Health & Wellbeing at work

T H E

M A G A Z I N E

F O R

A N G L O - F R E N C H

FRENCH CHAMBER OF GREAT BRITAIN www.frenchchamber.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing at Work ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

‘Five Minutes With’ Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of GFG Alliance An interview with Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman of Barclays UK The latest Brexit analysis, and much more…

B U S I N E S S SPRING 2019

Wait until you taste it.

Sinfully Delicious Blue www.SaintAgur.co.uk |

@SaintAgur.uk

EDITORIAL

Fabienne Viala President, French Chamber of Great Britain Chairman of Bouygues UK and UK Country Director of Bouygues Construction

I

t has never been clearer that a company’s most important asset is its people.

It is now widely accepted that by creating a positive, safe and healthy environment for employees, you can increase morale, improve your employees’ work-life balance and, in turn, positively impact your business.

As the trend in ‘corporate wellness’ grows, employers are looking to support their workforce by

promoting healthy lifestyles, aiding recovery in a range of contexts, and by offering mental health services and onsite sport facilities.

Alongside this, our understanding of health issues faced by employees and employers is also growing, as new studies reveal the extent of challenges related to achieving healthier workplaces.

According to a recent study conducted by the CIPD and Simply Health, presenteeism – i.e. people coming into work sick – has nearly tripled since 2010. It was also revealed that people are using leaveism – or signed time off – to get work done in organisations.

The stigma around mental health issues has been improving, reflecting shifts in society. However, openness on the issue continues to be a challenge for the business world. There is a clear need for a holistic and broader take on employee wellbeing.

But there are also several reasons to be optimistic about recent interventions from the business community, as this issue of INFO and its twenty page Focus section highlights. These include the innovative conversations being had by leading figures in the business world, such as the contribution from Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman of the mental health charity Heads Together.

In this issue we also read about the moral case (in addition to the aforementioned business case) for improved employee health and wellbeing. Case studies from Chamber members AXA, Lycée Winston Churchill, and Deloitte illustrate this topic, and insight and analysis from city firms Irwin Mitchell, ebl miller rosenfalck, and Browne Jacobson reveal the legal issues which impact on health and wellbeing initiatives.

Moreover, this issue is also packed with reports from the many forums, clubs and events the Chamber has held this year. As the Chamber is entering an exciting time in its development, and I am delighted to be part of this journey – more on this in the coming months.

I wish you an enjoyable read of this issue, and I look forward to seeing you soon. I

info

- spring 2019 - 5

Soon g n i Open 5-seat

3 a new e cinema qu bouti

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The Institut franรงais du Royaume-Uni THE PERFECT SETTING FOR YOUR EVENT www.institut-francais.org.uk | hire@institut-francais.org.uk

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BUSINE S S WOR LD

8 Five minutes with...

Sanjeev Gupta, GFG Alliance 10 Brexit: Analysis and Insight 11 Brexit Survey: March 2019 15 Business News 29 Education News 30 Reports & research

59 Artist Profile: Noe Two 60 Book reviews by Institut Français 61 Wine Story by Thibault Lavergne

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Culture: What's on Tips For Would-Be Art Investors New Look At Jardin Blanc Family Furniture: Ligne Roset Berlioz 150

M A G A Z I N E

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A N G L O - F R E N C H

FRENCH CHAMBER OF GREAT BRITAIN www.frenchchamber.co.uk

B U S I N E S S SPRING 2019

62 Introduction by Florence Gomez 63 New Members 66 INFO & Europe FORUMS & CLUBS

CULTUR E AND LIFE S T YLE

T H E

AT THE CHAMBE R

FOCUS | WE LLBE ING AT WOR K

Introduction Advancing The Conversation Sir Ian Cheshire, Barclays UK Transparency On The Agenda Stevenson-Farmer Report The Moral Case CBI Report A Need For Collaboration Simon Berger, Mad World Implementing Wellbeing At Work Louise Padmore, Work Well Being Embedding Mental Health Provision Into The Culture At School Ben Maloney, Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill SMEs And Mental Health Andrew Humphries Time For Change: UK Disability Discrimination Raymond Silverstein, Browne Jacobson LLP Improving Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing Deloitte Report Is The Gig Economy Bad For Your Health?

Melanie Stancliffe, Irwin Mitchell LLP Comparing Mental Health Legislation Emmanuelle Ries, ebl miller rosenfalck The Holistic Approach What Next?

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CONTENTS

Health & Wellbeing at Work

Climate Change & Sustainability Forum Behavioural Economics, Nudges & Morality Climate Change & Sustainability Forum The Problem of Plastic HR Forum Talent Attraction HR Forum Digital Natives Join The Workforce Retail Forum Brexit In The Shops Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum Virtual Reality FMCG Forum French Consumer Brands Finance Forum The Impact of IFRS16 Start-up & SME Club The Sales Cycle & New Business Start-up & SME Club Workshop With Entrepreneurs Luxury Club Christian Dior Forthcoming Forums & Clubs

CHAMBER EVENTS

82 83 84

86

88

Diner des Chefs with Michel Roux Seminar & Cocktail with Yooz Trade Delegation in London & Lunch with Sadiq Khan Past event highlights Breakfast with John Kitchingman, MEDEF lunch, Rendez-vous chez PAUL UK, Cocktail at Home House, Rendez-vous chez Acuitis Forthcoming events

Health & Wellbeing at Work ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

‘Five Minutes With’ Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of GFG Alliance An interview with Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman of Barclays UK The latest Brexit analysis, and much more…

Managing Director: Florence Gomez Editor: Jakob von Baeyer Cover & Graphic Design: Katherine Millet Assistant Editor & Production Manager: Suzanne Lycett Publications Assistant: Marie Koziol

Contributors: Ian Cheshire, Simon Berger, Lousie Padmore, Ben Maloney, Andrew Humphries, Melanie Stancliffe, Emmanuelle Ries, Raymond Silverstein, Helen Conybeare Williams, Karim Budabuss, Conor Mansfield, Suzanne Lycett, Marie Koziol, Thibault Lavergne

Advertise in INFO: Please call our sales team on +44 (0)207 092 6651.

Alternatively, please email: advertising@ccfgb.co.uk INFO is published every two months Printed by: CPI Colour Distribution: French Chamber members, Franco-British decision makers, Business Class lounges of Eurostar, Eurotunnel and Air France in London, Paris and Manchester

INFO is published by: French Chamber of Great Britain Lincoln House, 300 High Holborn London WC1V 7JH Tel: (020) 7092 6600 Fax: (020) 7092 6601 www.frenchchamber.co.uk

info

- spring 2019 - 7

Five minutes with...

Sanjeev Gupta Executive Chairman and CEO, GFG Alliance INFO speaks to the head of an alliance that combines industrial, natural and financial resources to deliver a common industrial strategy

How do you describe GFG Alliance?

The first thing to understand is that, although we may be as big as other multinationals, we are neither listed nor are we structured like a conventional corporate group of companies. Our business is an alliance – a coming together of independent and autonomous companies that trade with each other, although not exclusively, and while they’re all supported

Strong industry brings with it skilled jobs, investment, security and social cohesion.

That’s why I believe so passionately about reviving the industrial sector and why we’re investing so heavily in its development

centrally there is no ‘top-co’ or umbrella company mandating the activities of the constituent parts.

Secondly, it’s true we are involved in a number of different

Steel mills were closing and investors were turning their

industries and serve a variety of sectors but what holds it all

backs on once great industries, and instead looking towards

together is a model of creating vertically integrated supply

developing economies to produce raw materials overseas for

chains based on adding value at every point of the process

manufacturers in the west.

and safeguarding and developing skilled workforces.

Secondly, we in the west were exporting vast amounts of

In simple terms what that looks like is a supply chain

scrap metal to be recycled elsewhere. In fact we had reached

where our energy assets (which we strive to make as low

a point in the west where we had so much scrap metal, steel

carbon as possible) power our steel mills or aluminium

and aluminium, that we didn’t need to produce any more

smelters which (using as much recycled material as possible)

primary metal at all.

supply our engineering businesses which in turn produce

All of this seemed counterintuitive to me. We were

highly engineered components for industries as diverse as

giving up on world class industrial assets and the skills and

automotive, aerospace, construction and defence. We look to

expertise of the people that worked in them and sending off

replicate this kind of supply chain in every country in which

our scrap metal, which is in itself a valuable commodity, to

we operate, maximising value at each stage and working to

other countries who could extract its value for themselves.

support and supply the domestic market where those assets

For me there had to be a way of reviving the industries which

are located.

had once served our economies so well, but it was clear the old model was no longer going to work. We had to find a

How has your vision for the business evolved?

way of adding value back in to the process and that’s where

My background is trading and Liberty House started out

the notion of GREENSTEEL was born, a value chain based

as a commodities trading business. However my family’s

on low carbon power, recycling metals and producing high

businesses were more industrial in nature and my aim was to

value products, all in a geographically proximate supply chain

move eventually towards those sectors. Growing up in the UK I

serving a domestic market. That’s the vision and that’s what

noticed a couple of interesting things – firstly the UK and other

we’re working to achieve.

western countries had strong industrial and manufacturing heritages which had been at one time the cornerstones

What are your priorities for the future?

of their economic development but were now in decline.

Growth is at the heart of our business model and we are

8 - info - spring 2019

F I V E M I N U T E S W I T H . . . S A N J E E V G U P TA

France was always going to be our stepping stone into Europe and we’re now looking at a number of assets on the continent which would effectively double the size of our company

looking to continue our trajectory. One of the ways we’ll

we help them realise their potential. That’s what sustainability

support that is by listing parts of our Australian and US

means to me and the impacts of that kind of sustainability

businesses. Our aim will never be to list the entire group

extend far beyond the factory gates. I believe that many of

but, where it makes sense to IPO certain businesses in

the social issues we’re seeing in society today stem from the

certain sectors, we’ll do it to create value and to support our

decline of our industrial sectors. Strong industry brings with

investments and expansion.

it skilled jobs, investment, security and social cohesion. That’s

Part of our expansion means moving into new countries and territories and at the moment we have a big focus on Europe. We first came to France just under a year ago and

why I believe so passionately about reviving the industrial sector and why we’re investing so heavily in its development.

Family is also key to our philosophy – even though we have

now have a presence in both upstream and downstream

around 15,000 employees we’re still a family run business and

industries, six sites and around 1,000 employees. For us

for me that means I’ve got 15,000 members of my extended

France was always going to be our stepping stone into Europe

family – that’s how I see the people that work with me.

and we’re now looking at a number of assets on the continent which would effectively double the size of our company, make

What does being a Patron member of the French Chamber

us the third largest European steel producer and would see

mean for GFG Alliance?

50% of our business located there.

It’s an exciting moment for GFG. France is a key market for us and we are very supportive of the reforms President Macron is

How is your company promoting a sustainable revival in

bringing about. This dynamism has helped make France a very

heavy industry?

attractive place to invest and I’m delighted to be putting down

The kind of revival we’re working towards is actually only

roots for our business there. As a company with headquarters

deliverable through adopting a sustainable outlook. For us

in London and a significant and growing business across

sustainability is one of our core values - it sits alongside our

the channel I firmly believe that we should be championing

other values of family and change. These values aren’t about

Franco-British businesses and there is huge value in being

paying lip service – they are all at the heart of the strategy to

a part of a network of like-minded enterprises with cross-

reinvent the industry. The old heavy industry model in the

channel goals. I can think of no better forum than the French

west simply wasn’t working anymore, it was no longer fit for

Chamber in which to achieve this. I Interview by JvB

purpose and that’s why people were walking away from it.

Change is what was needed and change is what we embrace – business is never static.

For us sustainability means that we strive for a lower carbon footprint but also much more. It means taking a longterm approach. I’ve never sold a single business that I’ve acquired - we don’t buy businesses to sell them, we buy them to develop them. We have bought a number of distressed businesses, businesses with the capacity to turn around and

info

- spring 2019 - 9

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

A

t the time of going to print with this issue on 2 April, the

serious economic, security and political disruption. He cites a

fog of Brexit had still not cleared. A round of votes in the

ten percent hike in food prices, the collapse of some businesses

House of Commons failed to achieve much of anything – no

that trade with the EU, and a renewal of problems on the Irish

clear majority for any alternative Brexit strategy. The closest

border.

they came was to an ‘indicative vote’ in favour of a customs union, which fell short by only three votes.

Barnier said that a ‘strong justification’ would be needed from the UK for a long extension of the exit process. He said

The Commons also rejected the Prime Minister’s deal – the

a long extension could impair the EU’s ‘decision-making

only deal with EU support –for a third consecutive time. Theresa

autonomy,’ by handing Britain a role in upcoming EU elections.

May assembled her Cabinet for a round of crisis talks after

The PM is said to be considering bringing her deal back for

another defection from her party. The former minister Nick

a fourth vote. MPs are said to prefer bringing their deals back to

Boles quit following the defeat of his alternative ‘Norway-style’

the House instead, as several of their plans achieved far greater

plan, accusing his party of a ‘failure to compromise.’

support than the PM’s withdrawal agreement.

According to the current time-line, the UK is set to leave the

Many commentators have been struck by the fact that, two

EU on 12 April. Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator,

years on, Britain is no closer to leaving the EU than they were

has warned that a no-deal outcome ‘becomes day after day

on the day after the referendum result in 2016. The question is:

more likely.’ This, amid warnings from Britain’s highest ranking

where will we go from here? I

civil servant, Sir Mark Sedwill, that a no-deal would cause

Key dates 12 April - The new deadline

22 May - Brexit?

23-26 May - European Parliamentary

The EU-agreed extension is also the

Brexit will take effect on this date if the

Elections

deadline for the UK's inclusion in

PM's deal is agreed by the House of

European citizens are set to go to the

European Parliamentary Elections.

Commons.

polls to vote for representatives of the European Parliament.

Given the unprecedented extremely serious political crisis we are in and the complete failure of leadership of both main parties, shouldn’t we be considering a Government of national unity?

ANNA SOUBRY, Member of Parliament for the newlyformed Independence Party, on 24 March 10 - info - spring 2019

No deal was never our desired or intended scenario. But the EU27 is now prepared. It becomes, day after day, more likely MICHEL BARNIER, EU’s chief negotiator, on 2 April

BREXIT SURVEY

BREXIT SURVEY: March 2019 A joint survey of the networks of the French Chamber, French Tech and French Connect London represents the views of 125,000 jobs in the UK. Here, INFO publishes a selection of the results

What are the main disruptive factors that your business is facing because of Brexit?

Has Brexit impacted your commercial activities since the referendum?

1%

NO 38%

YES 62%

26% Has Brexit impacted your organisation's investment decisions in the UK?

60%

2% 7%

NO 53%

YES 47%

4% I Access to skilled and unskilled labour

I Access to EU funding

I Shifts in the value of sterling

I Logistics

I Tariffs to trade

I Access to capital

Is your company prepared for a 'No deal' scenario?

Are you planning to move parts of your activities to continental Europe or elsewhere?

4% 19% I Yes

47%

49%

I No I Somewhat

29%

52%

I No I In discussion I Yes, already done

Companies polled: 250 French Connect London contacts, 2300 FrenchTech members, 527 Main Representatives of the French Chamber in Great Britain (response rate: 5.91 percent).

info

- spring 2019 - 11

Sponsored by

Supporting EU Employees Political uncertainty and the differentiation of EU workers who have long been present in the UK is a very real issue affecting employee wellbeing

O

n 16 January, Chamber members and organisations from the retail,

finance, legal, consulting, tourism, and banking industries came together to discuss the latest on the impact of Brexit on professional services, individuals and businesses.

Speakers were Oliver O’Sullivan, Associate, and Gareth Wadley, Partner, of Gateley PLC. The event was chaired

by Angela Hepworth, Corporate Policy and Regulation Director, EDF Energy, Neil Sherlock CBE, Partner, Senior Adviser of PwC. The Forum heard that Brexit, in

UK for that length of time. ‘Pre-settled’

a new immigration regime that might

the form it finally takes, will have a

status will be issued for five years, but

restrict the roles being undertaken from

significant impact on employers who

the moment a holder of this status has

talent from the EU.

have relied on labour from the EU.

been in the UK for five years (including

In their presentation, Gareth Wadley

The future immigration proposals

time before the issue of this current

in the Home Office's white paper would

and Oliver O’Sullivan highlighted the

status) they will be allowed to apply for

bring changes whereby the recruitment

key changes to be expected in UK

'settled' status. 'Settled' status means

of EU nationals from January 2021

immigration law over the next two

that the individual has a permanent

would become far more expensive and

years, and how these changes relate to

right to live in the UK beyond Brexit.

far more restrictive in relation to the

current workforces and workforce plans for the future.

New applications can be made for

'skill' level of the job and the salary on

those who are resident in the UK before

offer. Many ‘lower-skilled’ jobs being

31 December 2020, although this could

undertaken by EU nationals at minimum

EU to the UK looks certain to end. In

be brought forward to 29 March 2019,

or living wage would be impossible to

both ‘deal' and ‘no deal’ scenarios, the

or whichever date the UK leaves the EU,

offer to workers from outside the UK

change would be expected at the end

in the event of a 'no deal'.

from 2021.

Free movement of labour from the

of 2020, after which a new immigration system will apply to EU citizens.

The Home Office are slowly rolling

The speakers advised assessing

Gareth and Oliver stressed the

current workforces to see which

importance of planning in terms of

employees might be eligible for either

UK-based roles to assess how they fit

out a scheme to enable EU nationals in

'pre-settled' or 'settled status' and

with these future immigration rules. It

the UK to apply for either ‘settled’ status

evaluating how they can be assisted. It is

is likely these changes will impact how

on the basis of having lived in the UK for

also sensible to evaluate the roles being

companies develop UK talent and/or

at least five years, or ‘pre-settled' status

undertaken by EU nationals at present

the location of business operations that

where they have not yet lived in the

to assess the impact on the business of

require low-skilled EU workers. I

Free movement of labour from the EU to the UK looks certain to end. In both ‘deal' and ‘no deal’ scenarios, the change would be expected at the end of 2020, after which a new immigration system will apply to EU citizens 12 - info - spring 2019

BRE XIT FORUM

The impact of Brexit on talent A meeting of the Brexit Forum explored our departure from the European Union from the point of view of the UK’s access to the global talent market

T

he session on 13 March welcomed guest speakers Pru Ashby, Head of Brexit & Key Accounts, London & Partners,

and Susan Gregory, HR Director, LSS Relocation Ltd. The meeting was chaired by Angela Hepworth, Corporate Policy and Regulation Director, EDF Energy, and Neil Sherlock CBE, Senior Adviser, PwC. Established strengths Ashby noted that the headlines are saying that talent is leaving London, but said that this is not the true picture of what is happening. ‘We need to counter that narrative and show that London is thriving and access to talent remains,’ says Ashby.

‘The fundamental strengths of London have not and will not change.’

According to latest data compiled by London & Partners, London is top choice for international scale-up businesses, showing that the UK capital is Europe’s number one tech hub for unicorn companies and attracted more foreign direct investment (FDI) than any other city in 2018.

To promote the city, L&P has launched the ‘Future of London’ initiative to spread positive messages about life and work in the capital, including positive daily messages about London sent on the WhatApp messaging service. London & Partners has also created a talent tool kit to help businesses set up on London.

According to latest data compiled by London & Partners, London is top choice for international scale-up businesses But there is a mixed picture. Gregory has noted an upswing in short-term assignments – links this trend to because wanting

Solutions and challenges

to have the experience working in the country it before Brexit,

According to Ashby, L&P research has shown several untapped

and ensuing visa issues, took effect. According to LinkedIn

resources for talent open to businesses and recruiters, including

statistics, more people came to work in the UK from abroad

people leaving the armed forces, women returning to work from

than to anywhere else in Europe last year.

leave, and autistic and special needs candidates who have a variety of transversal skills.

The session heard that part of the problem of making sense of Brexit from the staffing point of view, is that many industries

A clear challenge for the future is the up-skilling of the work

are ‘soloed in their uncertainty’ and not sharing insight or

force, particularly in respect of digital skills, in terms of staffing

experience or completely in the dark. Companies also question

London’s world-class tech sector and in the wider business

the vulnerability of talent in supply chains, as often SMEs don’t

community engaged in digital transformation.

have access to the resources that larger companies do.

Gregory, who operates as a consultant in international

This is not helped by the current menu of option on the

HR, described the current situation in the UK as one in which

table for European workers in Britain – there are currently

‘uncertainty is the norm.’ This is paired with the pressing reality

six different sets of rules and regulations that would apply to

that London and the UK will need to continue to attract, retain

employees, from free to highly-regulated movement, and no

and develop talent at all levels.

final decision from government on the procedure that will apply

Part of the challenge facing businesses is not directly to do

post-Brexit.

with Brexit. According to Gregory, salaries in the UK are not the

Pressure from trade organisations representing British

most attractive globally for senior roles, as compared to other

business is attempting to seek clarity; however, as with many

countries.

aspects of the current process, the situation is ‘wait and see.’ I

info

- spring 2019 - 13

What makes Luxury Sustainable?

Save the date The French Chamber of Great Britain is pleased to present the second edition of the LONDON LUXURY THINK TANK on the theme of What makes Luxury Sustainable?

13.06.19

Spring Studios, London NW5 3BH For sponsorship or to participate, contact Wassime Haouari: whaouari@ccfgb.co.uk

Main sponsor

Supporting sponsor

Host partner

Co-organiser

NEWS The changing

A ND

A N A LY S I S

face of the aviation industry

The demise of the Airbus A380 reflects a widespread change in aviation industry priorities

A

ircraft

supplier

Airbus

recently

announced

the

pressure to fill every seat.’

discontinuation of the A380 aircraft series, after only

As Holman W. Jenkins Jr, Wall Street Journal, explains,

12 years of production. The cancellation came shortly after

government and EU support therefore do not guarantee

Emirates airline, its largest client, chose to greatly reduce its

the power to ‘dictate what kinds of goods, services and

order for the jet.

technologies (green or otherwise) the global marketplace will

‘We have no substantial A380 backlog and hence no basis to sustain production, despite all our sales efforts with other

accept.’

airlines in recent years,’ says Airbus Chief Executive Officer

External influences

Tom Enders. ‘This leads to the end of A380 deliveries in 2021.’

The retirement of this model reflects a change within the

The A380 was originally conceived to challenge competing

aviation industry, influenced by wider macroeconomic

aircraft

manufacturer

Boeing’s

747.

The

project

was

stimulants.

considered representative of the strength of the European

Regional airline Flybmi recently announced its closure,

Union’s combined resources, with the creation of EU wide

citing Brexit as the reason. A recent report by professional

regulations and cross border industry collaboration. At its

services agency KPMG highlights that rising jet fuel prices are

launch in 2005, then Commission Vice-President responsible

a repeat factor raised in recent bankruptcies. Low cost carriers

for Enterprise and Industry, Günter Verheugen, said ‘The

are growing in dominance thus pushing traditional carriers to

Super-Airbus demonstrates that working together in the EU

adapt their own strategies towards a more low cost solution to

pays off.’

survive in this competitive industry.

The rationale behind the A380 lay in an assumption about

Despite this, the historic volatility of the airline industry

industry requirements moving towards connecting large

as a whole has recently been with limited turbulence. This is

international hubs and combating airport congestion. But

due to increased passenger demand in a period of economic

this means larger aircraft have to fly at full capacity over long

growth achieved by low interest rates, according to KPMG.

distances in order to be efficient. This restricted the efficiency

They report that airlines are now preparing for a potential

of the A380 – which increasingly became a risk in a risk-averse

down cycle, ensuring they will have the ability to adjust

industry.

capacity as required.

Airlines such as Emirates have transferred focus to

Airlines are thus continuously striving to achieve greater

the acquisition of smaller craft. John Grant, director of JG

efficiencies and profit margins. Even icons of the sky such as

Aviation Consultants, attributes this shift to ‘better operating

the A380 are not impervious to the changing nature of our

economics, lower costs, smaller capacity and therefore less

airspace. I SL

info

- spring 2019 - 15

Air France-KLM boosts summer capacity

Airbus to open Flight Academy

For the 2019 summer season, Air FranceKLM is increasing capacity by two percent compared to last year. On its long-haul network, they will operate two new routes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle: Dallas, USA and Quito, Ecuador. On their medium and shorthaul network, Air France is expanding its offer of destinations and connections with twentyfour new routes.

Total announces a new discovery in the North Sea

In order to meet the high market demand for cadet pilot training in Europe – 94,000 new pilots over the next 20 years – Airbus has decided to open its own flight academy and extend its training services offering by adding 'ab-initio' to its portfolio.

Leveraging cross-divisional synergies, the Airbus Flight Academy Europe, based in Angoulême, France, will use Airbus standardised instructors to deliver the ab-initio Pilot Cadet Training programme approved by EASA at the end of 2018, complementing the intermediate and advanced training phases that are already available and provided in the existing training network on 17 sites worldwide. The Airbus Flight Academy Europe aims to train up to 200 pilot cadets annually. I

Thales announces naval combat centre

Thales is pleased to announce it is opening a UK centre of excellence

Total’s discovery in the North Sea is located on the Glengorm prospect in the Central Graben.

Recoverable resources are estimated close to 250 million barrels of oil equivalent. Further drilling and testing will be carried out to appraise resources and the productivity of the reservoir.

to develop its globally proven TACTICOS naval combat management system in support of the Royal Navy’s future Type 31 frigate programme. To deliver on this commitment, Thales is extending its combat system design and delivery capabilities within the UK. The Type 31 mission system activity customisation will create a significant number of high-tech jobs in the UK and

Boston Consulting Group named organisation strategy leader

ALM Intelligence has named Boston Consulting Group (BCG) the top leader in organisation strategy worldwide for the second year in a row. The latest edition of The ALM Vanguard of organisation strategy consulting providers, an annual capabilities assessment of the world’s major consultancies, found BCG to be number one in depth of capabilities—its ability to get results—as well as in delivering the highest impact for its clients in their organisation design efforts.

16 - info - spring 2019

also within a wider supply chain. I

ENGIE to develop low carbon district energy for Newcastle

ENGIE, leading energy, services and regeneration specialist has entered into a pioneering Joint Venture with Newcastle City Council (NCC) to develop and operate district energy schemes within the City over a 40-year term. The scope of services to be provided by ENGIE will include design, build, operation and maintenance of district energy schemes as well as contributions to funding and a project development role in partnership with NCC. I

BUSINE S S WOR LD – NE WS AND ANALYSI S

Veolia targets savings through process optimisation As part of a new framework contract with Anglian Water, Veolia is targeting savings of £1.07million through process optimisation and energy management, and reducing the water company’s carbon footprint. Since starting in late 2017, the three year contract has provided a range of optimisation services designed to support the company in its efficiency goals across its water and water recycling systems. The contract highlights the success of working collaboratively with Anglian Water’s experts and six other companies in the EE&O framework. I

CBRE to acquire leading global data centre tech company

Colas Rail awarded Rail Grinding Contract

CBRE Group, Inc. announced that it has acquired the assets of Romonet Limited, a leading advanced analytics software company which provides technology and consulting services for large global data centre operators. Romonet’s team of professionals will join CBRE as part of the acquisition.

Romonet uses a patented cloud-based technology to unlock efficiencies and increase capacity at data centres. Romonet will be integrated into CBRE’s global Data Centre Solutions offering. I Network Rail has awarded Colas Rail Ltd’s Rail Services

Crédit Agricole confirms its ranking as a world leader in green bonds

division the nationwide Rail Grinding contract for the next 3 years. Network Rail requires nationwide operation and maintenance of Plain Line Rail Grinders to carry out both corrective and preventative rail grinding works throughout the UK across England, Scotland and Wales. Colas Rail will operate and maintain 6 rail grinding machines and deliver

Crédit Agricole S.A.

almost 1400 operational shifts a year around the clock in

successfully completed

24/7 operation. I

today its first Green Bond with a benchmark issue of €1bn. The issue is a 5 year Senior Preferred bond. Structured by Crédit Agricole CIB, this issue met a lot of interest from investors, as reflected by the depth and quality of the order book. In

JCDecaux launches creative resource Foundry

geographical terms, the bulk of interest came from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. I

Eurostar steps up services to Amsterdam Eurostar, the high-speed rail service connecting the UK with mainland Europe, is today putting tickets on sale for its third daily service direct from London to Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The third service, which starts on 11th June 2019, comes in direct response to customer demand following the popularity of Eurostar’s new route to the Netherlands which launched in April last year. I

Reflecting the crucial role of powerful creative in Out-ofHome campaign effectiveness, and the potential presented

by Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH), JCDecaux has launched Foundry, an in-house resource for brand support in devising the most effective Out-of-Home campaigns, and a centre of excellence for creative consultation and development. I

info

- spring 2019 - 17

International SOS announce global partnership with Forum for Expatriate Management

International SOS, the world’s leading medical and security risk services company, has signed a partnership agreement with the Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM) to be the organisation’s exclusive ‘Global Medical and Security Risk Management Partner’. The partnership will see the industryleading expertise of both partners coming together to drive the agenda forward for the protection of the mobile workforce. I

KPMG and REC join forces to help recruitment industry post-Brexit

The REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) has joined forces with professional services firm KPMG in a bid to help members with their growth agendas post Brexit. The alliance will see specialists from KPMG work with REC advisers to support over 3,500 REC members across a range of issues including preparing for Brexit, opportunities in new overseas markets and merger and acquisition activity. I

Chambers Europe 2019 recognises Morgan Lewis

Morgan Lewis has earned six practice rankings and 12 individual lawyer rankings across fourteen categories in the Belgium, France, Russia, and United Kingdom sections of the newly released Chambers Europe 2019 guide. I

Groupe Renault sales reach 3.9 million vehicles

Groupe Renault sales increased by 3.2 percent since January 1, 2018, while expanding internationally as part of its ‘Drive The Future’ initiative. Registrations now represent 50.6 percent of the total sales (vs. 49.2% in 2017), thanks to the integration of the Jinbei and Huasong brands. I

BNP Paribas obtains top employer certification

For the sixth year in a row, BNP Paribas has received the Top Employers Europe label, with certification for 6 countries: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland and Turkey. BNP Paribas obtained the exclusive Top Employers Europe 2019 certification for outstanding employee conditions and developing talent. I

Gide partners with Paris blockchain week

Gide law firm, represented by its Gide 255 team dedicated to advice on digital transformation, will partner the Paris Blockchain Week Summit in April. The event, organised at Station F, will gather over 3,000 French and international professionals of the industry and 60 leading speakers. I

Pinsent Masons advise on pioneering data trusts projects

The Open Data Institute (ODI) in partnership with the Government's Office for AI (OAI) are leading three new pilots to inform the design and development of data trusts. Jeremy Wright, the UK's digital, culture, media and sport secretary announced details of the pilots, exploring proposals for the use of data trusts in the future. I

18 - info - spring 2019

LVMH welcomes the second season of start-ups

AccorHotels launches nomadic accommodation concept

LVMH is pleased to announce the second season of start-ups

BLANC to open fourth West London location

at its Maison des Startups incubator at Station F. While thirteen start-ups from Season 1 continue their successful collaboration

The Flying Nest is a hotel room that can travel around the world, following its clients to business meetings, festivals or sporting events, no matter how inaccessible. Designed by Ora-ïto, the rooms are shipping containers finished in eco-friendly wood for a cosy chaletlike feel. Each one is 12 sq m, with a living area, private bathroom and large picture window that frames the landscape and offers stunning views from one’s bed.

with the Group and its Maisons, the accelerator program welcomes thirteen new promising enterprises, mostly identified through the LVMH Innovation Award. I

Seven companies complete PwC's Raise programme

PwC has completed its second Raise programme for scale-up businesses in collaboration with The Accelerator Network and White Horse Capital. The programme worked with seven revenue generating B2B businesses looking to secure and negotiate their first round of institutional funding through a series of expert-led masterclasses’ I

Vivendi sells remaining interest in Ubisoft

Vivendi has sold the remaining part of its interest in Ubisoft. In total, the sale represents an amount of €2bn and a capital gain of €1.2bn. Vivendi, which already owns Gameloft, a global leader in mobile video games, confirms its intention to continue to strengthen its position in the video games sector. I

Safran awards employee innovation The Safran Innovation Awards recognise employees' most

promising innovations, and this year recognised the very first class of Safran ‘intrapreneurs.’ The Group's R&D investments in 2017 hit €1.4bn. I

BLANC, the sustainable alternative to conventional dry cleaning, hsa opened its fourth store in the iconic Helios at the Television Centre in White City. While other dry cleaners still use the toxic and carcinogenic chemical PERC (Perchloroethylene), already banned in many countries, BLANC instead combines modern wet cleaning technology with gentle biodegradable detergents and artisan hand treatment.

Ardian infrastructure acquires wind farm

Ardian, a world leading private investment house, today announces a €300 million investment to build a wind farm in Åndberg/ Härjedalen, Sweden. Ardian acquires the development rights of the project from OX2, a leading Nordic renewable energy developer.

The wind farm will be operational in 2021 and is expected to produce in excess of 800GWh per year.

info

- spring 2019 - 19

Bouygues Construction as top employer

Dassault Systèmes enters global partnership with ABB

ENGIE supports women in facilities management

ABB and Dassault Systèmes announced a wide spanning global

Bouygues Construction has been officially recognised by the Top Employers Institute, an independent HR certification company, as a top employer 2019 for excellence in employee conditions.

ENGIE has confirmed its continued sponsorship of women in facilities management, a special interest group of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) that encourages inclusivity within the FM sector.

Societe Generale signs women’s charter

partnership to offer customers in digital industries a unique software solutions portfolio ranging from product life cycle management to asset health solutions. The two companies will provide customers an end-to-end offering of advanced open digital solutions, enhancing competitiveness of industrial companies, while increasing flexibility, speed and productivity of their products' lifecycles, manufacturing and operations. I

HSBC settles transactions using distributed ledger technology

HSBC has settled more than three million FX transactions and made more than 150,000 payments worth $250bn using distributed ledger technology (DLT). This solution, called HSBC FX Everywhere, has been used for the past year to orchestrate payments across HSBC’s internal balance sheets, creating significant efficiencies and opportunities. I

Societe Generale in the UK has signed the Women in Finance Charter, confirming its commitment to supporting the progression of women into senior roles across its UK business. The Women in Finance Charter is a UK Government sponsored initiative which reflects the aspiration to see a more equitable and fair industry in terms of gender balance at all levels across financial services.

Capgemini named STAR performer Capgemini it has been named a ‘STAR Performer’ in Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix for Healthcare Payer Digital Services, due to their growth in new client engagements, the value of these engagements and its portfolio mix. Capgemini’s innovative vision and capability in healthcare payer digital services was also recognised.

Christie's assits acquisition of Tony Ben archive

The archive of Tony Benn, Labour’s longest-serving MP, has been negotiated to the nation with the assistance of Christie's. It was accepted in lieu of inheritance tax and permanently allocated to the British Library. It provides rich documentation of his active political career as well as a substantial collection of source material reflecting the history of the UK during this time. I

Natixis named top employer for third year

Natixis is one of 82 companies awarded the Top Employer France 2019 certification for the quality of its human resources policies. The title attests to Natixis’

position as a company of choice that creates a high-quality working environment and promotes its staff’s development.’ I 20 - info - spring 2019

BUSINE S S WOR LD – NE WS AND ANALYSI S

Institut Français opens new boutique cinema Building on the success of the 230-seat Ciné Lumière, the Institut has opened a new boutique cinema for more flexible programming. As a cosy 34-seat cinema, Ciné Lumière II will provide the Institut the ability to feature specific programmes sought after by niche audiences: short films, TV series, documentaries, animation, and visual arts. I

Credit Suisse simplifies online credit requests for SMEs

AXA Commercial announces new SME Trading Centres

Credit Suisse and the Swiss software provider KLARA

Following a successful pilot across National Trading Centre,

Havre partnered to simplify finance for SMEs. In addition

Scotland and Birmingham branches, AXA Commercial has

to the innovative accounting solution that automatically

announced two SME Trading Centres in Bolton and Ipswich.

communicates with all interfaces, starting now, SMEs on

The SME Trading Centres will promote underwriting efficiency

KLARA can submit non-binding credit requests online to

and consistency of broker service to remain competitive in a

Credit Suisse. I

key area of the market. I

Chivas Brothers goes straw-less Luxury Scotch whisky brand Chivas Regal has pledged to stop using single-use plastic straws and stirrers in over 100 countries – and is now calling on cocktail lovers and bar owners around the world to go straw-less, too. The #BarStraws campaign encourages people to show their support through straw-free selfies. Chivas estimates that it will save millions of plastic straws and stirrers every year. I

Saint Gobain celebrates apprenticeships

SGG Group rebrands as IQ-EQ

Saint-Gobain has made great use of the Government

SGG Group, the world’s fourth largest investor services group, has announced a new name, visual identity and corporate website, rebranding to become IQ-EQ. Mark Pesco, Group CEO, said: ‘As a brand IQ-EQ perfectly embodies our thinking and reflects who we are and what we bring to the sector.’ I

apprenticeship levy for England, with over eight different types of apprenticeships now on offer for employees. These range from engineering to digital marketing, with apprenticeships in IT, procurement, supply chain and HGV driving in the pipeline. The Chartered Institute of Building have suggested that 157,000 new recruits will be needed by 2021 to satisfy demand in the construction industry. I

info

- spring 2019 - 21

Access and sharing economies and the disruption of real estate Real estate and construction are the next sectors to be disrupted by the access and sharing economies, say Karim Budabuss and Conor Mansfield of the professional services firm BDO UK LLP

W

orkplaces are evolving and a demand for flexible leases for occupants has become a trend amongst the office landscapes of major cities. A key driver to

this fast rate of change is technology, and the need to make the workplace a positive environment for employees. Plus, entrepreneurs and small businesses embracing technology to disrupt large corporate models need space to work, but

In early 2018, WeWork, a co-working space provider, became central London’s biggest office occupier, ahead of some of the world’s largest corporations such as JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank

ownership or rigid leasing models are often incompatible to their needs.

Access economy versus sharing economy

to create a diversified business model.

Furthermore, established property developers in the

Put simply, in the access economy model, a company owns

market such as British Land and International Workspace

assets and provides the crowd with access to the asset in

Group (IWG) are riding the waves of change by launching their

return for a one-off or ongoing membership fee. In the sharing

own co-working brands.

economy, the company connects suppliers with consumers

These radical changes to traditional leasing and ownership

directly in return for a commission fee. These disruptive

models are not solely experienced by commercial real estate.

models for various industries are here to stay, and companies

For example, WeWork has already begun rolling out their

face the challenge of turning its threat into an opportunity.

business model into retail (WeMRKT) and residential (WeLive)

The rise of access and sharing economies in real estate

markets, and as of spring 2017 Airbnb’s valuation was more than top hotel chains, including the likes of Hilton and Hyatt.

Technology and growing numbers of start-ups have led to the

Disruption to modern architecture

steep rise in demand for co-working, hot-desking and agile

The access and sharing economies will transform the

offices over the last five years, evidenced in early 2018 by the

way buildings are designed. The sharing workplace of the

crowning of WeWork; a co-working space provider, as central

future requires the design of flexible spaces that can be

London’s biggest office occupier, ahead of some of the world’s

easily adapted to sharing and provide perks such as gyms,

largest corporations such as JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank.

refreshments and networking zones.

In 2017, WeWork entered 31 new cities (such as Paris

Turning existing and heritage listed assets into co-working

and Beijing), built 90 new locations and signed more than

buildings with these features poses a great challenge, whilst

12,000 new companies, and has consolidated its position by

the buildings of the future will be conceived as adaptable,

expanding into higher-margin service businesses (such as

dynamic kit-of-parts that can be easily re-configured as the

architecture, construction and building management) in order

number of tenants grows or contracts. Unlike buildings of

22 - info - spring 2019

BUSINE S S WOR LD – BIG IDE A

today, future buildings will accommodate short term and long

valuable funding for innovative activity. Obtaining relief for

term tenancies from different industries all under one roof.

qualifying R&D costs generates a potentially substantial cash

Architects and engineers are already developing office concepts with areas of removable floor-slabs to enable

boost, providing a real incentive for undertaking further innovation.

inter-connecting floors without any major works. They are

More recently, the UK Government has made a big

identifying materials that can be used to absorb the increased

commitment to driving change in construction, through the

noise levels of co-working offices, due to their social nature

issuing of grant funding as part of the Industrial Strategy

compared to traditional corporate offices.

Challenge Fund. The Transforming Construction programme

Those involved in the design must allocate time and

has allocated £170m of funding for innovation, primarily

resources to overcome future challenges to remain at the

focused on investment of solutions to improve productivity,

forefront of the industry. Today, there are many technological

quality and performance of the UK construction sector. The

enablers that will play a significant role in resolving the

funding is aimed at innovative projects relating to any of the

challenges facing the industry, for example:

core stages of the construction cycle; production, build and

• advanced building materials; • pre-fabrication of building systems off-site;

management.

Will the access and sharing economies reshape our

• transformable structural systems;

buildings, neighbourhoods and cities forever? When everyone

• building information management (BIM);

can choose where they live and work regardless of their

• smart buildings and digital performance management;

income and social status, could socio-economic segregation in

• sustainable energy systems for buildings.

major cities become part of the past? Perhaps not completely,

Government funding

but the access and sharing economies will certainly introduce significant advancements to our buildings and cities, making

The UK Government provides various financial incentives to

it inevitable that key players in real estate must utilise the

encourage companies in the UK to develop the science and

technology and funding available to be at the forefront of the

technology that shapes the built environment we live and

access and sharing economies. I

work in. Research and development (R&D) tax relief provides

Established property developers such as British Land and International Workspace Group (IWG) are riding the waves of change by launching their own co-working brands

info

- spring 2019 - 23

BUSINE S S WOR LD – SME PROFILE

To queue or not to queue INFO speaks with Laurent Renassia, International Sales Director of ESII, a French company which improves customer journeys and queue management

Faire la queue or queuing up can be a pastime for some. But our solutions are not designed to manage queues, they remove them entirely

What does ESII do?

ESII operates in all the sectors where flows of people must be managed precisely, in a both effective and pleasant manner. This is what we call the customer experience. We also aim at offering good working conditions to staff and a fast return on investment to decisions makers.

What does ‘customer journey’ mean for ESII? ESII has always thought about the comfort of its clients, visitors or patients, and we take a holistic approach to finding solutions to their customer journeys. These journeys could include

things – and it has to be invisible. To

Queuing is a very British thing. Do

a patient with an appointment at the

that extent, we have a broad technical

your solutions differ in the UK and

hospital for a consultation after a

department, able to deal with issues

France?

surgery can be redirected automatically

from engineering to electronics or

I suppose ‘faire la queue’ (queuing up)

to the radiologist before attending the

embedded systems, like all the new

can be a pastime for some. But views

appointment. Or, in a grocery store, if a

software development systems.

may change if we calculate how many

client is planning to buy some cheese,

More than 25 percent of our staff is

years we lose queuing up. With more

some fish and then to buy some

dedicated to the research, creation and

than 18,000 users of our solutions

delicatessen, does he have to take three

conception of our solutions.

to date, including of visitors, clients,

different tickets and queue up each

patients etc., our view is that no one

time? If a client in a DIY shop is seeking

What led you to expand into the UK

likes to queue, and so our solutions are

a salesman for advice, does he have to

market?

not designed to manage queues, they

search in the store to address someone

We were settled in large parts of Europe

remove them entirely.

who might tell him that he’s not in

and Africa for the past a few years.

Of course, we also take into

charge of this department?

Our view is that in order to expand, a

account that users like salespeople,

company needs resources, and it has

administrative officers, and doctors

What technological innovations are

to be in touch with a major client to

need solutions that are easy to use,

you most excited about?

get a foothold in the market. We had

ergonomic and performance orientated.

In addition to our digital solutions

this kind of opportunity when we were

The aim is always to create a holistic

(client/serveur, client/léger, SaaS) we

working with Argos, but didn’t take

experience. I

are now focusing on AI and robotics to

that step at that time. But now that we

create new services. Our goal is to make

have had more time to move forward,

the client’s reception enjoyable, without

our solutions are ready and innovative

them noticing the complexity of the

for the UK market. We see it as an

technology implemented backstage.

opportunity and challenge.

The secret to help people accept change is for technology to ease

24 - info - spring 2019

• Turnover: €13.8 million • Present in countries: 45 • Users: +500 million

BUSINE S S WOR LD – SME NE WS

Admemori creates 'vegetal' artworks

F

rench digital art studio Admemori launches 'Flower Stock,' a collection of poetic films offering various vegetal artistic themes and seasons. It has been imagined to welcome guests and visitors in rooms or lobbies of hotels and businesses. It is an innovative and universal way of saying hello or welcome, a concept in step with trends towards nature and organic matter. I

Inbound Capital supports Energisme funding round

Sancheng Digital partners with Toulouse Business Exchange

I

S

nbound Capital acted as advisor for Energisme, the leading software platform in Europe dedicated to energy

data management and analytics for its latest funding round,

ancheng Digital will be partnering with Toulouse Business Exchange and Happy Home Toulouse to create

a series of events to enable business owners and managers

focusing on the preparation and communication of its equity

to explore the issues around performance and wellbeing.

story and the critically important Strategic Investor Targeting.

The initiative responds to a sharpened focus in business on

Last year, Energisme won the Finalist award at Inspire

issues surrounding the impact of employee interaction in the

Microsoft and was elected IoT Partner of the Year in France

workplace. I

by Microsoft. I

Doctors of the World crowdfunding for Global Clinic

Yooz launches in the UK

M

Y

edical charity Doctors of the World UK has launched a crowdfunding campaign to send the Global Clinic to

the field. The Global Clinic is a low-cost, easily-assembled, and

ooz, an international provider of intelligent

P2P

software,

today

durable solution to current challenges in emergency settings,

announces the launch of its automated, cloud-based accounts

creating a private and safe space for patients and doctors

payable (AP) solution in the UK. The company is dedicated to

worldwide. The campaign has a target of £15,000 to develop,

making an intelligent, automated P2P automation solution

deliver, and run the first Global Clinic for patients in need. I

easy and affordable for all UK businesses, regardless of size, industry and volume of documents. I

Homegrown launch members’ club for entrepreneurs and investors

H

ome Grown, a private members’ club for highgrowth entrepreneurs, investors, and business

leaders, opened in Marylebone, London on 3 April.

Dedicated to growing businesses, Home Grown from the team behind Home House, combines the luxuries of a members’ club with unrivalled networking opportunities, thanks to a carefully curated events programme including the Rock Star Series featuring high-profile business leaders. Members will also have access to a brasseriestyle restaurant, study café, bar, business lounges and meeting rooms, and 35 boutique bedrooms. I

info

- spring 2019 - 25

Coorpacademy and Video Arts to deliver learning content

C

oorpacademy, the leading up-skilling and Learning Experience Platform (LXP) in Europe, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Video Arts, the UK-based

learning provider set up by ex-Monty Python comedian and writer John Cleese and Yes, Minister creator Sir Antony Jay. I

ON5 completes successful energy saving pilot

Qwil Messenger joins Avaloq’s Software Exchange

E

L

nergy100,

an

innovative

behavior

change

programme being offered by ON5 UK, was

trialled throughout 2018. It proved to have a

ondon-based Qwil Messenger, a safe and compliant client chat platform for the global wealth management and financial service

sector, has become the latest technology firm to join Avaloq’s Software

potential to allow organisations to digitally track the

Exchange platform. The Avaloq Software Exchange offers access to the

company's environmental impact and become a

entire Avaloq Community, consisting of 158 banks worldwide which

great addition to the companies’ CSR strategies and

manage assets worth around $4 trillion using .I

goals, whilst positively affecting employee loyalty and retention rates. I

OMYAGUE celebrates corporate gifting fair

T

he aim of the second edition of the OMYAGUE LONDON Luxury Corporate Gifting Fair was to bring together select brands and genuine corporate gifts buyers. The show was a success with 1159 visitors attending. Lalique, Longchamp, Moleskine, Relais & Chateaux, and Swarovski, were just some of the brands which presented beautifully crafted and high-quality business gifts, as well as the latest trends in corporate gifting. I

CXB HUB recognised as a top 100 European start-up

C

ustomer experience innovative practitioners CXB HUB are celebrating their latest win, following selection by Red Herring as one of the top 100 private start-ups in Europe. The Red Herring Top 100 Europe celebrates outstanding entrepreneurs and businesses. Since 1996, Red Herring’s Top 100 list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising new companies and entrepreneurs, and being featured on this list is a major achievement for the team at CXB HUB. I

JIN partners with Kaïros Consulting on new offer

J

IN continues to expand its European and international development strategy by winning new budgets for 2019 with its expertise in influencer marketing and public relations. JIN will support companies with their financial communications strategy

in partnership with Anne-Sophie Gentil, founder of Kaïros Consulting, which advises listed companies and their leaders on financial communication. I 26 - info - spring 2019

BUSINE S S WOR LD – SME NE WS

Paralympian ambassadors for Humanity & Inclusion UK

P

aralympians Ross Wilson and Jack Hunter-Spivey became the new Ambassadors of the charity Humanity & Inclusion (HI) UK today. The

two renowned table tennis players will be supporting the organisation and its activities alongside people with disabilities living in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and natural disaster such as the aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique where HI teams are currently on the ground to support the most vulnerable. I

Tilkee opens London office

The Technicis Group rebrands as Acolad

T

T

subsidiary abroad for the Lyon-based company which should

and Sémantis) come together under a single brand name.

soon be followed by a presence in Germany in 2019. Tilkee's

The Technicis Group is the European leader in professional

fast growth over 2018 has culminated in the opening of its first

translation and localisation, with a turnover of €117m in 2018.

European subsidiary. I

Its clearer, simpler new brand structure is intended to support

ilkee, French software publisher of an artificial intelligence solution for sales optimisation, has announced the

opening of an office in London this month. This is the first

he launch of Acolad will see nine of the twelve companies that make up the Technicis Group (Technicis, VO Paris,

Cogen, Translation Probst, Arancho Doc, Soget, HL Trad, CPW

the Group’s international development. I

Stanley Robotics partners with Gatwick

S

tanley Robotics has announced that Gatwick will be the first UK airport to test their valet parking robots. An initial trial with will run from the second half of 2019 to early 2020.

Passengers will leave their cars close to the South Terminal entrance and a driverless robot will lift the car and store it in a secure car park. I

Juris.live partners with Amberlo

J

uris.live has launched JurisLive Management, a solution developed to ease invoicing for law firms, in partnership with the Lithuanian company Amberlo, to ensure better market coverage for law firms. The partnership guarantees Juris.live exclusivity for sales on the French and the UK market. I

French Morning London searches for London’s best baguette

F

rench Morning London, an online news magazine dedicated to the French speaking community, is organising a best baguette competition. A jury of professionals

will decide the winner during a blind taste test open to the public on 19 May at the Huckster London in Paddington. The competition follows the success of competitions in the United States (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, New Orleans, and Chicago). I

info

- spring 2019 - 27

Ponant supports ocean clean-up project

P

onant, the world leader in luxury expedition and the only French cruise ship owner, continues its environmental commitment by

providing support to the Aldabra Clean Up, an exemplary project to combat plastic pollution, preserve the Aldabra atoll in the Seychelles and raise global awareness. I

BUSINE S S WOR LD – S TART- UP PROFILE

Sent and Received Tilkee is a cloud-based tool used to track your digital documents. INFO speaks with Founder Syvain Tillion

I launched Tilkee with co-founder Tim because I was tired of never knowing if my proposals were read and by whom company there while I was studying.

Then I started my second company when my first was crashing. I created Tilkee (my third company) while I was still working on my second company. I never questioned launching a company anywhere else – it was easier to manage two companies from the same place.

What is Tilkee?

Plus Lyon has many advantages. It’s

Tilkee is a data-driven sales platform

processes – sales, marketing, events,

close to Paris, it’s close to Germany,

that helps sales and marketing teams

and recruiting – and created solutions

Switzerland and Italy. It’s greener, less

to be more efficient using our digital

for all these processes in a platform

crazy and less expensive than Paris. In

document tracking solution. Our aim

called Tilkee.

my opinion, Lyon is the best place in

is to boost our customers’ business

France to create a company.

by empowering sales and marketing

What advice would you give to other

through reliable and actionable data.

entrepreneurs launching a start-up?

What has led to your expansion in

Don't be afraid to sell! People won’t

the UK?

Where did the idea for the business

buy your great and innovative product

We'd signed a few large UK clients and

come from?

unless you have a smooth, efficient

it was the right time to accelerate UK

I launched Tilkee with co-founder Tim

sales process.

growth with a local presence. And we

because I was tired of never knowing if

anticipated this expansion by hiring

my proposals were read and by whom.

Why did you choose Lyon as your

Kate Pringle as UK Country Manager in

Since 2014, we’ve applied our tracking

base of operations?

2016. We have complete trust in her to

technology to different business

I studied in Lyon and created my first

develop Tilkee in the UK. I

28 - info - spring 2019

E DUC ATION – NE WS

ESSEC launches digital campus

Université Dauphine opens new London campus London

ESSEC Business School is launching an augmented

Campus is situated in a recently

digital campus which offers a unique and rich online

refurbished and bright building near

learning experience that cannot be found on a traditional

Angel and St Pancras International

campus setting. The Augmented Digital Campus will

stations. It benefits from high speed

enable ESSEC students to have a permanent connection

Université

Dauphine’s

wi-fi and outdoor yards and terrace.

to the global ESSEC community. It is a tool through which

Room hire and short term occupancy are also available, particularly

the leaders of tomorrow will be able to anticipate the

outside of academic semesters. I

changes in the business world and adapt quickly. I

EM Normandie researchers win maritime economics prize Dr Linh Chi Vo, Dr Mary-Catherine Lavissière and Dr Alexandre Lavissière, were awarded the best maritime article prize for emerging economies during the 26th conference of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), attended by the 100 best maritime economists in the world in Mombasa, Kenya. Their research was conducted through EM Normandie’s Institut Portuaire d’Enseignement et de Recherche, which trains female port executives every year under the aegis of the International Maritime Organisation, a UNO agency. I

Refugees rewarded at HEC ceremony

ESCP Europe celebrates bicentenary

The second cohort

ESCP Europe, the oldest

of refugees received

pan-European

their

Wintegreat

school, is proud of its huge

at HEC certificates

impact on innovation over

capping a twelve-

the past 200 years. To mark

week course aimed

the event, faculty, business

business

at providing a toolkit for professional and personal integration

leaders, experts, politicians

into their host nation. The refugees in HEC’s term-long course

and artists will take part in an unprecedented ‘European

hailed from as far afield as Syria, Afghanistan, Tibet, Libya and

Tour’ to rethink place of businesses and companies in the

Gambia. They had spent the best part of three months forging

world of tomorrow, including technical and technological

an educational experience designed to help disenfranchised

opportunities, social and environmental impacts, and the

yet educated refugees revive their professional projects

issue related to the question of individual and collective

in France. I

meaningfulness. I

EDHEC to host private infrastructure investment conference EDHECinfra Days is a two-day conference, focusing on private infrastructure equity investing and private infrastructure debt on 6-7 June 2019. Day one will be dedicated to a half-day executive infrastructure investment Masterclass focusing on advanced asset valuation and portfolio construction techniques for asset owners and managers. Day two will feature breakout stream sessions conducted by our senior researchers and sponsored 45-minute workshop sessions. I

NEOMA Business School to boost courses for international students From September 2019, the Global BBA and TEMA programmes (Bachelor in Digital & Innovation) will be available on the School's Paris campus. Two new Masters of Science will also be on offer: MSc in Finance & Big Data, offering a comprehensive understanding of data exploitation and financial service concerns; and MSc in Risk and Financial Technologies. I

info

- spring 2019 - 29

R E PORT S & R E SE ARCH – BUSINE S S WOR LD

A selection of research papers and reports produced by Chamber member companies and partners

The Stevenson / Farmer review of mental health and employers: The Future of Jobs Report 2018 Thriving at Work sets out what employers can do to better support all employees, including those with mental health problems to remain in and thrive through work.

The review quantifies how investing in supporting mental health at work is good for business and productivity. The most important recommendation is that all employers, regardless of size or industry, should adopt 6 ‘mental health core standards’ that lay basic foundations for an approach to workplace mental health. It also details how large employers and the public sector can develop these standards further through a set of ‘mental health enhanced standards’. The review also makes a series of recommendations to government and other bodies.

Thriving at work - October 2017 Available at: https://bit.ly/2qvjrov

Deloitte: Mental Health and employers: The case for investment Theresa May announced a series of mental health reforms in the UK on 9th January 2017.

As part of this, an Independent Review of Mental Health and Employers was commissioned to understand how employers can better support all individuals currently in employment (including those with poor mental health or wellbeing, to remain in, and thrive through work.

Mental Health and employers: The case for investment - October 2017 Available at: https://bit.ly/2hwdLWE

CIPD – Health and Well-being at Work The survey of over 1,000 HR professionals provides important insights into one of the most pressing issues of the modern workplace: the health and well-being of people at work. The new Health and Well-being at Work survey now covers the wider issues around health and well-being in the workplace; a section on managing absence remains, but it also explores mental health, the impact of technology on employee well-being, work-related stress, managing disabilities, and long-term health conditions.

Health and Well-being at Work - May 2018 Available at: https://bit.ly/2HMw2Ky

info- -info spring 2019 2019 - 30 30 - spring

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32 - info - spring 2019

Health & Wellbeing at Work

G

ood health is good for business. The now well-accepted notion that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce is also critical to help attract

and retain the best people. What is increasingly being called ‘good work’ are jobs that offer individual support and work-life balance, in addition to job security and a liveable income. ‘Good work’ is associated with better physical and mental health, and less absenteeism.

Yet, even with the best intensions, the business community is still playing catchup and the challenges are clear. A Transport for London study found workers with obesity take an average of three sick days more than those of normal weight. A survey of 25,000 health workers found that those who smoked are twice as likely to take time off work. The mental health charity Mind reported that one in five employees have called in sick to avoid workplace stress, and more than half of all employers said they would like to do more to improve staff wellbeing – but don't feel they have the right training or guidance.

For businesses that do take measures to implement health and wellbeing programmes, the gains can be substantial. The London School of Economics analysed data from the Royal Mail, where an investment of £45m generated

a

£225m return on investment in a three year period.

What is now required to help businesses provide the right programmes and support for the employees? Through interviews with leading figures in the business world, to case studies from a range of industries, this Focus explores different ways to nurture and develop the workforce, no matter your company’s size and no matter your sector. There is a growing momentum in workplace health and wellbeing, spurred by changes in society, government and the private sector. The pages that follow seek to offer a picture of a healthier and happier workforce. I

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- spring 2019 - 33

Health & Wellbeing at Work I N

N U M B E R S

Poor mental health at work costs the UK economy between ÂŁ74 billion and ÂŁ99 billion per year

Source: Thriving at work, The Stevenson / Farmer review of mental health and employers

Top 5 causes of stress at work (in top 3 causes, % of respondents)

Source: Health and Well-being at Work, Survey Report May 2018, CIPD

131m

working days are lost to sickness absence every year Source: Thriving at work, The Stevenson / Farmer review of mental health and employers

Source: Public Health England, The Work Foundation

Benefits of investing in health and wellbeing (% of respondents)

44% Better employee morale and engagement

35% A healthier and more inclusive culture

Source: Health and Well-being at Work, Survey Report May 2018, CIPD

31% Lower sickness absence

INFOGR APHICS – FOCUS

The top three factors that influence organisations’ decisions to purchase wellbeing benefits for employees (% of respondents)

Source: Health and Well-being at Work, Survey Report May 2018, CIPD

What has your organisation’s employee health and wellbeing activity achieved in the past 12 months? (% of respondents)

Source: Health and Well-being at Work, Survey Report May 2018, CIPD

61%

of employees have experienced mental health issues due to work or where work was a related factor Source: Seizing the Momentum, Mental Health at Work 2018 Report, Business in the Community

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- spring 2019 - 35

Advancing the Conversation The business community is waking up to the benefits of mental health provision, says the leading business figure Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman of Barclays UK

T

The debate happening now has moved far from where it was even ten to fifteen years ago, when stigma around mental health was still paramount

he main reason for absence at work is due to issues related to mental health, with depression,

anxiety and stress recently overtaking physical ailments, like bad backs, for the top spot. Accordingly, companies are rushing to incorporate mental health provision for their employees.

For Sir Ian Cheshire, an international business leader and mental health advocate, this is indicative of what

about their mental health challenges.

Voluntary groups are also playing an

he calls a ‘sea change’ in how mental

Fry, who is also President of the mental

important part in acting as aggregators

health is being measured, reported and

health charity Mind, has spoken about

of best-practice across the business

addressed by British businesses.

the positive impact of talking honestly.

community.

‘The debate happening now has

Though the campaign advanced

A recent independent review of

moved far from where it was even ten to

the conversation about mental health

mental health and employers by Lord

fifteen years ago, when stigma around

in society, Cheshire notes that it was

Dennis Stevenson and Paul Farmer

mental health was still paramount,’ says

slower to penetrate the business world,

received government backing and

Cheshire, former CEO of Kingfisher, the

where the stigma around mental health

produced the report ‘Thriving at Work.’

British multinational retailer.

was still linked to competency and job

In addition to his role as Chairman of Barclays UK, Cheshire also chairs

security in the minds of many.

But this too has begun to change,

‘The important thing now is for cross-industry work to happen,’ says Cheshire. ‘We also need to see money

Heads Together, a mental health

with prominent figures from the

being spent on shared resources, as

initiative spearheaded by the Duke and

business community speaking openly

these crucially need to be free for small

Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke

about depression and anxiety, including

businesses unable to set up their own

of Sussex. He is a leader of a growing

Jayne-Anne Gadhia, chief executive

internal programmes.’

movement across British boardrooms,

of Virgin Money, and António Horta-

where mental health in the workplace

Osório, CEO of Lloyds Bank, and greater

are immediate. ‘If you can help people

and wider society are being discussed

attention paid in mainstream media.

address their mental health issues while

with great urgency.

Heads Together is best known for

Cheshire notes that traditional

For Cheshire, the potential benefits

in work, they recover more quickly.

business groups like the CBI and the

And if you can keep them well, this will

attracting celebrity ambassadors like

Federation of Small Businesses have

have a hugely positive impact on the

the footballer Rio Ferdinand and actor

begun to produce a significant amount

business.’ I

Stephen Fry, who have spoken openly

of research and business insight.

T H E AGENDA Sir Ian Cheshire outlines three key milestones for mental health provision within British businesses to achieve within the next five to ten years.  All companies should have at least a minimum of mental health support services for employees, available digitally and accessible universally

36 - info - spring 2019

 Widespread mental health management training should be the norm  Individuals coming forward with personal stories of mental health should be celebrated in the wider community, with awards and recognition for those who have helped push the conversation forward

HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS

Transparency on the agenda INFO republishes an excerpt from the UK government’s Stevenson-Farmer report, which advocates greater transparency in the context of a significant mental health challenge in British workplaces

I

ncreasing employer transparency presents the biggest opportunity to encourage a greater breadth and depth of employer action on mental health, and strong leadership is

vital to ensuring this change is felt throughout organisations.

Internal transparency Employers can improve internal transparency by adopting six mental health ‘core standards,’ in discussion with their employees.

Only 11 percent of the Top 100 companies in Great Britain have disclosed information about their initiatives to support their employees’ mental health in their annual reports First, employers can signal commitment to mental health through publicly committing to deliver the mental health core

These core standards are: produce and implement a mental health at work plan; develop mental health awareness among

and enhanced standards to protect and improve the mental health of their employees.

employees; encourage open conversations about mental health

All employers can also publicly commit to mental health by

and the support available; provide good working conditions;

signing a pledge, or publishing a statement or plan. Thousands

promote effective people management; and routinely monitor

of employers have worked with Time to Change and Mindful

mental health and wellbeing.

Employer over the last 15 years.

It is vital that employees can help steer initiatives to ensure

There are already various platforms in place to encourage

that the mental health core standards are adopted in a way that

public sector organisations to signal commitment on mental

meets the particular interests and needs in that organisation.

health, and private sector organisations are encouraged to

Employers can also be transparent internally about the impact of any initiatives or support, and can measure employee

commit to various social, ethical or environmental priorities through legislation and guidance.

mental health and wellbeing through surveys and mood

The report recommended public sector employers and the

trackers. Organisations can report on findings internally in

3,500 private sector companies with more than 500 employees

order to encourage discussion throughout the organisation

report externally on their work to improve workplace mental

and increase accountability of the organisation to employees

health. It recommends that the Government considers

for delivering against the mental health core or enhanced

amending legislation and guidance, including the Companies

standards.

Act, to encourage employers to report on workplace mental health on their website or other channels. Employer action on

External transparency

mental health is intrinsically measurable.

The report argued that greater public transparency will create

Employers can track a number of measurements including

a sense of competition between employers, promoting success

sickness absence; staff survey results; take up of Employee

and driving and maintaining cultural change. Yet according to

Assistance Programmes or Occupational Health Services; and

data gathered by Business in the Community, only 11 percent

disclosure rates. On certain measures, the report expects

of the Top 100 companies in Great Britain have disclosed

numbers to rise initially as people become more confident in

information about their initiatives to support their employees’

discussing their mental health and aware of the support on

mental health in their annual reports. This needs to change.

offer to them. I Source: Thriving at work / The Stevenson-Farmer Review of mental health and employers

BENC HMARKING Mind’s ‘Workplace Wellbeing Index,’ uses an employer and staff survey to assess an employer’s current policy and practice.

The higher tiers of this assessment include staff interviews carried out by a Mind consultant to gather qualitative feedback to be integrated into a comprehensive report.

Vitality’s ‘Britain’s Healthiest Workplace,’ requires employees to fill in an online survey about their general health, lifestyle behaviours, mental health status and their work environment. High performing organisations receive awards.

info

- spring 2019 - 37

The Moral Case A recent CBI report says that businesses need to act now to address health and wellbeing in the workplace, following societal shifts which reflects greater openness and acceptance

I

n November 2018, business leaders across the UK, including Royal Mail, WHSmith, PwC, Reed Smith and Ford, addressed an open letter to Theresa May demanding that mental health

be given as much credence as first aid in legislation.

Traditionally, cost savings have provided the impetus for company investment in this field. CBI’s ‘Front of Mind’ report

My vision is of a society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and no one loses their job because of poor mental health

estimates that companies with a proactive approach to promoting their employee’s health can improve their financial

a competitive edge. Mental health issues should not only be

performance by as much as 10 percent.

addressed after diagnosis, but actively prevented.

The open letter reflects changing attitudes to health and

This has a reciprocal benefit. Currently, projections are

wellbeing at work. It states that ‘the cost is not just financial,

that the UK will have a shortfall of 3.1 million workers by 2050,

because left untreated mental ill health impacts a person’s

largely reflecting the disparity between those retiring and those

relationships with friends and family and ultimately their quality

entering work, as the population ages.

of life.’

The CBI report also underlines that work has a role to play in an individual’s health and wellbeing. It is associated

For those reaching the end of their career, health and wellbeing support throughout their work life can enable people to stay in work and perform for longer.

with employee self esteem, financial security and the building

Health programmes are also increasingly important to a

of social relationships. The report says that supporting an

company’s image and brand. Sixty-nine percent of the public

employee’s health and wellbeing is now seen as ‘the right thing

say that the way an employer treats their employees is the

to do.’

primary influence on their perception of a business. This

A competitive edge

extends to both customer-base and to recruitment of talent.

For companies, the moral obligation to implement the change

A top down approach

is clear, and stems from larger societal shifts. A health and

The ‘Front of Mind’ report offers a blueprint for businesses

wellbeing programme is no longer perceived as a bonus but

considering implementation of a health and wellbeing strategy.

a necessity.

Foremost is the ‘top down approach,’ whereby senior leadership

Fifty-six percent of employees believe that their employer

are responsible for communicating the priorities externally and

should help them live healthier lifestyles, according to CBI.

fostering acceptance internally.

Thirty-seven percent of millennials think that workplace health

According to the CBI, effective communication should

and wellbeing should be a priority for senior management.

address:

Twenty-six percent of UK firms say they are entirely reactive

1. Why the organisation has chosen to prioritise health and

in complying with current health regulations and issues as they

wellbeing;

arise. However, under the weight of society’s expectations,

2. How these plans will be taken forward;

companies must take proactive measures in order to maintain

3. What specific provisions are available for staff.

38 - info - spring 2019

HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS

The cost is not just financial, left untreated mental ill health impacts a person’s relationships with friends and family and ultimately their quality of life

The report continues with an outline for implementation,

boon to companies. With noticeable increases in engagement

which involves introducing health apps to allow employees to

and decreases in absenteeism, happier and healthier

take control of their own wellbeing and establishing private

employees can make the difference.

medical insurance packages.

They

also

These initiatives can also lead to help reduce rising health

recommend

raising

awareness

through

care costs, with current estimates showing that these cost the

partnerships with external organisations, ensuring physical and

economy around £110bn per year. Prevention and intervention

mental health has equal focus, and taking a rounded view of

in the workplace and private health care options offered by

the employees' needs, both at work and externally. This can be

employers can a play vital role in decreasing dependency on

aided by allowing flexible working to help those experiencing

its public services.

poor health return to work.

The CBI report also emphasises the government’s role in supporting change. ‘My vision is of a society where everyone

A broader impact

has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and no one loses

There are early indicators that efforts in the business

their job because of poor mental health,’ says Minister for

community to tackle these issues can affect change through

Disabled People, Sarah Newton.

the wider economy and society.

With the moral case for health and wellbeing now front and

With productivity in the UK trailing the US and continental

centre, it is an unprecedented time for companies to act. I SL

Europe by 30 percent, health and wellbeing initiatives can be a

WHY HEALTH AND WELLBEING MATTERS

THE FACTS:  In the UK, poor mental health alone is estimated to cost between £74 and £99 billion per year

 1.3 million people suffered from a new or longstanding work-related illness in 2017

 Today more than 4 in 5 businesses (86%) have seen presenteeism in their workplace in the last year

 Workplace health & wellbeing is ranked one of the top three priorities for senior leaders in 1 in 5 firm

Source: Front of Mind: Prioritising Workplace Health and Wellbeing, CBI, 2018

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- spring 2019 - 39

A Need for Collaboration The conversation around mental health in the business community is shifting and now is the moment to act, says Simon Berger, Founder of Mad World, an annual conference dedicated to the issue

M

ental health is quickly rising up the corporate agenda, as most companies acknowledge that a health workforce is a positive advantage to good business.

But for businesses entering into the world of mental health and wellbeing, the question is always where to begin.

Simon Berger, Founding Partner of Mad World, an annual conference and exhibition on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, aims to provide the context and case studies for businesses. The event, now entering its second year, is supported by Forbes and industry groups such as the Retail Trust and Business in the Community.

‘Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is a complex problem that needs a collaborative, committed and sustainable approach to create systemic and cultural change across all sizes of business,’ says Berger.

There is a clear opportunity to develop programmes to

Collaboration and real time knowledgesharing across industries and departments is key if we are going to seize the momentum which is building

suit the current workforce. For employers already active in the mental health and wellbeing space, this means questioning

And he adds that companies should be mindful of ‘the

how their strategies can have a sustainable impact across the

implications of the evolving regulatory landscape for HR,

business. Yet, Berger notes, many employers are still struggling

diversity and inclusion, and health and safety policies.’

to navigate the chaos of resources.

‘There’s a real hunger for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.

Mad, mad world

That’s where Mad World can help,’ says Berger, whose

The inaugural edition of the Mad World conference, held in

organisation also produces a fortnightly newsletter offering

October 2018, provided a stage for innovative global leaders in

fresh thinking on how to support and promote the mental

established industries and bold disruptors who are setting the

health and wellbeing of employees.

benchmark for a new corporate culture. Companies that took

Berger also sees the issue as imperative for employers

part include Airbus, Bank of England, Barclays, and Google.

who want to attract and retain top talent in future. This means

The event produced a range of shared insight and a

understanding and adapting to the needs of the next generation

convergence of thought leadership. According to Berger,

entering the workforce.

this ranged from how to get boardroom buy-in to how to

Next steps

create a global mental health strategy that resonates with a multigenerational and culturally diverse workforce.

Looking ahead, Berger notes a growing interest in sharing best-

The B2B wellness platform Unmind was given the Mad

practice case studies between companies and organisations,

World 2018 Innovation Award, reflecting a growing conversation

and concrete examples of what has and hasn’t worked, in terms

in the tech industries. Mad World’s TechTalk showcase gave ten

of measuring the ROI of wellbeing strategies.

digital mental health solution providers the opportunity to pitch

‘Beyond tackling stigma, companies should be looking

to a panel of experts.

at how they can devise and implement cohesive strategies

Berger notes that while stigma is still an issue, initiatives like

that will create lasting change across organisations,’ says

the Summit are part of a growing movement which is reframing

Berger. ‘Collaboration and real time knowledge-sharing across

the conversation around mental health.

industries and departments is key if we are going to seize the momentum which is building.'

‘We need everyone to understand that we all have mental and physical health that ebbs and flows between thriving and

He notes that organisations like BetterSpace are leading

suffering,' says Berger. ‘We want it to become as natural and

in this area. Their Big Wellbeing Data Project aims to appraise

easy to talk about our mental health as it is to talk about what

the effectiveness of leading wellbeing solutions and create

we did at the weekend.’ I

investment certainty for CFOs. Berger would also like to see increased attention put on

The next Mad World Summit will be held in London on 9

positive psychology and prevention, with a focus on improving

October 2019. For event updates and fortnightly Mad

leadership skills and management capabilities for instance.

World News go to madworldsummit.com

40 - info - spring 2019

HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS

Implementing Wellbeing at Work The workplace can be a force for positive change says Louise Padmore, Co-Founder of Work Well Being, an organisation which delivers workplace wellbeing programmes

T

he financial cost of an unwell and disengaged

to present the return on investment and business benefits of

workforce cannot be ignored as a key driver for

investing in the health of employees.

investing in the wellbeing of employees.

A further barrier can also be that in recent years the

According to the UK government’s Thriving at Work

workplace wellbeing marketplace has become saturated

Report, poor mental health cost UK employers between £33

with providers professing to offer different solutions. The

billion - £42 billion per year in 2017. While Britain’s Healthiest

volume of choice, which varies dramatically in quality, can be

Workplace Survey in the same year showed that the average

overwhelming, and it can be challenging to know where to

UK employee loses 30 productive days each year due to

begin and what the correct solution for your business may

absenteeism & presenteeism through ill health.

be. We always begin by ensuring that we support our clients

Conversely when you proactively invest in the health and wellbeing of your people, from a business perspective what you get is exceptional results, low staff turnover, high levels of engagement and a more innovative, learning atmosphere.

Wellbeing programmes also provide our clients with

to define clear objectives for any programme and shape our solution to meet these.

Measuring success The majority of organisations view employee wellbeing as a

a competitive advantage, supporting them to attract and

broader workplace and business driver rather than a tactical

retain the best talent. The CoreNet survey, Sustaining Talent

way to control absence and improve productivity.

through Wellbeing in the Workplace, showed that 80 percent

We do track engagement with the programme via

of employees agree that a company’s wellness offering will

attendance and feedback (anecdotal and quantitative) that

be crucial in recruiting and retaining them within the next 10

we gather on each of the individual workshops and training

years.

courses. For some of our training courses we conduct pre and post surveys to track shifts in attitudes and knowledge.

Planning and implementation

It comes back to culture, fostering and allowing a culture

The reality is that for most businesses there is still an absence

to emerge in which people feel appreciated, well-resourced,

of dedicated financial resources to put behind a wellbeing

well-managed, cared for human to human. Putting in place

programme. We also know that a degree of resistance can

strategies that encourage wellbeing and demonstrating an

exist when it comes to convincing some stakeholders of the

understanding of these basic principles of human behaviour

business benefits of investing in wellness.

will pay huge dividends. Slowly shifting an organisation’s

We work with our clients to demonstrate the business case for internal stakeholders, drawing on evidence-based research

culture can’t be measured purely in terms of hard metrics, our clients see it more as a movement and long-term evolution. I

Success and wellbeing of people and business go hand in hand. Organisations that understand and act on this will continue to adapt, innovate and outperform those that don’t C A SE S TU DY: FU S E Work Well Being worked with Fuse, a marketing agency within the Omnicom Media Group, to implement a series of coaching sessions designed to provide employees with a confidential space to talk and access an unbiased sounding board.

The ‘Time to Talk’ 1:1 sessions contributed to encourage an open dialogue with all staff.

‘We know people won’t want to discuss everything with their line manager. Access to mental health services can be difficult, so in providing this space for people at work,

they know that they have the opportunity to discuss anything from stress and bereavement to relationship advice or financial worries, whether work related or not, in a completely confidential and supportive space,’ says Louise Johnson, CEO of Fuse.

info

- spring 2019 - 41

Embedding mental health provision into the culture of a school Positive attitudes and solutions to mental health should be addressed at an early age, explains Colette Shulver, Head of the Wellbeing and Learning Support Service at Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill

M

ental health is increasingly at the forefront of the news agenda, and it's not all

negative. Encouragingly, more and more people from all walks of life are opening up about the challenges they face, and sharing their experiences.

But it’s not only adults that are looking to find ways to tackle and overcome these hurdles; children too face highly demanding schedules that they require support with.

That’s why at our school, Lycée International Winston Churchill, we’ve embedded mental wellbeing into our ethos. A question we asked our international community four years ago when the school was founded was,

A question we asked our international community was: How do we meet the growing challenge of mental health which is so often neglected in the UK education system?

‘How do we meet the growing challenge of mental health which is so often

to come and talk with a group and

opportunity to try art therapy and see

neglected in the UK education system?’

encourage them to ask for the specific

how it might be useful for children.

Part of the answer to this question

information these agencies might be

Last year, parents created a bank

came in the establishment of our

able to provide. We also offer stress

of resources to support learning

Wellbeing and Learning Support Service,

management workshops to Sixth Form

difficulties in both languages, and this

composed of a dedicated team of

students in Mindfulness and Cognitive

has now been shared with the staff

social and emotional counsellors, a

Behavioural Therapy.

and community to support issues such

learning specialist, a nurse and even a

In addition, we have two trained

as dyslexia, ADHD and other learning

dog therapist to support our students

art therapists, for students who might

challenges. Parents have an important

and enable them to overcome any

struggle with verbal reasoning, or find

role to play in terms of our ability to

challenges they might face during the

it challenging, and our part-time dog

listen to issues affecting our families,

course of their school life.

therapist is really useful in helping

and put things into place to support

to take a child out of the school

and address them. They are also a huge

environment, either for a quick walk or

influence on new families joining us and

to simply see things in a different way.

signposting where help and support can

A family approach The biggest challenge we have is to educate students to know when they

Where possible, we work with

be found.

need help to manage their stress and

the whole family to support and

where to go, in addition to helping them

communicate about the wellbeing of

Service, now in its fourth year at the

understand that this is a skill in itself

the child. Fortnightly coffee mornings

Lycée, is embedded in the culture

and not a sign of weakness.

for parents run by the social emotional

of the school. Our work with the

counsellor, the school nurse, and the

school community has shown that, by

solutions for students experiencing

learning specialist are an opportunity to

addressing social and emotional needs,

stress. It might be a particular issue

meet with parents to discuss pertinent

our students are equipped with the

pertinent to a group of students in

issues, such as sleep and screen time

necessary tools to be able to focus on

school; in which case we can invite

management, or attachment theory

their school life and, most importantly,

external, specialist professionals

and how it affects learning, or an

be healthy, happy individuals. I

We therefore provide a range of

42 - info - spring 2019

The Wellbeing and Learning Support

HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS

SMES and mental health Co–founder of innovation accelerator The Bakery, Andrew Humphries, shares how he promotes mental wellbeing for his employees

J

ust as our business at The Bakery is about helping tech start–ups to scale–up, I also put great emphasis on helping my team members grow, both personally and

professionally.

In a small business such as ours, it’s important that employees are comfortable in their role and within the team.

It’s equally important they feel that they are progressing towards their own personal growth ambitions too.

To promote inclusivity in the workplace, I arrange away days and weekly get–togethers to foster team spirit. I encourage team members to air their views and I’m there if any of the team wants to get something off their minds.

4 in 10 in of the British workforce have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition in the workplace

As well as general employee wellbeing, I have a great interest in mental health. At The Bakery we use a coaching start–up called Sanctus, which enables our employees to

can help us enjoy the world around us and understand

benefit from the kind of coaching that’s usually only available

ourselves better. Committing to some mindful minutes can

to people in larger organisations.

also provide some much needed respite from a busy day.

I also recommend my team practise mindfulness on a regular basis. Becoming more aware of the present moment

There are several apps out there that people can use including Headspace, Calm and Stop, Breathe & Think. I

CHECKLIST TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ENCOURAGE THEIR OWN T EA M SEL F–MANAGE THEIR MENTAL HEALTH  Set an example for your team by managing boundaries between work and home. Not emailing outside of working hours, can help them – and you – to maintain a healthy work–life balance.

 Supporting employees to develop their resilience can help protect their mental health and can also give them an inner strength and confidence.  Help employees strengthen their emotional intelligence by being attuned to their own emotions as well as those of others.

Encourage them to recognise when they are struggling with pressure and to talk about it.  Resilience training and mindfulness techniques can help employees to strengthen and maintain their emotional intelligence.

 Prioritise and play to employees’ strengths.

Ask them about the tasks they enjoy most in their role and see if there are opportunities to develop these. Similarly, encourage them to think about how they could better use their talents and how they might develop these further.

 It’s important for employees to take time to relax and think about their personal and professional goals based on their values and strengths.

Source: AXA / Well Workplace Guide

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Time for change: UK disability discrimination Attitudes towards openness and acceptance are changing slowly but surely, and for the better, says Raymond Silverstein, Partner and employment lawyer at Browne Jacobson LLP

T

here is an uncomfortable inevitability that, even when our political system is operating ‘normally’, UK law and statute law in particular, lags behind changes in social

mores and developments in science and technology.

A billion people across our planet live with a disability, according to the World Health Organisation. A US survey found that 74 percent of those with disabilities do not use a wheelchair or anything else that might visually signal their impairment.

A 2011 Canadian survey found that 88 percent of people with ‘hidden’ disabilities,' such as depression and other mental health disabilities including, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and HIV, had a negative view of disclosing their disability on the grounds that they feared being negatively labelled due to stigma issues surrounding mental health.

The Mental Health at Work 2018 Report, produced by Business in the Community, a British business community outreach charity, found that 54 percent of 4,626 employees surveyed feel comfortable talking generally in the workplace

health conditions, such as PTSD. A study of more than 2,000

about mental health issues.

18-year olds published this year in the Lancet Psychiatry

This is due, in significant part, to a number of high profile

found that a third had experienced trauma in childhood, from

public figures, such as His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex,

which one quarter had developed PTSD, half of whom had

better known as Prince Harry, speaking openly and movingly

experienced a major depressive episode and one in five had

about their own mental health and wellbeing. More openness

attempted suicide. Only one in five of the teenagers had been

is to be applauded, not least because the UK Department of

seen by a mental health professional in the past year. There is

Health advises that one in four of us will experience mental ill

no reason to believe the issue is limited to that generation who

health over the course of our lives

are, in any event, entering the workforce.

Discrimination and the law

The duty of employers

Disability discrimination has been illegal in the UK for almost

Most employers understand the legal duty and mutual benefit

25 years. However, we are a long way from ensuring that

of protecting the health and well-being of their employees. The

disabled people are not subjected to discrimination. The

kinds of measures they take vary from what may be termed a

Equality and Human Rights Commission has reported that the

laissez-faire approach (where the burden is on the employee

disability pay gap in Britain continues to widen and was 13.6

to take responsibility for their own work-life balance), to what

percent according to their 2017 report. Disability Rights UK, a

might be described as a more hands-on one.

UK pan-disability charity, estimates that there were 3.7 million

The former, more prevalent in the US, is exemplified by giving

people of working age (16-64) with disabilities in employment in

the employee absolute power to take as much paid holiday as

January-March 2018, an employment rate of 50.7 percent. The

he/she wishes, as long as the work is done satisfactorily. This

employment rate for people of working age without disabilities

model works best in an employment ‘at will’ legal landscape.

for the period was 81.1 percent.

An example of the hands-on approach is giving employees the

The shift towards more openness is also being pushed

‘right to disconnect’ to avoid work emails outside working hours.

forward by scientific studies that shed new light on mental

The effectiveness of these sorts of initiatives, with respect to

44 - info - spring 2019

HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS

More openness is to be applauded, not least because the UK Department of Health advises that one in four of us will experience mental ill health over the course of our lives protecting the health and well-being of employees, remains to be seen.

In the UK an employer cannot be held liable for several key forms of disability discrimination, including failure to make reasonable adjustments, unless it knew, or should have known, about an employee’s disability.

Furthermore, the default

position is that a prospective employer must not ask health questions of a prospective employee before offering them a job.

Disclosure It is easy to understand why these legal provisions were introduced, but it is correct to note that many claims of disability discrimination stand or fall on the often complex issue of whether the employer knew, or should have known, the employee (or job applicant) was disabled. A negative finding to each of the two questions will provide the employer with a complete defence to a claim.

the very outset of the employment relationship.

Ultimately, the general prohibition on asking health

An alternative approach would be to encourage disabled

questions, though well intentioned, does not assist a disabled

people to bring their disability to the attention of a prospective

job applicant, especially one who has a hidden disability, given

employer/employer, if they wish. Should they choose to do

the knowledge rule. A disabled person can raise the subject

so the issue of knowledge would disappear meaning that, in

with their prospective employer, if they choose to do so, but

the event of a claim, the only question would then be whether

the current legal framework promotes a culture of silence at

disability discrimination had taken place. I

K EY FIGU RES >

3.7 million: People of working age (16-64) with disabilities in employment

> 50.7%: Employment rate for people of working age with disabilities (versus 80.1% for people

without disabilities) >

13.6%: Disability pay gap

> 74%: Those with disabilities do not use a wheelchair or anything else that might visually signal

their impairment > 54%: Employees who feel comfortable talking about mental health issues in the workplace Source: World Health Organisation / Business in the Community / Disability Rights UK / The Equality and Human Rights Commission

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Improving workplace mental health and wellbeing

A recent Deloitte report explores the challenges for employers providing greater attention to mental health and wellbeing

E

vidence on workplace wellbeing suggests that employers

health problems within the organisation. The acknowledged

are not as of yet responding effectively to the task.

stigma around discussing mental health issues means that

Our research indicates that seventy-two percent

organisations are likely to underestimate the number of

of workplaces have no mental health policy; fifty-six percent

employees with mental health problems and therefore

of people would not employ an individual who had a history

underestimate its importance to the organisation.

of depression, even if they were the most suitable candidate;

Those organisations that are starting to see mental health

and twenty-seven percent of employees consider their

as a priority recognise that it is important for recruiting and

organisations take a much more reactive than proactive

retaining the talent of the future, and that good mental health

approach to wellbeing.

and wellbeing is linked to strong performance.

Ninety-two percent of people with mental health conditions believe that admitting to these in the workplace would damage their career.

Negative views relating to mental health in the workplace

Challenge 2: Mental health policies are reactive, driven by staff events or experience, and not proactive and preventative

impact the implementation of workplace mental wellbeing

Employers are increasingly identifying mental health conditions

schemes. Here we outline five inter-related themes that

within their workforce. Historically, action to improve the

challenge successful implementation of workplace mental

management of and support for employees with poor mental

wellbeing programmes, including how the stigma around

health was often only taken by employers following an internal

mental health underlies and worsens many of the stated

or external trigger such as an employee’s mental health

challenges.

incident. Reactive mental health actions are those taken in response to an incident, such as increased reporting of poor

Challenge 1: Failure to see mental health and wellbeing as a priority

levels of mental health in the organisation or following an individual case.

There are several reasons why a business will not prioritise

In interviews with HR professionals across UK firms, many

acting on mental health and wellbeing. The first is that there

explained that often actions were taken after a highly personal

may be high operational demands, with insufficient energy,

or emotional case for change, rather than an objective, data-

time and resources available to acknowledge and address

driven view of the impacts of workplace wellbeing on business

workforce mental health and wellbeing. Currently fifty-two

performance. This is supported by data from CIPD, which

percent of organisations believe employee wellbeing is only a

shows that 61 percent of organisations’ approach to employee

focus in their business when things are going well.

wellbeing is much more reactive than proactive.

Another challenge is the lack of awareness around mental 46 - info - spring 2019

HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS

Challenge 3: Lack of insight around current performance (including recruitment, retention and presenteeism)

employers who had a plan for or the ability to measure the

A lack of clear data around the impact of mental health on an

around ROI measurement are mixed. For example, an often-

organisation is a key challenge. Measuring workplace wellbeing

referenced Harvard meta-analysis reporting a clear ROI on

and its impact on business performance is not easy. Due to the

medical costs has recently been challenged on base of the

stigma associated with mental health, conditions and incidents

validity of its methodology data according to an article in Health

tend to be under-reported and reasons for absence not given.

Affairs.

return on investment within workplace wellbeing.

In addition to the difficulty of collecting data on ROI, results

There is no clear consensus on how to properly measure

Perhaps due to the lack of positive evidence, we tend to

presenteeism, defined as the loss in productivity that occurs

see relatively few employers actually taking on measurements

when employees come to work but function at less than full

of wellbeing. For example, whilst 100 per cent of US employers

capacity because of ill health. Despite these challenges, there

providing wellbeing services to their employees expressed

are reasons to be hopeful. Expert organisations are beginning

confidence that their activities reduced absenteeism and

to weigh in to reduce the burden on employers who may have

health-related productivity losses, only 50 percent had actually

little to no expertise around wellbeing and its measurement.

evaluated their impact. Furthermore, only two percent reported

In 2013, the Government launched a workplace wellbeing

actual savings estimates.

tool to help employers work out the costs of poor employee taking action. The Time to Change campaign introduced the

Challenge 5: Lack of collective knowledge around best practice

highly oversubscribed free Organisational Health checks - an

Organisations vary in their level of engagement with mental

audit process and tool to help employers identify key gaps in

health workplace wellbeing. Some are more advanced,

workplace wellbeing provision.

understanding its role in reaching peak organisational

health to their organisation and create a business case for

performance, and investing in the area as a strategic priority.

Challenge 4: Poor evidence base to measure return on investment of wellbeing strategies

However, when speaking with these organisations, regardless

Measuring the return on investment (ROI) for workplace mental

best practice looks like, including those already considered best

wellbeing initiatives poses a barrier to incentivising companies

practice. I

to invest. In our conversations with employers, there were no

source: Deloitte, 'At a tipping point? Workplace mental health and wellbeing'

of their stage, all expressed an interest in understanding what

HR professionals across UK firms explained that often actions were taken after a highly personal or emotional case for change

ACT ION FO R EMPLOYERS Successfully implementing a workplace mental health and wellbeing improvement strategy requires organisations to overcome the challenges highlighted. It requires employers to take responsibility for creating a culture of awareness and support of employee mental health.

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Is the gig economy bad for your health?

Uncertainty for those on zero-hours contracts has implications on wellbeing, says Melanie Stancliffe, Employment Partner at Irwin Mitchell LLP

W

orking for yourself, whether as

been decided. In December 2018, the

a freelance designer or Uber

UK Government in its ‘Good Work Plan’

driver, brings with it freedoms

accepted the recommendations of the

that employees doing the 9-to-5 can only

Mathew Taylor Report. His ‘Review of

dream of.

Modern Working Practices’ found the

Ideally, the relationship is mutually

current definitions of employment and

beneficial. The worker works when, where

self-employment unfit for modern life

and how they want and the business/

and allowed companies to ‘free-ride’ the

client gets the service/output it needs

welfare state.

with a flexible work source and cost.

However even this utopia brings mental health challenges. Businesses are engaging individuals often isolated by working alone, away from the social interaction of an office environment and without access to help lines or HRs. The entrepreneurial individual has to be self-reliant, tending to work all the

Many businesses are now adapting their models, their contracts and shoring up their reputations. Uber has even offered a mental health app

The steps being introduced include: 1. A presumption that a person is

a ‘worker’ and protected, if they’re

labelled as self-employed.

2. From

6

April

2019,

businesses

having to provide itemised payslips

to workers showing their hours,

earnings and any deductions. This is

hours necessary, hours that nobody else

often reliant on whatever they manage to

currently

monitors. For some in the gig economy,

negotiate in their contracts.

employees and should enable pay

only

obligatory

for

The business model currently being

transparency and reduce avoidance

tested in the Employment Tribunals

of the National Living Wage.

With 12.7 percent of business days

regularly involves individuals who have,

3. From 6 April 2020, workers, like

lost to sickness in the UK attributed to

often for many years, treated themselves

employees, having the right to receive

mental health conditions, it is important

as self-employed. They’ve worked with

on day one a written statement of the

to understand the plans to address the

greater autonomy, benefitted financially

terms and conditions under which

challenges in the gig-economy.

by providing additional services and

they work.

borne lower tax bills then employees.

4. The introduction of a right to request

However when they have become ill or the

a

For those on zero-hour contracts, the

relationship has soured, they’ve claimed

contract for all workers, aimed at zero

financial uncertainty is vastly different

to the greater protections as employees.

hour contract workers, and;

from an employee’s regular monthly

The tribunals were influenced by the

5. Wide-ranging consultations on:- how

salary. It impacts on renting a rental

individuals’ lesser bargaining power and

to ‘make work work’ (for all), aligning

property, getting a mortgage and making

Pimlico Plumbers, Deliveroo, Addison Lee

the tax and rights tests used by HMRC

long-term plans.

and Uber found staff were re-classified

and the tribunals and increased

as ‘workers’ with the right to paid holidays

access to training (which is still not

and the minimum wage.

obligatory in the UK).

the ‘freedom’ translates to uncertainty of their working hours and income.

Insecurity

Employees have protection in their working

hours,

are

guaranteed

an

more

predictable

and

stable

income when sick and have redundancy,

Many businesses are now adapting

notice pay and protection for unfair

their models, their contracts and shoring

Work Plan may reduce the financial

dismissal if they are no longer required.

up their reputations.

uncertainties many gig economy workers

Their employers must respect minimum

offered a mental health app.

pay, pay pension contributions and

Uber has even

the higher rates of National Insurance

Societal response

Contributions. The self-employed and

Changing course and protecting the

workers have far less protection and are

more vulnerable in the economy has

48 - info - spring 2019

The

commitment

to

the

Good

face. It will not address all the mental wellbeing concerns but it’s a good start. I

HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS

Comparing mental health legislation Emmanuelle Ries, Partner at ebl miller rosenfalck, compares recent legislation relating to mental health in the workplace in France, the UK and Denmark

FRANCE: THE RIGHT TO DISCONNECT AND MORAL HARASSMENT

at their peril as employees can seek

The French Labour Code requires

awards can be substantial.

financial compensation for financial losses sustained though the courts and

that employers take all necessary

In seeking a better management

measures to ensure employees’

of work life balance, the government

safety, and physical and mental health.

introduced the Flexible Working

These measures include action plans

Regulation 2014, providing the right

designed to prevent the risks of injury

for all employees with more than 26

at work, including depression and

weeks employment to request a flexible

difficult working conditions, and building awareness and providing information and training programmes. These may include the implementation of appropriate organisational measures, for instance changing night work schedules to reduce accident rates or banning the use of emails in the evenings or weekend.

Since 2017, France has

European countries including Italy and Spain have already adopted elements of the right to disconnect in their domestic legislation. However, there is no equivalent in the UK

working pattern (including part time working and regular or occasional homeworking). To assist employers with managing the right to request flexible working, only one request may be made in any 12-month period.

DENMARK: FROM FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES TO SITSTAND DESKS

implemented a ‘right to disconnect’

Denmark has a long history of trying

for employees of companies with

to make the workplace a healthy environment and is known for being a

more than 50 employees. Employers and unions are required to reach an

in the legislation in 2002. Moral

pioneer of work life balance. Many of

agreement as to the use of digital tools

harassment is a French concept with no

its family friendly policies have recently

such as emails out of working hours.

equivalent in English law.

been adopted in the UK and in France.

It is also known as the happiest country

The rationale for the new law is due to

in Europe.

can lead to issues with unpaid overtime,

UK: STRESS CLAIMS, FLEXIBLE WORKING AND WORK LIFE BALANCE

and an increased risk of work-related

All employers in the UK have a common

significant powers under the Working

stress and eventual burnout.

law duty to take reasonable care for

Environment Act and tasked it with

the safety of their employees, including

making inspection visits of and providing

countries including Italy and Spain

providing a safe place of work, safe tools

guidance to businesses with a view to

for instance, have already adopted

and equipment, and a safe system of

enabling businesses to manage and

elements of the right to disconnect in

working. In addition, the Health and

improve their working environments.

their domestic legislation. However,

Safety at Work Act imposes a general

there is no equivalent to the right to

duty on employers to ensure, so far as

been to address musculoskeletal health

disconnect in the UK.

is reasonably practicable, the health,

problems, stress and the psychosocial

safety and welfare at work of all their

work environment. Since a law was

states that no employee should be

employees. Mental Health at work is

passed in 2015 to make ‘sit-stand’ desks

subject to repeated acts of moral

tackled by the HSE in its Management

a legal requirement, 80 percent of

harassment. Moral harassment came to

Standards to assist and encourage

Danish workers now have access to a sit

prominence in France following a spate

employers to comply with their legal

stand desk (compared to 1 percent of

of suicides at work and the concept

obligations in managing work-related

British workers). I

of moral harassment was introduced

stress. Employers ignore stress at work

a rise of smart phone usage and access, and employees rarely switching off. This

Beyond France, some European

Further, the French Labour Code

Denmark has given its Danish Working Environment Authority (DWEA)

Since 2011, its specific focus has

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The holistic approach Health & wellbeing at work means different things to different people, and businesses are beginning to consider a wider array of issues

S

tress, depression, anxiety, exclusion are now firmly on the agenda of the business community in the UK. But according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, health and wellbeing at work is a much broader picture. The CIPD identifies five ‘domains’ of wellbeing – health, work, values and principles, personal growth, and collective and social – and advocates that businesses consider them from both an individual and an organisational perspective. Here, INFO explores some issues faced by employees that we expect to see companies talking about more in 2019. I

Isolation and loneliness

Technology

Flexible working, increased mobility and a range of factors

Our devices have seriously blurred the traditional

related to modern life have increased productivity, but have

boundaries between home and work life. The average

also added to the number of employees suffering from

person is said to check their phone up to 200 times per

isolation and loneliness. The UK appointed a UK Loneliness

day. Many companies are now recommending technology

Minister in 2018, demonstrating its seriousness as a health

detoxes and unplugging from their devices outside of

issue in the society at large. The issue presents a tightrope

normal working hours. We may soon see UK legislation

act for businesses, as flexible working has been also shown

mirror the 2017 French law which establishes the ‘right to

to reduce staff turnover and boost brand image.

disconnect’ for employees, to ensure they can experience a satisfying home life.

The commute to work

The sedentary day

The EU Court of Justice recently ruled that the commute

Recent research by real estate giant CBRE found that

counts as work, for those with no fixed place of work. This

‘being sedentary for extended intervals (more than 6 hours

follows a report by the Royal Society for Public Health, which

a day) could increase risks for diabetes, cancer, heart

found that commuting via non-active means (i.e. public

disease, high blood pressure and could possibly shorten a

transport) increases stress and heightens blood pressure. It

person’s lifespan.’

made the radical recommendation that companies deploy

Businesses have begun to incorporate exercise and

flexible working, or move away from the 9-5 work-day

sport into their programmes as part of a broader package

entirely.

of health and wellbeing initiatives.

The workspace

Sustainability

The office interior design firm D/DOCK, identified ten

Businesses are now considering their employees within

indicators that they claim could reduce sick leave by up

a transformation to more sustainable practices. Shaun

to 30 percent, increase productivity by up to 20 percent

Davis, Group Director of safety, health, wellbeing and

and result in longer life expectancy for employees. These

sustainability at Royal Mail Group says that corporate

included indoor climate, daylight, physical activity, healthy

‘sustainability is built first and foremost on an

food, diversity and interaction. The Bloomberg Tower

organisation’s commitment to keep people safe and well.

in London offers one architectural solution: an interior

What better way to demonstrate a sustainability mindset

stairwell which encourages employees to interact.

than protecting the very people that make the organisation what it is.’

50 - info - spring 2019

HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS

Making sense of wellbeing in the world of work requires exploring and deeper understanding. INFO presents the best long-reads and long-listens, which help shape the conversation

READ

WATCH

Matt Haig: Notes on a Nervous Planet (2019) Rates of stress and anxiety are rising. A fast, nervous planet is creating fast and nervous lives. We are more connected, yet feel more alone. And we are encouraged to worry about everything from world politics to our body mass index. Matt Haig invites us to feel calmer, happier and to question the habits of the digital age.

Bruce Daisley: The Joy of Work: 30 Ways to Fix Your Work Culture and Fall in Love with Your Job Again (2019) In the course of a career in some of the world's biggest media companies, from Google and YouTube to Twitter, Bruce Daisley has become fascinated by what makes great companies tick. In this new book, he shares the fruits of his discoveries in 30 tips that range across all aspects of 21st-century office life.

The School of Life: The Sorrows of Work (2018) Work can be a route to creativity, excitement and purpose.

Nevertheless, many of us end up confused, discouraged and beaten by our working lives. The temptation is often to blame ourselves, and to feel privately ashamed and guilty. However, as this book lucidly explains, there is a range of well-embedded and intriguing reasons why work proves demoralising, including the evolution of modern work, the role of technology and the mechanics of the economy.

Chip Conley: Wisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elder (2018) At age 52, after selling the company he founded and ran as CEO for 24 years, rebel boutique hotelier Chip Conley received a call from the young founders of Airbnb, asking him to help grow their disruptive start-up into a global hospitality giant. Conley discovered that while he’d been hired as a teacher and mentor, he was also in many ways a student and intern.

Kim Malone Scott: Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity (2017) Author Kim Scott was an executive at Google and then at Apple, where she worked with a team to develop a class on how to be a good boss. Her book is a simple idea: to be a good boss, you have to Care Personally at the same time that you Challenge Directly. Radical Candor offers a guide to those bewildered or exhausted by management, written for bosses and those who manage bosses.

Acas Youtube channel Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law.

Their YouTube channel is full of informative and useful guidance.

Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/ user/acasorguk

LISTEN

Mental Health in the Workplace – NHS Employers Listen to Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, speaking to Helen Bogan, programme lead for health and wellbeing at NHS Employers, about the importance of mental health in the workplace. This podcast also includes top tips on promoting good mental health as part of a successful health and wellbeing strategy.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/2uuoO91

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CULTURE – WHAT'S ON A SELECTION OF RECOMMENDED CULTURAL EVENTS

TAT E B RI TA I N, LO N D O N

© RMN

EY Exhibition : Van Gogh and Britain

Left: Vincent van Gogh (1853 –1890), Self-portrait (1887), Oil on canvas, Paris, Musée d'Orsay Right: Olive Trees (1889), Oil on canvas, National Galleries of Scotland

Bringing together the largest group of Van Gogh paintings shown in the UK for nearly a decade, The EY Exhibition: Van Gogh and Britain will include over 45 works by the artist from public and private collections around the world. They include Self-Portrait (1889) from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, L'Arlésienne (1890) from Museu de Arte de São Paolo, Starry Night on the Rhône (1888) from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris, Shoes from the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, and the rarely loaned Sunflowers (1888) from the National Gallery, London.

The exhibition will also feature late works including two painted by Van Gogh in the Saint-Paul asylum, At Eternity’s Gate (1890) from the Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo and Prisoners Exercising (1890) from the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow. I 27 March – 11 August 2019 / Tickets available from £22

V& A , LO N D O N Mary Quant Receiving unprecedented access to Dame Mary Quant’s Archive, as well as drawing on the V&A’s extensive fashion holdings, which include the largest public collection of Quant garments in the world, the show will bring together over 120 garments as well as accessories, cosmetics, sketches and photographs - the majority of which have never been on display before. I 6 April 2019 – 16 February 2020 / Tickets available Mary Quant and models at the Quant Afoot footwear collection launch, 1967

52 - info - spring 2019

© PA Prints 2008

from £12

CULTUR E – WHAT ' S ON

T H E H O L BU RN E M USEU M , BAT H Vuillard: The Poetry of the Everyday Vuillard, a leading figure in French art at the end of the 19th-century, is famed for his small, subtle studies mostly of figures in interiors. The Poetry of the Everyday celebrates the unique qualities of his early work (from the 1890s) in which he balanced an obsession with patterned fabrics and wallpaper with subtle, domestic psycho-dramas to create paintings with a striking emotional intensity. Vuillard's art is renowned for its modest scale, intimate subject matter and subdued colouring. I 24 May - 15 September 2019 / Tickets available from £11 Vuillard, The Candlestick (about 1900), Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

ASH M O L E A N M US EU M , OX FO RD

© Jeff Koons. Photo: Frederik Nilsen, 2017. Courtesy Gagosian

© Jeff Koons. Photo: Marc Domage. Courtesy Almine Rech Gallery

Jeff Koons Curated by Koons himself together with guest curator Norman Rosenthal, this major exhibition of the artist’s work features seventeen important works, fourteen of which have never been exhibited in the UK before. In his earliest works Koons explored the ‘readymade’ and appropriated image - using unadulterated found objects, and creating painstaking replicas of ancient sculptures and Old Master paintings which almost defy belief in their craftsmanship and precision. I 7 February – 9 June 2019 / Tickets available from £12.25

Left: Jeff Koons (b. 1955), Balloon Venus (Magenta) 2008-12, Mirror-polished stainless steel with trasparent colour coating. One of 5 unique versions (Magenta, Red, Violet, Yellow, Orange) , The Broad Art Foundation, Los Angeles Right: Seated Ballerina 2010-15, Mirror-polished stainless steel with transparent colour coating. Artist's proof of an edition of 3 plus AP. Collection of the artist.

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N AT I O N A L GA L L ERY, LO N D O N Sorolla: Spanish Master of Light

© Musée d'Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt

Sorolla: Spanish Master of Light (18 March – 7 July 2019) includes portraits, and genre scenes of Spanish life, as well as the landscapes, garden views, and beach scenes for which he is most renowned.

Filling the Sainsbury Wing exhibition galleries, the display will feature sixty works spanning the artist’s career, including important masterpieces on loan from public and private collections in Europe and the United States. This will be the first UK retrospective of the artist since 1908 when Sorolla himself mounted an exhibition at London’s Grafton Galleries where he was promoted as The World’s Greatest Living Painter. I 18 March – 7 July 2019 / Tickets available from £16 Joaquín Sorolla, The Return from Fishing (1894), Oil on canvas, Paris, Musée d'Orsay

ROYA L AC A D E MY O F A RTS, LO N D O N The Renaissance Nude The Renaissance Nude explores the nude and how it inspired

dynamic visual tradition that permanently altered the character

some of the most renowned masterpieces of the western

and values of European art. The exhibition will feature works by

canon. Arranged thematically, The Renaissance Nude will bring

artists including Lucas Cranach the Elder, Albrecht Dürer, Jan

together around ninety works in a variety of media and from

Gossaert, Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. I

different regions of Europe, examining the emergence of a

3 March - 2 June 2019 / Tickets available from £14

Left: Titian, Venus Rising from the Sea (‘Venus Anadyomene’), ), c. 1520. Oil on canvas. National Galleries of Scotland.

Center: Dosso Dossi (Giovanni di Niccolò de Lutero), Allegory of Fortune (about 1530), Oil on canvas Right: Lucas Cranach the Elde, A Faun and His Family with a Slain Lion (about 1526), Oil on panel

54 - info - spring 2019

CULTUR E – FE ATUR E

TI PS FOR WOU LD - BE ART INVESTORS Knowing the risks when investing in art is important for buyers at all levels, says Helen Conybeare Williams, a Counsel specializing in international disputes at Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP

F

Are there gaps in the collecting history?

Is the title at risk because it might have been stolen or looted? These can be important questions as there are many infamous cases of stolen art and still many claims arising out of Second World War looting

inding a piece of artwork or a collectible that you enjoy is only one side of the purchase process as it is

important to ensure that the purchase is safe and without risk so that the financial investment you are going to make in the artwork is secure. There may be traps for the unwary.

PROVENANCE When buying art, it is important to ensure that the object has demonstrable record of ownership, or provenance.

Establishing the ownership history can

PROTECTING YOURSELF

sometimes be problematic especially

certain painters and genres. However,

with historical art and artifacts as

there are many notorious cases of

A purchase of art for investment or

documentary evidence is not always

modern forgeries of old masters as well

the aesthetic pleasure it gives can be an

available. Are there gaps in the collecting

as highly collectible 20th century artists.

exhilarating experience for a first-time

history? Is the title at risk because it

Even some of the world’s top auction

buyer as well as the more experienced

might have been stolen or looted? These

houses have been caught out by very

collector, but if this unexpectedly turns

can be important questions as there are

sophisticated art forgeries and faced

sour, as the art world has a legacy of oral

many infamous cases of stolen art and

expensive legal cases as a result. Has the

agreements, resolving disputes may be

still many claims arising out of Second

work been authenticated by a recognized

unpredictable.

World War looting.

expert or by one of the committees

It is important to consider having

that deal with certain artists? If not, can

a purchase agreement or a bill of sale

scientific techniques solve previously

with warranties and representations

unanswered questions?

about title to the property and with

ATTRIBUTION Ascribing a work to a named artist can be fraught with difficulties. The art world uses a range of terms to

sufficient guarantees to obtain a refund

STREET ART

if a piece is proved to be a forgery.

attribute artworks to an artist. These

Tempted to buy street art such as

are commonly ‘painted by,' ‘by the hand

a Bansky? Anonymity is a code of the

confidentiality when looking to purchase

of,' ‘studio of,' ‘circle of,' ‘style of,' ‘copy

street art scene, so attribution may be

exceptionally high value works may

of,’ which describe by different degrees

especially difficult to establish although

also be an important consideration.

the certainty that a work is by the artist.

these days some of the better-known

Additional vigilance in checking every

It is important to understand what each

street

by

stage of provenance should be carried

attribution means, as it goes hand in

authorized galleries. If the street art has

out including with available online data

hand with an artwork’s value, unless you

been removed from its original location,

bases of items at risk of illegal trafficking

are expert enough in such matters to bet

a provenance check should ensure the

to ensure that title is not at risk of claims

against the market.

transfer of good title from the owner of

in future.

AUTHENTICITY

artists

are

represented

For

some

investors,

maintaining

the property in case the removal was

Whether you are looking at an old

illegal. There have been reported cases

master, a contemporary or emerging

Artists often sell through authorized

where works of famous street artists

artist do your market intelligence. If

galleries appointed to represent them

like Banksy and Stik have been stolen

you are new to buying art don’t forget

and other specialist galleries are reputed

from their original locations and later

that it is important to buy what you like,

for their knowledge and experience of

appeared in auctions or galleries.

because not all art increases in value. I

info

- spring 2019 - 55

NEW LOOK AT JARDIN BL AN C INFO speaks with two Michelin Star chef Raymond Blanc OBE about the fourth consecutive year of his Jardin Blanc restaurant experience at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

What is new at Jardin Blanc this year?

croque-monsieur and many other delights, like Comté cheese

At Jardin Blanc, we always take on board our guests’ feedback

from my home.

during the planning process which begins as soon as we finish the last show. We look to see where we can enhance the guest

Where did the idea come from to distil the gin on site?

experience from start to finish, and ensure there is an element

We are so proud to again have our own gin distillery at Jardin

of surprise and newness for our returning guests. This year we

Blanc where we will be making our Jardin Blanc gin and even

have focused on a distinctive new look to the interiors (pictured)

giving masterclasses on its production. We partnered with craft-

and bar area with some stunning new colours and spaces to

distillers, Warner’s Gin - a wonderful family company based in

enjoy at our little tranquil oasis.

Northamptonshire. The enthusiasm of the owners - Tom and Tina - was infectious from the moment we met them and of

Have you changed your menus?

course their gin is excellent! And what’s truly lovely is that their

The menus I have designed with my team celebrate all that

gins focus on botanical flavours - a perfect fit for this world-

is fantastic about Spring produce. To start, you’ll enjoy a

renowned flower show.

bountiful sharing board including such items as green and white asparagus in mustard and chervil dressing, king crab

Who selects the art and flowers on display?

and seafood salad, a range of British charcuterie, plus much

There is a truly wonderful team behind Jardin Blanc. Andy

more. Meanwhile, for your main, our loin of Spring lamb and

McIndoe heads up our horticultural team and is pivotal in the

slow-cooked shoulder in a delicate jus, with colourful spring

overall creation of the gardens at Jardin Blanc. He is also behind

vegetables and Jersey Royal potatoes.

twenty five consecutive gold medal winning exhibits at RHS

We will also cater for our vegetarian and vegan friends, and

Chelsea Flower Show – a true expert.

have some beautiful dishes planned worthy of the occasion. For

Pip Beasley joins us again this year to recreate our beautiful

dessert, I am proud to be serving Gariguette strawberries (from

gate, table florals and tends to the garden the whole week. She

France of course) alongside an iced lemon parfait that will be

too has had success at RHS Chelsea over the years, winning

both refreshing and truly delicious.

three gold medals. I am also so pleased to say that Anne-Marie Owens, Head Gardener at my beloved Belmond Le Manoir aux

How would you choose to enjoy Jardin Blanc?

Quat’Saisons, will also be involved. She’ll be growing much of

One of my favourite experiences is the ‘La Tulip’ package on the

the produce appearing in the Jardin Blanc potager, which we will

Thursday evening. It offers a fabulous party atmosphere as the

transport from Le Manoir to Jardin Blanc in the week before the

sun goes down over Chelsea. You will see the chefs cooking from

show. We hope to see you there. I

the outdoor wood ovens right in front of you, with tasty dishes being passed around and free-flowing Champagne throughout.

Raymond Blanc's secret garden restaurant, Jardin Blanc, is

You’ll enjoy such dishes as grilled rib of beef on the bone with

at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 21–25 May.

chimichurri, spiced roast cauliflower with chickpea hummus,

rhs.org.uk/Jardin-Blanc

56 - info - spring 2019

CULTUR E – INTE RVIE W

FA M I LY FU RNITU RE The French modern furniture brand Ligne Roset is soon celebrating its 160th birthday. INFO spoke with General Manager Olivier Roset to discover what makes this family business tick

What is the secret to maintaining a

The Ploum sofa by Ronan and Erwan

impact because, as local manufacturers,

family company for nearly 160 years?

Bouroullec with its metallic structure

we have always respected the health

It requires a lot of passion and hard

and welded joints and seams is a

of our employees in the factories and

work, a bit of patience and the need to

technological success for our field which

we have always shown respect for our

challenge yourself as often as possible.

would not have been possible five

clients by selling quality products from

years ago.

recycled wood. We don’t just rely on

How does a traditional business like

fashion trends made in Paris, in Eastern

yours approach innovation?

How do you maintain your market

Europe, or in China. It is up to us to be

Innovation exists at all levels, whether

position when competitors freely

even better and to demonstrate a high

in production, commercialisation,

copy your designs?

level of investment into our 150,000m²

web activities, communication, etc.

It is of course necessary to protect

of factories since 1860.

Learning to better innovate requires

one's intellectual property and the

all stakeholders working together and

Roset Group wins many lawsuits. As

How would you describe your brand?

exploring continuously. We shouldn’t

for all creative forerunners, continuous

Design, quality, creativity and innovation

see taking the initiative and leaving

innovation is a prerequisite, as is being

are the DNA of Ligne Roset, concepts

the beaten path as a risk, but as an

close to our designers and being daring:

which for some may be seen as clichéd

opportunity. We also expect our

what isn’t made, competitors can’t copy.

or overused, but for us have been

partners to be daring and propose new

Taking risks can lead to mistakes but

integral to the brand for many years.

innovative solutions.

it wouldn’t have led to designs like the

Those aren’t trends which last only

Togo in 1973, with a turnover of €10m

five years. Fifty years ago, Ligne Roset

What advances in furniture design

per year – or sofas like the Ploum and

tried to be innovative and creative in

are you excited about?

the Prado.

designing contemporary furniture. We

Technology, innovation and the blending

were the only ones to do so. We don’t

of materials have allowed us to achieve

How have current trends in

make furniture according to style or

success: a stoneware ceramic table with

sustainability and eco-mindedness

trends and that will remain the case for

a Fenix coating, an extra thin table set,

affected the furniture trade?

years to come. I

automated stitching for Ruché dots.

These trends have not had a large

Key facts: Established: 1860 • Worldwide stores: 200 • Global retail distributors: 1,000

info

- spring 2019 - 57

BERLIOZ 150 A calendar of performances and events scheduled for 2019 celebrates the work of the legendary French composer

T

he French composer and conductor Hector Berlioz is a giant of classical music – famous

for his expressiveness and variety in such works as Symphonie fantastique and La damnation de Faust.

‘He was someone who took the orchestra to new places,’ says Alan Davey, controller of BBC Radio 3,’ ‘and a master orchestrator who expanded the palette of an orchestrator’s toolbox.’

To mark the 150th anniversary of his death, the Berlioz Sesquicentenary Committee will be mounting performances of his work across

He was someone who took the orchestra to new places, a master who expanded the palette of an orchestrator’s toolbox

the UK in 2019 and 2020, together with other events and activities aimed at bringing his music to a wider audience.

A centerpiece of the calendar of events will

be Fantastic!, planned to be the largest ever children’s choral

The committee behind the project includes many of the

event in the UK, with more than 10,000 children aged 8–13

leading Berlioz experts in the UK and overseas, and the working

performing at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in early 2020.

group is chaired by Lord Aberdare, Chairman of the Berlioz

Other performances include ‘pop-ups’ by three London

Society.

primary school choirs and as part of the V&A’s Performance

‘He was a very interesting combination of a romantic

Festival on 4 May 2019. The event will also feature a recital by

sensibility put into a very well structured framework – a great

mezzo soprano Rachel Kelly.

passion for the classics and very well organised,’ says Aberdare.

Berlioz 150 seeks to create opportunities for large numbers

Berlioz 150 was launched at an event at the Institut Français

of young people to enjoy music and singing, and to enhance

in March, and included talks by three of the world’s leading Berlioz

the future audience for classical music. They also plan to create

authorities. Among them was Professor Hugh Macdonald,

a unique online classical music resource for young people in

editor of the New Berlioz Edition published Bärenreiter Verlag,

partnership with Bristol Plays Music, a music education hub.

and the composer’s biographer David Cairns.

The digital resource will be hosted on a free-access website,

offering

engaging

and

entertaining

Other activities include BBC Radio 3 broadcasts scheduled

interactive

throughout the year, featuring performances of both major

learning experiences, and will include videos and soundtracks

works and a focus on the lesser known choral pieces and songs.

from major Berlioz-related performances, interviews with

In France, an International Conference is to take place in August

leading performers, high-quality editorial content and tailored

2019 at La Côte Saint-André, Berlioz's birthplace, in cooperation

educational materials for students and teachers.

with the Festival Berlioz and the Musée Hector Berlioz. I

Berlioz’s major works • Symphonies: Symphonie fantastique (1830), Harold en Italie (1834) • Opera: Les Troyens (1856-63) • Oratorios: L’enfance du Christ (1854), La damnation de Faust (1845-46) • Overtures: Le Carnaval romain (1844) • Songs: Les nuits d’été (1841)

58 - info - spring 2019

CULTUR E – FE ATUR E

ARTIST PROFILE: NOE T WO A leading light of the growing global street art scene has set up a studio in London

N

oe Two, the French street artist,

a reoccurring character in his work,

celebrated his first solo show in

wearing a crown and smoking an iconic

Britain at the London address of his long time patron, Galeries Bartoux.

‘Animal Feelings’ featured a selection

Cuban cigar.

The goal of his travels has been to understand foreign cultures from within

prominence in France in the 1980s.

His work is now in great demand by gobal collectors, and his recent show in London generated significant interest with UK art buyers.

of his hyper realistic depictions of

and to use this insight in his work. His

gorillas, rhinoceroses, panthers, and all

most recent relocation has been to a

in Britain to produce new work and

manner of exotic wildlife that has been

studio space in South London, a base

develop his network through the French

the focus of his career.

from which to monitor the country at a

Chamber. He has his sights set on his

time of Brexit uncertainty.

next trip, wanting to explore regions in

‘I am always interested to explore the human condition,’ says Two, ‘but

Two has given himself at least a year

Already, Two has completed three

Africa. ‘I like to go to places that are not

through the image and the metaphor of

paintings in his new studio, which will be

permeated with tourists,’ says Two, who

animals and nature.’

displayed in Paris as part of the Urban

is considering possible trips to Namibia,

Art Fair in April. The event is one of the

Senegal and Congo.

This means exploring issues of migration and climate change, amongst

important dates on the global calendar

other challenges that we face as part of

for street art, a fast growing segment of

beasts of nature, the human animal

the global community.

the art world.

remains the exhaustive and complex

A peripatetic artist, Two has spent

Two’s influences are indicative of

While his canvases feature the great

subject of his work. I

time all over the world, including in

the aesthetics defining the genre – a

Phuket, the Dominican Republic, and

background in graffiti art mixed with

Noe Two’s work will be featured

Ulan Bator, where he was part of

the culture of popular music, in Two’s

at the Urban Art Fair in Paris / Le

a street art exhibition. On a recent

case, hip hop. According to his gallerist,

Carreau du Temple / 11-14 April 2019

trip to Cuba, he painted a large-scale

he is seen as one of the ‘godfathers’ of

outdoor mural of the gorilla Yaoundé,

the street art movement which came to

info

- spring 2019 - 59

LIFE S T YLE – BOOK S

THESE BOOKS, RECENTLY PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH, WERE SELECTED BY THE FRENCH INSTITUTE IN THE UK

NO PLACE TO LAY ONE'S HEAD

HAPPENING

by Françoise

by Annie

Frenkel Published by Pushkin Press Translated by Stephanie Smee Original title: Rien où poser sa tête

Ernaux

Published by Fitzcarraldo

Editions L. Strayer Original title: L’Evénement Translated by Alison

Françoise, a Jewish bookseller in Berlin, flees to France just weeks

This is the story, written forty years later, of a trauma Annie

before war breaks out. She seeks refuge in Avignon, then Nice,

Ernaux never overcame. In a France where abortion was

which is awash with refugees and terrible suffering. Horrified

illegal in the 1960s, she attempted in vain to self-administer

by what she sees, Françoise goes into hiding. Set against the

the abortion with a knitting needle. Fearful and desperate,

romantic landscapes of Southern France, No Place to Lay One’s

she finally located an abortionist and ends up in a hospital

Head is a heartbreaking tale of human cruelty and unending

emergency ward where she nearly dies. In Happening, Ernaux

kindness; of a woman whose lust for life refuses to leave her, even

sifts through her memories and her journal entries dating from

in her darkest hours. I

those days. Clearly, cleanly, she gleans the meanings of her experience. I

TO LIVE WITH A REINDEER

BALCO ATLANTICO

by Olivia

by Jérôme

Rosenthal Published by And Other Stories Translated by Sophie Lewis Original title: Que font les Rennes après Noël?

Ferrari

Published by MacLehose

Press Strayer Original title: Balco Atlantico Translated by

To Leave with the Reindeer is the account of a woman who has

In a village square in Corsica lies the body of ardent nationalist,

been trained for a life she cannot live. She readies herself for

Stéphane Campana, shot down at close range. And over his body

freedom, and questions its limits, by exploring how humans

weeps Virginie, the young woman who has venerated Stéphane

relate to animals. Rosenthal weaves an intricate pattern,

all her life. Meanwhile, brother and sister Khaled and Hayet, who

combining the central narrative with many other voices – vets,

once gazed out to sea from the shoreline path known as ‘Balco

farmers, breeders, trainers, a butcher – to produce a polyphonic

Atlantico’ and dreamed of a better future, are now stranded in

composition full of fascinating and disconcerting insights. Wise,

Corsica. Ferrari traces the history of Stéphane and Virginie that

precise, generous, To Leave with the Reindeer takes a clear-eyed

leads to the shooting in the village square, and intertwines the

look at the dilemmas of domestication, both human and animal,

story of Khaled and Hayet, showing how a relentless pursuit of

and the price we might pay to break free. I

happiness and fulfillment can bring us perilously close to despair and disillusionment. I

60 - info - spring 2019

LIFE S T YLE – WINE

A LUXEM BOU RG Wine Story Thibault Lavergne explore a hidden wine region at the centre of Europe

W

hatever you are thinking of the Brexit situation, it’s not

The surrounding hills have benefited from the river, and

an exaggeration to declare that Europe is in turmoil. I

have been producing wine grapes since Roman times, when

am also reminded of the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,

Treves, in nearby Germany, was one of the Roman capitals of

who wrote that ‘the essential is invisible for the eyes and we only

the IV century. Today, fifty-five percent of the vines are managed

see well with the heart.’ So to write my wine column I decided

by cooperatives; thirty percent are independent producers and

to turn myself to the heart of Europe, and to a region invisible

only fifteen percent are operated by the big wine houses.

to most wine lovers.

The main grapes varieties are the traditional Nordic region

Few cities could claim the title of continental capital, but it

grapes, similar to the ones found in Alsace, Moselle and the

is possible to consider the Duchy of Luxemburg as the heart of

German Rhine and Moselle Valley. These include the local

Europe. It is both geographically true, and is home to quite a

Ebling, as well as Auxerrois, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay,

few EEC administrations. Most importantly, the Duchy produces

Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. And like Alsace, there is a

wines which can compare well with their more famous French

substantial production of Cremant (sparkling wine).

and German neighbours.

Modern reforms Since the first appellation was produced in 1935, few regulations have been instituted to improve production. Though beginning in 2014, yields in various regions were capped to protect quality.

Today the general quality of the wine produced here is very good, and could be compared with production of the FrancoGerman border regions. These include The Pinot Blanc from the Cave Paul Legill, The Pinot Gris from Bernard-Massard, the Domaine des Cep D’Or founded in the XVIII century, The Pinot Gris the Domaine Clos des Rochers and the Domaine viticole Kohll-Leuck.

These are wines with beautiful colour, minerality and complexity.

Returning to the words of Saint-Exupéry, your eyes may

Roman origins

soon see fewer stars in the European flag, but your heart would

The Great Duchy vineyard follows a forty-two kilometre

surely be touched by the beauty of this under-rated country.

stretch on the left bank of the river Moselle, namesake to

Behind Luxembourg Ville, explore the massive forest, the

the neighbouring French region. Though, most of the wine is

romantic Vianden Castle once frequented by Victor Hugo, and

produced in the south between Schengen (another European

of course the fine wines of the Moselle Valley. I

landmark) and Wasserbilling.

Thibault Lavergne

TO ORDER THE ABOVE-MENTIONED WINES AND OTHERS, CONTACT: E: thibault@winestory.co.uk T: +44 (0)7921 770 691 W: www.winestory.co.uk

info

- spring 2019 - 61

AT THE CHAMBER

NW5 3BH

S

pring is a time of change. By

community with the second edition of

respectively. Both remain members

the time this issue is out on 10

our London Luxury Think Tank on 13

of the Chamber and we are honoured

April, who knows what will have

June at Spring Studios, on the theme

that Brian will continue to be part of our

happened? A general election? An

of sustainability. I have the upmost

Advisory Council. I would like to thank

extension? Deal or no deal? Whatever

pleasure in announcing that the United

them for their contributions to the

the outcome, as our very successful

Nations will join us this year as a

continued success of the Chamber.

Trade Delegation to London

partner of the event.

demonstrated, the capital and the

I am also delighted to announce

Finally, I am saddened to announce the passing of two long-time members,

country are still an attractive place to do

several additions to our Board. Our

Patrick Dunaud of Stewarts and Gilles

business and many sectors continue to

new Board members include Fabrice

Avenel of Visconti Partners. I wish to

outperform our European neighbours.

Bernhard, CEO of Theodo, Katherine

extend my sincerest condolences to

The highlight of the delegation

Bennett CBE, Senior Vice President of

their friends and families. I did not

was an address by the Mayor Sadiq

Airbus, Benedicte Duval, Managing

know Patrick well, but we celebrated

Khan, In which he quelled anxieties by

Director UK of Air France-KLM, Hugo

New Year’s Eve together with common

reminding us of the strong ties between

Fry, Managing Director of Sanofi, and

friends and we met again since. As

France and the UK. In his words, it is ‘a

Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF Energy.

for Gilles, he was my coach and had

unique relationship that is rooted not

Tanuja Randery, former President

only in centuries of history, but in our

of Schneider Electric, and Brian

common values and mutual interests.’

Gosschalk, Head of the President’s

We continue to celebrate the strengths of the Franco-British business 62 - info - spring 2019

become a very dear friend. I will miss him deeply. May both rest in peace.

I leave you with a positive message

Office at Ipsos, will step down from

and look forward to seeing you at a

the board after three and ten years,

Chamber event soon. I FG

Obituary: Gilles Avenel

W

e are very saddened to announce that our valued member and dear friend, Gilles Avenel, passed away on 17 March 2019. Gilles was a respected and prominent figure in the FrancoBritish community and always supported the Chamber. His professional experience spanned more than twenty years as an executive and a board director, having previously been COO of Indosuez UK, Group CFO and a member of the Board of Sun Life Provincial Holdings, the 4th largest British Life insurance company. He co-managed this company’s IPO. He also sat as a non-Executive Director on the Board of several British and French companies, quoted or non-quoted, in various activities (Recruitment, Insurance, Investment Funds, Agri-Food business, etc.). I

NEW MEMBERS 3 NEW PATRON MEMBERS GFG ALLIANCE – Global metals, industrials and energy business Represented by Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Chairman

The GFG Alliance is a London-headquartered international group of businesses, founded and owned by the British Gupta Family, with annual revenue of over US$15 billion and 14,000 staff. It combines energy generation, metal manufacturing, engineering, natural resources and financial services, working together to deliver a common business strategy. The Alliance comprises Liberty - an integrated industrial and metals business – SIMEC – an energy, resources and infrastructure group - Wyelands –– a banking and financial services arm – and JAHAMA Estates – the Alliance’s global property division. Through its GREENSTEEL and GREEN ALUMINIUM strategies, the GFG Alliance promotes industrial revival based on low-carbon and sustainable production methods. www.gfgalliance.com

VINCI CONSTRUCTION UK LIMITED – Building, Designing, Facilities Represented by Bruno Dupety, CEO & Chairman

VINCI is a world leader, designing, building, financing and managing the facilities that improve everyday life; the systems that transport us, the buildings in which we live and work, the water, energy and communication networks and urban developments that create and improve communities. Sectors we work in include: aviation, rail, highways, commercial, education, health, industrial, nuclear, asset and facilities management, and product testing and development. www.vinciconstruction.co.uk

THE WALLACE COLLECTION – Museum Represented by Dr Xavier Bray, Director

The Wallace Collection is a national museum which displays the wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess. It was bequeathed to the British nation by Sir Richard's widow, Lady Wallace, in 1897.

Displayed at Hertford House, one of the family's London properties in the nineteenth century, the Wallace Collection presents its outstanding collections in a sumptuous but approachable manner which is an essential part of its charm. www.wallacecollection.org

info

- spring 2019 - 63

4 NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS AIR LIQUIDE UK A world leader in industrial gases Represented by Lucia Sainz de Mier, Managing Director Air Liquide has been present in the United Kingdom since 2004. We offer gas, equipment and services to a variety of sectors: from oil and gas (offshore), automotive, metal fabrication through to chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and beverage industries and healthcare. Our UK projects enact the Group commitment to develop innovative solutions that promote energy transition, including biomethane and hydrogen energy. Air Liquide in the UK is also a supplier of medical gases to hospitals and healthcare professionals and provides a range of services to patients in their homes, including the delivery of home oxygen. www.uk.airliquide.com

DE BEERS JEWELLERS LIMITED The Home of Diamonds since 1888 Represented by François Delage, CEO De Beers is a member of the Anglo American plc group. Established in 1888, De Beers is the world’s leading diamond company with unrivalled expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline, and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. As part of the company’s operating philosophy, the people of De Beers are committed to Building Forever by making a lasting contribution to the communities in which they live and work, and transforming natural resources into shared national wealth. www.debeers.com

JARDIN BLANC - OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY AT RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW Event Specialists, Food Experts, Corporate Hospitality Represented by Chris Wickham, Sales & Marketing Manager Nestled in the grounds of one of the world’s most celebrated horticultural events, you’ll find the entrance to Jardin Blanc. Inside, discover the perfect atmosphere for dining, unwinding and celebrating the joys of spring. At Jardin Blanc we use the very best in seasonal, quality ingredients in every dish – from breakfast to dinner, from canapés to afternoon tea. All menus are designed by Jardin Blanc’s Chef Director Raymond Blanc, and celebrate the beauty and excitement of British springtime produce. www.prestigevenuesandevents.sodexo.com

VERISURE SERVICES UK LTD Leading Monitored Smart Alarm Provider Represented by Jeremy Benamou, Marketing and Strategy Director Verisure is the leading provider of peace of mind and protection to residential and small business customers across Europe and Latin America. We deliver outstanding service to almost three million customers in fifteen countries with a team of more than sixteen thousand employees. www.verisure.co.uk

21 NEW ACTIVE MEMBERS Absolutely Relocation – Relocation services for individuals and corporate clients moving to the UK www.absolutelyrelocation.com Represented by Catherine Worsley, Co-Founder Accetis International France – Recruitment, HR, Business Advice, etc... - www.accetis.com Represented by Attilio Capuano, Country Manager

64 - info - spring 2019

NE W ME MBE R S – AT THE CHAMBE R

Advention Business Partners – Strategic advisory services to corporations and investors - www.adventionbp.com Represented by Mugheer Dirwish, Managing Director UK & Ireland Avery UK – World's leading manufacturers of self-adhesive labels - www.avery.co.uk Represented by Jean-Jean Nico, Managing Director Europe, West Region Bim! Business Accelerator – B2B Sales Accelerator - www.bim-accelerator.com Represented by Tanguy Tallon, CEO Crefovi – Law firm specialised in providing legal advice to the creative industries - www.crefovi.com Represented by Annabelle Gauberti, Founding Partner Empreinte – Signalétique – High quality heritage taylor-made signage - www.empreinte-sign.com/en Represented by Fabrice Tregou, Managing Director ESII (Electroniq System Informatiq Industriel) – Queue Management Solutions and Appointment Booking Systems www.esii.com/en Represented by Dylan Sechet, UK Business Developer Gateley Plc – Law Firm offering Global Mobility Services - gateleyplc.com Represented by Gareth Wadley, Partner Imperator Industries – Precision manufacture of laminated shims & sealing parts - www.imperator-ind.com Represented by Yohanna Bedos, General Secretary Mariage Frères – French gourmet tea company - www.mariagefreres.com Represented by Lucas Mansilla Gonzalez, General Manager Medicare Français – French Medical and Dental Centre - www.medicarefrancais.com Represented by Dr Mathilde Konczynski, Clinical Director Noé Two Ltd – Contemporary Artist - www.noetwo.com/en Represented by Hervé Ferreira, Director Solvaction – Independant law firm providing business-minded solutions - www.solvaction.com Represented by Charles Marquand, Lawyer (Barrister) Stef le Chef – Sweet and Savoury French Madeleines - www.stef-lechef.com Represented by Stéphanie Quénan, Founder and Baker Stevens & Bolton LLP – Full Service Law Firm - www.stevens-bolton.com Represented by Gabrielle Holgate, Partner & Head of Pensions SYS Visual – We Solve Business Problems with Immersive Technology - www.sysvisual.com Represented by Fardi Mohamed, Managing Director techspert.io – AI Powered Expert Network - techspert.io Represented by Samia Chouf, Sales Director Telavox – IT Company - www.telavox.co.uk Represented by Omer Tariq, Sales Manager UK The Mandeville Hotel – Luxury Boutique Hotel 4* Deluxe - www.mandeville.co.uk Represented by Chetan Bhanot, General Manager Yooz – Accounts Payable and Purchase to Pay Automation Software - www.getyooz.com Represented by Sarah Ouannou, Marketing Project Director

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- spring 2019 - 65

&

EUROPE

In this issue, as INFO magazine continues to celebrate its fortieth anniversary, we look back on our coverage of Europe and the Eurotunnel, the emblematic physical link between England and France

Le 6 Mai, jour du tunnel

A

t the inauguration of the Eurotunnel on 6 May, 1994,

created great opportunity; and to mark the occasion, her

thousands of staff from TransMache Link, the British-

Majesty Elisabeth II and Franรงois Mitterrand travelled in

French construction consortium, and Eurotunnel, the

a Rolls Royal from Paris to London on the first Eurostar

company which manages and operates the Channel

journey through the tunnel. The journey lasted three hours,

Tunnel (now rebranded as Getlink), gathered to celebrate

with thirty minutes under the sea, and the Royal caravan

the event, and millions watched on television.

was greeted on both sides of the Channel by onlookers and

The two companies made statements to acknowledge that this rapprochement between France and England

66 - info - spring 2019

celebrants. The tunnel would go on to enable increases in business and tourism between the two countries. I

1979 2019

HRH Elizabeth II and Franรงois Mitterrand travelled in a Rolls Royce from Paris to London on the first official journey through the Channel Tunnel

Le Tunnel sous la Manche, une aventure Franco-Britannique

E

urotunnel has come a long way. As an island

carefully involved in the project, which would ultimately be

nation, the British have always looked cautiously

accomplished through private funding and the creation of

at the possibility of a trans-channel tunnel with the continent. The French, conversely, saw an opportunity to strengthen ties.

After twenty-seven failures to get the project off the ground, a decisive boost was given by Margaret Thatcher

a Franco-British company: Eurotunnel.

The cooperation led to a much-celebrated moment of when French and English engineers connected under the Channel, establishing a permanent physical link between both nations. I

and Franรงois Mitterrand in 1985. Both parties were

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- spring 2019 - 67

AT THE CHAMBE R - INTE RVIE W E DHEC

NEW SPONSOR OF THE HR FORUM

EDHEC Business School The Chamber is pleased to announce that EDHEC Business School is now sponsoring the meetings of the HR Forum.

INFO speaks with Cassandra Pittman, Country Manager, UK & Ireland

Why is EDHEC interested in

And, by the time they are done, they

sponsoring the HR forum?

have corrected weaknesses and

EDHEC is committed to nurturing

developed their talents in ways no other

future leaders to fuel innovation,

business students in Europe have done.

entrepreneurship and creativity in

inclusion. Open Leadership stands out

today’s globally interconnected business

from the usual initiatives on diversity by

What do you expect from your

world. Giving tomorrow’s leaders the

placing leadership transformation at the

sponsorship of the forum?

knowledge, mind-set and agility to

heart of this approach.

Remaining close to HR and business

invent new paths are at the heart of our

Our NewGen Talent Centre in a

leaders in the field allows us to integrate

vision -- and this starts by developing

centre of expertise providing insight

learnings in real-time, enabling us to

students’ soft skills. More than a school

into the professional expectations,

better prepare business leaders. At the

that trains in business, EDHEC is an

motivations and competencies of New

same time, our world-class faculties are

ecosystem that innovates by stimulating

Generation talent. The Centre provides

conducting research in several fields

an entrepreneurial spirit, and a

a collaborative platform for sharing and

related to HR, including Leadership

springboard towards a better future

learning, bringing together employers,

Development, Diversity and Inclusion

that prioritises people. Partnering with

graduates and academics. Through the

and NewGen Talent. We are excited

the French Chamber’s HR Forum is a

NewGen Loyalty Track©, the Centre

to share our research and expertise

natural fit with this commitment.

works with our partners to develop,

with leading practitioners, and to work

launch and refine effective graduate

together to co-create a strategic vision

programmes.

for human capital management that

What are the activities of your school in this area?

For the past 15 years our

drives value in our teams, organisations

In addition to our numerous faculties

Leadership Development Chair

specialising in Leadership, Management

has been designing learning and

and Organisational Behaviour, EDHEC

leadership development methods

What does membership of the

has two Innovation Centres and a Chair

for managers in collaboration with

French Chamber mean to EDHEC?

dedicated to enlightening managers

our corporate partners. Through an

At EDHEC, we like to say that we are not

and the public sphere on critical HR

array of initiatives, including published

just a business school, we’re a school

issues. Additionally, EDHEC’s award-

research on leadership, management

for business. We know that businesses

winning Talent Identification and Career

and organisational authority, tailored

worldwide need high-potential, high-

Development (TI&CD) Programme is the

training for corporate partners, and

performing talent, with a global mindset,

only one of its kind in Europe.

teaching in our degree programmes,

ready to make an impact in all they do,

the Leadership Development Chair is

wherever they are. Maintaining close

first centre dedicated to improving

committed to fostering pedagogical

ties with business communities around

diversity and inclusion by transforming

innovation in service of leadership.

the globe is an integral part of our

EDHEC Open Leadership is the

leadership in organisations.

The centre was set up as a

Finally, EDHEC’s award-winning

and communities.

DNA. Our membership of the French

TI&CD programme has been called

Chamber of Great Britain allows us

response to questions raised by our

a ‘blast-off’ pad for students. The

to be part of a thriving, international

business partners about the slow rate

programme evaluates and assesses

community of business and academic

of progress on diversity. The Centre’s

student’s strengths and areas of

leaders who share our commitment to

objective is to make our scientific

improvement on 10 managerial

promoting cross-country collaboration

expertise available to the business

competencies defined by our partner

community in order to accelerate

HR and business leaders. For students,

and economic development.. I www.edhec.edu.fr

the pace of progress on diversity and

it’s a genuine journey of self-discovery.

68 - info - spring 2019

BUSINE S S CE NTE R – AT THE CHAMBE R

THE BUSINESS CENTRE: A SPRINGBOARD INTO THE UK Valentin Rozé, Export Sales Representative IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES, EFIRE Group

Could you introduce us to IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES? IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES is a member of EFIRE Group, a French group listed among the European leaders of industrial sealing and fluid transfer. Founded in 1889, IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES is specialised in high-precision industrial cutting, laminated shims and highperformance semi-metal/metal seals. Thanks to the skills and knowledge of our highly qualified and experienced staff, we constantly invest in high-performance industrial tools and in the development of strong international partnerships.

Your company has more than 100 years of expertise in high precision cutting.

Indeed, we have been developing for more than 100 years know-how and unique skills in the high precision cutting of metal (steel, stainless steel, copper, titanium, bronze, etc.) and some composites. We operate in various industrial sectors: Electronics, Aeronautics, Rail, Agricultural Equipment, Automotive, Energy… We manufacture different sizes of products, from prototype to large series through a high-performance machine park. Our cutting technologies (laser cutting, milling machine, etc.) and our control equipment (3D measuring arm, dimensional control camera) allow us to guarantee very precise tolerances.

Your company is one of the European leaders in the manufacture of laminated shims.

Our technical experts have developed a unique and innovative manufacturing process to design and produce our laminated shims, called Impershim®. Available in metal or PET composite materials, our Impershim® laminated shims are completely manufactured in our factory in France. Thanks to our exclusive production process, our Impershim® laminated shims are highly accurate, with unparalleled quality and could be personalised according to the needs of our customers.

Your company recently obtained the EN 9100 certification. What does this mean for the business?

IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES has been certified ISO 9001 for several years. As usual, we wanted to go further, strive for industrial excellence by constantly improving our processes. Being EN 9100 certified quickly became a priority in our development strategy, particularly for the aerospace market. After several years of work and investment, we proudly obtained EN 9100 certification in January 2019. The work done to obtain this certification (traceability set-up and follow up on the customers’ requirements) has a positive impact for all our customers, whatever their sector of activity.

Why has your company decided to come to the United Kingdom?

We seek new opportunities and new challenges, so we have decided to develop our brand abroad. Klinger©, our main partner has been established for many years in the United Kingdom. Thanks to their support, we chose to develop our business within the French Chamber.

Why have you chosen the French Chamber?

The Chamber was an obvious choice for us. It’s the main antenna of companies in the UK; it seemed essential for us to be present there to facilitate our implantation in the English territory. Becoming a member enables us to participate in the events organised by the Chamber and to develop our network in the English territory.

What do you have planned for the future?

Our ambition is to develop a complete service for our English-speaking customers. We hope IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES succeeds in its implantation in the UK, to increase its number of commercial representatives in this territory and to guarantee a strong link with our neighbouring country. I To find out more about the Chamber’s Business Centre, please contact Sophie Bosc, Business Consultancy Project Manager, sbosc@ccfgb.co.uk or 0207 092 6628

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- spring 2019 - 69

CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY FORUM

'Behavioural economics, nudges and morality’

Sponsored by

A meeting of the Climate Change & Sustainability Forum heard about human behaviour in the digital era

T

Economic context

Alger, Senior Researcher, CNRS, Program Director Ecology Path

Ingela Alger, an academic and economist based at the Institute

– Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, Toulouse

of Advanced Studies at the Toulouse School of Economics, gave

School of Economics. The session was chaired by Jean-

a presentation focused on how economists are rethinking their

Philippe Verdier, Founding Partner, Verdier & Co. Corporate

models of human behaviour. This can have implications on how

Advisory, and Nidhi Baiswar, Head of Sustainable Design and

to achieve greater results in the fight against climate change,

Construction, Bouygues Construction.

and in implementing more sustainable behaviours in a range

he forum welcomed speakers Joanna Pawlik, Product Strategist & Data Scientist, Reckon Digital, and Ingela

of contexts.

AI applications Reckon

Digital

is

The first theorem of welfare economics posts that if certain a

London-based

software

company

conditions are met, a decentralised market delivers an efficient

specialised in the application of AI to advanced automation and

resource allocation, even if all actors are selfish. However

optimisation problems. Pawlik, a strategist and data scientist

economists in the 1970s and 80s noticed that the preconditions

with a background in computer science, CSR and environmental

were rarely met.

issues, spoke about several case studies of their work.

According to Alger, their model also relied on an idea about

The company undertook a

human behaviour, dating back

contract with General Electric

to Adam Smith, that people

(GE) to create a planning

are

inherently

tool

and

without

which

allows

efficient

opportunistic concern

for

organisation of activities and

others or for moral values.

processes, with the goal of

However in the context of

reducing execution times and

economic analysis, this theory

energy usage, while managing

does not account for certain

resource allocation within a

‘anomalies,' such as donations

large and global workforce.

to public goods, a decrease in

Their

other

projects

tax evasion, and the worsening

include solutions related to maintenance, refurbishment and recycling, with the goal to increase efficiency, and decrease costs and time spent.

The company undertook a project for the UN Food Agency, where they developed a digital tool to audit the resource

of

behaviour

following

the

introduction of monetary incentives.

For example, a study in Israel showed that the introduction of fees for late pick-ups at a nursery only led to parents picking their children up even later than before.

allocation of food to poor communities. The tool offers greater

Currently economists are researching new drivers of human

transparency between countries and can help to combat

behaviour, including those based on comparison to peers and

corruption. These types of tools can also have environmental

moral values, and a new theorem of human behaviour is being

benefits.

developed for the internet era.

According to Pawlik, barriers to adoption of the technology

The internet and other new technologies have brought

are based on concerns about automation resulting in job

about a completely new ‘environment’. Firms can now provide

losses, overall costs of the solutions/tools, and generally of

information about the consumption of goods, the production

popular misconceptions about the technology and its potential/

chain, and its environmental impact.

limitations.

On the plus side, AI solutions for reporting and auditing can increase trust, security and legitimacy of a project or service.

She concluded that economists and firms should work together to better predict how consumer behaviour will evolve in this new ‘environment.’ I

Economists are researching new drivers of human behaviour, and a new theorem of human behaviour is being developed for the internet era 70 - info - spring 2019

CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY FORUM

PLASTIC: issues, solutions and false ideas The Climate Change & Sustainability Forum tackled misapprehensions and problems for the hot topic of plastics

T

he BBC’s Blue Planet documentary series has been credited

The recycling challenge

with helping to change public opinion on the effect of plastics

Plastic waste is a useful resource to industry, with estimates

in the ocean. Research by British supermarket chain Waitrose &

between USD80 to 120bn per year in its potential value to

Partners highlights that 88 percent of individual consumers who

companies. Recycled plastic also has a lower environmental

watched have since changed their plastic habits.

impact than new plastic.

The latest session of the Climate Change & Sustainability

However, recycled plastic is often more expensive to use

Forum explored this changing mindset and its extension to

than virgin plastic and plastics cannot be recycled indefinitely.

business and industry. The Forum heard presentations by

Grasset also highlighted that the plastics recycling industry

Aude Grasset, Sustainability Consultant at Uncle Ltd, and Matt

is not organised appropriately, lacking standardisation and

Davies, Senior Industrial Issues Executive at British Plastics

capabilities across regions, and even within towns.

Federation, and was chaired by Jean-Philippe Verdier, Verdier & Co. Corporate Advisory, and Nidhi Baiswar,

The circular solution

Head of Sustainable Design and Construction at Bouygues

According to Matt Davies of the British Plastics Federation, a

Construction.

primary means to combat planetary plastic accumulation is the

Creation and usage The case for the use of plastics in a range of business and

circular economy: ‘reduce, reuse, recycle.’ Key to this shift is a growing awareness among consumers, which can spill over to influence supply chains and corporate decision-making.

industry contexts includes a range of benefits including its

However, Davies highlights that certain misconceptions

versatility, water resistance, and its strong yet lightweight

regarding plastics need to be resolved in order to move to

durability. It can be used in making end products lighter and

this circular economy. The marine impact and chemical risk

more efficient, with potential to indirectly reduce the carbon

are subjects around which misunderstandings can arise. The

emissions of cars and planes.

chemical question, for example, must be weighed for both

Sustainability consultant Aude Grasset reports that plastics are a by-product of oil production. This production is less energy intensive than that of metals, glass, even paper.

The problem lies not in the creation of plastic itself, but in how it is used. Plastic production is growing, exacerbated

risk and hazard. Plastic contain chemicals but is the consumer directly exposed to this?

A balanced response is therefore required. The ubiquity and multiple positive uses in business and industry are clear, and there are not large scale alternative to plastics at this stage.

by the durable material often used for disposable, single use

Grasset said that plastic waste is being tackled through

products. 95 percent of plastic packaging is used only once

more stringent regulations, partnerships across stakeholders,

before disposal.

new innovations (bio-plastics), etc.

Over the past 50 years, plastic production has risen by 2,000

It is evident that collaboration between manufacturers,

percent; from 15 million tonnes globally in 1946 to 311 million

retailers and other stakeholders

tonnes in 2014 – and this is expected to double in the next

approach for a sustainable future. I

can create a coordinated

20 years. While only 10 to 14 percent of plastic waste is then recycled globally.

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- spring 2019 - 71

HR FORUM

Sponsored by

Talent Attraction

The latest meeting of the HR Forum explored different ways for companies to attract and retain the right talent

T

he HR Forum welcomed Caroline Tchekhoff, co-founder

and other ancillary benefits, such as a canteen or childcare

of Weologix, for a presentation on how to recruit, attract

vouchers. Even relatively small benefits, like subsidised meals,

and retain talent, and Sarah Robert, Partner at James

can make a difference in the way employees feel about their

Cowper Kreston, on how to offer the right benefits to retain

employer and their loyalty.

key employees. The session was chaired by Pia Dekkers,

Now that ‘employees are behaving like consumers,’

HR Director at Chanel, and Melanie Stancliffe, Partner –

companies have to implement changes in their HR strategies

Employment at Irwin Mitchell LLP.

to meet their employees’ aspirations. Caroline Tchekhoff

The session heard that one of the problems facing employers is when new hires begin thinking about their

suggested that companies put talent-strategy at the heart of their business.

next career move shortly after starting in the role. ‘It takes

Talent retention is facing challenges, too, specifically in

approximately nine weeks for people who have just started

relation to poor employee engagement. Tchekhoff claims only

a job to start exploring new opportunities,’ says Caroline

6 percent of employees are fully committed to their work, 14

Tchekhoff.

percent are somewhat engaged, and 20 percent of them are

She points out the fact that companies have to find innovative ways to be attractive in a new era where increased

disengaged completely.

Her recommendations for companies aiming at retaining

mobility and the millennial desire to impact society through

talent include redefining talent as the totality of skills (meaning

their work now are the norm.

their professional and soft skills). They should also identify

According to Sarah Robert of James Cowper Kreston,

management practices which help and guide employees,

benefits given to employees are an important way to attract

taking into account, as Tchekhoff states: ‘the most successful

and retain talent. This can include tax advantages, share plans,

managers are charismatic and emotionally intelligent.’ Team cohesion is also a crucial factor for employee motivation, and for helping promote diversity and inclusion.

Companies have to learn to rely on their employees to make an impact. Happy employees will be the best ambassadors for recruitment and retention, with Tchekhoff noting that messages spread by employees are eight times more powerful than official communication campaigns.

This opens the door to innovative approaches at all levels of the business, with the goal of finding and retaining the very best talent.I

Employees are behaving like consumers; companies have to implement changes in their HR strategies to meet their employees’ aspirations

The HR Forum is proud to welcome its new sponsor, EDHEC Business School, represented by Cassandra Pittman, Country Manager, UK & Ireland. Pittman addressed the session with an exclusive presentation on the results of EDHEC’s Post-Brexit Graduate Career Trends study, exploring perceptions of their Master students to the UK’s attractiveness after Brexit. Before the referendum, 47 percent of EDHEC students were highly motivated to work in the UK, while after the vote, the proportion dropped to only 30 percent. Fifty percent of respondents believe they would be less likely to be successful in their job search now than before the referendum. The challenge to the UK’s competitiveness is clear.

72 - info - spring 2019

HR FORUM

Digital natives join the workforce A meeting of the HR Forum heard that digital transformation is a crucial challenge for HR departments

A

session exploring digital solutions in human resources welcomed

Derya Turkkorkmaz, Co-Founder of WinnerInno, and Pinar Akkaya, Director of Signature Communication.

The session was chaired by Melanie Stancliffe, Partner at Irwin Mitchell, who moderated a lively debate.

The HR Forum began with a presentation by Cassandra Pittman, of the forum’s sponsor EDHEC, on the recruitment of young talent today, (see below).

The session heard that war for talent is going digital and talent supply is dwindling, as the majority of workers don’t have the skills to succeed in the digital era. HR departments need to adapt to this new challenge, and companies need to follow.

According to Pinar Akkaya, Director of Signature Communication, the

top talent and develop them – further

prerequisites to undertake a digital

distancing them from the completion

dedicated to increasing employee

transformation are finding the right

who are less agile. These ‘digerati’

involvement was created to fill this gap

people (digital literate) and identifying

companies are also defined by a culture

in the market.

the right organisation model.

of collaboration, an appetite for risk,

She described digital transformation as ‘a company’s ability to transform and adapt to a very rapidly changing

Her mobile app, WinnerInno,

Both speakers agreed that digital

and a willingness to invest in top talent

transformation isn’t simply about

and leadership.

implementing new technologies, but

Derya Turkkorkmaz, Co-Founder

more about creating an effective

environment caused by a digitalised

of WinnerInno, reported the most

alignment between the company’s

economy, through innovation and re-

common problem for recruitment is

strategy and the digital economy.

invention, formulating a sustainable

the lack of innovation. She warned that

corporate strategy in line with

if human resources departments can’t

should be led from the top, with

digitalisation.’

learn IT, then IT will probably replace

a strategy of investment in digital

them. However, new technologies

opportunities for employees as well as

shows that companies who are high

provide greater opportunities to

the creation of the right culture and a

both in digital and transformation

promote diversity, and attract and retain

reflexion on the company’s structure

management intensity can attract the

top talent.

and organisation. I

A recent report from Capgemini

They said that digital transformation

EDHEC on recruiting the younger generation. An EDHEC study on ‘Gen Z,’ the ‘digitally native’ generation born after the Millennials, showed that the use of digital in HR was all about finding the right balance. Ninety percent of respondents believe they should receive a response to their emailed application, while 71 requested a transparent recruitment process. Company culture also plays a major role in talent retention: 80 percent say company culture is the most important thing to look at before applying, with 78 percent saying that it influences their decision to apply.

info

- spring 2019 - 73

RETAIL FORUM

Brexit in the shops In the midst of uncertainty, the latest Retail Forum focused on the Brexit implications for retail businesses and aimed to provide them with concrete advice

A

ttendees welcomed guest speakers Neil Sherlock CBE, Senior Adviser

at PwC and Winston Green, Partner at Irwin Mitchell. The session was hosted at Irwin Mitchell and chaired by Alain Harfouche, General Manager of L’Occitane and Catherine Palmer, Legal & Administrative Director of Joseph.

The speakers offered advice to the session on several themes, ranging from data protection to supply chains and territorial issues.

In his opening remarks, Sherlock characterised the current Brexit climate as chaotic, where uncertainty and misinformation are the rule. He reminded the meeting that from the outset of the process, there has been no official dialogue between political parties on the issue.

The retail community should prepare for the worst, but expect a deal

A ‘severe disconnection’ also exists between politicians and business

that businesses do need to take

Free movement

owners, meaning that businesses

into consideration many differing

Both speakers acknowledged concerns

should focus on the reality of the

eventualities.

about free movement, which could

situation, and place less attention on

Also helpful to businesses may

be challenging for companies relying

seductive gossip in the press or political

be the various available Brexit

on employees moving regularly from

classes.

preparedness ‘checklists.’ Green

the European continent to the UK.

concedes that some points in these

In one example, the service sector,

checklists may seem obvious or

which represents 80 percent of the UK

Green, a commercial lawyer focusing

inconsequential. However, even the

economy, relies heavily on easy access

on commercial contracts, advises that

smallest detail can have wide ranging

to a European workforce.

business owners read the guidance

implications. For example, the term

already provided by consulting firms,

‘EU,’ when used in a contract, will no

will likely be disrupted, with queues

and by government. Various reports and

longer imply the UK and therefore

expect due to longer checks.

white papers offer recommendations

many existing contracts will have be to

to help businesses prepare for a range

redrafted on this basis alone.

Contract law

of Brexit scenarios – though planning

Other issues are more complex.

At the borders, imports and exports

The conclusion was clear: businesses have to ‘start planning for the worse, hoping for the best,’ says

for the worst may be the best course of

Goods will need to be assessed to get

Green. Sherlock’s closing remarks

action.

the CE (European Conformity) mark

echoed this sentiment: that the retail

Green advised businesses to identify

in order to be traded with the EU,

community should ‘prepare for the

their biggest risks in the Brexit process,

and tariffs may apply on those goods.

worst, but expect a deal’. I

and to then ensure that their contracts

Companies registered on a ‘.eu’ domain

are up to date and appropriate. One

will also have to take measures and may

challenge is the changeable nature

have to register via one of their firms

of the Brexit landscape, meaning

already in Europe.

74 - info - spring 2019

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INNOVATION FORUM Sponsored by

Virtual Reality The technology and the business case The application of virtual reality to improve efficiencies and sales in business was discussed in the latest Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum

V

irtual reality has been spoken about for decades. But only now is catching up with the potential of the concept, across

industry sectors and business functions.

Attendees of the Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum on 31 January heard presentations by Fardi Mohamed, Managing Director of SYS Visual, and Diez Cocero Pedro, Solution Consultant, Dassault Systèmes. The audience then saw a demonstration from Nick McFerran, Senior Solution Consultant at Dassault Systèmes. The session was co-chaired

by Fabrice Bernhard, CTO & Co-Founder, Theodo, and Christophe Chazot, Managing Director, HSBC Bank PLC.

VR’s birth and development Fardi Mohamed from marketing company SYS Visual outlined that the immersive concept behind VR technology has been in

experience scenarios and the product prior to purchase at the

existence since the 1950s, with the Sensorama. But the real

marketing stage.

headway was made as recently as 2012, with a kick-starter campaign to create the Oculus Rift. The validity of the technology

Marketing & sales applications

was confirmed when Facebook bought the Oculus VR company

Marketing activities often places emphasis on the visual. This is

for USD 2bn in 2014.

where VR is a powerful tool. It links a visual experience with an

This purchase was a defining moment. Advances in the

emotional connection.

technology gained momentum, with multiple applications

‘We all think with images, that’s how we process information,’

developed. These range from immersive gaming experiences

said Mohamed. VR’s deployment in sales and marketing

and treating psychological disorders, to teaching new skills.

activities creates a new way to engage with audiences.

Business benefits include the ability to mitigate risk, accelerate the time to market and share knowledge in a new manner.

The creation of a ‘digital twin’ facilitates many of these functions.

The digital twin

'360-degree technology' integrated with VR takes this one step further. It places the viewer within the context of a scene or event, rather than presenting them as an outside observer.

The viewer has the ability to control the orientation of the scene and the viewing direction.

Initially, the technology was not accessible. The hardware

Diez Cocero Pedro, Solution Consultant at Dassault Systèmes,

costs were high and editing and rendering the videos was

explained that the ‘digital twin’ is a virtual representation

time consuming. Now, hardware is affordable and off the shelf

of a physical asset with multiple interconnected layers of

software solutions make the costs of distribution negligible.

information.

The twin serves to simulate the design and manufacturing

The future

process as well as operational performance of a product.

VR therefore streamlines the entire process from product

This limits the material and testing costs and speeds up the

concept and production, through to sale. The technology is

innovation process.

anticipated to reach an estimated USD 16.1bn addressable

The next step lies in making the data generated accessible

enterprise and public sector market by 2025.

and ensuring it reaches the right people at the right time. At

The prevailing limitation to a widespread adoption of this

the design and production stage, stakeholders can enter the

tech is user experience. However, as 5G connectivity becomes

virtual space, regardless of geographical location, interacting

widespread and the hardware becomes smaller and more

and undergoing modifications in real time.

portable, its potential reach and applications are limitless. I

The same platform and imagery allow customers to

info

- spring 2019 - 75

FMCG FORUM

French Consumer Brands in 2019 The newly launched Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Forum explore the threats and opportunities to French consumer brands

T

he inaugural session of the Chamber’s Fast Moving

consumer it is; it is what consumers tell each other.’ In this

Consumer Goods (FMCG) Forum welcomed three guest

respect, French brands continue to be associated with French

speakers, including Jean Louet, Managing Director of Andros,

woman, especially Parisian woman: chic, not too elaborate,

Sandeep Gill, Global M&A and Financial Advisory Leader &

natural elegance. This means glamour, but also arrogance and

Consumer Deloitte North-West Europe Leader – Consumer

pretention.

Products at Deloitte, and Cecile Lux , CMI Director of

Lux believes that Brexit and the referendum didn’t have

L’Oréal UK. The session was chaired by Geoff Skingsley,

an impact on the perception people have on French brands

Chairman of L'Oréal UK and the meeting was held in L’Oréal’s

(both in terms of KPIs and brand image). There are different

Hammersmith offices.

approaches by the leading brands. For example, L’Oréal Paris

The forecast

has released no statements on Brexit, while Lancôme has spoken publicly about Brexit on twelve occasions – notably

Sadeep Gill gave a presentation on the theme of the consumer

these were politically neutral and more focused on internal

industry of the future, characterised by a world where GDPs

preparations like stockpiling.

are slowing down and an economic downturn is expected.

She does not see Brexit affecting consumer perceptions

In terms of consumer businesses, ‘we think disruption is the

of French brands, as there has been little impact on purchase

new normal,’ says Gill. Global brands are losing shares whereas

intention after the referendum.

small brands and disruptors are gaining some. Local and regional players are also gaining significance.

In terms of Brexit, Deloitte is sceptical that the UK will see

Point of origin Jean Louet reported that for some food products, customers

a boom in innovation; though the government has said that it

do care about the origin of the product – for example, Tiramisu

will support local entrepreneurs for employment and exports.

from Italy. For more generic products, UK sourcing has always

We may see target retailers opening more local and regional

been preferred, even before the referendum, but he says that

listings, though French brand ownership (in the context of

he has not been treated differently since the referendum. He

rising English nationalism) is not expected to be an issue.

notes that 62 percent of fresh products in Britain are imported

Pricing is expected to be the dominant issue in Brexit,

into the country.

because exchange rates and tariffs barriers will affect prices

According to Louet, distributors have concerns about the

and margins. Getting products on the shelves is crucial.

continuity of supply, instead of having concerns about the

Interestingly, figures show that ten percent of customers in the

origin of the product. ‘There is no drop in confidence, so we

UK have started stockpiling goods, especially alcohol.

don’t anticipate a drop in consumption.’

French brands

drinking out, or buying clothing, less than for purchases of

According to Cecile Lux, ‘a brand is no longer what we tell the

supermarkets products,’ says Louet. I

‘Consumers are worried prices will go up for eating and

Introducing the FMCG Forum. The Chamber took the decision to launch a new forum focused on the fast moving consumer goods following consultations with member companies operating in food, drink, cosmetics and other sectors with a strong element of consumer branding.

According to founding chair Geoff Skingsley, Chairman of L'Oréal UK, the forum seeks share insight and best practice on topics of common interest, such as Brexit, the rapid evolution of retail in the UK, and what is means to be a French consumer brand in the UK.

76 - info - spring 2019

FINANCE FORUM

The impact of IFRS16 on businesses The latest session of the Finance Forum heard about IFRS16, an international standard for providing guidance on accounting for leases

The most significant effect of the new requirements in IFRS 16 will be an increase in lease assets and financial liabilities

A

t a session exploring accounting

obligation

lease

largely be determined by the number of

practices for leases, the forum

payments. The most significant effect of

entities and contracts it has. For SMEs,

welcome guest speakers Lamfaddal

the new requirements in IFRS 16 will be

implementation can take between three

Ammor,

Selva

an increase in lease assets and financial

and six months; larger groups can take

Visea

liabilities.

longer, with the example of Visea’s work

Supervisor,

Selvarangame,

and

Partner,

of

Consulting. The meeting was chaired by

to

Accordingly,

make

for

future

companies

with

with several clients which is still ongoing.

John Peachey, Managing Director - CFO

material off balance sheet leases, there

Global Markets, HSBC Bank Plc, and

will be a change to key financial metrics

between

David Strong, Digital Practice Director -

derived from the company’s assets and

the

Cloud Transformation, Sopra Steria.

liabilities (for example, leverage ratios).

incorporates all previous leases. A

Background

IFRS 16 does not require a company

lessee goes back to the point in time it

to recognise assets and liabilities for

entered into every lease and gathers

The session heard that the International

short-term leases (for example, leases of

the

Accounting

(IASB)

12 months or less), or for leases of low-

complicated and could have significant

2016,

value assets (for example, a lease of a

cost implications. The second method –

personal computer).

the simplified approach – is also applied

issued

Standards

the

new

Board

IFRS16

in

superseding IAS 17. IFRS16 is required to be applied for accounting periods beginning after 1 January 2019.

Issues and implementation

Companies also have the choice two

reporting

retrospective

necessary

methods:

method,

information.

which

This

is

retrospectively, but there is no need to go back in time to lease commencement

IFRS 16 eliminates the classification

When implementing IFRS 16, companies

dates to measure the right-of-use asset

of leases as either operating leases or

will face issues, mainly on a practical

and the lease liability.

finance leases for a lessee. Instead all

operational level. These include the

leases are treated in a similar way to

need to perform an exhaustive inventory

that choosing the right software is

finance leases applying IAS 17. Leases

of their existing lease contracts, as well

important, and advise that Excel is not

are ‘capitalised’ by recognising the

as setting up a dedicated procedure to

the right tool to use if you have a large

present value of the lease payments

update the contract database.

number of contracts to deal with. Their

The first steps to implementation

and showing them either as lease assets (right-of-use assets) or together with

for

property, plant and equipment.

a

If lease payments are made over time, a

a

company

financial

liability

also

recognises

representing

its

many

companies

and

Selvarangame

say

company Visea has developed a tool for

require

SMEs – K-IFRS16 – which will perform

while

the necessary calculations based on

the overall duration of the project

inputted financial reporting and create

depends on the company’s specific

charts and outputs for reporting. I

significant

workload.

may

Ammor

And

requirement, the time investment will

info

- spring 2019 - 77

START-UP & SME CLUB

Business development: the sales cycle and new business A meeting of the Start-up and SME Club heard from Tanguy Tallon of the bim! Business Accelerator

Sales people in start-ups and SMEs often do not consider the next steps – you are in charge of the next steps, not your client

I

n a session chaired by Jeanne Monchovet, Founder and

the next steps,’ says Tallon. ‘You are in charge of the next steps,

Principal Consultant of Olystix, and Sébastien Goldenberg,

not your client.’

CEO & Co-Founder, TheHouseShop.com, attendees were

You want to project your ideal sales process onto your

given a presentation by Tanguy Tallon, Founder of the bim!

client. Tell them how the process will work from the outset –

Business Accelerator.

present them the process from initial meeting to closing of the

According to Tallon, when we think about sales cycles we tend to only think about the process between first proposals and closing the deal – however this accounts for only 20 percent of what it takes to build an efficient sales cycle.

project, and be careful not to miss a next step. Be organised, set reminders.

3. From nice-to-have to a must-have

The other eighty percent involves detecting opportunities,

According to Tallon, people don’t buy what you do, they buy the

identifying targets and ranking them, and then creating a

value you deliver for them: ‘Even if you have the best sales team

strategy aimed at targeting them.

in the world, if you are seen as a nice-to-have, it will take ages

Tallon presented four main insights aimed at improving the sales cycle.

1. Know your sales process

to close a deal.’

Businesses need to identify clients who will see you as a provider of strong value. He advises to prioritise finding people and departments in companies who really need your solution

To measure your sales cycle you first need to know your sales

or product and make the case to them, and to build specific and

process. Tallon advises start-ups to sketch it out on a flow chart.

targeted sales campaigns around them.

‘A lot of businesses know their business but they struggle to put it into a flow chart. I insist on it, because to look at it

4. Create a sense of urgency

this way is to really understand it and find opportunities for

Tallon advises that businesses identify a deadline and present

improvement.’

your retro-planning to the client. This means fixing a deadline

2. Control your timing After each action you need to plan the next one. This includes when to follow up, what to achieve next and knowing where the discussion goes next.

‘Sales people in start-ups and SMEs often do not consider 78 - info - spring 2019

with your client, so that you are working to the same goal and design special offers limited in time – though do not risk coming across as too commercial.

The point, as always, is to be strategic in what you communicate and how you sell. I

START-UP & SME CLUB

Workshop with entrepreneurs Microsoft for Startups hosted a meeting of the Start-up and SME Club, in a session exploring the success and failures of an entrepreneurial journey

Recruiting the right people means finding people who believe in your vision and have the right mindset, above and beyond their skills or experience Both speakers stressed that personalisation is crucial, especially in a tech start-up

I

n a special session of the Start-up and SME Club, attendees

from the outset, and being able to articulate the vision clearer

were welcomed by Microsoft for Startups in their Silicon

to investors and to new hires especially.

Roundabout offices to hear from two speakers, Rene Perkins,

Both speakers listed recruitment of talent as an important

Co-Founder & CEO, CityMaaS, and Julien Vidal, Co-Founder,

factor to success. Recruiting the right people means finding

Blyng.

people who believe in your vision and have the right mindset,

The session was chaired by Jeanne Monchovet, Founder and Principal Consultant of Olystix, and Sébastien Goldenberg, CEO & Co-Founder, TheHouseShop.com.

Attendees were organised into two working groups, in which

above and beyond their skills or experience.

Vidal recommended hiring at least two sales people; as you will want to retain the expertise and experience in house if (and when) one of them leaves to pursue another opportunity.

both founders took turns reflecting back on their successes and

Another point that was raised was that being successful

failures in their journey to founding a start-up. The dialogue

doesn’t necessarily have to mean having a completely unique

between founders and attendees was open and informal,

idea for your business. According to Perkins, it is often better

enabling participants to enter into the conversation from the

to do what others are doing in a better way, or to offer a better

point of view of their own activities.

service in an existing market.

Rene Perkins created an app that uses machine-learning

Both speakers stressed that personalisation is crucial,

to help disabled people to achieve spontaneous and inclusive

even (and perhaps especially) in a tech start-up. This dominant

travel in smart cities. Julien Vidal created an AI-driven chatbot

business trend should be kept top of mind and incorporated

virtual assistant, which serves primarily the Real Estate

into your product or offer.

industry. Both had been involved in previous companies and ventures.

Common themes emerged from the working groups,

Vital also advised to focus on the B2B market, as the B2C market was already quite saturated and presented greater challenges to break through. I

including having a picture of the end vision of the company

Top reasons start-ups fail: Recent research by analytics company CB Insights, compiled the top twenty reasons that start-ups fail. At the top of the list are ‘no market need,’ ‘ran out of cash,’ ‘not the right team,’ and ‘outcompeted.’

‘Poor marketing,’ ‘product without business model,’ and ‘user un-friendly product’ also figured in the decision of founders to wrap up their businesses.

info

- spring 2019 - 79

LUXURY CLUB

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams The Luxury Club was treated to an exclusive tour of the sold out Christian Dior exhibition at the V&A

T

here is no other country in the world, besides my own,

This evening began with a welcome speech by Peter

whose way of life I like so much. I love English traditions,

Alfandary, Senior Vice President of the French Chamber,

English politeness, English architecture. I even love English

followed by an introduction to ‘Christian Dior: Designer of

cooking,’ said Christian Dior, a great anglophile.

Dreams’ by Hélène Starkman, Cultural Projects Manager at

Roughly forty Patron members of the French Chamber had

Christian Dior Couture. Starkman provided her insights on

the privilege to discover the largest and most comprehensive

specific pieces in the exhibition, as well as a background on the

exhibition ever staged in the UK on the House of Dior, at a

House of Dior.

session of the Luxury Club chaired by Tom Meggle.

The visit took place in the Victoria and Albert Museum,

It was an evening dedicated to style, where guests were able to enjoy s seminal Dior creations in rarefied elegance and

which opened its door exclusively to the attendees, giving them

reflect on them at post-exhibition a cocktail reception. I

the chance to immerse themselves in this comprehensive

The Chamber would like to thank Dior for their

exhibition already sold out to the public.

collaboration.

80 - info - spring 2019

FORTHCOMING FORUMS & CLUBS By application only

30 April

08.30 - 10.00

START-UP & SME CLUB ‘Brexit Update for Start-Ups & SMEs’ Guest speaker: Emmanuelle Ries, Managing Partner, ebl miller rosenfalk

4

June 08.30 - 10.30

DIGITAL TR ANSFORMATION & INNOVATION FORUM ‘Digital marketing: how to set up a successful employee advocacy programme’ SPONSORED BY ESCP EUROPE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Guest speaker(s): TBC

9

May 08.30 - 10.30

16 May

08.30 - 10.00

BREXIT FORUM ‘BREXIT update’ SPONSORED BY ESCP EUROPE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Guest speaker(s): TBC

5

June 08.30 - 10.30

May

08.30 - 10.30

‘Digitalisation of finance functions’ Guest speaker: Théo Alves Da Costa, Senior Data Scientist, Ekimetrics UK

6

June

CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILIT Y FORUM ‘The EU ETS (European Union Emission Trading System) and productivity’ SPONSORED BY TOULOUSE SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

Guest speaker: Giulia Pavan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Toulouse School of Economics

23 May

08.30 - 10.00

‘Current & Future Consumer Trends’ Guest speaker(s): TBC

FINANCE FORUM

08.30 - 10.30

21

FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS FORUM

HR FORUM ‘Employment Law update’ SPONSORED BY EDHEC BUSINESS SCHOOL

12 June

08.30 - 10.30

18 June

RETAIL FORUM ‘GDPR – a year later’ Guest speaker: Richard Nicholas, Partner, Browne Jacobson Venue: Browne Jacobson 6 Bevis Marks, London EC3A 7BA

BREXIT FORUM Theme: TBC SPONSORED BY ESCP EUROPE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Guest speaker(s): TBC

START-UP & SME CLUB ‘Growing your business across Borders’ Guest speaker(s): TBC

08.30 - 10.00

Guest speaker: Melanie Stancliffe, Partner – Employment, Irwin Mitchell LLP

All sessions, excluding the Retail Forum, Luxury Club and the Women's Business Club, take place at the French Chamber. For more information, please contact: Ophélie Martinel at: forumsandclubs@ccfgb.co.uk or 0207 092 6634

info

- spring 2019 - 81

DÎNER DES CHEFS WITH MICHEL ROUX JR – 26 MARCH

Business challenges and culinary insights The second edition of the Dîner des Chefs with Michel Roux Jr took place on 26 June at the Roux at the Landau, for a repeat relaxed dining experience

O

n the evening of 26 June, fine

kindly provided by Les Crus Classés de

openings. He expressed the pleasure he

dining and fine conversation were

Graves with the Château Pape-Clément

takes in making time to engage with his

the order of the day at Roux at the

label, including reds from 1981 and

clients and customers – one which he

Landau, a restaurant nestled in the

2006, and a 2015 white.

would not wish to sacrifice.

opulent surroundings of the Langham

Florence Gomez, Managing Director

However, Roux plans to create new

Hotel. Seventy-five members gathered

of the French Chamber, introduced

recipe books, continue his television

for this second edition of the Dîner des

Michel Roux Jr, outlining his prestigious

appearances, and the expansion of

Chefs with Michel Roux Jr, and the 21st

culinary bibliography and regular

his charity work, notably by mentoring

edition of this popular event.

television appearances.

young chefs and supporting a diverse

In the large space exclusively

Roux then proceeded to regale the

workforce.

reserved for the Chamber event, bottles

audience with anecdotes and engage

of Vranken Pommery champagne were

with the participants in an interactive

styles: ‘Fusion is confusion!’ He has a

ready and waiting to welcome guests

Q&A session.

preference for food that does not try to

and to launch proceedings.

He named Brexit as the biggest

As for his thoughts on new culinary

be too many things. He emphasises that

The menu featured the flourishes

challenge his restaurants face due

the food on your plate should not be

reflecting the imagination and expertise

to increased costs waiting times on

confusing.

of Roux Jr: Loch Duart salmon and nori

imports for food and drink, which may

The Chamber would like to thank

gravlax with crisp potatoes and mimosa

compromise the high quality required

Michel Roux Jr for his welcome; Roux

to start followed by a main course

from his ingredients and beverages.

at the Landau and the Langham hotel

of Herdwick lamb ‘Navarin’, spring

He described his approach to

for hosting the event; and Vranken

vegetables and creamy polenta. The

running three restaurants, Le Gavroche,

Pommery and Les Cru Classés de

meal culminated with a caramelia jelly,

Roux at Parliament Square and Roux at

white coffee namelaka and whisky ice

the Landau as hands-on, and revealed

Graves for providing the champagne and wine respectively. I SL

dessert.

no plans to dilute the time that he can

Dinner was accompanied by wines

dedicate to them with further restaurant

He named Brexit as the biggest challenge his restaurants face due to increased costs and waiting times on imports for food and drink 82 - info - spring 2019

AT THE CHAMBE R - E VE NTS

SEMINAR & COCKTAIL WITH YOOZ - 27 FEBRUARY

Accounts payable automation Software provider Yooz explains how applying digital transformation to the accounts department can create widereaching efficiencies

T

o fully reap the rewards of digital transformation, all company departments should get in on the act. Yooz’s AP

automation solution recognises the potential of applying digital

Companies want to change, they want to take this digital turn, but they don’t know how to do it

transformation to the finance department, the backbone linking all business functions.

In this Seminar & Cocktail sponsored by Yooz taking place at the Sofitel Hotel, 35 participants had the chance to learn how to

update. The conventional means to install such a system would require a set up on the premises. Yooz, in the spirit of digital transformation, offers a cloud based system.

implement the change. Sebastien Albou, Manager – UK ratings

Vinson explains that, ‘ten years ago, the technology that

at Early Metrics, and Emily Vinson, Sales Consultant at Yooz,

we are offering was only available in on-premise solutions,

shared their expertise on the topic.

which only made it accessible to large companies processing

Transforming finance departments Sebastien Albou defined digital transformation as ‘the integration of digital technology into all areas of business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers.’

hundreds of thousands of documents a month. So that is why we created Yooz, to be able to offer such technology to smaller companies.’

But what concrete benefits can this automation bring?

The benefits

Albou reported that ‘companies want to change, they

Vinson outlines that the traditional on-site manual solution

want to take this digital turn, but they don’t know how to do it.’

has a long processing period of 22-35 days on average and

Working with start-ups such as Yooz offers a solution as they

associated labour costs. 31 percent of invoices are paid late,

are ‘way more flexible, more oriented towards innovation and

and a lack of visibility across departments can lead to up to 3.5%

they can normally leverage a very specific technology, machine

of double payments.

learning or cloud tech for example.’

In contrast, automation can reduce cost and time by up to

The finance department is a natural environment in which

80 percent and can capture 100 percent of all workflows. All

to implement a digital solution and strategy according to Albou.

stages of the process can be traced to prevent error, monitor

CFOs finance the adoption of digital solutions, they follow the

fraud, and provide big picture insights, for accounts and

results through ROI, and they can exploit this data.

business leaders alike.

A solution for all

of a solution across systems and restrictions in the face of

Sales consultant for Yooz Emily Vinson expanded further on

non-standard inputs are often depicted as constraints to an

the potential of Accounts Payable automation. Touching all

organisation wide implementation.

departments, the streamlining of purchase to pay processes can increase efficiency across all business levels.

Traditionally the remit of large corporations, digital transformation allows SMEs and start-ups access to this AP

Misconceptions often arise. Difficulties in the integration

To bust these myths, the session ended with a live demonstration of the Yooz platform, illustrating its flexibility and simplicity. An insightful session recognising the potential and value of an often undervalued function. I

info

- spring 2019 - 83

Trade Delegation in London & Lunch with Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Sponsored by

The tenth edition of the series of Trade Delegations organised by the French Chamber of Great Britain saw an ambitious programme of visits, talks and a lunch with the Mayor, all taking place in the UK’s capital: London

From L. to R.: Fabrice Bernhard, Quentin Michard, Christian Fatras, Marc Reboux, Florence Gomez, Tony Greig, Bénédicte Duval, PierreLouis Phelipot, Arnaud Vaissié, Fabienne Viala, Paul Scales, Marc Bena, Simone Rossi, Helena Kavanagh, Aude Grasset, Cassandra Pittman

O

n the morning of 7th March, twenty senior business representatives

from

member

companies

of

After taking in the sights of the Thames, participants

the

transferred to the Veolia Waste Management facilities in

French Chamber, led by the HE Jean-Pierre Jouyet, French

Southwark. They were led on a private tour by Richard Kirkman,

Ambassador to the UK, and Fabienne Viala, President of the

Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, and Martin Curtois,

Chamber, gathered on the banks of the Thames to launch the

Deputy Director of Public Affairs, from Veolia.

Trade Delegation in London, sponsored by PwC.

The next stop on the list was Digital Catapult, the UK’s leading

The UK capital was chosen this year in recognition of

advanced digital technology innovation centre. A whistle-stop

its influence as a gateway for current and future business

visit of its key facilities was directed by Steven Wood, Senior

opportunities. The importance of London’s role as a leading

Commercial Manager of the Digital Catapult.

location for investment and innovation will only grow as the United Kingdom prepares to leave the European Union.

The delegation then departed for the Langham Hotel, for Lunch with Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London. In an unprecedented

Following successful trade delegations to Scotland in 2013,

move, this event was opened to all members of the Chamber,

Manchester in 2015, Liverpool in 2016 and Ireland in 2017,

acknowledging the broader appeal of hearing Khan’s views to

the 2019 Trade Delegation continued its mission to develop

this largely London-based Franco-British community.

relationships and business opportunities for members of the French Chamber of Great Britain.

An ambitious schedule The day opened with a cruise aboard the boat, ‘Glass Room,’

The delegation benefitted from an intimate gathering prior to the meal in which they could converse in private with the Mayor. Following this exchange on business priorities, the delegation joined the gathered participants in the ballroom for the lunch and an enlightening and encouraging speech by Khan.

organised in collaboration with Bateaux London. Sailing past

Following lunch, the delegation met with Charles Bowman,

key London landmarks, the delegation enjoyed a breakfast and

Former Lord Mayor and Partner at PwC, at Guildhall to hear

the chance to network.

his views on current events and London’s evolving role on the

84 - info - spring 2019

AT THE CHAMBE R - E VE NTS

global stage.

The final stop of the day was the Tower Room of London & Partners saw presentations from Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners, and Michael Charlton, Director of Investment, Global Trade & Investment at the UK Department of International Trade, who consolidated the argument for London as a location open for business.

The Chamber would like to thank all speakers for their insights; the locations visited for their welcome; Rome de Bellegarde for providing the wines during the Lunch; London & Partners for their organisational input; and PwC for sponsoring the day’s events. I

The address by SADIQ KHAN

S

adiq Khan gave a varied and impassioned speech, offering encouragement and reassurance to the convened Franco-

British business community.

The topic of Brexit was high on the agenda. Despite expressing disappointment at the outcome of the Brexit referendum, Khan communicated his pride that London voted to remain. He continues to actively work on achieving the best outcome from the vote as possible, notably by pushing to avoid a no-deal Brexit.

‘This is something that would not only be damaging to the British economy, but to other economies across Europe too,’ said Khan. ‘One of the most concerning aspects of the threat of us crashing out without a deal, is how severely underprepared we are in terms of trade deals outside Europe.’

This is something that would not only be damaging to the British economy, but to other economies across Europe too

He recognised the need to ensure a continued influx of talent from the EU to preserve this status.

‘London’s greatest economic strength is our incredible pool of hard-working, inspiring and pioneering people,’ said Khan.

‘We’ve only been able to become one of the biggest, richest and best cities on earth because of our openness to trade, innovation and talent.’

Khan shared an open call to businesses in the room to become ambassadors for London. He encouraged all to ‘talk to your friends, to your colleagues and to political leaders in France and to tell them this vital message: Whether it’s a soft Brexit or a hard Brexit, a no-deal Brexit or no Brexit at all, London will always be open.’

Khan concluded by advocating the strengthening of economic ties between London and France to maintain and enforce the ‘unique relationship that is rooted not only in centuries of history, but in our common values and mutual interests.’ I

LONDON for business • London is top choice for international scale-up businesses, attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) than any other city in 2018.

• According to findings by technology and investment advisory firm, GP Bullhound, London is currently home to 13 unicorn businesses, more than any other European city and more than Madrid, Stockholm and Amsterdam combined.

• GP Bullhound predicts that the UK will be home to 25 percent of the new European billion-dollar companies created over the next few years.

• The UK capital welcomed more international financial service companies than any other global financial centre in 2018, ahead of Singapore, Frankfurt, New York and Hong Kong.

The UK capital welcomed more international financial service companies than any other financial centre in 2018

Source: London & Partners, 2019

info

- spring 2019 - 85

Breakfast with John Kitchingman - 6 MARCH T

he participants gathered for this morning presentation by John

Kitchingman, Managing Director, EuroNorth, at Dassault Systèmes, on the important issue of industrial revival in the context of changing technology and sustainable objectives.

Jakob von Baeyer, Head of Publications and Content of the French Chamber, introduced Kitchingman, highlighting a career covering the oil & gas, automotive, aerospace & defence, electronics, and manufacturing industries. of sustainability and re-use throughout

projects and implementations become

surroundings of the Hotel Café Royal in

their operations, demonstrating

even more complex, the question

London – a venue which has a history

the possibility of sustainability while

of how client engagement will be

with the French Chamber dating back to

growing the business. In 2018, Dassault

judged becomes a central question

the early twentieth century.

Systèmes won the CSR Award at the

for businesses of all sizes. Dassault

French Chamber's Franco-British

Systèmes has pioneered several

Business Awards.

innovative approaches, including joint

The event was hosted in the opulent

Sustainability and growth When John Kitchingman took over

networking sessions and workshops

at Dassault Systèmes EuroNorth, his

Business challenges

group CEO set out to double growth

Kitchingman also spoke about the

together to explore commonalities and

every three years. There is a lot to be

need for businesses to develop their IP

experience.

said for setting ambitious targets: since

assets. While R&D has been happening,

that time the company has grown from

Kitchingman notes that knowledge and

the convergence of technological

£235m in revenues to well over £3.5bn,

know-how is being lost due to large

and strategic changes underway, it is

with operations across the globe.

retirements in the workplace.

necessary to consider out of the box

The company has achieved this while at the same time pursuing a policy

Another challenge will concern

where disparate companies come

He left a lasting message: with

solutions. I

the measurement of outcomes. As

MEDEF lunch - 8 FEBRUARY T

he Chamber was honoured to welcome Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux and the MEDEF delegation to a productive lunch

meeting at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.

Fabienne Viala, President of the French Chamber, introduced Roux de Bezieux, who gave a few initial remarks before opening the meeting up to the group. Also present were Jean-Christophe Donnellier, Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs of the French Embassy, Chrisitan Peugeot, President of the Comité des Constructeurs Français d’Automobile, and Florence Gomez, Managing Director of the Chamber.

The high-level discussion on Brexit provided a great opportunity for participating members to share their business insights and to engage with cross-Channel perspectives. The Chamber looks forward to working with our colleagues at MEDEF as the situation develops in the important months ahead. I 86 - info - spring 2019

From L. to R.: Jean Christophe Donnellier, Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux, Fabienne Viala, Christian Peugeot

E VE NT S – AT THE CHAMBE R

RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ PAUL UK – 10 JANUARY

COCKTAIL AT HOME HOUSE – 12 FEBRUARY

New Year with time-honoured traditions

Gin cocktails & good conversation

F

A

or the fourth year running, the New Year was launched for Chamber members at the Restaurant de PAUL UK,

t the third edition of the Corporate Cocktail at Home House, a luxurious and sophisticated evening of

nestled at the foot of Tower 42, to celebrate the Galette Des

cocktails and networking was the order of the day for the 60

Rois. The 60 participants indulged in a selection of savoury

participants.

canapés based on the PAUL UK restaurant menu, sipped

Peter Alfandary, Senior Vice President of the French

wine, and networked to re-establish 2018 connections and

Chamber, welcomed the guests and introduced Andrew

build new for 2019.

Richardson, Managing Director of Home House, who spoke

A traditional French pastry filled with delicious frangipane,

on the history of the private members’ club.

each galette of the event title hid a ceramic PAUL charm.

Home House itself offers a unique space, with a unique

Tradition dictates that the lucky finder of this charm becomes

history. Far from the staid members club that tradition

the king or queen for the day, with a gold crown to support

dictates, this location boasts stories of the eccentric first

this temporary elevation to royalty.

owner and commissioner of the build, Elizabeth, Countess

Gary Cowles, Operations Director for PAUL UK, spoke

of Home, more popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hell’,

briefly on PAUL UK’s story and offerings. The names of three

who envisioned the house for parties and other excesses.

lucky prize winners were then randomly selected to take

Nowadays, it offers a modern and relaxed approach to a

home a galette of their own to share with family and friends.

members club, to contrast with the traditional finery of its

The remaining participants were also not forgotten, with a

historic surroundings.

special rate for any galette purchased on the evening.

A great way to kick start the year! I

Greenwood Distillers, represented on the evening

by Barth Brosseau, Founder & Managing Director, treated guests to a selection of delectable gin based cocktails with the recently launched Theodore Pictish Gin. Members could choose from the classics, such as a Martini with the gin, extradry vermouth & a pomelo twist, or discover something new with the Pictish Mauresque: Theodore Gin, lemon, orgeat sirop, a dash of Pastis & soda.

Canapés kindly provided by Home House complemented the cocktails. The French Chamber would like to thank both Home House and Greenwood Distillers for their support. I

RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ ACUITIS – 28 FEBRUARY

Heard and seen

C

hamber members were invited to meet Acuitis Optical & Hearing during a convivial evening. Acuitis opened the

doors of its store in Tottenham Court Road. Roughly forty participants enjoyed an evening in this bright and modern shop with a glass of wine or bubbly while discovering the new collection of glasses.

Frédéric Beausoleil, Acuitis eyewear designer, presented the brand’s identity. He highlighted the use of natural and innovative materials and their affordable yet fashionable glasses. As people change their frames on average every three years, four lucky winners were given vouchers to chose

professionalism and helped customers to pick the perfect

their next glasses – either sun or standard.

frames for them. A special mention for GraphiPlus who

Thank you to the team who demonstrated all their

personalised glasses cases during the evening. I

info

- spring 2019 - 87

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

16 April

18.00 - 20.00

RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ EOL At EOL Offices, 4th Floor, 18, 14 Old St, London EC1V 9BH £20+VAT per person Open to all members Join us to discover what the leading French manufacturer of office furniture has to offer. Its extensively customisable furniture means there is something for every environment, lead time and budget.

For further information, contact Leïla Hafez at: lhafez@ccfgb.co.uk or 20 7092 6644

2

May 08.00 - 10.00

BREAKFAST WITH BARRATT WEST At Hotel Café Royal, 10 Air St, Soho, London W1B 4DY £40+VAT single participants, £60+VAT special price for two Open to all members Guest speaker: Barratt West, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Tiffany & Co

Hosted by:

Barratt West is Vice President and Managing Director of Tiffany & Co, UK and Ireland. He leads all aspects of the UK operation including responsibility for the Retail stores in the region, as well as a vibrant e-commerce business. He has been responsible for transforming the client experience, elevating customer service and embedding clienteling as a behavioural change. He joined Tiffany in 2012 bringing with him 25 years of retail experience, much of it in the luxury sector in the UK and Europe.

For further information, contact Leïla Hafez at: lhafez@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6644

14 May

18.00 - 20.00

RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ BELL & ROSS At Bell & Ross, 48-49, Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London W1J 0QJ £20+VAT per person Open to all members Join us to discover the great Swiss watchmaker Bell & Ross during this Rendez-vous chez in their boutique located in the beautiful Burlington Arcade.

The evening will include a special preview of the new Bell&Ross collection which is not yet available to the public.

For further information, contact Lauriane Véron at: lveron@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6670

88 - info - spring 2019

4

June 17.00 - 23.00

DINER DES CHEFS AT BELMOND LE MANOIR AUX QUAT’SAISONS At Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford, OX44 7PD, £130+VAT per person Open to all members Do not miss the opportunity to meet legendary chef Raymond Blanc OBE whilst enjoying an exquisite two Michelin-starred gourmet experience at the iconic Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons situated in the English countryside.

For further information, contact Leïla Hafez at: lhafez@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6644

6

June 18.30 - 20.30

Wine partner

RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ THE MANDEVILLE HOTEL At The Mandeville Hotel, Mandeville Pl, Marylebone, London W1U 2BE Open to all members £20+VAT per person Join us to discover The Mandeville Hotel, set in the fashionable Marylebone Village, moments from Bond Street station. ‘Fashionable, yet elegant, progressive whilst old school’, come along to discover why the Mandeville Hotel is one of London’s favourite boutique hotels.

For further information, contact Lauriane Véron at: lveron@ccfgb.co.uk or 20 7092 6670

13 June

WHAT MAKES LUXURY SUSTAINABLE? LONDON LUXURY THINK TANK At Spring Studios, 10 Spring Pl, London NW5 3BH Open to all members

Co-organiser

Main sponsor

Supporting sponsor

Host partner

info

- spring 2019 - 89

The French Chamber of Great Britain and Walpole, in partnership with Spring Studio, are delighted to organise the second edition of the London Luxury Think Tank. This year, the Think Tank, entitled ‘What makes luxury sustainable?’, will explore the latest innovations in sustainability that will drive the future of luxury.

This one day event will feature three in-depth panels and debates as well as inspirational keynote talks from prominent speakers. The following themes will be covered: • The relevance of ownership in a world of new consumption patterns • The main trends in making products more sustainable and ethical • Marketing and communicating on sustainability Held at Spring Studios in London, the home of luxury events, the London Luxury Think Tank presents an exclusive opportunity to share expertise and best practice but also to meet, influence and network with a targeted audience of 200 senior executives in the global luxury goods and services market.

For further information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Wassime Haouari at: whaouari@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6642

20 June

18.30 - 21.00

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At Reed Smith offices, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose St, London EC2A 2RS Free of charge Open to all members This is a great opportunity for us to review the events and activities we shared together over the past year and to look at our programme for the year ahead. The Annual General Meeting is also a great networking opportunity as it is followed by a cocktail reception.

We would like to thank Reed Smith for kindly hosting us again this year.

For further information, contact Noémie du Chatelier at: nduchatelier@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6603

10 July

18.30 - 21.00

SUMMER CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION At Serpentine Galleries, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA £50+VAT per person, £80+VAT special price for two Open to all members

Sponsor

Champagne partner

Join us at the Serpentine Galleries and its elegant surroundings in Hyde Park to celebrate summer in London. This is the perfect opportunity to network with up to 200 participants from a wide range of sectors while sipping delicious Champagne.

For further information, contact Leïla Hafez at: lhafez@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6644

90 - info - spring 2019

Patron Members of the French Chamber in Great Britain

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