FRENCH CHAMBER IN GREAT BRITAIN
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Arnaud Vaissié President of the Union of French Chambers Abroad Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of International SOS
The French Chamber gives access to influential business and political leaders, and this is critical to obtain the right information and pass on messages which matter to our business community. The Chamber also forges friendships as it provides an opportunity for our very dedicated members and company representatives to get to know each other.
Ian Fisher Managing Director, Chief Country Officer & Head of Coverage and Investment Banking UK at Société Générale
The Chamber continues to be a highly valued contributor to the development of Franco-British business relations. Its cultural understanding, combined with its numerous events and large membership, provide businesses with excellent opportunities to enhance their knowledge and development.
Nicolas Petrovic CEO of Eurostar
The French Chamber of Commerce plays a critical role in forging partnerships and relationships across the Anglo-French business community. We greatly value our involvement in the Chamber and the opportunities it presents for networking and cultural exchange. Over the last year, I have been particularly impressed with their innovative programme of events and the quality of their speakers. As a business that provides a vital link between the UK and France, we appreciate having this forum for exchanging ideas and building relationships.
Robin Southwell OBE President of Airbus Group UK
The Airbus Group has been a longstanding member of the French Chamber of Commerce in the UK. From an industrial perspective, our company represents all that is best in Europe and we think it is a fitting example of Anglo-French collaboration. At a time of economic challenge and political instability, a strong Chamber, encouraging co-operation, engagement and warm fraternity has never been more necessary or important. Airbus Group is delighted to play its part in advancing the aims and ambitions of the Chamber.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE MANAGING DIRECTOR’S OVERVIEW WHO’S WHO
The Board of Directors The Advisory Council The Chairs of Forums & Clubs The Team
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8 MEMBERSHIP 12 FORUMS AND CLUBS 14 HIGHLIGHTS
Climate Change Forum Cross Cultural Relations Forum Finance Forum Human Resources Forum Legal Forum Quarterly Economic Updates SME & Entrepreneurs Club Luxury Club
EVENTS PUBLICATIONS
Advertising opportunities
COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES
Business Consultancy Accountancy Outsourcing & Company Set-up Recruitment service
FINANCIAL REPORT OUR PARTNERS
24 31 35 36 39 40
OUR PATRON MEMBERS
Project Supervisors: Florence Gomez/ Keri Fuller Project Manager: Marielle Fraize Design: Quentin Morgant Cover: © flickr/kloniwotski Photography of Chamber events by Jose Farinha Printed by CPI UK
© French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain - June 2014 Lincoln House, 300 High Holborn, London WC1V 7JH www.frenchchamber.co.uk
Our thanks to CPI for the complimentary printing of this report
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Arnaud Bamberger
Executive Chairman of Cartier
Since becoming President in July 2013, I have discovered so much more about the Chamber and its activities, and I am impressed with what I see. The Chamber’s events, services and publications set ever higher standards of quality and value, and the team is dedicated in taking care of member companies, providing them with talents, tools, introductions and connections.
I
t is a great pleasure to introduce the 2013-14 Annual Report of another rich and eventful year at the Chamber.
It has been my first year as President, during which I have done my best to build on the impressive heritage laid down by my predecessors. I am grateful to Arnaud Vaissié and Peter Alfandary for the great precedent they set as former President and Deputy President. For their help, support, guidance and hard work this year, I would like to thank Richard Brown, our Deputy President - who also chairs our Climate Change Forum - our Board of Directors and Advisory Councillors, the Chairs of our Forums and Clubs as well as the Chamber team under the leadership of Managing Director Florence Gomez. My sincere thanks go to HE Mr Bernard Emié, French Ambassador to the United Kingdom, for his continued strong support of the French Chamber, most notably his unstinting efforts to recruit new members for us at every opportunity! 2013 was a year of improvement and positivity, both for the UK economy and the Chamber. UK GDP grew 1.9%, its strongest growth since 2007 according to the Office of National Statistics, and at the Chamber we noticed the improving sentiment, with record attendances at our Gala Dinner and several other sellout events. For the first time ever, our
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turnover topped £2 million. This is not an end in itself, but something to build on, for despite all the optimism, the business environment remains fragile, and we remain sensitive to our members’ needs and expectations. As the French Chamber, we have positioned ourselves as a support for the development and expansion of our members’ businesses in the UK, whether blue chip companies, SMEs or startups, and we are always looking for better ways to do this. Although I had been a Board member for 18 years before becoming President, I continue to be impressed by the variety and quality of the Chamber’s activities. We should not be shy of proclaiming this. To this end I have endeavoured to involve the Advisory Council more in the management and promotion of the Chamber, a task that the Councillors have undertaken with enthusiasm. In a special brainstorming session they came up with the concept of ‘Discover the Chamber’, forming a committee, chaired by Kenneth Ramirez, Managing Director of Renault UK, to look at ways of increasing awareness of the scope and range of the Chamber’s activities, and the potential that it has to connect and develop French and British companies. We want our members’ reflex action to be to choose the Chamber first and to work with fellow member
companies where possible. With our increasingly multicultural membership, our networks are more culturally diverse and enriched than ever before with abundant opportunities, and we want it to be well known that the Chamber is there to facilitate these business interactions. While I want the Chamber to continue to be the place where people are happy to be, meet, network and learn things, I have also tried to bring something new. Being from the luxury industry I wanted to add a bit of fun and glamour – there is always room for that amidst all the serious issues we tackle. We are also part of a wide international network of French Chambers abroad, presided over by my predecessor Arnaud Vaissié, who was appointed President last year. Currently there is a ‘grand projet’ under way to homogenise the network with a new name, logo and systems that will be common to all French Chambers abroad. We support this idea for the professionalism it will bring to our work as a Chamber and look forward to its implementation. Finally, I would like to say how proud I am to be President of this great Chamber, not only the best foreign Chamber of Commerce in the UK, but one of the best French Chambers worldwide. It is certainly worth being part of.
EDITORIAL
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S OVERVIEW Florence Gomez Our fastest growing service is Company Set-up as we witness an increasing number of French companies crossing the Channel to establish themselves in the UK. With our knowledge of the UK market, we are ready to advise and help them!
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013 was a year of change at the Chamber. It started at the top with a new President, as Arnaud Bamberger took office alongside Deputy President Richard Brown, succeeding Arnaud Vaissié and Peter Alfandary whose six-year term of office came to an end in accordance with our Articles of Association. Arnaud Bamberger has wasted no time in instigating his mission to engage even more with members and develop the role of the Advisory Councillors with the aim of better communicating what the Chamber does and what it can offer in terms of expertise and services. We look forward to implementing their ideas in 2014. A change to our Articles of Association has enabled us to enlarge our Board to 18 Directors and Advisory Council to 66 Councillors. Over the course of the year we welcomed five new directors: Estelle Brachlianoff, Executive Vice President UK & Northern Europe of Veolia Environnement; Olivier Nicolaÿ, President of Chanel UK, Canada and Latam; Nicolas Petrovic, CEO of Eurostar International; Robin Southwell OBE, President of Airbus Group UK and Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP, who is the second FTSE 100 company CEO on our Board after Carolyn McCall of easyJet. Our mission to ‘develop and connect French and British businesses’ inspires our overriding goal to better serve our members and we are starting to see these efforts reflected in our results. For the first time in the Chamber’s history, we exceeded £2 million in turnover with services accounting for 60% of that
compared to 40% for membership, giving us a more balanced budget. Our fastest growing service is Company Set-up as we witness an increasing number of French companies crossing the Channel to establish themselves in the UK. With our knowledge of the UK market, we are ready to advise and help them! All the while, we will continue to ensure our services are attuned to our members’ needs, promoting the message to businesses to ‘think of the Chamber first’ for the expertise and services that we offer. Our activities and achievements this year have been numerous, but to highlight a few: we welcomed 130 new members; held a total of 75 events and Forum & Club sessions; our Recruitment Service placed 41 candidates with member companies; our Business Consultancy took on 90 clients and we supported 12 SMEs in setting up their businesses, not to mention the dozens we support on an ongoing basis with outsourced accountancy and payroll services, VAT returns and domiciliation; we had a 25% increase in unique visitors to our website and increased our social media presence, engaging in live tweeting for the first time at some of our events; and we published six issues of INFO, which has continued to improve in both quality and reputation. We continue to provide networking platforms for our members with a wide range of high quality events, and there were some exceptional ones in 2013, most notably the Franco-British Energy Conference, the first of its kind, addressed by Ed Davey MP, Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change; as well as the Trade Delegation to Scotland, with a memorable dinner hosted by First Minister Alex Salmond at Edinburgh Castle. We have had the privilege of hearing some outstanding speakers – among them, Guillaume Pepy, Chairman of SNCF and Christian Noyer, Governor of the Banque de France, whose address at the Annual Financial Lunch gave the Chamber unprecedented press coverage. Our partnerships are highly valued for their reciprocal benefits, and we were very pleased to renew the one with the Financial Times and enter a new one with the Royal Opera House. Another first for the Chamber was the launch of a Legal Forum and the subsequent inaugural Annual Legal Lunch. Our Forums and Clubs continue to go from strength to strength, with 40% of our members involved in extremely dynamic sessions of impressive quality. None of this year’s achievements would have been possible without the support and participation of our members and I would like to thank them, particularly our speakers, partners and sponsors. My sincere thanks also go to the French Embassy, the Directors of our Board, the Advisory Councillors and the Chairs of all our Forums and Clubs for their time, dedication, support and advice. Last but not least I would like to thank Arnaud Bamberger and Richard Brown for their support and ongoing commitment, as well as my team for their hard work and dedication to making the French Chamber the best that it can be.
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS - as at June 2014 President
Deputy President
Other directors
Arnaud Bamberger
Richard Brown CBE
Nicolas Ribollet
Peter Alfandary
Estelle Brachlianoff
Executive Chairman Cartier Ltd
Chairman Department for Transport Franchise Advisory Panel
Executive Director Mazars Business Advisors
Head of French Team Reed Smith LLP
Executive Vice President UK & Northern Europe Veolia Environnement
Ian Fisher
Brian Gosschalk
Florence Gomez
Carolyn McCall OBE
Olivier Nicolaÿ
Chief Country Officer and Head of Coverage & Investment Banking UK Société Générale
Head of President’s Office Ipsos
Managing Director French Chamber
Chief Executive easyJet
President Chanel UK, Canada & LATAM
Nicolas Petrovic
Christian Porta
Sir Martin Sorrell
Robin Southwell OBE
Arnaud Vaissié
Chief Executive Officer Eurostar International Ltd
Chairman & CEO Pernod Ricard Europe
CEO WPP plc
President Airbus Group UK
Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO International SOS
Honorary Members
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Treasurer
Pascal Boris CBE
Gérard Ocquidant
CEO BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA Honorary President
Honorary Treasurer
Peter Alfandary Head of French Team Reed Smith llp Chair of the Cross Cultural Relations Forum
Ian Fisher Chief Country Officer UK and Head of Coverage & Investment Banking UK Société Générale
Bertrand Michaud Managing Director Hermès GB Ltd Chair of the Luxury Club
Bruno Allard Managing Director Roset (UK) Ltd
Marie-Caroline Frochot Partner, Solicitor & Avocat à la Cour Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP
Jeanne Monchovet Founder Olystix
Arnaud Bamberger Executive Chairman Cartier Ltd
David Glass Corporate and Finance, Partner Thomas Eggar LLP
Mark Bomer Senior Partner BDO LLP
Florence Gomez Managing Director French Chamber
Guy H R Bondonneau Managing Director Web Consulting Team
Brian Gosschalk Head of President’s Office Ipsos
Estelle Brachlianoff Executive Vice President, UK & Northern Europe Veolia Environnement
Patrick Gougeon UK Director ESCP Europe Co-Chairman of the Finance Forum
Richard Brown CBE Chairman Dept for Transport Franchise Advisory Panel Chair of the Climate Change Forum
Philippe Henry Managing Director Head of Banking - Continental Europe & Africa - Head of Credit & Lending, Europe - Global Banking & Markets HSBC Bank plc
Stephen Burgin Regional Vice President Northern & Central Europe Alstom uk Olivier Carret Vice President UK Nuclear Project gdf Suez Energy Europe Laurence Colchester Director Bitter Lemon Press Robert Davies CEO Areva UK Elisabeth Delahaye Managing Director Delahaye Moving Ltd Renaud Digoin Danzin Executive Director SPIE Laurence Dubois Destrizais Minister Counsellor for Economic and Financial Affairs French Embassy Paul Evans Group CEO AXA UK plc
David Herbinet Partner, UK Executive Mazars LLP Dr Peter Hindle MBE General Delegate UK, Ireland & South Africa & Senior Vice President with Responsibility for Sustainable Habitat Saint-Gobain Ltd Maxime Holder Chairman PAUL UK Ltd Pierre Jeanjean Director EMA Partners UK Ltd Helena Kavanagh Managing Director JCDecaux UK Ltd Trevor Lampen Former VP for Strategy Sales & Marketing Thales Carolyn McCall OBE Chief Executive easyJet Jean-Noël Mermet Managing Director Frenger International Ltd
WHO’S WHO
ADVISORY COUNCILLORS - as at June 2014
Olivier Morel Partner & Head of International Corporate Investment Cripps LLP President CCE UK Chair of the Legal Forum Ray Newton Advisor to the Chairman Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotels Richard Nicholas Partner Browne Jacobson LLP Olivier Nicolaÿ President Chanel UK, Canada and Latam Chanel Ltd Nicolas Petrovic CEO Eurostar International Ltd Christian Porta Chairman & CEO Pernod Ricard Europe Stéphane Rambosson Managing Partner Veni Partners llp Kenneth Ramirez Managing Director Renault UK Ltd Chair of the ‘Discover the Chamber’ Committee Marc Reboux Senior Director - EMEA Office Agency and Tenant Representation CBRE Ltd Rupert Reece Partner Gide Loyrette Nouel llp Brigitte Reech International Senior Private Banker, Head of Business Development, Investment Advisor Credit suisse John Rees Business Development Director Government of South Australia
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Nicolas Ribollet Executive Director Head of International Desk Mazars Business Advisors Emmanuelle Ries Partner, Head of Employment Team and Head of French Desk Miller Rosenfalck LLP Warner Rootliep General Manager UK & Ireland Air France KLM
Sir Martin Sorrell CEO WPP plc
Paul Voller Partner, Corporate and Commercial Bircham Dyson Bell LLP
Madani Sow Chairman Bouygues UK
Dr Ian Weatherhead Communications Director Sanofi
Robin Southwell OBE President Airbus Group UK
Honorary positions
Peter Stevens Partner, Business Law Department TWM Solicitors LLP
Bob Scott Senior Vice President Capgemini UK
Alexandre Terrasse Partner Jeffrey Green Russell Ltd
Nathalie Seiler-Hayez General Manager The Connaught
Marc de Thomasson Director Victanis Advisory Services
Peter Smith Partner Constantin llp
Arnaud Vaissié Co-founder, Chairman & CEO International SOS
Pascal Boris CBE Honorary President CEO BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA Gérard Ocquidant Honorary Treasurer
THE CHAIRS OF THE CHAMBER’S FORUMS & CLUBS (June 2014) Climate Change Forum Richard Brown CBE, Chairman Department for Transport Franchising Advisory Panel
Legal Forum - Launched in 2013 Olivier Morel, Partner, Cripps LLP
Cross Cultural Relations Forum Peter Alfandary, Partner and Head of French Team, Reed Smith
Quarterly Economic Updates Philippe Chalon, Director of External Affairs, International SOS & Managing Director of the Cercle d’outre-Manche
Finance Forum Patrick Gougeon, UK Director, ESCP Europe John Peachey, Managing Director - CFO Global Markets, HSBC Bank Plc
Luxury Club Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director of Hermès GB Ltd
Human Resources Forum Rose Gledhill, HR Director, Northern Europe, International SOS
SME & Entrepreneurs Club Sébastien Delecour, Managing Director, Doublet UK Ltd Sophie Mirman, Owner and Founder of Trotters Childrenswear & Accessories.
We would like to thank Michael Butcher and Frédéric Larquetoux for their involvement as co-chairs of the Legal Forum in 2013 and of the SME & Entrepreneurs Club in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
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Florence Gomez Managing Director
Carla Coutinho Executive Assistant to the MD
WHO’S WHO
THE TEAM
Business Consultancy Sabrina Mimid
Head of Business Consultancy
Anne-Laure Albergel / Camille Blin Project Managers
Marielle Fraize Corporate Communications Executive, Head of Partnerships
Accountancy & Company set up Naser Nashaat
Membership/Forums & Clubs
Christelle Berthevas Head of Membership
Aude Reungoat Account Manager
Frédérique Compain Forums & Clubs Project Manager
Events & Marketing Cécilia Gonzalez
Head of Events & Marketing
Sonia Olsen Events & Marketing Coordinator
Elisabeth Hodkinson
Head of Accounting & Business Support
Irène Engelhardt / Camille Blin Accounting & Business Support Coordinators
Mariam Jatta Management Accountant
Julien Maes Management Accountant
Manon Chauvin Assistant Accountant
Solène Chedeville Accountancy & Business Support Coordinator
Nicole Joyce Communication Officer
Events & Marketing Coordinator
Recruitment & HR
Suzanne Lycett
Véronique Revington
Advertising & Sales Coordinator
Publications & Communications Keri Fuller
Head of Publications & Communications
Quentin Morgant
Head of Recruitment Service & HR Manager
Contact us +44 (0)20 7092 6600 mail@ccfgb.co.uk www.frenchchamber.co.uk
Graphic Designer
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HIGHLIGHTS 2013
HatS ofF to... Arnaud Bamberger
A record year Arnaud Vaissié
£2mn turnover in 2013
+15.5% vs. 2012
5 new Directors Executive Chairman of Cartier UK elected President on 8 July 2013
new member companies
our former President, elected
President of the network of French Chambers Abroad in July 2013
75 EVENTS AND FORUM & CLUB SESSIONS More than
4,000 participants
Annual Financial Lunch with Christian Noyer Governor of the Banque de France
Inspirational
with Edward Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
CEO Breakfasts
Maxime Holder Chairman of PAUL UK
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Franco-British Energy Conference
26
Robin Southwell OBE President of Airbus Group UK
Philippe Mellier CEO of De Beers Group
sponsors
Annual Gala Dinner: a record 400 guests
Trade Delegation to Scotland
ACHIEVEMENTS
HIGHLIGHTS 2013
with Guillaume Pepy, Chairman of SNCF
Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland with HE Mr Bernard Emié & Arnaud Bamberger
Dîner de la Rentrée
HE Mr Bernard Emié, Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, Arnaud Bamberger, Florence Gomez, Guillaume Pepy, Richard Brown CBE
AWARDS ... The Intercultural Trophy 2013 goes to Emmaus UK
with Philippe Varin, Former Chairman of the Board of PSA Peugeot-Citroën
Winners of the Franco-British Business Awards
Large Corporate Award: Alstom SME/Entrepreneur Award: Talentia Software Innovation Creation and Design Award: AVEVA Jury’s Special Award: EY
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HIGHLIGHTS 2013
Prestigious
Dîners des Chefs
Pascal Aussignac at Club Gascon
Olivier Limousin, former chef at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
8 Forums & Clubs Inaugural Annual Legal Lunch
208 companies involved in 45 sessions Luxury Club Breakfasts at ... Harrods
with The Rt Hon Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers KG, PC
Raymond Blanc OBE at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
with Michael Ward, Managing Director
The Royal Academy of Arts
with Dr Charles Saumarez-Smith CBE, Secretary and Chief Executive of the RAA & Nigel Hurst, Chief Executive of the Saatchi Gallery
Climate Change Forum Publication of the bilingual edition of our Cross Cultural Relations Booklet
Quarterly Economic Updates at the French Institute’s Mediathèque
session with Nicolas Hulot
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ACHIEVEMENTS
HIGHLIGHTS 2013
Publications France on the Move!
FrancO-British trade directory
The guide to life, work and business in France
252
More than
1,650 contacts
96Â offers
www.frenchchamber.co.uk
companies featured in
Member to member offers booklet
INFO
vs. 2012 unique visitors
Partnerships
the Royal Opera House and The Financial Times
with
Business support services
Business centre Daily Weekly Monthly Yearly rentals
businesses met and advised placements by our
Recruitment Service
112 SMEs used
our Business Set-up service
Very competitive rates for our desk and meeting room hire
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membership to build an essential platform to grow your business in Great Britain The French Chamber’s primary role is to help members optimise their membership, while also meeting their needs. Our dedicated team strives to meet members as often as possible, building strong relationships in order to promote their interests. We also help our members to connect and improve their visibility within the Franco-British community. Each year, we publish: - Our Franco-British Trade Directory, which lists more than 1,650 contacts. 2,500 copies are distributed - Our Member to Member offers booklet, which allows members to feature products and services at discounted rates. Our greatest satisfaction comes from the feedback we receive from our members about the connections they have made and business they have generated thanks to their Chamber membership. When our members tell us they feel part of an extended family, we know we are doing our job in developing strong relations, understanding their specific activities and industries, offering valuable information and advice, and referring them to other members to help them find the right partners, suppliers or clients. These introductions help members save time and give them direct access to decision makers.
Achievements > 130 new members > 8 new Patron members including Accuracy, Quintessentially, Covea, Royal Opera House, Credit Suisse, TomTom, De Beers UK and WPP > 18 new Corporate members > 104 new Active members
CCI France International: A global network We are a member of the Network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad, which is the largest private French network in the world with a combined membership base of more than 30,000 companies. We are able to put members in contact with some of the 111 French Chambers abroad, in 81 countries, as well as other local businesses.
Special support for sMEs & entrepreneurs The Chamber has further developed its support for SMEs already established or setting up business in the UK through: • A very active SMEs & Entrepreneurs Club with six free sessions in 2013 • The launch of ‘The Club at the Pub’, an informal gathering for networking and exchange with fellow entrepreneurs and SME leaders • A dedicated SMEs and Startups section in INFO magazine • A highly competitive Recruitment Service package for companies of up to10 employees • Opening our Business Centre to short-term contracts • Further developing networking events with affordable prices such as Quarterly Economic Updates, Say Cheese... and Wine and Rendez-vous Chez charged at only £25 • The Franco British Business Awards with its SME/Entrepreneur Award, awarded to Talentia Sofware in 2013.
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The Chamber’s contribution to Merci Maman’s development has been invaluable. We have truly enjoyed the bimonthly SME & Entrepreneurs Club breakfasts with their quality speakers, diverse topics and networking opportunities. This is where we learned of the Great Retail Foundation and the competition to win a two-week pop-up store at House of Fraser on Oxford Street in May. We won the public vote and it will help us tremendously with the launch of our offline retail activity. Our involvement in the French Chamber has also significantly raised our profile and enabled us to be interviewed by Envoye Special on France 2. Arnaud de Montille, Co Founder, Merci Maman
We are proud of having a longstanding membership of approximately 600 companies, which has been stable throughout the financial crisis. This is an indication of the value our members place on their Chamber membership, which they have chosen to maintain despite economic challenges and budget cuts. Our member companies, which range from small businesses to global firms, are represented at ‘decision-maker’ level. Our Patron members in particular are predominantly represented at Chief Executive level. Furthermore, our member companies operate in a wide range of sectors, allowing members access to the right people, not only in their own sphere of business but also in other sectors. Our membership composition is 40% non French, representing a diverse, multicultural network. by category
14% 12%
14% Patron 74%
12% Corporate 74% Active
by job title
MEMBERSHIP
Membership profile Key figures - as at December 2013 > 580 member companies > 77 Patron member companies > 68 Corporate member companies > 435 Active member companies > Represented by 3,000 representatives > 40% non-French representatives
The French Chamber in Great Britain is a key and a major networking platform in the Anglo-French community. I’m very impressed by its ability to facilitate connections between decision makers from blue chip companies to small businesses and in a wide range of sectors. The team is impressive and the infrastructure very user-friendly. Stéphane Rambosson, Managing Partner, Veni Partners LLP
by nationality
15%
12%
3%
10%
18% 42%
42%
Managing Director level
18%
Executive level
15%
Chairman & CEO level
12%
Head of department/region
10%
Lawyer, Solicitor, Partner and Associate
3%
Other
by sector of activity
12% 45% 12% 5%
8%
33%
60%
60%
French
33%
English
7%
Other
breakdown of services
45%
Services
13%
Banking & Financial Services
12%
Food, Drink, Hotels & Restaurants
12%
Retail & Consumer Goods
8%
Industry, Technology & Transport/Energy
5%
Construction & Engineering
5%
Health, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
13%
5%
7%
14%
11%
10%
22%
Marketing, Media & Communication
21%
Human Resources, Professional Training & Education
16%
Law Firm & Legal Services
14%
Consulting
11%
IT, Telecom, Electronics
10%
Property & Relocation
6%
Public Services & Development Agencies
6%
16% 21%
22%
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FORUMS & CLUBS to develop your expertise and learn from your fellow members The mission of our Forums and Clubs is to provide information, share best practice and build thought leadership. In 2013, the Forums and Clubs have provided valuable learning and networking opportunities for our members, who benefited from the insights, leadership and expertise of the 43 guest speakers and experts mobilised for a total of 45 activities. More than 200 member companies were involved in Forum and Club sessions and activities in 2013, representing an 11% increase on 2012. The launch of the Legal Forum and the inaugural Annual Legal Lunch were two milestones for the Chamber. The sessions were very well attended, underlining the interest and enthusiasm for this new initiative, which endeavours to foster a better understanding of the role of legal departments and legal culture in a Franco-British context. The Legal Forum is now focusing on producing its first publication. We introduced a new format for the SME and Entrepreneurs Club, based on members’ feedback, launching a series of workshops led by entrepreneurs themselves, aimed at fostering exchange of experience on topical issues. Our Luxury Club delivered a dynamic programme of activities with two high profile Luxury Club breakfasts and a record number of Dîners des Chefs involving iconic names on the gastronomic scene. In an effort to position itself as an influential platform for business leaders committed to tackling the challenges of climate change, our Climate Change Forum hosted an extraordinary meeting with Nicolas Hulot, Special Envoy of the French President for Protecting the Planet. We would like to thank all the chairs for their time and commitment, and bid farewell to Michael Butcher and Frédéric Larquetoux as co-chairs of the Legal Forum in 2013 and of the SME & Entrepreneurs Club in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Achievements > 45 activities and sessions (vs. 29 in 2012) > 43 guest speakers and experts > 978 participants in total (vs. 698 in 2012) > 40% member companies involved > 33 articles in INFO
10 Chairs and Co/Deputy Chairs 6 Forums Climate Change Cross Cultural Relations Finance Human Resources Legal Quarterly Economic Updates
2 Clubs Luxury SME & Entrepreneurs
Coverage in INFO Reports of most Forum and Club sessions are published in INFO, giving all members the chance to sample the wealth of inspiration, knowledge and advice that is disseminated in the wide variety of presentations and discussions.
2013 Annual Chairs’ Lunch at the Berkeley Hotel
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FORUMS & CLUBS
CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM Launched in April 2011 Chaired by Richard Brown Chairman, Department for Transport Franchising Advisory Panel MISSION STATEMENT The main and ambitious objective of the Climate Change Forum is to become the very first FrancoBritish think tank on this critical issue by being recognised as a legitimate, credible and leading voice. To achieve this goal, the Chamber has brought together decision makers and key actors of the business community who are particularly proactive in terms of climate change commitments.
Roundtable discussion with Nicolas Hulot, Special Envoy of the French President for Protecting the Planet
7 sessions in 2013
Achievements
5 Feb: Making the UK Electricity Market Reform a Success Speaker: Dr Chris Anastasi, Head of Government Affairs, Policy and Regulation, GDF Suez Energy UK-Europe
> The Forum demonstrated again this year its capacity to engage with its members and the business community at large by hosting a series of roundtables on some of the most topical issues related to climate change. The Forum also benefited from the contributions of experts and guest speakers. Their insights and leadership have produced engaging debates and fostered the cross-fertilisation of best practice and experiences on how best to turn climate change challenges into opportunities. The visit to Veolia’s Newhaven Energy Recovery Facility gave
16 April: Building Green Speaker: Aleksandra Njagulj, Sustainability Manager, Bouygues UK 21 May: An Open Conversation with Nicolas Hulot, Special Envoy of the French President for Protecting the Planet 28 May: Resource Scarcity Speaker: Tom Barnett, Account Director, Trucost 23 July:Visit to Veolia Environmental Services Newhaven Energy Recovery Facility 10 Sept: Research & Innovation Speakers: Zsolt Gemesi, Deputy Director, Climate-KIC UK, Thanh-Tâm Le, Director, Climate-KIC, France 12 Nov: Staff Engagement Speakers: M.Thompson, Director, Sustainability & Climate Change, PwC; B. Doherty, Sustainability Communications Lead, Capgemini; Dr J. Foot, Chief Environmental Strategy and Compliance Officer, EDF Energy
members the opportunity to explore one of the UK’s most innovative energy recovery facilities. The Forum had the privilege of hosting an extraordinary meeting with Nicolas Hulot, Special Envoy of the French President for Protecting the Planet. Our members used this opportunity to present their policies and actions as well as to share their successes and challenges. By doing so, the Forum’s members made an impactful statement, highlighting that responsible businesses and committed business leaders have a defining role in tackling the challenges of climate change.
OUTLOOK 2014 In 2014, the Forum’s programme will include the very first joint session with the Finance Forum as well as roundtables covering issues such as ‘Building Green Cities’, ‘the European Climate Change Agenda’ and ‘Ocean Energy’. We will also organise other sites visits. The Forum will run a second edition of its Climate Change Survey to better assess Chamber members’ green policies and behaviours. It will be followed by an effective outreach campaign to highlight this survey’s outcomes.
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CROSS CULTURAL RELATIONS FORUM Launched in May 2009
Chaired by Peter Alfandary Head of French Team, Reed Smith LLP MISSION STATEMENT This Forum continues to welcome senior leaders from different business backgrounds who share the passion as well as first-hand experience in crosscultural management issues and bi-cultural business environments. Our Forum’s aim is to operate as a hub for best practice and open dialogue in order to foster a better understanding of business culture and to disseminate cross-cultural know-how to Chamber members and a wider audience.
Publication of the bilingual version of the Cross-Cultural Relations booklet Produced by the Forum, Light at the End of the Tunnel/Le Piège de la Ressemblance sold more than 1,000 copies in 2013, bringing the total number sold to nearly 3,000, with a reprint on the horizon. Financial Times journalist, Simon Kuper, penned an article entitled‘Business à la française’, for the Financial Times Weekend Magazine (March 2013), making the observation that this ‘fascinating bilingual guide [...] is full of shrewd insights into both sides’ codes.’
The work of the Cross Cultural Relations Forum continues to lie at the heart of the French Chamber’s own mission, which is to enhance business relationships between French and British businesses. The Forum, with the huge experience of its members, is ideally placed to continue to uncover and highlight best practice for the benefit of all members and for the business community at large. Peter Alfandary
Achievements > 2013 was a year of consolidation for the Cross Cultural Relations Forum. Sales of our highly acclaimed publication Light at the End of the Tunnel continued apace and plans were implemented during the year to increase the size of our Forum’s membership, in particular drawing on the experience of a number of our Patron members.
OUTLOOK 2014 The third in our series of intercultural debates took place on 6 March 2014 at the Résidence de France and was a resounding success for the Forum and the Chamber. For 2014, the newly constituted and now enlarged Forum plans a further evening debate, possibly with a historical or political slant to complement the business themes. Consideration will also be given to joint events with other Forums and to organising other new evening events for Chamber members around the cross-cultural theme.
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6 March 2014 - Cross Cultural Relations debate at the Résidence de France with Nicolas Petrovic, CEO of Eurostar and Sir Ian Cheshire, CEO of Kingfisher.
FORUMS & CLUBS
FINANCE FORUM Launched in May 2012
Chaired by Patrick Gougeon UK Director, ESCP Europe and
John Peachey
Chief Financial Officer Global Markets, HSBC Bank Plc MISSION STATEMENT In a complex, uncertain and fast-changing environment, the Finance Forum aims to be a special place for open dialogue, bringing together key players from blue-chip companies, successful SMEs and representatives from academic and regulatory institutions to reflect on topical financial issues, compare views, and eventually present useful conclusions that make for better understanding and decision making.
The format of the Finance Forum continued to evolve last year to encourage a broader debate with a number of key note speakers. First of all we would like to thank the speakers for their time and insight. Without them we would not have been able to have such diverse discussions. We had a number of lively debates and welcomed new participants to this forum. Hopefully we fostered greater connectivity across the Chamber. Patrick Gougeon and John Peachey
5 sessions in 2013
Achievements
12 Feb: Financial Regulations: Review and Perspectives Speaker: Cecilia Thorn, Head of European Affairs, Financial Reporting Council
> The proposals for new regulations in the financial sector and their unintended consequences were central to the discussions over the last year, and the first session in 2013 was an opportunity for a regulatory update. It appears that the threat of a credit crunch remains. Moreover, with rapid and dramatic technological change affecting countries’ competitiveness, it was also crucial to look at new approaches to
21 March: New Currencies: Export Dimension and Access to Markets Speakers: Frédéric Bourgeois, MD, Coface and Ray Moore, Director – Global Trade and Receivables Finance, HSBC Bank Plc 11 July: Growing Economies and Emerging Markets, Focus on China Speaker: Huo Rongrong, Head of RMB Business Development, Europe Global Banking and Markets, HSBC Bank Plc 5 Sept: Funding Innovation Speakers: Aneesh Banerjee, Faculty of Management, Cass Business School; Caroline Lamaud, Founder Associate, Anaxago 31 Oct: Challenges & Opportunities in the Middle East Speakers: Simon Williams, HSBC Chief Economist, Middle East and North Africa, (on conference call) and Dr Mamdouh G. Salameh, International Oil Economist & Consultant on Oil & Energy to the World Bank, Washington DC.
fund innovation. The growing importance and influence of emerging economies, finding their way in a perturbed global financial environment, was another area of focus, specifically how new currencies may impact companies doing business on a global scale, the future of certain important regions – namely the Middle East and China – and how this could impact the global financial environment.
OUTLOOK 2014 Considering the instability of the financial environment and the wide range of financial issues to be tackled, the forum discussions in 2014 will reflect that situation with a diversity of themes. Furthermore, because of the intricate links between global economic trends and challenges, that concern geopolitical as well as technological issues, and the fact that the financial environment affects businesses daily, bringing together different profiles is key. Thus, a main objective will be to widen the targeted population to enrich the debate.
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HR FORUM
Launched in February 2009
Chaired by Rose Gledhill HR Director - Northern Europe, International SOS MISSION STATEMENT This Forum offers HR Directors and HR professionals an opportunity to share best practice and experience to benefit their teams and, ultimately, their organisation and employees. It hosts regular sessions at the Chamber, inviting speakers and experts, as well as encouraging open discussion and the exchange of experiences from a wide range of industries on people-related subjects.
Another great year for the HR Forum. We are really seeing the benefits of a committed network of HR professionals who join the debate in an environment of trust and love of learning. Rose Gledhill
6 sessions in 2013
Achievements
30 Jan: Managing Human Capital Speaker: Matt Griffin, Recruitment Manager Northern Europe, International SOS
> The Forum has moved to a new level of networking: a group of committed HR professionals meet to exchange best practice and experiences as well as to hear firsthand about developments which impact their businesses and its employees. The Forum delivered a programme of activities selected by its members which allowed the attendees to further develop their understanding of critical topics for the HR community. Each presentation was followed
20 March: Corporate Volunteering Speakers: Michelle Dawson, Director of Community Operations, East London Business Alliance and Stéphanie Pullès, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Bouygues UK 22 May: HR 3.0 – The Impact of Social Media Speaker: Kevin Poulter, Senior Associate, Bircham Dyson Bell 17 July: Roundtable on Pension Reform Speaker: Bryan Radford, UK Benefits Director, Alstom 25 Sept: Roundtable on Skills Shortages Speaker: Sarah Robert, Senior Tax Manager, James Cowper LLP 6 Nov: Cross Cultural Challenges and Opportunities Speaker: Dr Savita Kumra, Senior Lecturer at Brunel Business School
OUTLOOK 2014 The Forum will host a series of six sessions focusing on stress management, flexibility, learning and development, innovation, apprenticeships and an update on the impact of social media. The Forum will further pursue its beneficial partnership with ESCP Europe seeking to produce briefs and reports for our events. We are very grateful for the support and ongoing education. Members of the forum will also contribute to the HR Guide, which will provide information about HR practices in the UK, tips about law and employment as well as expert advice for French SMEs looking to set up their businesses in the UK. We look forward to welcoming new members and seeing many familiar faces for another exciting year.
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by a passionate debate, giving food for thought as the members transferred their learning back to their work environment. No debate was more passionate than following the presentation on the Impact of Social Media for HR professionals. Kevin Poulter, Senior Associate, Bircham Dyson Bell gave a captivating presentation on a subject which changes from one day to the next and which influences our lives in a myriad ways, many unnoticed. The LinkedIn profile is our 24-hour CV!
FORUMS & CLUBS
LEGAL FORUM
Launched in January 2013 Chaired by Olivier Morel, Partner, Cripps LLP President, CCE UK MISSION STATEMENT The Legal Forum aims to foster exchange and cooperation between General Counsels/Heads of Legal Departments and senior representatives of law firms, to encourage debate on current legal issues and to deliver a programme of activities that mobilise and attract Chamber members as well as key players of the legal community.
7 sessions in 2013
Achievements
15 Jan: Brainstorming session 7 Feb: Inaugural session 25 April: Working session 4 June: Presentation by Guido Santi, Legal Affairs Director & Company Secretary, EDF Energy 15 Oct: The French Blocking Statute Speaker: Jacques Buhart, Partner, McDermott Will & Emery, Head of Paris Office 25 Nov: Presentation by Michael Butcher Legal Department of a UK subsidiary of a French company
We want to help French and British companies by giving them practical tools, free of jargon, so that they understand each other’s legal systems and can operate securely across the Channel. I am tremendously grateful to my fellow members of the Legal Forum for their work; they are at the forefront of Anglo-French law and business. Together, we are ideally placed to assist other Chamber members and companies doing business on both sides of the Channel. I also want to express my gratitude to Michael Butcher for his work with us as my co-chair. Michael has now decided to stand down but he was instrumental in helping me get the forum off the ground. Olivier Morel
> The Legal Forum’s first year was highly successful, following its formal launch in January 2013. Apart from being a high level forum of exchange on strategic topics affecting legal professionals working in a Franco-British business environment, we are also a working group producing practical guides on Anglo-French legal issues. Three subcommittees are working on Directors’ Duties, Litigation and The Bribery Act. We will publish booklets on those
topics, aimed at lawyers and business people, engaged in Anglo-French trade, to equip them with tools to address the main differences between our two countries and legal systems. We have also held discussions and presentations on legal technical topics, such as the French blocking statute by an external speaker and management-related issues such as the inner workings of an Anglo-French inhouse legal department by some of our members.
On 17 October 2013, the inaugural Annual Legal Lunch took place at the Connaught. Our guest speaker was the Rt Hon Lord Philips of Worth Matravers, KG, PC, first and past President of the newly created Supreme Court.
OUTLOOK 2014 We are continuing with our regular programme of external speakers, starting with Serena Tierney, Head of Intellectual Property and Consultant at Bircham Dyson Bell LLP, who will talk about ‘Trade secret harmony in the EU – a recipe for cross-border collaboration?’. We will be publishing two of our Anglo-French booklets on Directors Duties and Litigation. Our second Annual Legal Lunch will welcome another highly prestigious speaker – Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE, The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of the City of London – on 25 June 2014 at The Connaught. As an English solicitor who also studied law in Strasbourg, she is a highly appropriate guest of honour of our Forum!
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QUARTERLY ECONOMIC UPDATES Launched in June 2011
Chaired by Philippe Chalon Director of External Affairs at International SOS & Managing Director of the Cercle d’outre-Manche MISSION STATEMENT In these times of economic recovery, the Forum aims to discuss the current UK performance in terms of growth and employment policies as well as debt policies. The Forum invites Chief Economists to speak and offers direct access to relevant economic information regarding these challenging issues.
Despite a lengthy period of sluggish growth, Britain has shown very encouraging green shoots this year. It records one of the lowest unemployment rates among EU countries and for every job cut in the public sector, nearly three have been created in the private sector. That certainly provides food for thought for any pro-growth government. Philippe Chalon
Quarterly Economic Updates in 2013
10 May - Presentation by Paul Mortimer-Lee, Global Head of Market Economics at BNP Paribas
3 September - Presentation by John Hawksworth, Chief UK Economist at PwC
28 November - Presentation by David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce
Achievements > The Forum has strengthened its core audience by successfully reaching out to CEOs, entrepreneurs, decision makers and business leaders from a wide range of industries and sectors. The Forum’s credibility and capacity to provide clear, reliable and intelligent economic information was amplified by the exclusive briefs delivered by our guest speakers and their willingness to engage in rare public debates with Chamber members.
We would like to thank our long-standing partner, the French Institute, for hosting our Quartely Economic Updates in its unique Art Deco Mediathèque.
OUTLOOK 2014 By inviting Chief Economists from leading banks, professional services firms and financial institutions, the Forum will aim to provide all Chamber members with a series of engaging presentations and thought-provoking debates. In addition to presenting qualitative and quantitative analyses, the Forum will seek to further compare and contrast British and French economic recovery plans. It will also pay special attention to the Scottish independence referendum, due to be held on 18 September 2014, and its consequences for the British economy. In 2014, all sessions will take place in the renovated Mediathèque of the French Institute in South Kensington.
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FORUMS & CLUBS
SME & ENTREPRENEURS CLUB Launched in April 2009
Chaired by Sébastien Delecour Managing Director of Doublet UK Limited and
Sophie Mirman Founder of Trotters Childrenswear & Accessories MISSION STATEMENT The SME & Entrepreneurs Club is the place for successful SMEs and ambitious entrepreneurs looking to grow and willing to share their experiences. It also provides a supporting platform to work on case studies, identify best practice and discuss topical subjects as well as the challenges, with a special emphasis on FrancoBritish trade.
I believe that this year the Club has stepped up a level and we have seen greater synergy between members. Connecting people, sharing ideas and experience is what makes it successful! Sébastien Delecour Being an entrepreneur demands unlimited resilience, determination and the ability to get up one more time than one falls down. Having the opportunity to compare experiences is truly invaluable and this is what the Club provides. Sophie Mirman
5 sessions in 2013
Achievements
23 Jan: ‘Win Your Next Big Pitch’ Workshop Speaker: Jeanne Monchovet, Founder, Olystix
> The Club has launched a new format of meetings, which has been very well received. We now host dynamic and interactive workshops which feature an entrepreneur’s testimonial and are followed by an open discussion. This allows entrepreneurs to share their experience as well as exchange best practice
27 Feb: Logistical and Operational Challenges Led by David Franks, Managing Director, Glacia 24 April: E-commerce and Social Media Led by Amaury de Vilele, Head of New Business, GHMC and Marc Williams, Account Director, GHMC 28 June: Serial Entrepreneurs and Learning from Failures Led by Sophie Mirman, Founder and Owner of Trotters Childrenswear & Accessories 11 Sept: Cross-Cultural Challenges & Opportunities Led by Pascal Aussignac, Head Chef at Club Gascon
and practical tips. The Club has also launched ‘The Club @ the Pub’ as requested by our members. This new rendezvous is a friendly gathering for all entrepreneurs and SME owners, which aims to build a sense of community among our members through informal networking.
4 sessions of The Club @ The Pub
OUTLOOK 2014 The Club will continue to run a series of workshops. The selected themes are the product of a brainstorming session with our members which reflect what matters to them the most. In 2014, we will discuss the following topics: ‘Marketing and Digital Strategy’; ‘Friends & family - Are They The Best Business Partners?’; ‘Essential HR’; ‘How to fund and manage growth’; and ‘How to unlock export opportunities’. The Club also hosted in early 2014 the inaugural edition of Business Stories: From Scratch to Success, an evening which celebrated entrepreneurship and success stories by putting the spotlight on the remarkable journey of two inspiring entrepreneurs.
30 January 2014 - ‘Business Stories: From Scratch to Success’ at the Cine Lumière of the French Institute. with Arnaud Vaissié, Co-founder, Chairman & CEO of International SOS and Nathalie Gaveau, Founder & CEO of Shopcade, Co-founder of PriceMinister, moderated by Marc Roche, London Bureau Chief for Le Monde
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LUXURY CLUB Launched in April 2010
Chaired by Bertrand Michaud Managing Director of Hermès GB MISSION STATEMENT The club’s ambition is to be a leading platform reserved for companies operating within the luxury markets such as iconic brands, high-end hospitality services, prestigious cultural institutions and Michelin-starred chefs. It aims to encourage exchange of experiences, best practice and savoir-faire.
Never forget that a true luxury in life is being able to take joy in going to the office every day. Bertrand Michaud
Achievements > In 2013, the Club organised two breakfasts, one at The Royal Academy of Arts on the theme of Art and Luxury, and another at Harrods, which explored the Relationship between Luxury Houses and Department Stores. Over the course of the year, the Club also hosted three Dîners des Chefs - exclusive culinary events showcasing the talents of Michelin-starred Chefs in their establishments.
LUXURY CLUB BREAKFASTS
14 May: ‘Art and Luxury’ at the Royal Academy of Arts with Dr Charles Saumarez-Smith CBE, Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Arts and Nigel Hurst, Chief Executive of the Saatchi Gallery
21 November: ‘Relationship between Luxury Houses & Department Stores’ at Harrods with Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods
OUTLOOK 2014 The Club will host a series of breakfasts on themes such as ‘The Process of Creation - How to Achieve Beauty and Perfection’, taking place on 16 October at The Royal Opera House. The Club will again partner with Walpole to host its luxury cocktail reception aiming to position this event as one of the flagship annual activities for the luxury community.
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The Luxury Club hosts regular Dîners des Chefs to celebrate a certain ‘art de vivre’. They also seek to put the spotlight on iconic Chefs, who have been awarded Michelin stars and have remarkable journeys as entrepreneurs and ambassadors of gastronomic excellence. In 2013, the Luxury Club hosted a record number of these Dîners, which are unmissable evenings for all gastronomes and are recognised as flagship activities for the Chamber and its members. We had the privilege of working for the first time Chef Olivier Limousin, former Chef at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Pascal Aussignac at Club Gascon. We also returned to Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons for a festive edition hosted by Raymond Blanc OBE. These were opportunities for our members to enjoy exclusive gastronomic experiences and to explore the very different cuisines of each of these talented chefs.
Pascal Aussignac at Club Gascon 3 June
FORUMS & CLUBS
DÎNERS DES CHEFS
Olivier Limousin at l’Atelier Joël Robuchon 29 April
Raymond Blanc OBE at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons 11 November Denis O’Flynn, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard UK with Raymond Blanc OBE
THANKS TO PERNOD RICARD UK The French Chamber and its Luxury Club wish to thank Pernod Ricard UK for its longstanding and most generous support. Pernod Ricard UK has been our exclusive drinks partner since the first edition, offering our guests a premium selection of drinks, showcasing its extensive repertoire from the finest champagnes to the best digestive.
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EVENTS to expand your network and develop your business We offer our members networking platforms within the context of a wide range of events, from informal networking opportunities at smaller, affordable events to prestigious multi-sponsored events with high-profile guest speakers. The quality of our events remained high and many of them were fully booked, in particular the Dîner de la Rentrée, the Gala Dinner and the Annual Financial Lunch. Overall, our events brought together more than 3,000 participants in 2013.
By going to many events, which vary a lot in size, content and attendance, I gained a lot more than I expected. I learnt a lot through the knowledge shared from my new contacts, other companies’ experience, other industries and how other people ‘did it’. Sophie Marette, Director Voulez-vous parler
A line up of high profile speakers
Alex Salmond First Minister of Scotland
HE Mr Bernard Emié French Ambassador to the UK
Christian Noyer Governor of the Banque de France
Edward Davey MP Secretary of State, for Energy and Climate Change
Guillaume Pepy Chairman of SNCF (French National Railways)
Maxime Holder Chairman of PAUL UK
Philippe Mellier CEO of De Beers Group
Robin Southwell OBE President of Airbus Group UK
Nicolas Hulot Special Envoy of the French President for Protecting the Planet
Paul Mortimer-Lee Global Head of Market Economics at BNP Paribas
Vincent de Rivaz Chief Executive, EDF Energy
Philippe Varin Former Chairman of the Board of PSA Peugeot-Citroën
Iconic venues We organised events at the following venues: Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Australia House, Barbican Hall, Charing Cross Hotel, French Institute, Grand Connaught Rooms, Harrods, Landmark Hotel, One Great George Street, Reed Smith offices, Royal Academy of Arts, Royal Garden Hotel, Royal Opera House, Sofitel London St James, Tate Modern, The Berkeley Hotel, The East India Company flagship store, The Trafalgar Hotel. All these venues contributed immensely to the success of our events and we would like to thank them for their professionalism and support.
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The Berkeley Hotel
The Royal Opera House
Harrods
The Landmark Hotel
EVENTS
26 member companies sponsored our events in 2013
Franco-British Energy Conference
29 October at One Great George Street Main sponsors: Alstom, EDF Energy, HSBC, Total Supporting sponsors: Altran, Areva, SPIE, VINCI Energies With the support of the French Embassy and in partnership with the FrancoBritish Council and ESCP Europe Business School, the French Chamber organised the first ever Franco-British Energy Conference attended by 250 participants. Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change was guest speaker and two panels of speakers, including Stephen Burgin, Regional Vice President Northern and Central Europe at Alstom, Vincent de Rivaz, CEO of EDF Energy, Patrice de Vivies, Senior Vice-President Northern Europe at Total and Matthew Wallace, Global Head of Resources and Energy Group, Global Banking at HSBC, provided a platform for debate and discussion on some of the most pressing issues in the energy sector. The first panel of speakers debated whether the UK Energy Policy would enable the UK to meet its energy challenges.The second panel considered how FrancoBritish partnerships could be developed to deliver the investment required. The Debate was moderated by Guy Chazan, Energy Editor of the Financial Times. Ed Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, spoke on ‘the story of the real progress’ being made behind the headlines. During the conference, a screen showing a live feed of tweets allowed participants to share their opinions and interact, generating more than 240 hashtags!
Ed Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change,
Guy Chazan, Energy Editor of the Financial Times
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Annual Gala Dinner
22 October at The Landmark London Hotel Gold sponsors: EY and HSBC / Silver sponsors: Accor, Colas Rail, EDF Energy, International SOS, Safran The Chamber’s premier black tie event brought together a record 400 participants in 2013 with Guillaume Pepy, Chairman of SNCF as the guest speaker. For the first time, raffle was ticketed with proceeds going to Emmaus UK, a the charity founded in France which supports homeless people though social enterprise. £5,000 was raised for Emmaus UK. We would like to thank all the donors of prizes for the tombola, our wine and champagne partners: Perrier Jouët, Le Conseil des Vins de Saint-Emilion, Les Vins de Pessac-Léognan as well as Chanel for giving perfume to all our guests.
HE Mr Bernard Emié, Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, Arnaud Bamberger, Florence Gomez, Guillaume Pepy, Richard Brown CBE
Guillaume Pepy, Chairman of SNCF
Annual Legal Lunch 17 October at The Connaught The first Annual Legal Lunch, held at the Connaught, was a great success and very well attended, not only by legal professionals but also by many members from the wider business community. Speaking on the formation of the UK Supreme Court, its first and immediate past President, the Right Honourable The Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers KG, PC was the guest of honour.
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EVENTS
Trade delegation to Scotland
3-4 October, sponsored by International SOS and SGPB Hambros Supported by easyJet and The Balmoral Hotel Led by HE Mr Bernard Emié and Arnaud Bamberger, a delegation of 25 business leaders and French Embassy officials headed to Scotland.This high level delegation was most notably welcomed by First Minister Alex Salmond who hosted a dinner at Edinburgh Castle after a private tour organised by VisitScotland. Earlier in the day, the delegation had visited Rosyth Royal Dockyard and the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth under construction, where they were met by Rt Hon David Mundell, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland and engaged in a discussion on the implications of Scottish independence for businesses. Back in Edinburgh, Mackay Smith of Scottish Development International gave a presentation on Scotland’s economy. The two-day itinerary included visits to Michelin’s tyre factory in Dundee, Total’s Aberdeen headquarters and Aberdeen Town Hall, where the delegation was welcomed by the Deputy Lord Provost with an impressive presentation on Aberdeen’s vibrant economy. We would like to thank Pierre-Alain Coffinier, Consul General of France in Edinburgh and Adèle Mortier for their valuable help in organising this Whisky tasting at the Balmoral Hotel hosted by successful delegation. Chivas Brothers’ Heritage Director Peter Prentice
Arnaud Bamberger, Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister and HE Mr Bernard Emié
Councillor George Adam, Pierre-Alain Coffinier, Arnaud Bamberger, HE Mr Bernard Emié
Dîner de la Rentrée
4 September at the Grand Connaught Rooms Sponsored by Citroën
The 200 guests heard from Philippe Varin, former Chairman of the Board, PSA Peugeot Citroën about the company’s challenges.
HE Mr Bernard Emié, Philippe Varin, Linda Jackson, CEO of Citroën and Arnaud Bamberger
Annual Financial Lunch 8 November at The Berkeley Sponsored by Société Générale
The long-running Annual Financial Lunch proved to be a great draw with Christian Noyer, Governor of the Banque de France speaking on the advance towards a European banking union. Société Générale Corporate and Investment Banking reaffirmed its loyalty to the Chamber by sponsoring the event for the seventeenth year running. Press coverage of the event by BFM TV, The Wall Street Journal, France INFO, Le Figaro and Libération among others quoted Christian Noyer and mentioned our Annual Financial Lunch.
HE Mr Bernard Emié, Christian Noyer, Ian Fisher, Chief Country Officer and Head of Coverage & Investment Banking UK, Société Générale and Peter Alfandary, Vice President of the French Chamber
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CEO Breakfasts
At the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel. Sponsored by PAUL UK Launched in 2009, our CEO Breakfasts have been a resounding success, each one bringing together between 80 and 100 key decision makers of the Franco-British community. 31 January - Maxime Holder, Chairman of PAUL UK Maxime Holder recounted how his family bakery, established in northern France in 1889, has become a French success story beyond national borders, balancing global expansion with the preservation of its values: the French ‘art de vivre, the bread and quality without compromise’. Still 100% family owned, PAUL now has 500 shops in over 30 countries, and plans to open 65 new shops and increase its sales by 25% every year. 27 September - Robin Southwell OBE, President of Airbus Group UK With four home markets in the UK, France, Germany and Spain, ‘collectively we represent Europe working and working well’ said Robin Southwell in his presentation about the company and its role in the UK. He began by announcing that EADS would be rebranded as Airbus Group in January 2014. Airbus UK is present in 32 locations around the country with a 17,500-strong workforce and a deep supply chain of close to 10 times that. 22 November - Philippe Mellier, CEO of De Beers Group Philippe Mellier took the audience on a fascinating – and multi-faceted – journey through De Beers’ 125-year history and the 3.2 billion-year history of diamonds. ‘The only thing you don’t need is a diamond’ he quipped, to underline the necessity of creating a market for diamonds. De Beers is now the largest diamond producer and employs together with joint venture partners more than 23,000 people around the world.
Intercultural Trophy
Franco-British Business Awards
The Chamber’s much-anticipated Soirée de Noël was a chance to celebrate the new winner of the Intercultural Trophy, sponsored by AXA. The French charity founded by Abbé Pierre in 1949, and set up in the UK in 1992, Emmaus UK was elected by French Chamber members and won by a large margin.The Trophy was handed over by French Radio London, the 2012 winner.
This year, it was the turn of Paris to host the Awards, which are co-organised with the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce & Industry in France. The FBBA 2013 recognised: Alstom - Large Corporate Award Talentia Software - SME/Entrepreneur Award AVEVA - Innovation Creation and Design Award EY - Jury’s Special Award
Arnaud Bamberger, Arvinda Gohil, Chief Executive Emmaus UK, Yves Masson, CEO, AXA Direct and Partnerships and Françoise Abad, Communication Executive, French Radio London
Franco-British Business Awards’ winners 2013 with HE Mr Bernard Emié, Bob Lewis President of tte Franco-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Arnaud Bamberger
3 December at The Charing Cross Hotel
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26 November at The Marriot Hotel (Paris)
EVENTS
Annual General Meeting
8 July, hosted by Reed Smith
The 2013 AGM marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next as Arnaud Vaissié and Peter Alfandary concluded their six-year tenure as President and Deputy President, passing the baton on to Arnaud Bamberger and Richard Brown. Arnaud Bamberger, Executive Chairman of Cartier UK and a French Chamber Board Director for 18 years, was officially elected President by members of the French Chamber. Attendance for this milestone AGM was exceptional, with over 150 participants.
Peter Alfandary, Richard Brown CBE, Arnaud Bamberger, HE Mr Bernard Emié, Arnaud Vaissié
Member to Member Cocktail and Exhibition 24 April at the Royal Garden Hotel
The Member to Member Cocktail and Exhibition, attended by more than 250 participants and 22 exhibitors, allowed each attendee the opportunity to develop his/her own network in a very convivial environment. The Member to Member Offers booklet was also launched and distributed during the evening. 2013 exhibitors: Air France KLM, Artelia UK, Bourner Bullock, Butler Safe Technologies UK Ltd, Centre d’Echanges Internationaux - Centre Charles Péguy, Citroën, Faséo, Institut Français, TheWesley, Locate Jersey, Miller Rosenfalck LLP, Moving Home Company, Passport2Health, PAUL UK, Pullman London St Pancras, Safran, Sagemcom, Service Point UK,The Connaught,The May Fair Hotel, Valpak Limited, Wine Story
Business Club Cocktail
13 March at the Sofitel London St James Sponsored by Locate Jersey This cocktail brought together more than 80 participants for networking with Richard Corrigan, Deputy Chief Executive at Jersey Finance, Wayne Gallichan, Director of Inward Investment and International Trade Development at Locate Jersey, and Deputy James Baker, Assistant Minister for Economic Development States of Jersey.
Ambassador’s Brief
Rendez-vous Chez...
The East India Company on 15 May Eccleston Square Hotel on 20 November Launched in 2013, these events hosted by Chamber members, represent an opportunity to discover the products and services of fellow members in an informal atmosphere.
Summer Champagne Reception 17 June at the Trafalgar Hotel In partnership with Vranken Pommery
4 July, by HE Mr Bernard Emié at the Residence de France. The Ambassador briefed our Patron and Corporate Members on the G8 summit and the European Council. The speech was followed by a Q&A session.
Luxury Wine Master Class
International Wine Tasting
9 October & 10 December at La Cave à Fromage In Partnership with La Cave à Fromage and Wine Story
17 September, in partnership with 9 other foreign Chambers of Commerce in the UK: Argentina, Austria, Canada, Italy, Japan, Macedonia, Mexico, Spain and Switzerland.
18 April at Harrods Sponsored by the Conseil des Vins de Saint-Emilion
‘Say Cheese... and Wine’
Personal Assistants’ Evening
4 March sponsored and hosted at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon All the pictures are available on www.frenchchamber.co.uk. We would like to thank José Farinha, our photographer for the quality of his work and David Attiach from Jeux d’Images for the videos. Contact: José Farinha: jose@josefarinha.com; David Attiach: info@jeuxdimages.co.uk
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PATRON EVENTS VIP Mornings at the Royal Academy of Arts
26 April and Friday 24 May at the Royal Academy of Arts (RA)
George Bellows - Stag at Sharkey’s 1909
A partnership was signed with the RAA in 2012, allowing Patron members privileged access to main exhibitions as part of the VIP Mornings programme, including in 2013 ‘Manet: Portraying Life’ - the first ever retrospective devoted to the portraiture of Edouard Manet and ‘George Bellows, Modern American Life’ - the first retrospective of works by American realist painter George Bellows to be held in the UK.
French vs. Australian Wine Tasting
8 May at Australia House, sponsored by the Government of South Australia
The Government of South Australia welcomed our Patron members for an exclusive wine tasting evening in the presence of Bill Muirhead, the Agent-General for South Australia. Sarah Ahmed, the wine master, presented an interactive tasting exploring the differences between old and new world wines. It was an evening of fun, good humour and friendly rivalry.
Claudio Monteverdi & Les Arts Florissants
15 June at the Barbican Hall, sponsored by Alstom
Alstom, the principal sponsor of Les Arts Florissants for many years, kindly invited fellow Patron members and their spouses to an exceptional production of Claudio Monteverdi’s madrigals at the Barbican, Europe’s largest multi-art venue. The performance, under the leadership of Paul Agnew, has been described as a ‘theatre of the senses’.
Evening at the Royal Opera House
2 October, hosted and sponsored by the Royal Opera House The evening took place at the Royal Opera House (ROH), in the presence of Simon Robey, Chairman of the ROH. Patron members enjoyed an Opera Masterclass of Turandot performed by Elisabeth Meister, Soprano and David Butt Philip, Tenor in the Clore Studio. The performance was followed by a cocktail reception in the Macmillan Studio.
Visit of the Thames Water Lee Tunnel
14 November, sponsored by VINCI Construction Grands Projets Patron members had the opportunity to visit London’s deepest tunnel under construction. The tunnel will halve the 32 million cubic metres of wastewater discharged annually into the River Thames by collecting it at its source. Our thanks to VINCI Construction Grands Projets for allowing us a glimpse of this truly ‘Grand Projet’!
30
The role of the Publications and Communications Department is to keep members of the Chamber informed of relevant news, views and Chamber activities, as well as offer them visibility through editorial contributions and advertising opportunities in various print and digital media. The department has consolidated and strengthened its role in 2013. A highlight of 2013 was the publication of France on the Move, a practical and helpful guide, designed for British people who wish to move to France, whether to settle there, work or set up a business.
PUBLICATIONS
PUBLICATIONS to provide you with a wealth of information
Books and Guides France on the Move! The authoritative guide to life, work and business in France Written in English by working professionals who have first-hand experience of both the risks and rewards of expatriation, it contains the most up-to-date information on all aspects of a move to France, from the practicalities of relocation to buying property, and from education to taxation. Available at www.frenchchamber.co.uk - £15 LIGHT at the end of the tunnel/ le piege de la ressemblance Practical reflections on the French and British in business Bilingual version of the Cross-Cultural Relations booklet ‘The fascinating bilingual guide [...] is full of shrewd insights into both sides’ codes.’ Simon Kuper, The Financial Times, March 2013 Another 1,000 copies sold in 2013, bringing the total number sold to nearly 3,000, Available at www.frenchchamber.co.uk - £6 The 2014 Franco-British Trade Directory Published every year, The Franco-British Trade Directory is a compilation of details about the French Chamber’s members and key contacts within the Franco-British community. With over 300 pages, this edition lists more than 1,650 representatives of 600 companies from blue chip firms to SMEs and entrepreneurs. Distributed to all member representatives free of charge. An online version is available to all members on www.frenchchamber.co.uk The Member-to-Member Offers Booklet The 2013 booklet featured 96 offers, giving members discounted rates on products and services such as hospitality, transportation and retail, amongst others. It also allows members to promote their products or services to fellow members, and entitles members to benefit from exclusive offers not only in the UK but in more than 50 countries around the world thanks to the UCCIFE network. Find out more on www.uccife.org. Distributed to all member companies free of charge. An online version is available to all members on www.frenchchamber.co.uk
OUTLOOK 2014 Publication of a bilingual Human Resources Guide. This pragmatic guide will provide information about HR practices in the UK, tips about law and employment, and expert advice for SMEs looking to set up their businesses in the UK.
31
Newsletters to keep in touch with our members and partners with news and Chamber activities
Monthly Newsletter distributed to 3,000 member contacts, highlighting: • • • • •
Forthcoming events and Forum & Club sessions Chamber news Members’ news New members New publications
Bimonthly INFO News distributed prior to the printed version of INFO to 3,000 member contacts, highlighting: •
A selection of key articles from the latest issue of INFO
Quarterly France-UK Express Edited in French and distributed to 5,000 French SMEs, highlighting: • • • •
Facts and figures on the bilateral environment UK market opportunities and regional focuses Chamber news Upcoming trade fairs
Bimonthly Patron Newsletter distributed to 1,000 Patron member representatives, highlighting: • • • •
Forthcoming Patron events and Forum & Club sessions Exclusive Patron offers Patron members’ news New Patron members
In 2014, the monthly newsletter will see the launch of a ‘recent news’ section that will feature significant economic and market news on both sides of the Channel.
Sectorial reports Written in French and edited by our Business Consultancy department, these sectorial reports are used to inform French companies interested in investing, trading or setting up business in the UK.
Upcoming reports 2014: Cosmétiques, Energies Renouvelables and Distribution Pharmaceutique.
32
Launched in 1979, our bimonthly magazine INFO, which is published in print and online, continued to improve in terms of content and scope, gaining a reputation for its quality and calibre of information in the Franco-British business world. In 2013, we inserted a new section dedicated to SMEs and startups in order to feature news of smaller members. Members can benefit from visibility in INFO through interviews or contributing articles to the Focus section.
Key figures > 5 000 printed copies > Overall readership: 20,000 > Online readership:12,000 > 252 companies featured in INFO in 2013
PUBLICATIONS
INFO Magazine
Distribution > Sent to 1,650 members’ representatives and more than 1,000 decision makers and opinion leaders > Distributed in the business lounges of: Air France (Heathrow & Manchester) Eurostar (Paris & London) Eurotunnel Flexiplus passengers
Editorial Committees for Focus themes For each issue, an editorial committee is convened to which we invite representatives from member companies as well as other experts and academics with particular knowledge or expertise on the Focus topic, to discuss the content framework and ultimately contribute articles. Editorial committees serve as a useful platform for us to hear directly from our members and provide networking opportunities for members operating within the same sector of activity.
2013 interviews & articles: City profiles
SME profiles
• Micha Missakian, former French Business Centre Leader, EY • Mark Bomer, Senior Partner, BDO • Elisabeth Markart, GM of London branch, Banque Transatlantique • Jean Drouffe, former Group Finance, Risk & Strategy Director, AXA UK & Ireland • Marc Mourre, Managing Director & Vice Chairman of Commodities and Africa, Morgan Stanley • Ludovic de Montille, UK Chairman, BNP Paribas Group
• • • • • • •
5 mins with…
Success Stories
• Frédéric Petton, CEO of Asendia UK • Robin Southwell, President of Airbus Group UK • Estelle Brachlianoff, Executive Vice President, UK & Northern Europe, Veolia Environnement • Nicolas Riom, former Managing Director of Danone UK & Ireland • Madani Sow, Chairman of Bouygues UK • Aaron Simpson, Founder CEO of Quintessentially Lifestyle
• • • • • •
Marie-Cécile Boulle, Managing Director, Boulle International Sylvie Casenave-Péré, CEO, Posson Packaging Olivia Byrne, Company Director & Founder, Eccleston Square Hotel Camille Goutal, Perfumer, Annick Goutal Clémence de Crecy, MD, Clementine Communications and Bigoodi Laurence Colchester, Director, Bitter Lemon Press Béatrice and Arnaud de Montille, Founders & Owners, Merci Maman
Yseulys Costes, CEO and Co-founder, 1000mercis Nathalie Gaveau, Founder, Shopcade.com Elizabeth Delahaye, Managing Director, Delahaye Moving Marc Cropper, Chairman, James Cropper Sophie Mirman, Founder & Owner, Trotters Childrenswear & Accessories Olivier Baussan, Founder, L’Occitane
OUTLOOK 2014 INFO celebrates its 35th year of publication with plans to redesign the magazine, giving it an updated, fresh and modern look. A new section to showcase the products, places and talents of our food, drink and hospitality members will be launched. INFO focus themes for 2014 will be: Innovation & Creativity in NewTechnologies (Jan/Feb); Defence & Security (March/April); Hospitality & Restaurants (May/June); Education & Skills Training (July/August);Transport (Sept/Oct); Finance (Nov/Dec)
33
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES to increase your visibility in the Franco-British community Achievements
2013 was a stronger year for advertising overall. The online sales facility for our publications and the addition of further advertising opportunities in our business guides supported this growth. We continue to offer competitive prices for different forms of advertising to suit all types and size of organisation, helping our members to develop their visibility, brand recognition and client base.
> All 9 annual INFO contracts renewed with Cartier, Chivas Brothers, Delahaye Moving, EDF Energy, ESCP Europe, International SOS, Renault UK, Société Générale and VINCI Construction Grands Projets
Opportunities to advertise across 5 publications, 4 newsletters and online INFO Magazine (print and online)
Conference Programme
Franco-British Trade Directory Cardboard divider
ft.com/weekendsub
GDF SUEZ DEvElopS itS bUSinESSES aroUnD a moDEl baSED on
PROUD!
responsible growth
Rene Kone
Director Of Programmes Morpho
Read beyond the expected
T
he Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: independent power production, liquefied natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency services.
Safran is a forward-looking organisation, and is keen to invest in us. People are always ready to take on new challenges.
Safran is a very ambitious company, which drives development and helps me grow outside the box.
The Group is listed on the Paris, Brussels and Luxembourg stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, ASPI Eurozone, Euronext Vigeo Eurozone 120, Vigeo World 120, Vigeo Europe 120 andVigeo France 20.
Jane Gee
Customer Support Manager Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Services What I like about Messier-Bugatti-Dowty is that we embrace innovative ideas at all levels.
Madan Velu
Hasmukh Patel
Morpho Cards is truly an international company in every sense.
At Safran graduates have broad leeway to gain wide knowledge from experienced professionals.
Senior Technical Consultant Morpho Cards
Stress Engineer Safran Engineering Services
Key Group figures at June 30, 2013* * Pro forma figures with equity consolidation of SUEZ Environnement as of January 1, 2012
€82 billion
in 2012 revenues A presence in close to
50 countries 800 researchers and experts at 7 R&D centers
AP_170x240_PROFILGROUPE_GB.indd 1
Newsletter banners
Louise Robinson
Senior Programme Manager Aircelle
POWER NATURAL GAS ENERGy SERVICES
138,200
employees throughout the world
60,050
€7-8 billion
Jon Pickard
of investment per year over 2013-2015
inc. in power and gas
78,150
and in energy services.
No.1
Jonathan Visagie
Production Coordinator Turbomeca
Engineering Group Leader Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
I’m proud to work at Turbomeca. Everybody is always willing to support each other to meet our objectives and exceed expectations.
Safran lets me be as innovative as I can be and employee empowerment is anchored in the culture.
To share Their pride,
JOIN US!
independent power producer in the world
24/09/13 14:28
SAFRAN_AFFICHE 148x210mm_FIERS UK.indd 1
Banner or button on our website
06/09/13 16:58
and bookmark
regio
Regional features This feature-style article allows regions, whether French or British, to highlight their economic and cultural activities, key industries and investment opportunities to potential investors and businesses.
© Photo credit: Antoine Denoix / Safran
Life. Arts. Culture.
GDF SUEZ: A public limited company with a share capital of €2,412,824,089 – © Les éditions Stratégiques - 09/2013
GDF SUEZ takes up today’s major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, fighting against climate change and maximizing the use of resources.
citie ns &
‘sus place for
s
! investment tainable’
9,000 firms. ts over is the represen dynamism which alone the region’s d below, sector, n of describe services , agriive cluster strong indicatio a competit in logistics, plasturgywell as Another as e of Team², existence of excellenc ness (see below),centres and centres eco-busi and five ries, research tion and food, construc centres, laborato service business Team² is centres. training in the Artois:2010, Team² rs in R&D Cluster’ in and valorisation itive Your partne and ed a ‘Competgies for the recyclingof materials es Designat ility business recyclab ed in technolo as the specialis and to is to support as well fruition ts of waste core purposeprojects to specialis n nt. its links with equipme is thus their innovatio . it has created Each project in bringing stages projects this task. ge new its early final them in from encoura help nts s to and the has and scientist a team of consultato realisation cluster by through followed set up, this , research g and grants) . Since it was in industry over 100, (financin seal of approval main players ship of the TEAM² member together ries. a core brought laborato n. it has research region, and educatiofirms and 25 s de Calais less 60 the Nord-Pa including ds of no of 2.fr t crossroa excellen in the heart at the >>> www.team ocated also has for ecosituated Artois by four centre this expert centre in its field itself ideally n capitals, the it crossed Lilleonly is the runs Europea Cd2E expert s. Not shop is the leader which air travel, Roissythan five network rprise For one-stop Cd2E links. ications The eco-ente it is the away while and a cture and has canal commun gies and the Artois, an eco-stru ays, it also only 30 minutes technolo are one level. in to motorw set up is , to enhance Airports gets you airport at a national es wishing to ecoe projects rail link and Brussels Lesquin innovativ of an existing ecode Gaulle a TGV high speed around one hour. d for business added-value ent Charles in high diversifie and developm e of the region’s away. And and Lens develop tiveness expertis and highly half hours around Arras, Béthune the competi to promote the has a dense employing Paris from e or region such as firms, structur and laboratories. Sectors The Artois 18,000 region. es agri-food . Almost located in the business e.com in economy and logistics, are people, >>> www.cd2 uring, haulagerly well-represented 175,000 tion, manufact are particula and domestic construc retail trade tourism and businessalong with a healthy third the region, where the a region s de Calais: s de the Nord-Pa Nord-Pa of the of new asked by in the heart already started! the use Rifkin was n has The Artois, region to onal experts, st Jeremy ing the l revolutio industria n economi map committ teams of internati s and trade his The America draw up a road that of sts, academicthe region to to help, and s, economi Calais region With his politician that firmly commits sources. region’s plan energy s de Calais in a strategic in France! .fr the Nord-Pa joined forces sdecalais of its kind have – the first dustrielleennordpa unions l renewal volutionin industria oisiemere >>> www.latr
a ARToiS:
L
52 - info
- november
/ december
56 Advertisers in 2013 19 new advertisers
37 advertisers renewed their support of the Chamber
Aderly, Alan Edwards & Co, Baker Tilly (RSM Tenon), Barclays, Cabinet A&D, CCI Artois, CEI, Faseo Energy, France 24, HK Finance, Invest in France Agency, John Taylor, Louis Vuitton UK, Paragon Relocation, Passport2Health, Safran, SEM Genopole, Vranken Pommery UK.
AGS Worldwide Movers, Air France, Alliance Française de Londres, Asendia (La Poste), AXA UK, Boulle International, Cartier, Chanel, Chivas Brothers, CIC Banque Transatlantique, Citroën UK, Delahaye Moving, Dotcomrepublic, EDF Energy, ESCP Europe, Financial Times, French Radio London, French Selection, GDF Suez, Grenoble Graduate School of Business, Hermès, Ici Londres, Institut Français du Royaume Uni, International SOS, lepetitjournal.com, Locate Jersey, Mazars LLP, Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, Relais et Châteaux, Renault UK, Royal Academy of Arts, Sanofi, Société Générale, Société Générale Private Banking Hambros,The Connaught,VINCI Construction Grands Projets and Voulez Vous Parlez.
We thank our advertisers for their support.
New advertIsing opportunities IN 2014 Advertising in our new HR Guide and new banner on our recruitment tab. Our Franco-British Transport Conference programme back cover.
34
2013 was the first year we produced a printed version of our Annual Activity Report which detailed all the Chamber’s activities and results in 2012. We also further developed our relationships with journalists and and increased our social media activity. Our main objective of 2013 was to raise awareness about what the Chamber offers for the benefit of its members and for the Franco-British Community at large.
Building press relations and developing press coverage We organised a Press Cocktail on 22 May where we presented to journalists the Chamber’s mission and services including Forums and Clubs, offered to facilitate introductions to our members and highlighted our high-profile events, which they might be interested in covering. Key press coverage: > Following our Annual Financial Lunch more than 20 media including BFM TV, The Wall Street Journal, France INFO, Le Figaro and Libération quoted Christian Noyer, Governor of the Banque de France, and mentioned our Annual Financial Lunch. > Light at the End of Tunnel featured in the Financial Times and Courier International Maintaining strategic partnerships with media Our press partnerships ICI Londres advertising with the Financial Times, French Radio London, Ici Londres and lepetitjournal. JOIN US com have had a significant impact, particularly in terms of increasing press coverage of our events and publications, thereby enhancing visibility for our sponsors and members. Financial Times advertisings WHO WE ARE
WHAT WE OFFER
• The largest foreign Chamber of Commerce in the UK
• The strength of a network
• 130 years of experience
• The ideal platform to exchange with decision makers
• 600 members ranging from SMEs to Blue Chip companies in all sectors
• A wealth of information and experience
• Half of our members are non-French companies
• Bespoke solutions to develop your business
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS to raise awareness of our activities
Boosting our social media presence Creation of a YouTube channel A YouTube channel dedicated to all our videos including those of events was created. Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook Our social media channels kept our members informed about the Chamber’s activities on a daily basis. It also presented the Chamber’s public face to a wider audience. Engaging through live tweeting During our Energy Conference a live feed of tweets was projected on a screen allowing participants to share their opinions and sparking debate. More than 240 hashtags were generated!
Increasing traffic to our website (vs. 2012)
76,759 visits
25%
47,420 unique visitors
23%
237,910 page views
15%
• Access to the right people
For more information please contact Aude Reungoat, Membership Department e:areungoat@ccfgb.co.uk t: +44 (0) 207 092 6636 www.frenchchamber.co.uk
A valuable partnership with the Financial Times We advertised four times in the Financial Times including a quarter page on the Franco British Business Awards winners.
Announcing... The winners of the
SME / Entrepreneur Award
SAVE THE DATE
Award for Innovation
A-Music
Deezer
(Audio network)
Jury’s Special Award
Pernod Ricard And a special “Coup de cœur” goes to
CdeC French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain +44 (0) 207 092 6600
Main Sponsors
ccfgb_FT_ad1b_PRINT.indd 1
Franco British Chamber of Commerce & Industry +33 (0) 1 53 30 81 30
Supporting Sponsor and Partners
Raising awareness thRough video Created in partnership with movingdesign, which provides premium artistic digital solutions, this short 3D video illustrates the activities and reach of the French Chamber as part of the network of French Chambers worldwide. Watch the video on our YouTube channel.
5/3/2013 2:43:02 PM
OUTLOOK 2014 We aim to develop a mobile application and a new video to present the Chamber’s services.
35
Business Support Services to develop your business in Great Britain We aim to support businesses on both sides of the Channel, at all stages of their development, through longterm strategies and solutions. Our Business Consultancy, Company Set-up and Recruitment departments work in synergy to offer a wide range of services thanks to a dedicated and experienced team of 11. We take great pride in having met and advised 925 businesses in 2013 and worked with 252 companies.
source of clients
252 Clients in 2013 135
19%
27%
54%
Direct
69
French Chambers of Commerce in France
48
Others (members, professional federations, clusters, schools)
Business Consultancy The Business Consultancy department had an exceptionally productive year with export missions in varied industries such as Defence, Retail, Renewable Energies, ICT, Finance and Design. Innovative project management procedures and a dedicated multicultural team translated into a 72% increase in revenue vs. 2012, for 326 B-to-B meetings organised.
turnover by activity
2013 key Figures
1% 6% 21%
Our services at a glance: • Bespoke market research • Lists of prospects and potential clients • Organisation of B-to-B meetings with prospects • Trade visits for groups of companies in the same sector • Commercial representation and virtual office • Seminar organisation
38%
Market research
31%
Seminars / trade visits
21%
Organisation of B-to-B meetings
3% 38%
31%
6%
Commercial representation
3% 10% 1%
Export missions
> 99 clients > 77 individual export missions > 31 roadshows in France > 4 seminars organised > 326 business meetings organised > 3 trade visits (Finance, Renewable Energy, Multi-sector)
List of prospects
The Chamber organised five B-to-B meetings with potential UK clients such as Jaguar Land Rover. Our business trip was successful thanks to the Chamber’s help in organising the meetings and providing the logistical support to get to locations across England and Wales. Gérard Dubois, Commercial Manager, L’Hexagone The Chamber organised a seminar for 25 delegate members of Club Alliance, a French trade association. The programme combined visits of SMEs, Airbus and development agencies. This business trip was a real success and left a deep impression on the delegates who are still talking about it. Christophe Bleuse, CEO, Codis SARL, Club Alliance
Renewable energy collective mission - Oct 2013
Outlook 2014 We will be organising the very first Franco-British Business Forum (FBBF) on 28 November 2014. Focused on specific sectors of activity, the FBBF will provide a platform for directors and decision makers of around 100 French and British companies – particularly mediumsized enterprises, but also startups and blue chip companies – to meet for topical roundtable discussions and B-to-B meetings with potential clients, partners or suppliers.
36
2013 was another successful year for our department. We took on 25 new clients, who availed themselves of our range of tailor-made services, designed to make the process of setting up and running a business in the UK simple and carefree. Our team of bilingual professionals worked hand-in-hand with every client, adapting our services to their needs to give their businesses a strong start and enable them to grow successfully in the UK.
turnover by activity 1% 6%
6%
27%
60%
60%
Accountancy
27%
Payroll
6%
Domiciliation
6%
VAT Return
1% 10%
‘Journée Implantation’
We’ve been working with the Chamber for many years and we’ve always appreciated the reliability of its team. The Chamber currently provides us with a full payroll service for our employees based in the UK. We are delighted with the service it offers! Cyrille Laupie, CEO, Vranken Pommery UK Ltd
Our services at a glance: • ‘Journée Implantation’: all-in-one-day package of tailored meetings with Franco-British experts • Accountancy: bookkeeping, management accounts, sales processing and credit control, purchase and payment processing, bank reconciliation and group reporting • Payroll: processing, payment and HR support • Registered address services and phone line • VAT management services
BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES
Accounting Outsourcing & Company Set-up
2013 key figures > 112 clients > 8 Journées Implantation > 38 Accountancy and 41 Payroll > 22 Domiciliation > 11 VAT Return
The services provided by the Chamber match our needs. We appreciate the reactivity and professionalism of the Chamber’s bilingual team and we would recommend their services to other companies. Annick Fery, Staff manager, Paul Jaboulet Ainé
Outlook 2014 The department will be strengthening various partnerships and developing new ones with members of the Chamber, especially solicitors, auditors and brokers, in order to offer a complete range of integrated services to our clients. We will also work more closely with Chambers of Commerce in France to organise seminars for up to 10 companies at a time on how to successfully set up a business in Great Britain.
Business Centre Desk rental. • Flexible terms, whether for a day, a week, a month or a year; dedicated phone number and furnished office space • Membership included for a minimum one-year contract
Meeting rooms for hire. • Boardrooms with video-conferencing facilities, audiovisual equipment, plasma screens • Professional reception and technical support
Occupancy rate in 2013: 71% Satisfaction rate:100%
I have an independent desk with a substantial area for storage and unlimited access to printers. I am also in contact with other businesses hosted in the business centre that can be a source of inspiration for some articles. Ariane Sauvage, Freelance journalist
I often use the Chamber’s meeting rooms as a venue for my seminars; they’re bright, modern, great value... and my clients and I are always very well looked after by the Chamber staff. Alan Palmer, MD of Interactifs UK
37
Recruitment Service In its first full year of activity, the Recruitment Service consolidated and developed its client and candidate bases, making 41 successful placements. We dealt with 32 new member companies, 14 of which recruited for more than one position. We also assisted five SMEs in finding staff thanks to our special fixed-fee package for companies of up to 10 employees.
Our services at a glance: • Innovative packages, tailored to members’ needs • Highly competitive fees • Privileged access to bilingual and high-profile candidates in a wide range of disciplines • Dedicated package for companies of up to 10 employees and for flexible contracts • Committed to social responsibility and promoting diversity
placements
2013 key figures
10%
5%
10%
52% 23%
52%
Commercial Sales
23%
Business Support
10%
Marketing
10%
Finance
5%
> 41 clients in 2013 > 40 successful recruitments > A placement rate of 63% > +317% unique visitors to the dedicated website > 433 candidates interviewed > 2,036 candidates in our database (+50% vs. 2012)
Project Management
candidates by discipline
12%
11%
11%
48%
Marketing - Sales - Communication
12%
Business support & Teacher - Translation
12%
Project Management
11%
Finance / Accountancy
11%
HR / Law
6%
Engineering
6%
12% 48%
Partnerships with MEMBER schools & UNIVERSITIES
Charmont is very grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for this high value-added service outperforming other recruiters not only on price. The Head of the Recruitment Service was committed all the way through the process from drafting the job particulars to selecting suitable candidates and communicating effectively with both sides. Jean-Michel Sylvestre CEO, Charmont Investments
7 new Partnership Agreements were signed in 2013: HEC, Sciences Po Paris, ESC La Rochelle, EM Grenoble, Arts & Métiers Paritech, ESSCA and EISTI. Such partnerships support both young graduates and alumni in their search for positions while enriching the Recruitment Service’s pool of candidates, with both junior and senior profiles.
For a small company such as mine, enlisting the help of a recruiting agency has always been out of my reach due to cost. That was, of course, until the French Chamber created their new recruitment department, with a very attractive package for small companies. Michele Jackson, former Managing Director, Promosalons UK
Outlook 2014 Launch of JobLink, a newsletter sent to HR Managers and Managing Directors of smaller companies, which features the best profiles of the month from a wide range of disciplines. Publication of a bilingual HR Guide which will provide information about HR practices in the UK, tips about law and employment and expert advice for SMEs looking to set up their business in the UK. Conclusion of new partnerships with member schools such as INSEEC UK, ESCP Europe, ESSEC and EDHEC
38
The financial highlights below are derived from the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 that have been approved by the Directors and audited by Byrne Palmer & Co.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
FINANCIAL RESULTS
by Nicolas Ribollet, Treasurer of the Chamber
REVIEW OF BUSINESS TURNOVER + 15.5% vs. 2012
RESERVES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2013: £746K
RESULT INCREASE: +£77K (NET SURPLUS)
2013 was a far better year compared to 2012 for both the UK economy and the Chamber. UK growth reached 1.5% at the end of 2013, which was higher than predictions. The overall turnover of the Chamber increased by over 15% as compared to 2012 and the Chamber’s surplus after tax in 2013 amounted to £43K. Some departments performed really well, particularly Events, Publications, Business Consultancy, and Implantation/Domiciliation services.
TURNOVER 2013: +15.5% (£1,956k vs. 1,694k in 2012) • Membership subscriptions increased by 2.5% as compared to 2012. • Both Events (promotional activities) and Publications have recovered (as compared to 2012, which was an extremely difficult year) with strong increases of turnover of 56% and 24%, respectively.
£k 2,500 2,000 780
1,500
Business Support Services (Commercial assistance)
657
1,000
129
104 171
500
Publications
267
762
Events (Promotional activities)
781
Member subscriptions 0 2012
2013
TURNOVER BY CATEGORY The turnover of Business Support Services increased significantly in 2013 (+18.6%), notably thanks to the strong performance of the Business Consultancy and the Accounting Outsourcing and Company Set-up services as well as the increase in the turnover of the Recruitment Service. The level of activity of the Business Centre was disappointing.
40%
40%
6%
40%
Member subscriptions
40%
Business Support Services (Business Consultancy, Set-up services, Business Centre and Recruitment)
14%
Events (Promotional activities)
6%
Publications
14%
RESERVES: £746k as AT 31 December 2013, equivalent to nearly 5 months of turnover
These financial results are the outcome of the continuous support of members, partners and sponsors of the Chamber in 2013. They are also the reflection of the continued hard work and commitment of the Chamber’s staff and managers.
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OUR PARTNERS In 2013, the Chamber has continued to develop and nurture its existing partnerships as well as seek new ones for the interests of its members and the Chamber itself. Our press partnerships with the Financial Times, French Radio London, Ici Londres and lepetitjournal.com have had a significant impact, particularly in terms of increasing press coverage of our events and publications, thereby increasing visibility for our sponsors and members. Some of our key partners also helped us to secure high profile speakers. Thanks to our partnership with l’Agence France Presse (AFP), a live news stream in both French and English runs on the Chamber website, giving members access to the latest business news. Our valuable partnership with ESCP Europe Business School resulted in their involvement in our Franco-British Energy Conference and HR Forum amongst other things. Partnerships with renowned cultural institutions, such as the Royal Opera House, have given us access to iconic venues as well as benefited our Patron members with priority bookings. Our fruitful partnership with the French Institute allows the Chamber to use both the Cinéma and the Médiatèque, which has recently been renovated. We also have partnerships with studios and agencies, namely Jeux D’images, which provided videos for our key events in 2013, and movingdesign, which has created a 3D video to illustrate the activities and reach of the French Chamber. Finally, we would like to thank our postal partner Asendia, which supports the Chamber by covering all the distribution costs for our Franco-British Trade Directory, Member to Member Offers Booklet and INFO magazine as well as our other partners.
The Chamber is a member of two different networks, the Union of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad (CCI France International) and the Council of Foreign Chambers of Commerce in the UK. The latter comprises 41 foreign chambers, of which we are the largest. The Chamber is also involved with the Collège Français Bilingue de Londres, with the responsibility of appointing half of the Board of trustees (including chair and treasurer) from company representatives.
OUTLOOK 2014 Signing of a new 3-year partnership with the Royal Albert Hall, which becomes a Patron member. The Royal Albert Hall will host two exclusive Patron events and a Luxury Club Breakfast in 2014.
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OUR PATRON MEMBERS
LOGO Nยบ dossier : 20110049E Date : 31/05/11 Validation DA/DC : Validation Client
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IT’S ALL ABOUT CONNECTIONS
THE FRENCH CHAMBER
Lincoln House, 300 High Holborn, London WC1V 7JH t: +44(0) 20 7092 6600 e: mail@ccfgb.co.uk
www.frenchchamber.co.uk