delighted to report that our

price-competitive business services

The numbers stand on their own

actions paid off. More members were

and benchmarking knowledge make us

merit: in 2016, we recruited 126 new

actively engaged in the Chamber’s

a valuable organisation to be a member

member companies; organised 54

activities throughout the year by taking

of. We have capably positioned the

events that brought together more than

advantage of our business services,

French Chamber as the go-to business

3,000 participants; hosted 38 Forum

sharing news in INFO or attending our

platform for Franco-British companies,

and Club sessions, where 58 guest

events, forums and clubs.

whether large or small. Our role is to

speakers shared their knowledge in

The year did bring new challenges.

bring start-ups and large corporates

front of 882 participants; welcomed

Brexit is a turning point in the UK’s

together and help them do business with

14 companies in our Business Centre;

history. For the very first time, we

one another.

helped 163 businesses with their

conducted a joint survey with six other

accountancy needs and published

Foreign Chambers of Commerce in

success would not be possible without

474 articles in our bimonthly magazine,

the UK to poll our members about how

the support of our President, the Board

INFO. Despite the year being

Brexit might affect their business.

of Directors and Advisory Councillors,

punctuated with economic uncertainty,

While we anticipated that investment

The French Chamber’s continued

the Chairs of our Forums and Clubs, our

thanks to the hard work of my entire

would slow down from French

speakers, partners and sponsors, and

team, 2016 was also a record year for

businesses in 2016, demand has

my dedicated team – thank you. Thank

the Chamber financially.

remained strong. French companies

you also to our members and clients for

continue to be interested in doing

their support and participation. Finally,

to improve the satisfaction and

business in the UK. We can testify

I am extremely thankful to the French

engagement of our members. By holding

to this firsthand, as revenues in our

Ambassador, HE Ms Sylvie Bermann,

focus groups with members early in the

Business Support Services – including

for her fantastic support of the Chamber

year, we were able to better understand

our Company Set-Up, Accountancy and

and helping us to create more dialogue

members’ priorities and interests, as well

Recruitment Services – grew by double

between our two nations.

as discover how we could innovate to

digits in 2016 to more than £800,000

better meet their needs.

out of a turnover of £2.2m.

My core mission in 2016 was

This resulted in concrete actions

As in 1883, when the French Chamber of Great Britain was founded,

Britain remains a great place to

fostering positive business relations

throughout the year. Among our many

do business and to scale. In 2017

between France and Britain remains

new initiatives, some of the highlights

and beyond, we believe that French

an important responsibility, which the

include the launch of our Start-Up Lab

companies will continue to cross the

Chamber will continue to fulfil through

(a pitching and mentoring programme

Channel and use the French Chamber

Brexit and beyond.

‘We have successfully positioned the French Chamber as the go-to business platform for Franco-British companies, whether large or small’

The Board of Directors

— as at May 2017

Our policies are guided by a Board of Directors responsible for all major decisions concerning the Chamber’s strategy. The Board is assisted by an Advisory Council who helps to increase the visibility and efficiency of the Chamber.We would like to thank all Directors, Advisory Councillors and Chairs for their commitment and dedication to the Chamber.

President

Deputy President

Treasurer

Managing Director

Estelle Brachlianoff Senior Executive VicePresident UK & Ireland VEOLIA

Stephen Burgin

Nicolas Ribollet Partner MAZARS LLP

Florence Gomez Managing Director FRENCH CHAMBER OF GREAT BRITAIN

Vice Presidents

Peter Alfandary Head of French Team REED SMITH LLP

Brian Gosschalk Head of the President’s Office IPSOS MORI

Olivier Morel Partner & Head of International Corporate Investment CRIPPS LLP

Olivier Nicolaÿ Managing Director CHANEL UK, President of the UK & other Americas Region

Helena Kavanagh Managing Director JCDECAUX UK

Paul Kahn President AIRBUS GROUP UK

Nicolas Petrovic Chief Executive Officer EUROSTAR INTERNATIONAL

Dame Carolyn McCall DBE Chief Executive EASYJET

Christian Porta Chairman & CEO PERNOD RICARD EMEA

Tanuja Randery Zone President UK & Ireland SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC

Honorary Members

Arnaud Vaissié Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO INTERNATIONAL SOS

Sir Martin Sorrell CEO WPP plc

Pascal Boris CBE Chairman and Non-Executive Chairman, Honorary President

Gérard Ocquidant Honorary Treasurer

The Advisory Council

— as at May 2017

All Board Directors are also Advisory Councillors.

Fabrice Bernhard Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, THEODO

Elisabeth Markart Managing Director, BARKSTON CONSULTING

John Rees Trade and Investment Director, GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Guy H.R. Bondonneau Managing Director, WEB CONSULTING TEAM

Jean-Noël Mermet Founder and Managing Director, FRENGER INTERNATIONAL

Sadia Ricke Chief Country Officer, SOCIETE GENERALE

Alexis de Bretteville CEO Europe, HUDSON

Bertrand Michaud Managing Director, HERMÈS GB

Emmanuelle Ries Managing Partner, EBL MILLER ROSENFALCK LLP

Oliver Carret Vice President UK Nuclear Project, ENGIE ENERGY EUROPE

Jules Minvielle Founder & CEO, MOZOO

Victor Chavez CEO, THALES UK Alain de Cointet Minister Counsellor for Economic and Financial Affairs, FRENCH EMBASSY Laurence Colchester Director, BITTER LEMON PRESS Géraldine Fabre Partner & Head of French Group, SHERRARDS SOLICITORS Marie-Caroline Frochot Partner, LEWIS SILKIN LLP David Glass Consultant, IRWIN MITCHELL LLP Aino-Leena Grapin CEO, WINCH DESIGN Philippe Henry Global Head of Corporate, Financials and Multinationals Banking, HSBC BANK PLC David Herbinet Partner, UK Head of Public Interest Entities and Global Audit Leader, MAZARS LLP Maxime Holder Chairman, PAUL UK Pascal d’Hont Founder, ELIOTUS

Jeanne Monchovet Founder, OLYSTIX Ursula Morgenstern Global Head of Consulting and Systems Integration, Global Executive VP for Cloud & Enterprise Software and Member of the Executive Committee, ATOS UK & IRELAND Ray Newton Advisor to the Chairman, RADISSON BLU EDWARDIAN HOTELS Gilles Normand CEO, SWINTON INSURANCE Catherine Palmer Legal Director, JOSEPH Pierre-Louis Phelipot Founder, THE LONDON JAM FACTORY Stéphane Rambosson Honorary Chairman, SCIENCES PO Kenneth Ramirez Senior Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, G9 GROUPE RENAULT Marc Reboux Senior Director - EMEA Office and Tenant Representation, CBRE Rupert Reece Managing Partner, GIDE LOYRETTE NOUEL

Warner Rootliep General Manager UK & Ireland, AIR FRANCE KLM Bob Scott Senior Vice President, CAPGEMINI UK Peter Smith Partner, CONSTANTIN LLP Peter Stevens Partner, Business Law Department, TWM SOLICITORS LLP Dominique Tai Associate, French Group Manager, BROWNE JACOBSON LLP Alexandre Terrasse Partner, EDWIN COE LLP Marc de Thomasson Director, VICTANIS ADVISORY SERVICES Louise Tingström Partner, FINELK Paul Voller Partner, Corporate and Commercial, BIRCHAM DYSON BELL LLP Guy Wieynk CEO Western Europe, PUBLICIS WORLDWIDE

Honorary position Elisabeth Delahaye Honorary Councillor

Forum and Club Chairs BREXIT FORUM (launched March 2017)

Lucien Boyer, Chief Marketing Officer,

START-UP & SME CLUB

Angela Hepworth, Corporate Policy

VIVENDI

Arnaud de Montille, Co-Founder of MERCI MAMAN PERSONALISED GIFTS

and Regulation Director, EDF ENERGY and Neil Sherlock, Partner and Head

FINANCE FORUM

and Jeanne Monchovet, Founder of

of Reputational Strategy, PWC

John Peachey, Chief Financial Officer,

OLYSTIX

Global Markets, HSBC BANK plc and Rob Guyler, CFO, EDF ENERGY

CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM

LUXURY CLUB Tom Meggle, General Manager of

Richard Brown CBE, Former CEO & Chairman of EUROSTAR, Chairman,

HR FORUM

LOUIS VUITTON UK, Ireland &

Department for Transport Franchise

Pia Dekkers, HR Director, CHANEL

South Africa

Advisory Panel and Jean-Philippe

and Jean-Baptiste Aloy, Executive

Verdier, Founding Partner at VERDIER

Director – Employee Research, IPSOS

WOMEN’S BUSINESS CLUB

& CO ADVISORY CORPORATE

MORI

Estelle Brachlianoff, Senior Executive

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION &

RETAIL FORUM (launched May 2017)

INNOVATION FORUM

Alain Harfouche, General Manager UK,

Christophe Chazot, Group Head of

L’OCCITANE and Catherine Palmer,

Innovation, HSBC and

Legal and Administrative Director, JOSEPH

Vice-President UK & Ireland, VEOLIA

The Team

and President of the French Chamber

— as at May 2017

Our dedicated and multicultural team provides high-quality services to support the development of our clients and member companies in the UK. Florence Gomez

Camille Gorin

Sarah Ribeiro

Managing Director

Events Coordinator

Management Accountant

Noémie du Chatelier

Wassime Haouari

Manon Chauvin

Executive Assistant to the MD

Events Coordinator

Assistant Accountant Robin Henriques

Carla Coutinho

Advertising

Accounting & Business Support Assistant

Suzanne Lycett

Annabelle Prost

Membership and Forums and Clubs

Advertising & Sales Manager

Assistant Accountant

Laurène Herbelin

Business Consultancy and Business Centre

Recruitment

Head of Membership and Forums & Clubs Aurélie Simon

Inès Ennaifer

Head of Recruitment

Senior Business Development

Business Development Manager

Sylwia Radzio

Manager & Start-up Lab Manager

Sophie Bosc

Recruitment Consultant

Ophélie Martinel

Project Manager

Office Manager

Emmanuelle Thomas

Justine Kouane

Accountancy and Company Set-up

Publications and Communications

Membership Coordinator

Naser Nashaat

Jason Hesse

Head of Finance & Administration,

Head of Publications and Content

Events

Accounting Outsourcing Services

Daphné Aguettant

Sonia Olsen

Julie Sanchez

Marketing and Communications Manager

Head of Events

Business Support Coordinator

Katherine Millet

Anne-Claire Lo Bianco

Mariam Jatta

Senior Graphic Designer

Events Manager

Management Accountant

Forums & Clubs Project Manager

Our Partners and Networks Institutional organisations French Embassy The French Embassy is a strong supporter of the Chamber – we work closely with all of the Embassy’s departments and services as well as the Institut Français. We are honoured that the French Ambassador to the UK, HE Ms Sylvie Bermann, speaks at many of our events. Business France (BF) In early 2016, we signed a cooperation agreement with BF which defines the complementary roles that BF and the French Chamber will play in supporting French SMEs, making it easier for them to know who to turn to, depending on their requirements and stage of development.

Press

London & Partners (L&P)

For the sixth consecutive year, we renewed our valuable

As part of its drive to attract investment, L&P helps overseas

cooperation with the Financial Times.

businesses to set up in London, and has referred many French

We are also pleased to partner with French Radio London,

companies to the Chamber under a partnership agreement

France in London, Ici Londres and LePetitjournal.com.

signed in 2013. Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

Schools and Universities

The CBI is the UK’s premier business organisation, providing

Collège Français Bilingue de Londres: the Chamber is

a voice for firms at a regional, national and international level

responsible for appointing half of the Board of Trustees (including

to policymakers. We regularly share CBI reports and views to

Chair and Treasurer) from member company representatives.

members. Franco-British Council (FBC)

The Chamber, through its Recruitment Service, has developed

The Franco-British Council promotes better understanding

partnerships with member schools and universities to support

between Britain and France. The FBC has always been

both graduates and alumni in their search for positions. Our

a supportive partner of the Chamber, most notably in the

current partnerships:

organisation of our Franco-British Conferences.

Arts & Métiers Paritech, EDHEC Business School, EISTI,

FrenchConnect

EM Normandie, ESCP Europe, ESSCA, ESSEC Business

Launched in 2015 by three French Tech entrepreneurs living

School, Grenoble Ecole de Management, HEC, INSEEC,

in London, FrenchConnect is a private members club that

La Rochelle Business School, NEOMA Business School,

gathers French digital leaders in London and has also provided

and Sciences Po Paris.

support for our annual Franco-British Conference.

Publication partner: Asendia

Cultural institutions

Since 2012, Asendia, a leading global provider of mail and

In 2016, we were very pleased to sign or renew close

parcel solutions, has supported the Chamber by distributing

partnerships with the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Opera

most of our publications, including our bi-monthly INFO

House, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Christie’s.

magazine, free of charge to members and the Franco-British business community at large.

The networks we are a part of CCI France International

Council of Foreign Chambers of Commerce

> A global network of 115 French Chambers

> A network of 46 foreign Chambers of Commerce in the UK

> A combined base of more than 10,000 foreign businesses

of Commerce in 85 countries

> The largest private French network in the world

> Our Chamber is the 1st foreign Chamber in the UK in terms

> A combined membership base of more than

35,000 companies

of both turnover and range of services

Brexit strategy The outcome of the EU Referendum in June 2016 came as a surprise to many. The Chamber reacted quickly, helping our members to better understand what Brexit will mean for their businesses and their people. This involved a very quick mobilisation of our resources to ensure we could respond with new Brexit-related initiatives.

Activities > Brexit survey (May 2016): Prior to the referendum and in

> Dedicated Brexit analysis (ongoing): We have introduced

partnership with Ipsos MORI and six other foreign Chambers

a regular ‘Brexit analysis’ section in INFO to feature members’

of Commerce, we conducted a survey to ask international

views and news related to the UK’s withdrawal from the

business leaders what impact a vote for Brexit would have on

European Union.

trade and investment. > Brexit-themed Forum sessions (autumn 2016): Each Forum dedicated a session to Brexit and its impact on their respective sector (Finance, Legal, HR), in order to provide our members with an opportunity to openly share and discuss Brexit with their peers. > Annual Financial Lunch (December 2016): Alistair Darling, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, was the guest speaker at the Chamber’s Annual Financial Lunch and > President’s Circle Dinners (July 2016): Our President,

discussed the impact of Brexit on the City.

Estelle Brachlianoff, launched this new-format event to bring some of the Chamber’s largest employers together

> Launch of a Brexit Forum (spring 2017): Plans for a

to discuss how they are reacting to Brexit and share best

dedicated Brexit Forum were introduced. This cross-sectoral

practice. These dinners will occur three times per year.

forum, launched in March 2017, is designed to gather leaders of member companies, consultants and lawyers to

> Special issue of INFO (September 2016): Following

discuss the impact of Brexit going forward.

the outcome of the vote, we changed our editorial calendar to publish a special issue focused on Brexit in time for the rentrée, gathering reactions and opinions from our members (including WPP’s Sir Martin Sorrell, Tech City UK, Renault, HSBC and others).

What business leaders can do, and are entitled to do, is to point out what the practical result of Brexit is.They are – and do need to be – vociferous Alistair Darling, at the Annual Financial Lunch, 14 December 2016

Outlook 2017 The Chamber’s Brexit-focused activities will continue throughout 2017 and beyond. There is a second Brexit survey, to be conducted with 12 to 15 foreign Chambers of Commerce, in the pipeline (autumn 2017) as well as plans for a large event with Michel Barnier, the EU’s Chief Negotiator for Brexit, as guest speaker (to be confirmed, autumn 2017).

A digital future Digital transformation is of interest to the Chamber but also to our members, in order to take full advantage of the opportunities a digital world presents. All modern organisations must adapt a new approach that is appropriate to the business climate of tomorrow. The Chamber itself has embarked on its own digitalisation programme in order to increase efficiency and offer more digital content and resources for our members.

Internal actions Within the Chamber, we worked on five goals related to digital transformation: > Make digital part of the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNA > Infuse the staff with a digital mindset > Deliver a digital experience for members and clients > Print less, be more environmentally friendly > Further improve the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image and reputation To achieve this, we worked towards engaging staff in our digital transformation project. This involved: the introduction of a new CRM (delivered by Eudonet, a member of the Chamber); work on a new, modern corporate website (to be delivered at the beginning of 2018); publishing a social media strategy; the introduction of an online marketplace for our member-to-member offers; and developing digital revenue streams.

NEW FORUM LAUNCH For our members, we introduced a new forum to tackle this specific theme: the Digital Transformation and Innovation Forum. Launched in November 2016 by Co-chairs Christophe Chazot, Group Head of Innovation at HSBC and Lucien Boyer, Chief Marketing Officer at Vivendi, this new forum has been tasked with exploring the opportunities offered by digital across all industries (see p17 for more information).

Technology is transforming the world we live in. A modern Chamber of Commerce must put digital at the heart of its strategy in order to succeed in the long term Florence Gomez, Managing Director, French Chamber of Great Britain

Digital transformation is a topic that you cannot escape. It concerns all of us: large or small, online or offline Lucien Boyer, Chief Marketing Officer, Vivendi and Co-chair of the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum

A one-stop shop for start-ups and SMEs Improving and creating links between small and large businesses is one of our stated aims. The launch of the Start-up Lab, in 2016, was one of our key initiatives to offer a new tailored range of services for our 40+ start-up members.

Network, benchmark and access expertise > Meet relevant contacts within larger organisations, expand your network and develop your business through dozens of Chamber events, most notably through our ‘Small Meets Big’ events (such as the Franco-British Conference, Franco-British Business Awards, From Scratch to Success: Business Stories, Annual General Meeting, CEO Breakfasts and more) > Be invited to events organised by French Tech Hub London, of which the French Chamber is a founding member, allowing you to network and meet peers > Learn best practice and benchmark at our Start-up & SME Club. Innovative tech start-ups can also be invited to join our Digital Transformation and Innovation Forum, alongside large corporates > Apply to join the Start-up Lab to participate in pitch sessions and find a mentor.

Nicolas Taborisky, CEO of Theodo UK, receiving the Start-up & SME Award 2016 with François Monville, Managing Partner, Mazars

Access our tailored services Start-ups can also take advantage of the Chamber’s wide range of professional services at special competitive rates. These services include: > Recruitment (special package for start-ups) > Registered address and company set-up assistance > Accountancy and payroll services > All-inclusive desk rental and meeting room hire.

Gain recognition and visibility > Apply in the Start-up & SME category at the Franco-British Business Awards > Write an article, share your news or feature in a start-up story in INFO magazine > Book a stand at our events to showcase your products and services > Speak at one of our events or in a Forum or Club.

From Scratch to Success: Business Stories with Alain Afflelou, Founder of the eponymous optician; Jean-François Cécillon, Founder of Universal MATRIX and former CEO of EMI; and Ning Li, CoFounder of Made.com

What they say... The range of exciting companies within the Start-up & SME Club, partnered with varied events and relaxed networking opportunities, have together provided a platform to elevate Devialet in the UK. The advice, best practice shared and extended network have been invaluable at a time of rapid growth for Devialet UK. We also use the Chamber’s Recruitment Service, which is an outstanding service at a competitive rate.

Victor d’Allancé, General Manager, Devialet UK & Ireland The French Chamber has allowed me to access a large network that proved very useful when starting my business. I have been able to create connections with entrepreneurs and large companies’ Managing Directors whom I wouldn’t have been able to meet otherwise. If you are looking to start your business in London, the French Chamber is the first place to go – you won’t be disappointed! Maud Grenier, CEO and Founder, Internshipmapper I found the French Chamber of Great Britain to be very vibrant and a great way to meet French decision-makers in London. Its key added-value to me was the smart mix between start-ups, SMEs and larger corporates. Fabrice Bernhard, Co-Founder and CTO, Theodo

START-UP & SME CLUB Working sessions The Start-up & SME Club provides a platform to work on case studies and horizontal issues that have been identified by members of the Club. These include: social media, pitching techniques, marketing strategy, how to fund and manage growth, and many more (discover more on p19). Club@ In 2016, the Chamber launched a new ‘Club@’ event format for the Start-up & SME Club. These are evening sessions where members are invited to other Club members’ premises to network around drinks and canapés, and be inspired by their success story.

START-UP LAB The French Chamber’s Start-Up Lab gathers a group of innovative, fast-growing start-ups and high-profile mentors within the Chamber’s membership. In 2016, two pitch sessions were organised. During each, four to five entrepreneurs are given 15 minutes to present their start-up and answer questions from a panel of mentors (see p15). This is followed by a 10-minute feedback session, during which mentors agree – or not – to become advisers for the company and explain the reasons behind their decision. Six of the nine start-ups that took part in the two pitch sessions of 2016 found at least one mentor. The start-ups that took part last year were: Bilingual Text, Devialet, Internshipmapper, Mo:vel, TheHouseShop.com, The Local Bird, The London Jam Factory, Theodo and Wisembly. Mentors came from a wide mix of sectors and companies, providing start-ups with expertise, experience and valuable insight. The French Chamber thanks all 19 mentors for their time.

FRENCH TECH HUB LONDON Launched in 2016, French Tech Hub London is an initiative backed by the French Government and supported locally by the French Chamber alongside five other steering members: Business France, FrenchConnect, French Digital, the French Embassy and Frog Valley. French Tech London is part of an international network which was created to promote the development of French start-ups and SMEs in a global market and to reinforce the image and attractiveness of France in terms of entrepreneurs, talents and investors. In 2016, three London events were held: the Launch Party (April), Back to School Party (September) and End of Year Party (December).

French Tech Hub London Launch Party, in the presence of Ed Vaizey, then Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries; Axelle Lemaire, then French Secretary of State for Digital Affairs; Emmanuel Macron, then Minister of Economy and now French President; and the French Ambassador, HE Ms Sylvie Bermann, held on 16 April 2016 at Balderton Capital

Outlook Turning to the future, the Chamber plans to organise a ‘speed-dating’ event that will bring start-ups and large corporates together (event expected to be held in early 2018).

Membership

— as at December 2016

GROW YOUR NETWORK AND YOUR BUSINESS IN GREAT BRITAIN

he Membership Department’s main role is to grow the French Chamber’s membership base and connect representatives from our 586 member companies with one another, creating opportunities within the Chamber’s dynamic and multicultural network. By understanding our members’ needs, we are able to support them on strategic projects and help them increase their business network through personal introductions during events.

Key facts & figures

586

MEMBER COMPANIES, INCLUDING: 85 Patron members 108 Corporate members 393 Active members 3,000 Representatives 13 New Patron members in 2016: American Express GBT, Dassault Systèmes UK, FTPA, General Electric, Hedios, Irwin Mitchell LLP, Kaplan, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Stock Exchange, Morgan Lewis & Bockius, Pinsent Masons, UBS AG, and Vivendi.

41% OF MAIN REPRESENTATIVES ARE NON-FRENCH

New in 2016: Themed events to increase interaction between members Organised in an intimate and private setting, these informal thematic dinners help to promote high-profile and targeted networking. They bring together large and small groups of 20 to 30 participants. The first one, ‘Start-up Founders & Mentors’, was launched in March, and was followed by ‘Industry Leaders’ (September) and ‘Luxury, Wealth Management & Cultural Institutions’ (November).

FOCUS ON START-UPS: Launch of pitch sessions at the Start-up Lab This new initiative connects innovative start-ups with a pool of 19 high-profile mentors. This allows start-up founders to be paired with influential mentors from across the fields of law, finance, venture capital, real estate, PR, digital innovation and more, based on their needs.

Thank you to our mentors: Gilles Avenel (Director, Visconti Coaching); Jean-François Cecillon (Founder and Managing Partner, The Universal Matrix LLP); Christophe Chazot (Group Head of Innovation, HSBC); Alexandre Covello (CEO, Angelscube); Andrea Cropley (Corporate Partner, Irwin Mitchell LLP); Olivier Decannière (Head, Ardian UK); Christophe Desgranges (Partner, Consulting, PwC); Serge Harry (Member of the Executive Committee, London Stock Exchange Group); Maxime Holder (Chairman, PAUL UK); Frederic Ichay (Partner, Pinsent Masons); AnneFrance Kennedy (Director, ON5); George Merrylees (Senior Associate, Irwin Mitchell LLP); Jean-Pierre Mustier (Partner, Tikehau Capital); Olivier Njamfa (CEO, Eptica); Philippe Polet (Senior Advisor, Signia Wealth); Marc Reboux (Senior Director, EMEA Office Advisory & Transactions, CBRE); Benoit Reillier (Managing Director, Launchworks Ventures); Franck Sidon (Managing Director, Tax Assist Accountants); and Louise Tingström (Partner, Finelk).

FOCUS ON BREXIT: Following the UK’s decision to vote to leave the EU, the French Chamber launched a series of initiatives that looked at the potential business impact of Brexit on Franco-British companies (more on p10): • Dedicated events, forum and club sessions • A new section in INFO to follow the impact of Brexit that brings together views and insights from a wide range of sources • President’s Circle Dinners, chaired by Estelle Brachlianoff, the Chamber’s President, were organised to bring together board directors and main representatives of UK subsidiaries of major French companies to discuss and evaluate the impact of Brexit on businesses.

Analysis and look ahead

BREXIT INSIGHT: PROPERTY

INFO looks at the latest news on Brexit and its impact on the Franco-British community

Dr Neil Blake, Head of Global Forecast and Analytics and EMEA Chief Economist at CBRE, tells INFO how London and the UK property market has reacted since the EU Referendum six months ago

ressure is starting to build in advance of the UK Government

All we know today is that Brexit is going to happen; this much

triggering Article 50. Theresa May is set on doing so before

is clear. Therefore, once negotiations begin – and the nitty-gritty

the end of March, but once the process is started, the two-year

begins to be exposed – businesses will be able to react and plan

deadline will begin to count down. As a result, the Government’s

accordingly.

priorities before then will be to line all of its ducks in a row, to

espite negativity in the markets further to the outcome of the EU Referendum, London’s property market remains

attractive. London is the world’s number one destination for cross-border investment, and property giant CBRE does not

In the six months since the UK people voted to leave the EU,

ensure that it is prepared to outrun the clock.

while the UK economy has not fallen oﬀ a cliﬀ, the markets have

expect this to change anytime soon. ‘Surprisingly little has happened so far in the commercial

What will the triggering of Article 50 mean for companies

suﬀered from the lack of knowledge and certainty surrounding

property markets,’ Dr Neil Blake, Head of Global Forecast and

doing business in the UK? Perversely, it could have a positive

Brexit. As this begins to get cleared up, companies will be able

Analytics and EMEA Chief Economist at CBRE told INFO. ‘There

eﬀect on the markets as the fog lifts and uncertainty begins to

to make decisions again and, hopefully, make the best out of

was some marking down, particularly in prime oﬃces, but it

disappear.

the situation. JH

stopped there. There hasn’t been much of a shift since then. If anything, our valuers and agents have seen a strengthening or stabilisation of the markets. Things aren’t quite what they were before the referendum, but there certainly has been no collapse.’

Key dates EU Select Committee

Monetary Policy Committee

European Council

‘It’s expensive to do – you don’t just move easily, on a whim.’

In particular, Blake highlighted that prime retail was doing

As for technology companies, London has attracted a

well, thanks in part to having beneﬁtted from the fall in sterling.

number of high-proﬁle investments in the last quarter of 2016:

London, 17 January

London, 2 February

Malta, 3 February

He also noted that industrial property has been getting stronger,

including Google, which conﬁrmed last November its plans

David Jones MP, Minister of State for the

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy

The theme of this informal meeting of

rather than weaker.

to build a new headquarters near King’s Cross and create a

Department for Exiting the EU and Alan

Committee

the 27 Heads of State – a meeting which

will

announce

whether

Quantitative data on UK commercial property backs this up.

further 3,000 jobs. Apple also conﬁrmed it would move its UK

Duncan, Minister for Europe and the

interest rates will increase or not, ahead

excludes the UK – will be a political

CBRE’s research, published in its Marketview UK Monthly Index,

headquarters to the decommissioned Battersea Power Station,

Americas, will be quizzed by the House

of Article 50 being triggered in March.

reﬂection on the future of the EU. How

shows that rental value growth remained stable, but capital

with space for 3,000 employees.

of Commons' EU Select Committee

The Committee's decision will be a good

can they make the EU27 a success, and

values increased in October 2016, for the ﬁrst time since the

‘These big announcements have boosted conﬁdence,’ said

about the outcomes of the most recent

indicator of how secure the Bank feels

what role will the UK play as a partner

referendum (see chart). Many sectors remain resilient to Brexit-

Blake. ‘So while tech companies are worried about restrictions

European Council.

about the UK's economic prospects.

moving forward?

related uncertainty for now.

on migration following Brexit, there is some optimism that the Government will come up with a system that does not block

London trends With regard to occupier trends, the Central London market

access to foreign talent.’ The future remains uncertain, however. ‘We do not know

remains buoyant. CBRE’s research shows that demand in the

whether this is the calm before the storm. We can expect

traditional oﬃce markets of the West End, City and Docklands

some weakness in the market by 2018, but currently we’re in

remains strong; but the research also shows an eastward

a situation where there is no shortage of investors that are

migration from the West End, particularly into Midtown.

interested in UK property.’ JH

London’s economy makes the city attractive. While the UK economy is expected to have grown by 1.8 per cent in 2016 and by 1.1 per cent in 2017, London is forecast to outpace this,

UK RENTAL AND CAPITAL VALUE GROWTH

with local GDP growing at 2.3 per cent in 2016 and 1.7 per cent in 2017.

Being a member of the European Union comes with rights and benefits. Third countries can never have the same rights and benefits, since they are not subject to the same obligations. The single market and its four freedoms are indivisible. Cherry-picking is not an option

Mr Barnier’s latest contribution is just the type calculated to raise the political temperature at a time when he should be lowering it. Both sides in the negotiation can gain together or lose together. So his first priority should be thinking about how to re-esbablish a close economic relationship between the EU and the UK

MICHEL BARNIER, EU Chief Brexit Negotiator

Conservative MP ANDREW TYRIE, Chairman of the Treasury Committee

‘There is a lot of capital – internationally – that is looking for somewhere to go, and London is a big market,’ said Blake. ‘Since London values weakened over the summer, the city looks relatively cheap compared to the rest of Europe.’ Growth in demand is expected to be driven by those sectors that are the strongest in London: ﬁnancial services, creative industries (which include tech, media and telecom) and business services. Blake warned that this could change in the longer term, however. ‘There is a lot of concern around ﬁnancial passporting, and various other European cities are already courting UK and foreign banks that are based in the UK,’ he said, but added that there was no obvious evidence of any forthcoming moves yet.

10 - INFO - JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

INFO

- JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 - 11

Membership profile 68% represented at the highest level of management

A wide range of sectors 49% Services

33% MDs, GMs, Partners

15% 33%

17% Founders, Owners 17% Executive Staff

15%

15% Chairmen & CEOs 17%

17%

Directors, Heads 15% of Departments 3%

Other C-Level positions

6% 7% 10%

49%

14%

Banking, Financial Services & Insurance

11%

Industry, Technology, Transport & Energy

10% Luxury

11% 14%

Food, Drink, Hotels & Restaurants, Leisure & Tourism

Retail & Consumer Goods

Health, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics

Outlook 2017 Dedicated events for Corporate members Given the increased popularity of the Corporate level of membership, we have decided to create a new dedicated event format for this category of membership. Organised free of charge and held at private club Home House, these will provide additional networking opportunities for Corporate member representatives.

Incentive scheme Existing members that refer new members will be rewarded with vouchers for our events, worth between £20-200, according to the level of membership chosen by the introduced company.

Forums & Clubs DEVELOP YOUR EXPERTISE AND SHARE WITH FELLOW MEMBERS

ur Forums and Clubs bring together business leaders and experts drawn from the Chamber’s membership and from the Franco-British business community at large. Under the leadership of Chairs, each Forum or Club meets four to six times per year, with expert guest speakers giving presentations on topical themes. Providing exclusive learning, benchmarking and networking opportunities, the Forums and Clubs deliver reliable and relevant information to attendees. Themes are proposed by members and can be adapted to current affairs when appropriate, such as was the case with Brexit in the autumn of 2016.

Our Forums and Clubs are the perfect platform for exchange, keeping our members up to date on topicalw and relevant issues. I can only encourage you to attend as many as possible — Estelle Brachlianoff, Senior Executive Vice-President, Veolia UK & Ireland

and President of the French Chamber

2016 Key Figures

Coverage in INFO and online

38 58 882 410

31 ARTICLES IN 2016

FORUMS & CLUBS SESSIONS GUEST SPEAKERS AND EXPERTS INVITED PARTICIPANTS OVERALL MEMBER COMPANIES INVOLVED

The high attendance reflects the range and quality of the business-related topics covered and the excellence and diversity of the speakers

While participation in Forums and Clubs is by invitation only, all members at the French Chamber are able to access the wealth of knowledge and advice that they generate thanks to reports in both INFO and online, which summarise the most pertinent information from each session.

67% OF MEMBER COMPANIES INVOLVED OUR FORUMS IN 2016 Climate Change

Human Resources

Digital Transformation & Innovation

Legal (closed 2016) Chairs of the French Chamber’s Forums and Clubs gathered at the Bulgari Hotel’s Rivea Restaurant on 16 May 2016 for the Annual Chairs Lunch

Finance

OUR CLUBS IN 2016 Luxury Women’s Business

Start-up & SME

Thank you We would like to thank all of the Chairs for their time and commitment, as well as all the speakers, sponsors and members for their involvement and contribution to the quality of the debates and discussions. We would also like to thank our departing chairs: Olivier Morel, Partner, Cripps and Vice President of the French Chamber and Ken Morrison, Legal Director, Eurotunnel (former Chairs of the Legal Forum); Michael Whitlow, Human Resources Director, Europe, International SOS (former Chair of the HR Forum); and Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director, Hermès GB and Advisory Councillor of the French Chamber (former Chair of the Luxury Club).

Climate Change & Sustainability Forum Since 2011. One of the objectives of the Climate Change & Sustainability Forum is to be the very first Franco-

British think tank on these topical and major issues.

Aimed at CEOs, experts, Heads of Sustainability and business leaders in the field of climate change and sustainability. Chaired by Richard Brown CBE (left), Former CEO and Chairman of Eurostar, Chairman of the Department for Transport Franchise Advisory Panel, and Jean-Philippe Verdier, Founding Partner, Verdier & Co. Corporate Advisory.

6 SESSIONS Lessons from COP21 (February) Speakers: Robert Milnes, Manager, Climate Change & Sustainability, PwC and Ruth Mhlanga, Private Sector Policy Advisor, Oxfam

The view from insurance companies (June) Speakers: Nassim Amara, Head of Sales, Climate Secure and Birgit Roeper-Gruener, Director, Insurance Ratings at S&P Global Ratings

The view from the Green Investment Bank (March)

Update on the science behind climate change: the Met Office (September)

Speaker: Laurence Mulliez, Non-Executive Director, Green Investment Bank

Winning hearts and minds around climate change

Speaker: Katy Richardson, Applied Climate Scientist, The Met Office

(April) Speaker: Stephanie Godderidge, Climate & Us Programme Manager, EDF Energy

Smart cities (November)

1 SITE VISIT: DUNGENESS B NUCLEAR POWER STATION

FORTHCOMING SESSIONS:

Members ventured to Kent to discover how electricity is produced at the UK’s oldest nuclear power station, EDF Energy’s Dungeness B

Wind and solar energy: The global rise of the two prominent clean energy sources; The finances of clean energy: Debt, equity and M&A

Speaker: Michael Dodd, Head of Section, Markets and Policy Development, DNV GL

Since 2016. Meeting five times per year, this Forum debates the new issues raised by digitalisation, undoubtedly the biggest factor of evolution of the 21st century, and to best prepare for the constant changes it brings in our work and daily lives. Aimed at Chief Digital Officers, Chief Marketing Officers, Heads of Innovation and Heads of Strategy of major companies, start-up Founders with know-how in the field of digital transformation and innovation. Chaired by Lucien Boyer (left), CMO of Vivendi and Christophe Chazot, Group Head of Innovation at HSBC.

1 SESSION Inaugural session (November) Brainstorming session to discuss the Forum’s future agenda

FORTHCOMING SESSIONS: Platforms: The number one wealth creators in the 21st century, or the emergence of new business models; Innovation Members of the Forum met in November 2016 to brainstorm themes for the year ahead

NEW

Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum

Finance Forum Since 2012. The Finance Forum provides a confidential and collaborative environment

that facilitates open discussion on the financial sector.

Aimed at CFOs and senior representatives of financial institutions. Chaired by Rob Guyler (left), CFO, EDF Energy and John Peachey, Managing Director - CFO, Global Market HSBC Bank plc.

4 SESSIONS HR management for a CFO: Challenges, best practice and off-shoring (March) Speakers: Rob Guyler, CFO, EDF Energy and Simon Constance, Partner People Advisory Services, EY

Funding: Short and long-term growth (May) Speakers: StĂŠphane Eyraud, CEO, Chappuis Halder & Cie and Nicolas Jacquier, Business Development Director, CrowdBnk Brexit: Initial reactions and challenges (September) Speakers: Neil Sherlock CBE, Partner & Head of Reputational

Strategy, PwC; Robin Terry, Managing Director & Regional Head of Global Banking Corporates Sales, Global Liquidity and Cash Management, HSBC; Gareth Lloyd-Williams, Managing Director, Head of UK Corporate Sales, Group HSBC; and Jenine Hulsmann, Partner, Clifford Chance

How can finance embrace digital transformation? (November) Speakers: Christophe Chazot, Group Head of Innovation, HSBC; Kelvin Wing, IT Operations Director, EDF Energy; and Anand Ganguli, Director, PwC

FORTHCOMING SESSION: The CFO, when and why do you need one?

HR Forum Since 2009. The HR Forum encourages open discussion and the exchange of experiences from a wide range of industries on people-related subjects. Aimed at HR Directors and HR professionals. Chaired by Pia Dekkers (left), HR Director, Chanel and Jean-Baptiste Aloy, Executive Director - Employee Research, Ipsos MORI.

6 SESSIONS Generational differences in the workplace (January) Speakers: Alexis de Bretteville, CEO Europe and Tim Drake, Head of Talent Management UK, Hudson

Driving cultural transformation (June) Speakers: Marguerite Ulrich, Human Resources Director, Veolia and Mandy Finlay, Human Resources Director, HermĂ¨s

The year ahead from a legal perspective (March) Speakers: Melanie Stancliffe, Partner, Irwin Mitchell and Caroline Yarrow, Partner, Bircham Dyson Bell

Managing human resources in a Brexit context (October) Speakers: Ben Wilkins, People and Organisation Partner, PwC and Koshi Blavo Barna, Senior Immigration Consultant, ebl miller rosenfalck

Engagement and retention (May) Speakers: Jean-Baptiste Aloy, Executive Director - Employee Research, Ipsos MORI; Brendan Collins, Director of HR, Mazars; and Rachel Blackett, Head of Culture Change & Engagement, Royal Mail Group

People analytics (December) Speakers: Philippe Gaud, Associate Professor, HEC Paris and Claire Gannon, Director People Analytics and Metrics, Schneider Electric

FORTHCOMING SESSIONS: The benefits of flexible working; How to manage the new generation

Start-up & SME Club Since 2009. The Start-up & SME Club provides a platform to work on case studies

and horizontal issues identified by its members.

Aimed at Founders of start-ups, entrepreneurs and MDs of SMEs. Chaired by Arnaud de Montille (left), Co-founder, Merci Maman Personalised Gifts and Jeanne Monchovet, Founder and Principal Consultant, Olystix and Advisory Councillor of the French Chamber

‘We are delighted to say that 2016 has been a growth year for our Club. A number of successful start-ups have joined our community to fast track their development, and the feedback we are receiving is excellent. What they value the most from our Club is the learning and networking platform - hearing from experts and brainstorming new ideas, as well as making useful connections.’ – Jeanne Monchovet, Co-chair of the Start-up & SME Club

5 SESSIONS How to generate higher growth (March) Speakers: Adina Luca, Director of Profitable Insights and Caroline Villa, Head of CRM, Net-a-Porter

ANNUAL FLAGSHIP EVENT: FROM SCRATCH TO SUCCESS: BUSINESS STORIES

Be ‘due diligence’ ready (April) Speakers: Frederic Caharel, Senior Manager Audit, Middle Market at KPMG and Marie Fouris, Co-founder and COO of Edit-place. HR and soft skills: how to attract and retain talent (May) Speakers: Mandeep Sahota, Talent Manager, VivaStreet & EasyRoommate; Fabrice Bernhard, Co-founder and CTO, Theodo; and Antoine Aubois, Partner, Akoya Consulting

Managing Uncertainty (October) Speaker: Alastair Dryburgh, Strategist and Forbes Contributor Brainstorming session (November)

Speakers: Alain Afflelou, Founder, Chairman, and CEO at Alain Afflelou; Jean-François Cécillon, Founder of Universal Matrix, Managing Director of Waddington Custot Galleries and Former CEO of EMI; and Ning Li, Co-Founder and CEO of Made.com

2016 saw the launch of the Club@ format, an informal networking evening for members of the Club, hosted by and held at a fellow member‘s premises. The underlying concept of the Club@ is to have the Club members visit the premises of an exciting start-up in an informal way, where the founder of the company welcomes the guests and gives them an insight into the culture and organisation of his or her company.

2 GATHERINGS: Club@ Teads TV (October) and Club@ Microsoft Accelerator (December)

Members enjoyed two Club@ events in 2016, held at Teads (left) and Microsoft Accelerator (centre and right)

NEW

LAUNCH OF THE

Women’s Business Club Since 2015. The Women’s Business Club is the first business networking platform for female executives drawn from the Franco-British business community. Its members meet over lunch, on a quarterly basis, to discuss current affairs and business topics. The Club also hosts the ‘Women, Inspiration and Leadership’ annual event, which is open to all members. Aimed at female CEOs, CFOs and women with global positions based in the UK. By invitation only. Chaired by Estelle Brachlianoff, Senior Executive Vice-President, UK & Ireland of Veolia, President of the French Chamber.

2 WOMEN’S BUSINESS CLUB LUNCHES At each Women’s Business Club lunch, the French Ambassador, HE Ms Sylvie Bermann, gives an exclusive update on the Franco-British agenda. This is followed by a debate on a specific theme around one or two key speakers.

Digital transformation and innovation (April) Speakers: Nina Bjornstad, Country Manager UK&I, Google for Work Business and Ursula Morgenstern, Global Head of Consulting & Systems Integration & Global Executive VP, Cloud and Enterprise Software at Atos Hosted at Chanel’s Salon Privé. Thank you to Chanel and Ladurée. The impact of Brexit on the local economy (October) Speaker: Vicky Pryce, Board Member, Centre for Economics and Business Research Hosted at the French Residence. Thank you to Hermès and Pierre Hermé Paris.

Luxury Club Since 2010. The Luxury Club’s aim is to encourage the exchange of best practice, share experiences and celebrate savoir-faire and excellence between decision makers from the luxury sector. The Club hosts breakfasts for its members in exclusive venues with key speakers from the industry, as well as an Annual Luxury Dinner held at Claridge’s, which is open to all members. Aimed at senior representatives of luxury brands, cultural institutions, GMs of five-star hotels and Michelin-starred Chefs. By invitation only. Chaired by Tom Meggle, General Manager of Louis Vuitton UK, Ireland & South Africa since the end of 2016. Thank you to Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director of Hermès UK for chairing the Club since 2013.

1 LUXURY BREAKFAST The luxury hotel industry: Challenges and opportunities (March) Speakers: Paul Jackson, General Manager at Claridge’s. Hosted at Claridge’s. Chaired by Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director, Hermès GB and former Chair of the Luxury Club.

Outlook 2017

Brexit Forum Brexit is one of the biggest challenges that the UK and the EU will face over coming years. This cross-sectoral working group will be a Forum to discuss, debate and share insights into the practical implications of Brexit for businesses, and will focus on three horizontal themes: labour and mobility issues, movement of goods and regulatory issues. Business will play a critical role to making a success of Brexit, and this Forum will play a key role in gathering and putting forward the views of the Franco-British business community. Aimed at Heads of Brexit Task Forces, Heads of Strategy, Heads of Corporate Affairs in charge of Brexit. Co-chaired by Angela Hepworth (left), Corporate Policy and Regulation Director, EDF Energy and Neil Sherlock, Head of Reputational Strategy at PwC

Retail Forum The retail sector is undergoing major transformations, the biggest of which is the rise of online shopping; retail brands must re-think how they market to and engage with their audience and clientele. From online to traditional retail, from high street to luxury sectors, the Retail Forum has, as its mission, to discuss and analyse new challenges and opportunities for member companies operating in this sector. Themes to be discussed include digitalisation, how to better meet customer demands, new shopping experiences, manpower and staffing plus how to retain talent. Aimed at CEOs, Managing Directors and senior representatives of retail brands, hotels and private memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clubs. Co-chaired by Catherine Palmer (left), General Counsel and Director, Joseph and Alain Harfouche, General Manager UK & Ireland, Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Occitane

Events EXPAND YOUR NETWORK AND DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS Some of our high-profile speakers of 2016:

Alain Afflelou Founder, Chairman and CEO, Alain Afflelou

Jacques Attali President, Positive Planet

Sébastien Bazin Chairman and CEO, AccorHotels

Alistair Darling Former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer

Ning Li Co-Founder and CEO, MADE.COM

Viscount Linley Honorary Chairman Europe, Middle East, Russia & India of Christie’s and Founder of LINLEY

Dame Carolyn McCall DBE CEO, easyJet

Arnaud de Puyfontaine CEO, Vivendi

ur events, which range from informal gatherings to prestigious occasions with high-profile guest speakers, offer our members the perfect platform to network and develop their businesses. In 2016, we encouraged the involvement of startups and SMEs by organising a number of more accessible events as well as events with themes centred on entrepreneurship and disruption. Brexit was also tackled on multiple occasions to address concerns from the Franco-British community. Thank you to our speakers and sponsors for their time and support.

23 ICONIC VENUES: Key facts & figures

46 3,062 46 90 23

EVENTS: Participants Speakers Partners and Sponsors Iconic Venues

PRESTIGIOUS PARTNERS & DONORS

Members can provide sponsorship in-kind to promote activities or products to participants. They can also offer gifts as prizes in raffles or auctions organised for certain events.

We only work with members and occasionally host events in venues introduced by members. In 2016, these have included: Arsenal Emirates Stadium, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Claridge’s, Drapers’ Hall, Harrods, Home House, Les 110 de Taillevent, Maison Assouline, One Great George Street, PwC, Pullman London St Pancras, Reed Smith, Royal Albert Hall, The Berkeley Hotel, The Four Seasons London at Park Lane, The French Institute, The French Residence, The Honourable Artillery Company, The Hurlingham Club, The Hyatt Regency London, The Landmark London Hotel, The May Fair Hotel and The Royal Festival Hall.

28 PROMINENT SPONSORS: Sponsorship can take many forms and has ranged from £750 to £18,000. Sponsor packages can be tailored to align with members’ marketing needs. Sponsors may also invite decision makers, key clients and/or senior managers of their companies to our events. Thank you to: AccorHotels, Airbus Group, American Express Global Business Travel, Ardian, Atos, Axa, Banque Transatlantique, Business France, Chanel, Christofle, Colas Rail, EDF Energy, ESCP Europe, Eurostar, HEC Paris, Hold-On Productions, HSBC, Irwin Mitchell LLP, Mazars, Merci Maman, PAUL UK, Pinsent Masons LLP, PSA Groupe, PwC, Ryder Cup, Societe Generale, Swinton Insurance, Veolia.

Annual Gala Dinner

With Jacques Attali, President of Positive Planet Gold sponsors: Ardian, HSBC Global Banking and Markets, PwC and Veolia Silver sponsors: AccorHotels, Colas Rail, EDF Energy and PSA Groupe Entertainment: L.E.J. and Nogabe Randriaharimalala Charity: Positive Planet Held at the Landmark London (June)

Jacques Attali was the guest speaker at the Chamber’s Annual Gala Dinner 2016, which gathered more than 430 guests together to network and spend the evening enjoying food, wine and entertainment at the Landmark London Hotel. Guests raised £23,000 for Attali’s charity, Positive Planet, through a silent auction for luxury items which were generously donated by 25 member companies. A special thanks also goes to Chanel for offering, for the 12th consecutive year, a bottle of perfume to every guest.

Franco-British Business Awards Main sponsors: Eurostar and Mazars Supporting sponsors: Business France and Colas Rail Held at the May Fair Hotel (November) under the high patronage and in the presence of both the French and British Ambassadors, HE Ms Sylvie Bermann and HE Edward Llewellyn OBE respectively Honouring the achievements of companies from across the Channel, the latest Franco-British Business Awards brought together, for the 17th time, the finest French and British companies for a night of celebration. 2016 Winners: START-UP & SME AWARD: THEODO • LARGE CORPORATE AWARD: EDF ENERGY JURY AWARD: PwC • COUP DE CŒUR: DEVIALET

From left to right: Nicolas Petrovic (Eurostar), Vincent de Rivaz (EDF Energy), Estelle Brachlianoff (Veolia and French Chamber), Steve Jennings (PwC), Victor d’Allancé (Devialet), Nicolas Taborisky (Theodo), François Monville (Mazars), Florence Gomez (French Chamber) and Patrick Manon (Business France)

Franco-British Conference Main sponsors: American Express Global Business Travel, Atos, AXA, HSBC, Pinsent Masons LLP and PwC Supporting sponsor: ESCP Europe Partners: French Embassy in the UK, Franco-British Council, FrenchConnect and French Tech London Exhibitors: American Express Global Business Travel, AXA, Business France, Devialet, Econocom, Eptica, GiantiTab, Linkfluence, Mycoocoon, Pinsent Masons, PwC, Surikate, Wisembly The French Chamber’s annual Franco-British Conference 2016 gathered 200 participants to hear major business, political and academic leaders discuss the topic of disruption. Guest speakers included Axelle Lemaire, the then-French Secretary of State for Digital Affairs and Innovation; Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels; and Arnaud de Puyfontaine, Chief Executive Officer of Vivendi.

Clockwise: The then-French Minister of State for Innovation and Digital Affairs Axelle Lemaire making her keynote speech; Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, AccorHotels; Arnaud de Puyfontaine, CEO, Vivendi; the first panel, which discussed what disruption means; Tanuja Randery, Zone President UK&I at Schneider Electric, asking a question from the floor; networking break in the exhibition hall of One Great George Street

Luxury Dinner

with Viscount Linley

Partners: Glenmorangie, Hermès, La Mer, Pierre Hermé and Profirst Held at Claridge’s (November) More than 110 people attended the annual black-tie Luxury Dinner held at Claridge’s. Guests were treated to a debate between Viscount Linley, Honorary Chairman Europe, Middle East, Russia & India, Christie’s and Founder of LINLEY and Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director of Hermès GB and thenChairman of the Luxury Club. Special thanks to Hermès, Glenmorangie, Estée Lauder and Pierre Hermé for presenting every guest with a gift, and Profirst for the beautiful decorations.

Guests watch the debate between Viscount Linley and Bertrand Michaud; Viscount Linley in discussion with the French Ambassador, HE Ms Sylvie Bermann

Annual Financial Lunch with Alistair Darling Sponsored by Societe Generale Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane (December)

From Scratch to Success: Business Stories with Alain Afflelou, Jean-François Cécillon and Ning Li Held at the French Institute (July) Alain Afflelou, the Founder of the eponymous chain of opticians; Ning Li, Co-Founder of Made.com; and Jean-François Cécillon, Former CEO of EMI, Founder of Universal Matrix and MD of Waddington Custot Galleries, offered three unique takes on how to achieve success in a debate moderated by Eric Albert, City Correspondent of Le Monde.

Brexit, immigration and financial passporting: these were but some of the themes that Alistair Darling, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, spoke about at the 20th Annual Financial Lunch, sponsored by Societe Generale. Special thanks go to Societe Generale for being the exclusive sponsor of this event since 1997.

Left to right: Ning Li (Made.com), Jean-François Cécillon (EMI, Universal Matrix and Waddington Custot Galleries), Eric Albert (Le Monde), Alain Afflelou (Afflelou) and his live interpreter

Women, Inspiration and Leadership Main sponsor: Chanel Supporting sponsor: ESCP Europe Held at the French Residence (November) The French Chamber’s Women, Inspiration and Leadership event brought together easyJet CEO Dame Carolyn McCall DBE and Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE, the author of the seminal ‘Women on Boards’ report, to discuss how to boost women in leadership positions. During the debate, moderated by Peter Alfandary, Senior Vice President of the French Chamber, Dame Carolyn emphasised the importance for people to ‘speak up’ about the issue. Special thanks to Chanel for presenting a bottle of perfume to every guest.

Peter Alfandary, Senior Vice President of the French Chamber, moderates the Women, Inspiration and Leadership debate between Dame Carolyn McCall DBE and Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE

Discover Fellow Members 1

etworking and getting to know fellow members is a core benefit of being a member of the French Chamber. From small and informal gatherings to prestigious multi-sponsored occasions with high-profile guests, we host a number of events to facilitate introductions and provide the opportunity for members to get to know one another better. Thank you to our many drinks, food and venue partners for their support. One of our most popular ‘Discover Fellow Members’ events is our annual Member-to-Member Cocktail and Exhibition. The 17th edition of this flagship event, held at the Pullman London St Pancras in April, brought together more than 200 members for an evening of networking and discovery around 23 booths, where a variety of businesses showcased their products and services. 2016 exhibitors: Académie du Service, Asendia, Browne Jacobson, Carat Capital, Content Square, Credit Limits International, Delahaye Moving, Doctors of the World, Everience, Fédération des Associations Françaises de Grande Bretagne, Four Seasons London at Park Lane, H3P, HL Trad, Institut Français, JIN, Kirk Rice, M2A Assurances & Patrimoine, Meetings & Events by Club Med, PAUL UK, Pullman London Saint Pancras, Theodo and The Wesley. Other popular ‘Discover Fellow Members’ events in 2016 included: • THE CROSS-CULTURAL EVENING DEBATE

• BREAKFASTS WITH...

• THE CROSS-CULTURAL QUIZ EVENING

• RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ...

• THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

• THE SUMMER CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION

• DINERS DES CHEFS

• PA CLUBS

• BUSINESS CLUB COCKTAILS

• INTERNATIONAL TASTING: WINE, SPIRITS & BEER

MEMBER-TO-MEMBER COCKTAIL & EXHIBITION at the Pullman London St Pancras, where large and small member companies were able to network and showcase their products and services to fellow members (April)

2 RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ... Jeff de Bruges at Jeff de Bruges (May) 3 CROSS-CULTURAL QUIZ EVENING at PwC Embankment Place (January)

4 SUMMER CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION at the Hurlingham Club (July) 5 INTERCULTURAL TROPHY awarded during the Cross-Cultural Quiz, held at PwC Embankment Place offices (January) 6 DINER DES CHEFS with Raymond Blanc OBE at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons (Sept.)

CROSS-CULTURAL EVENING DEBATE with The Right Honourable Dominic Grieve QC MP and Yann Bonduelle, Partner and UK Consulting Data Analytics Leader, PwC at the French Residence (December)

10 BUSINESS CLUB COCKTAIL with Jacques Séguéla, Advertiser, Founder and Consultant of Havas Advertising, at Hyatt Regency London (December) 11 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING at Reed Smith (June)

8 ECONOMIC UPDATE with Peter Todd, Dean of HEC Paris and Susan Liautaud, Vice Chair of Council and Court of Governors of the London School of Economics and Political Science at the French Institute (March) 9 BREAKFAST WITH... Jacques Attali, President of Positive Planet (January)

12 BREAKFAST WITH... Michael Borrell, Senior Vice President Europe & Central Asia, Total, at the Berkeley Hotel (May)

Patron Events 1

atron members of the Chamber are regularly invited to attend exclusive events. Many of these high-profile events are unique in nature and are only open for main representatives to attend, often with their spouses.

From a dress rehearsal at the Royal Albert Hall to watching a football match from a private box at the Emirates Stadium, our Patron events offer very high-level networking opportunities between CEOs of some of the largest and best-known Franco-British companies, often with the French Ambassador present. These events allow members to build close connections at the highest level and to combine business and pleasure in an informal atmosphere. Patron members who wish to sponsor an event for their fellow Patron members are welcome to contact us. In 2016, 10 exclusive events were organised for Patron members, with two also open to Corporate members. Thank you to all of our sponsors and partners for welcoming us and inviting our Patron members to attend these prestigious events.

1 LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Hosted at the Royal Festival Hall. Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski is pictured (April) 2 BREAKFAST AT CHRISTIE’S Hosted by Patricia Barbizet, then CEO and Chairwoman of Christie’s (February) 3 AMBASSADOR’S BRIEFS Held at the French Residence (January, May)

Cup Player Thomas Levet, French Chamber Managing Director Florence Gomez, Casteel Capital Managing Partner Cedric Lamielle and Loro Piana Chairman Antoine Arnault

6 CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - AMALUNA Held at the Royal Albert Hall (February) 7 SWAN LAKE DRESS REHEARSAL Hosted at the Royal Albert Hall (May)

8 4 TRADE DELEGATION TO LIVERPOOL (September) Led by HE Ms Sylvie Bermann, the French Ambassador, and Stephen Burgin, Deputy President of the French Chamber 5 CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION WITH THE RYDER CUP (September) Held at the French Residence. Pictured (left to right): Ryder

COCKTAIL RECEPTION AT MAISON ASSOULINE (October) Hosted by Maison Assouline. Pictured (left to right): French Chamber Honorary President Pascal Boris, French Ambassador HE Ms Sylvie Bermann, French Chamber Vice President Peter Alfandary and Assouline Co-founder Prosper Assouline

9 PCUBED RUGBY LEAGUE VARSITY MATCH with Shaun Edwards OBE Hosted by the Honourable Artillery Company (March)

10 ARSENAL VS PSG Hosted in Renault UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private box at Emirates Stadium (November)

Business Support Services DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

e support French start-ups and SMEs at all stages of their development in the UK through long-term strategies and business solutions. With an experienced and dedicated team of 12, our Business Centre, Business Consultancy, Company Set-up and Recruitment services work in synergy to offer a diverse portfolio of business resources for French and British companies. The main challenge of 2016, and for the years to come, is to turn Brexit into an opportunity and to implement a range of new services, such as developing trade and investment missions to France for British firms.

Key facts & figures

Business Centre

230 26 23

With 18 desks located in the heart of London, our Business Centre offers a unique springboard for French businesses, which automatically benefit from the advantages of an Active membership at the Chamber as well as a premium working environment for their employees. Our flexible desk rental service – offered for daily, weekly, monthly or annual packages – is aimed at start-ups, entrepreneurs or SMEs that are developing their business in the UK. In 2016, efforts were made to improve the centre’s sense of community and to increase interactions among tenants and the French Chamber through the launch of regular gatherings such as after-work events and breakfasts.

CLIENTS IN 2016 TENANTS IN OUR BUSINESS CENTRE PLACEMENTS

96% OCCUPANCY RATE 92% Renewal rate 19 Companies hosted in 2016 26 Tenants

Boardroom Rental • Central London location • Versatile meeting rooms with video-conferencing facilities, audio-visual equipment, projector and plasma screens • Professional reception and technical support • Catering upon request

Business Consultancy

Key facts & figures

The Business Consultancy department assists and supports French SMEs looking to develop their activities across the Channel. In 2016, the team went on a series of road shows across France to promote UK business opportunities in various sectors of activity such as biotechnology, e-commerce, aeronautics or retail. Twenty-one events were organised by local Chambers of Commerce, resulting in a total of 170 business-to-business meetings with French businesses interested in exploring the UK market.

CLIENTS IN 2016 21 Roadshows on which 170 companies were met 3 Trade delegations for French regions

Turnover by service

OUR SERVICES 6%

• Bespoke market research • Lists of prospects and potential clients • Individual trade missions (B-to-B meetings) • Trade visits for groups of companies in the same sector

22% Trade visits

15%

46%

• Commercial representation and virtual office 22%

• Seminars

46% Individual trade missions

15% Seminars 7%

Commercial representation

Market research

Roadshows

Organisation of three seminars for: EDHEC Business School 4th edition Theme: Finance 1 week in April 28 participants; 19 speakers

Sciences Po 1st edition Theme: Energy, Environment & Regulation 2 days: July 21-22 17 participants; 8 speakers

Grenoble Ecole de Management 1st edition Theme: Tech & Entrepreneurship 3 days: November 21-23 44 participants; 7 speakers

What they say... ‘Having our office based at the French Chamber allows Vision de Marques to develop its activities within an ideal working environment. Centrally located in London, the Chamber enables us to develop a strong network with members and beyond. Moreover, the business support services team provides all the insight essential to a company that wants to succeed in the UK.’ Olivier Guillotin, Business Development Manager, Vision de Marques

‘The first contact with prospects on a new international market is crucial and getting appointments from France can be extremely challenging. The French Chamber’s Business Consultancy team delivered in a pragmatic and efficient way, not only in terms of volume but also in terms of quality. Their motivation and dedication to the project was a key factor of success and working with them was a real pleasure.’ Arthur d’Achon, Business Developer UK, Eudonet

‘Our Learning Trip expedition was a vivid success thanks to the French Chamber team’s professionalism. Both the content and the organisation responded perfectly to our expectations: we’ve had brilliant feedback from our Executive Energy Master’s students. This unique opportunity has enabled us to get a wide overview of the national energy policy from prestigious experts.’ Louis Delasalle, Programme Coordinator, Sciences Po

Accountancy, Payroll & Company Set-up The Accountancy, Payroll and Company Set-up Services department had a fantastic year and realised an increase in turnover of 15 per cent against 2015. The first half of 2016 was particularly productive, followed by a slight slow down in the second half of the year, due to the UK’s vote to leave the EU. Turning towards the future, the Accountancy, Payroll and Company Set-up Services team must turn Brexit into an advantage and adapt its services to meet clients’ demands.

Key facts & figures

434 SERVICES PROVIDED TO 163 CLIENTS 163 companies domiciled Payroll services for 99 clients Accounting services for 74 clients VAT management services for 90 clients 5,100 Payslips generated OUR SERVICES • Accountancy: bookkeeping, management accounts, sales processing and credit control, purchase and payment processing, bank reconciliation and group reporting Turnover by service

• Payroll: processing payslips, payment and HR support • Registered address and phone line

5% 57% Accountancy 34% Payroll 34%

57%

Registered address

VAT management

• VAT Management • CIS Management (for businesses in the construction sector) • ‘Journée Implantation’ (Company set-up day): All-in-one day package of tailored meetings with Franco-British experts

What they say... ‘As a start-up, the French Chamber really helped us to develop our business. We outsource our accountancy needs to them and they always provide us with advice to make us more efficient. The team is professional and friendly and they really care about us! I am glad to be part of their network and thank them for their precious help.’ Marine De Lilla, CEO, House London Trip ‘Collaborating with the French Chamber of Great Britain was a real opportunity for “Six pieds trois pouces”. Thanks to the quality services they provided us with, we have been able to reach our objectives in establishing a presence in the UK market in London. We therefore strongly recommend the French Chamber to all French companies that wish to broaden their horizons and conquer new markets.’ Pierre Coscas, CEO, MC LEDBURY

Outlook 2017 Continue to take on new clients and assist existing ones to be compliant with pensions auto-enrolment. Introduce a new e-commerce package for new French clients.

Recruitment The French Chamber’s Recruitment Service is dedicated to serving companies that are either already established or looking to set up in the UK, with their recruitment needs. The year 2016 was very positive, with the Recruitment Service increasing the number of placements by 34 per cent, and the number of British candidates by 21 per cent, compared to 2015.

Key facts & figures

31 55 673 12

PLACEMENTS CLIENTS CANDIDATES INTERVIEWED PARTNERSHIPS WITH TOP FRENCH SCHOOLS

OUR SERVICES • Privileged access to high-profile and bilingual professionals across a wide range of disciplines • Highly-competitive fees for member companies • Innovative and flexible options - Temporary and permanent recruitment - Special rates for start-ups

PARTNERSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS

Candidates by discipline 26% Finance

16% Business development

10%

26%

10%

16% Business support 13% Retail

16%

13% 16%

10% Insurance 10% Management 6%

Marketing

Construction

We build close relationships with French business schools that give us access to their job boards. This enables us to find qualified French alumni in the UK. In 2016, we were also engaged to present the UK job market to French schools on four occasions. Our partners in 2016 included: Arts & Métiers Paritech, EDHEC Business School, EISTI, EM Normandie, ESSCA, ESSEC Business School, Grenoble Ecole de Management, HEC, INSEEC, La Rochelle Business School, NEOMA Business School and Sciences Po Paris.

What they say... ‘The Recruitment Department at the French Chamber has fulfilled some key roles at Momentum over the past year. The department demonstrated a genuine interest in our business and its requirements and found candidates fitting perfectly with our company style, culture and values. This results in more successful placements, which are essential for a unique and exciting business like Momentum Services.’ Marie-Aimée Grand, Managing Director, Momentum ‘I strongly recommend the recruitment services offered by the French Chamber of Great Britain. Emmanuelle and her team are really good at understanding the profile of candidates that we are looking for, very efficient at looking for him/her and then bringing a strong support in the interview and through the negotiation phases. We definitely will be using them for our future job searches.’ Amaury Dehen, Managing Director, Lagardere Travel Retail UK & Ireland

Publications & Communications GAIN VISIBILITY, LEARN AND BENCHMARK WITH OTHERS

he Publications and Communications Department is focused on providing members with topical and relevant information on both Chamber activities and Franco-British business matters. Our high-quality business publications and communications offer excellent opportunities for members to increase their visibility through editorial contributions and advertising.

Key facts & figures

INFO Magazine

6 issues per year 5,000 printed copies per issue Overall readership: 20,000 per issue Online readership: 12,000 per issue 230 member companies featured in 2016

Since its launch in 1979, INFO has been a tool for the development of strong relationships between the French Chamber and its members, and also serves to broaden collaboration across the Channel. With a professional, modern look and consolidated sections, the magazine’s structure has continued to improve in both design and content in 2016 with new sections introduced, such as our regular Brexit analysis section. This complements existing sections such as ‘Five minutes with’, the Focus, Lifestyle pages and ‘At the Chamber’ sections. Published in print and online, INFO has a reputation for the quality and relevance of information that it provides to the Franco-British business world. Notable interviews and contributors in 2016 include: Jacques Attali (Positive Planet); HE Ms Sylvie Bermann (French Embassy); The Rt Hon Matthew Hancock (UK Government); Sir Martin Sorrell (WPP); Axelle Lemaire (French Government); Dame Ellen MacArthur (Ellen MacArthur Foundation); Helena Morrissey (Newton Investment Management); and many more.

Distribution SENT TO 2,000 MEMBERS’ REPRESENTATIVES and more than 1,000 decision makers and opinion leaders Distributed in the business lounges of Air France, Eurostar and Eurotunnel in France and the UK

Stay informed and gain visibility INFO magazine offers members multiple and varied opportunities to be featured, whether through articles, interviews, company news, Forum & Club and event reports, or contributions from experts in areas relevant to each Focus theme. • ‘5 minutes with…’ interviews gives heads of Patron member companies the chance to talk about their company’s achievements and strategies; • ‘Brexit analysis’ offers an opportunity for French Chamber members to share best practice on how their businesses are responding to Brexit and to give their views on the latest developments in the Brexit negotiations; • ‘News and analysis’ features news, interviews and profiles of companies large and small, including ‘Start-up Stories’ and ‘Success Stories’; • ‘Culture and lifestyle’ looks at the activities of our food, drink and hospitality members with mini articles and features; plus a look ahead at the top must-see exhibitions and cultural events in London and beyond; • ‘At the Chamber’ provides a comprehensive review of the Chamber’s activities including reports on the topics covered in the Forums & Clubs, events and new members.

EDITORIAL COMMITTEES FOR FOCUS THEMES

INFO FOCUS THEMES FOR 2017

For each issue, an editorial committee is convened where representatives from member companies and subject matter experts discuss the content framework and ultimately contribute articles. Editorial committees serve as a useful platform for the Chamber to hear directly from its members and provide networking opportunities for members operating within the same sector of activity.

• Marketing (Jan/Feb) • Entrepreneurship (March/April) • Commercial property (May/June) • Millennials (July/August) • Luxury (Sept/Oct) • Theme to be confirmed (Nov/Dec)

Business guides THE HR GUIDE A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO HUMAN RESOURCES IN GREAT BRITAIN Written by members of the HR Forum, this booklet provides an overview of HR topics, reflecting the strong legal basis of the UK employment landscape, and is full of valuable testimonials, tips and advice. (Updated, bilingual version published May 2017.)

450 COPIES DISTRIBUTED AND SOLD SINCE PUBLICATION

£15

Bilingual 200 pages

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS ON THE FRENCH AND BRITISH IN BUSINESS Written under the guidance of the French Chamber’s cross-cultural expert Peter Alfandary, this booklet contains the keys to understanding the cultural factors and differences between the French and the British in business.

6,100 COPIES DISTRIBUTED AND SOLD SINCE PUBLICATION

£6

Bilingual 32 pages

THE 2017 FRANCO-BRITISH TRADE DIRECTORY Distributed to all member representatives, the Franco-British Trade Directory is a compilation of French Chamber members’ contact details and key contacts within the Franco-British community.

2,000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED

2,000 CONTACTS LISTED Free

What they say... ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel is an informative and timeless cross-cultural guide, which has been ideal for providing to new employees within Societe Generale.’ Rebecca Welham, Societe Generale

Newsletters With a readership of up to 5,000, our newsletters are issued regularly throughout the year to different target audiences: all members, Patron members and French SMEs/start-ups intending to do business in the UK. They are an essential source of information and a great digital opportunity to advertise.

Sectoral Reports Written in French and edited by our Business Consultancy department, these sectoral reports provide information for French companies interested in developing their business in the UK. Reports available on: www.frenchchamber.co.uk • New in 2016: Food distribution • Updated in 2016: Life Sciences, Logistics and Transport, E-commerce, Automotive Industry, Renewable Energies, ICT, Retail Pharmacy, Cosmetics, Alcoholic Beverages, Textile Industry, Medical Equipment.

CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE FRANÇAISE DE GRANDE-BRETAGNE Lincoln House, 300 High Holborn, London WC1V 7JH Par Anne-Laure Albergel, Chef de Projet

Chambre de CommerCe Française de Grande-BretaGne Lincoln house, 300 high holborn, London WC1V 7Jh Par anne-Laure albergel, Chef de Projet

CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE FRANÇAISE DE GRANDE-BRETAGNE Lincoln House, 300 High Holborn, London WC1V 7JH Par Anne-Laure Albergel, Chef de Projet

LA DISTRIBUTION ALIMENTAIRE AU ROYAUME-UNI

LE MARCHÉ DES TECHNOLOGIES DE L’INFORMATION ET DE LA COMMUNICATION AU ROYAUME-UNI

NOTE SECTORIELLE

L’INDUSTRIE COSMéTIQUE AU ROYAUME-UNI NOTE SECTORIELLE

COMMUNICATION TOOLS INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY AND BE HEARD We strive to provide our members with plenty of opportunities to gain exposure and share knowledge with fellow members. All of our communication tools and platforms are designed to help our members create awareness of their activities among our membership base and across the Franco-British community at large.

FOCUS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Our social media channels allow members to increase their visibility, exchange with one another, ask questions and share information. In 2016, we took our social media activity to the next level and implemented a new professional and proficient social media strategy, starting with clear objectives and KPIs. As each social media channel needs to be treated as a separate entity, we clearly defined ‘which social channel for what purpose’ and have produced a content plan based on the audience and the functionalities of each channel. This new strategy was also supported by the use of a new content management platform - Buffer - as well as appointing a ‘Social Media Ambassador’ in each department, who is responsible for representing their service on social media. This new approach quickly bore fruit, with positive results across all of the Chamber’s social media platforms.

PRESS RELATIONS

2016 vs. 2015 Reach

+119% +261% +220%

Number of impressions

Engagement rate

+56% +70% +319%

Mention / Like / Comment / Share

Number of visitors

+72% +35% +63%

Increasing the Chamber’s presence in regional and national press continued in 2016. Our Communications Department published a number of press releases and liaised with journalists to put forward the Chamber’s activities, most notably around Brexit. In 2016, media coverage was obtained in: AFP, Courrier International, Daily Telegraph, France in London, French Radio London, Ici Londres, Le Moci, L’Opinion and The Financial Times.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES DEVELOP YOUR EXPOSURE AND BRAND RECOGNITION The Chamber offers businesses many ways to develop their visibility, brand recognition and client base through advertising in our various print and digital publications. The different options available can be tailored to suit any member’s needs and budget, with very competitive prices starting from £100. In 2016, we launched our Member Offers online, offering more advertising options to companies and making these offers more accessible to members. We also re-launched classified advertisements in INFO magazine, an affordable option for all members.

54 ADVERTISERS IN 2016

TOP 10 ADVERTISERS IN 2016

We would like to thank our advertisers in 2016 for their support, trust and valuable contribution to our publications. Their support helps us to sustain the high quality of our publications for the benefit of all members.

• EDF Energy • VINCI Constructions Grands Projets British Isles • International SOS • Chivas Brothers • Renault • Chanel • Econocom • ESCP Europe Business School • Banque Transatlantique • Eptica

Eptica helps individuals

have meaningful conversations

with organisations

27 RETURNING ADVERTISERS FROM 2015 At Eptica, we believe passionately that all brands should put knowledge at the heart of their customer engagement. We provide companies with intelligent and collaborative digital customer engagement platforms, driving customer satisfaction and boosting competitive edge. Eptica enables millions of individuals worldwide to engage in meaningful and high quality conversations with businesses, which makes their daily life easier. Whatever channel they use: email, chat, Twitter, Facebook, messenger, phone… To ﬁnd out more, visit www.eptica.com/fgb.

Email: sibylle.hubert@eptica.com Phone: +44(0)7827089528

AGS-360, Atos, AXA, Banque Transatlantique, Brann Translations, Browne Jacobson, Cartier, Chanel, Chivas Brothers, Colas Rail, De Beers, EDF Energy, ESCP Europe, ESSCA, Eurostar, Groupe INSEEC, HEC Paris, HSBC, International SOS, Mazars, PSA Group, PwC, Groupe Renault, Safran, Societe Generale, SPIE, ST Dupont

25 NEW ADVERTISERS IN 2016 COCO CRUSH RINGS IN DIAMONDS AND WHITE GOLD

173 NEW BOND STREET - LONDON W1 SELFRIDGES WONDER ROOM - LONDON W1 HARRODS FINE JEWELLERY & WATCH ROOM - LONDON SW1 FOR ALL ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 7499 0005

CHANEL.COM

Job No: 52746-8

Publication: Franco British Trade Directory

Size: 210x297

Ins Date: 01.11.16

Proof no: 1

Tel: 020 7291 4700

WEB BANNERS

Academie du Service, American Express Global Business Travel, Anglicity, Cabinet Wedier, Econocom, Eptica, ESSEC, Eudonet, French Touch Properties, H3P, Integrative Business Coaching, James Cowper Kreston, La Maison Maille, La Performance Généreuse, London Languages, London School of International Communication, LuxCierge, Lycée International de Londres, M2A Assurances, Mc2i Group, Paragon Service Point, Pinsent Masons, RMP Advertising, Roset UK, Stack Overflow

INFO CLASSIFIED ADS

What they say... ‘A banner in the Chamber’s e-newsletters over the past two years has been a great way to highlight HEC Paris’s summer school programme to our fellow members’ Elyse Michaels-Berger, Programme Director, HEC Paris

Financial Results By Nicolas Ribollet, Treasurer of the Chamber and Partner at Mazars The financial highlights below are derived from the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016, which have been approved by the Directors and audited by Byrne Palmer & Co.

REVIEW OF BUSINESS Turnover increase:

Net surplus:

+5.9%

+£142K

Reserves as at 31 December 2016:

+£959K

Equivalent to 5.1 months of turnover

2016 was an exceptional year for the Chamber. The profit before tax was £181K, thanks to the depreciation of the pound and treasury management, which resulted in foreign exchange gains, good cost management and good performances from some departments. The overall turnover increased by 5.9 per cent as compared to 2015 and the Chamber’s surplus after tax in 2016 amounted to £142K. Throughout the year, our goal was to continue to deliver high-quality and useful services to our members and clients. £2,139K +5.9%

£2,266K

£K

TURNOVER 2016: +5.9% The turnover represents the amounts receivable relating to the financial year for membership subscriptions and services provided to members and clients.

881

848

2000

925

781

1500

925 Member’s subscriptions

1000

381

350

881

Business Support Services

350

Events

110

Publications

500

128

110

0 2015

2016

TURNOVER BY CATEGORY The turnover from Membership subscriptions increased by 9% as compared to 2015. The turnover of Business Support Services increased by 11% as compared to 2015. The increases in turnover in Membership subscriptions and Business Support Services compensated for the decreases in turnover in Events and Publications.

41%

41% Member’s subscriptions 39% Business Support Services

15%

15% Events 5%

Publications

39%

Cost of sales At £233K, the cost of sales represented the equivalent of 10.3% of turnover in 2016. This is a decrease of 0.6% compared to 2015, where cost of sales represented 10.9%. Expenditure Expenditure: +1.2% (£1,950K vs £1, 927K in 2015). This was an increase of 1.2% (+£23K) as compared to 2015, with the main increases being staff costs.

These financial results are the outcome of the continuous support of members, partners and sponsors of the Chamber in 2016. They are also a reflection of the continued hard work and commitment of the Chamber’s staff and managers.

Patron Members of the French Chamber in Great Britain

L ONDON BRANCH