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
B U S I N E S S JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018
Hospitality: BEHIND THE FRONT DESK
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Five minutes with Fabienne Viala, Chairman, Bouygues UK Interview with Claudine Ripert-Landler, Director of the French Institute Hospitality industry insight with Ufi Ibrahim, Peter Ducker, and much more...
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EDITORIAL
Estelle Brachlianoff President, French Chamber of Great Britain Senior Executive Vice President of Veolia UK & Ireland
O
n behalf of the French Chamber of Great Britain, I would like to wish INFO readers a very Happy New Year and hope that you had a well-deserved break with your family and friends over the festive
period. This issue of INFO will focus on the theme of Hospitality and will take a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities that businesses in the sector face. How will the industry continue to attract workers, after Brexit? How will the sector update and evolve, while retaining the traditions upon which it was built? Where are new trends developing to meet new customers, appetites and expectations? From interviews with experts and industry associations, like the British Hospitality Association, to personal insight from the GMs of some of London’s five-star hotels, to features which explore parallel trends in the restaurant business, this issue will shed light on the hospitality industry of today – and look to the industry of tomorrow. As we move into our exciting line up of events this year, it is also important to acknowledge some of our successes in 2017. Following our recent Franco-British Awards evening, I would like to personally congratulate all the winners: Early Metrics (SME Award), Bouygues UK (Sustainability Award), LeSalon (Coup de Coeur) and VINCI Construction Grands Project British Isles (Chamber Award). Our annual conference, on the theme of luxury, was held at the Havas LuxHub. The ‘London Luxury Think Tank,’ organised in partnership with Walpole, was the first event of its kind in the capital and attracted a series of excellent panels and speakers, including Harrods’ Michael Ward and Sir Paul Smith. It provided indepth analysis of the innovation and disruption in the luxury sector and opened new avenues of discussion on themes of sustainability, technology and new business models. Last year, the Chamber organised more than forty well-attended Forums & Clubs sessions and hosted almost fifty events, from intimate soirees to gala dinners. Our Business Services and Recruitment Services have developed their offering and taken on a record number of clients and we look to 2018 with a great deal of optimism about the continued growth of the Chamber. As always, please enjoy reading this issue of INFO and, once more, best wishes for the year ahead. I
info
- january / february 2018 - 5
10 % Garantis ?
Document publicitaire dépourvu de valeur contractuelle
Malheureusement le Père Noël n’existe pas.
Les taux d’intérêt, le Livret A et les fonds en euros des contrats d’assurance-vie sont au plus bas : aucun placement ne peut garantir 10 % de rentabilité par an. Ce qui n’empêche pas les solutions de placement Gammes H de viser un objectif de 8 % à 10 % de rémunération annuelle en moyenne, sous conditions et en contrepartie d’un risque de perte en capital. Précurseur, Hedios invente le premier mandat de produits structurés : le Mandat Gammes H. Depuis la création des Gammes H en 2009, 32 supports ont déjà été remboursés par anticipation au 31 octobre 2017, avec une moyenne de rémunération brute de 10,01 % par an (hors frais de contrat d’assurance-vie ou de capitalisation de 0,60 % par an, source Hedios). Les supports Gammes H non encore remboursés conservent un risque de perte en capital en cours de vie et à l’échéance (valorisations quotidiennes sur hedios.com). Les performances passées ne préjugent pas des performances futures.
Hedios - 76 New Bond Street - London W1S 1RX - Tel : 02034 455 094
www.hedios.com SA au capital de 1.011.724 € - Société de courtage en assurances immatriculée au registre des intermédiaires en assurance N°07 005 142 (www.orias.fr). Numéro d’enregistrement Financial Conduct Authority : 615361 - www.fca.org.uk
BEHIND THE FRONT DESK
29 31
12
8
CONTENTS
Hospitality:
72 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
BUSINE S S WOR LD
8 11 12 14 17 21 23 25 26
Five minutes with... Fabienne Viala, Bouygues UK Brexit: Analysis and Key Dates Brexit Survey 2017 Brexit: EU residence rights Business News & Analysis Start-up Profile: The B&C Club SME Profile: Omyague Education: A new asset class Reports and research
50 51 52
Introduction by Florence Gomez French Chamber News New Advisory Councillors New members
FOCUS | BE HIND THE FRONT DE SK
FORUMS & CLUBS
28 Introduction 30 The State of Hospitality British Hospitality Association 32 The Human Touch Institute of Hospitality 33 The Evolution of Hospitality AccorHotels UK & IRL 34 Social Media in Hospitality KPMG 35 A Mixed Forecast for Hospitality PwC 36 'The most connected city on the planet' London & Partners 38 The Future of the Luxury Hotel Connaught, Berkeley and Bulgari hotels 40 An investor's point of view Isabelle de Wavrechin 41 An 'aura of intangible luxury' Relais & Chateaux UK & IRL 42 Charms of the Cote d'Azure Caudwell Collection 43 'Bistronomy' comes to London Frenchie 44 Setting the food agenda Atelier Joël Robuchon
59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66
Women's Business Club Carolyn McCall: The Chief Executive Finance Forum The CFO: When and why you need one HR Forum How to manage millennials Retail Forum The Future of Retail: HR management Luxury Club An evening with Ron Arad Climate Change & Sustainability Forum The Finances of Clean Energy Start-up & SME Club Brainstorming Session 2018 Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
68 70 72 76
Past event highlights Annual Financial Lunch; Breakfast with Christine Ourmières-Widener; Patron Trip to Paris; RVC Pierre Marcolini; Say Cheese and Wine; RVC Lacoste London Luxury Think Tank Conference report Franco-British Business Awards The Winners Forthcoming events
CULTUR E AND LIFE S T YLE
47 Culture: What's on 49 New Directions at the French Institute: Claudine Ripert-Landler
Hospitality:
Book reviews Diner des Chefs Christian Sinicropi Wine Story Thibault Lavergne
BEHIND THE FRONT DESK
AT THE CHAMBE R
54 55 56
CHAMBER EVENTS
B U S I N E S S JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Five minutes with Fabienne Viala, Chairman, Bouygues UK Interview with Claudine Ripert-Landler, Director of the French Institute Hospitality industry insight with Ufi Ibrahim, Peter Ducker, and much more...
Managing Director: Florence Gomez Editor: Jakob von Baeyer Cover & Graphic Design: Katherine Millet Editorial Assistant: Sophie Achary Sales Manager: Suzanne Lycett Contributors: George Merrylees, Ben Xu, Frédéric de la Broderie, Uffi Ibrahim, Peter Ducker, Thomas Dubaere, Will Hawkey, David Trunkfield, Andrew Sentence, Andrew Cooke, Max Binda, Kostas Sfaltos, Knut Wylde, Isabelle de Wavrechin, Thibault Lavergne, Dr Boris Altemeyer, Sophie Achary Special thanks: Peter Alfandary 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
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- january / february 2018 - 7
Five minutes with...
Fabienne Viala Chairman, Bouygues UK, UK Country Manager, Bouygues Construction INFO meets the half-English, half-French boss of the global construction giant’s British operations What are your priorities for the business?
affordable housing. As we have significant experience
Bouygues UK has been in the UK for more than 20 years, so
in the housing market, in construction and property
we have a robust background here and strong relationships
development, it represents an opportunity for us. In
with our clients. However, Brexit has changed the landscape.
addition to our construction work, we work closely with our
We reviewed our strategy in 2016 and decided to focus on
property development arm Linkcity on housing, student
the sectors that the government is concentrating on and
accommodation, private rented sector (PRS), and private for
where we have experience. This includes education, (covering
sale projects. We also work on large regeneration schemes
primary, secondary and higher education) and housing.
such as Hallsville Quarter in London’s Canning Town.
We also look for complex projects where we can add value. This could be in any sector where we can use the technical
What is your approach to sustainable methods and
talents of the Bouygues group. Our University College London
practices?
Hospital (UCLH) project, where we are building a world-class
I have said that we need to build cheaper, faster and greener.
NHS high energy proton beam therapy centre in the middle
We are going to need more houses, roads, and energy than
of central London, is a great example of the kind of complex
we currently have. However, the construction sector is quite
projects we relish. Another example is our work on the
old-fashioned, and it is often building the same way it was
new state-of-the-art physics laboratory for the University of
a decade ago. Bouygues has evolved to play a part in the
Cambridge.
transformation of the sector, looking to optimise offsite solutions and increase safety, deliverability, quality and
What are your priorities for your staff?
sustainability. For this, we need talent, creative thinking and
Safety is a top priority for all of our employees. Earlier this
a more diverse population that reflects the diversity of our
year, Bouygues Construction initiated a world health and
clients. That will change the face of construction, and its
safety day across our global network (involving some 100,000
values.
people across 80 countries), reaffirming our commitment to the health and safety of all our employees and people working
How are your concerns related to Brexit?
on our sites. It was part of communicating and promoting
It has already had an impact on the economy and the
our strong and shared safety culture, with the prevention
construction sector in several ways. The fluctuations in the
of accidents as a key priority. Our safety results are among
value of sterling have impacted inflation. The immigration
the best in the construction industry for the frequency rate
position has created uncertainty for non-UK residents, which
of accidents and occupational incidents. Our ambition, of
is likely to contribute to the skills shortage. Property values
course, is to achieve zero accidents.
have been negatively impacted in London for the first time since the financial crisis, in part due to a lack of confidence in
Is the housing crisis relevant for Bouygues UK?
our economic future. We can see current projects shifting or
The market is really changing – with a particular focus on
being put on hold, and there is fierce competition amongst
8 - info - january / february 2018
F I V E M I N U T E S W I T H . . . FA B I E N N E V I A L A
Brexit has changed the landscape. We reviewed our strategy in 2016 and decided to focus on the sectors that the government is concentrating on, and where we have lots of experience. This includes edcuation and housing [and] any sector where we can add value
contractors. Irrespective of Brexit, the UK is a very important
Colas has piloted this concept on a 1km stretch of road in
market for the Bouygues group and we are committed to the
Normandy, where the road is used by 2,000 motorists per day
UK with long-term contracts such as HS2 and Hinkley Point C.
for a two year test period. This project, and other initiatives, is part of our aim to drive down the carbon footprint.
You have spoken about the importance of technology in the industry.
Your staff receive cross-cultural training. Why is this
Bouygues Construction is very focused on innovation – in
important to you?
fact our strapline is ‘shared innovation.’ We use Building
It is very important. I’m half-French and half-English, born in
Information Modelling (BIM) technology, which allows us to
England but trained in France. So I recognise that the need to
conceive a building, and get into all of the detail virtually on
understand cultural differences is important. Our company
a 3D model, before we start construction. BIM is designed
in the UK is very large and multicultural, and thirty percent
to increase deliverability and quality, which will increase
of the staff are non-UK. In addition, twenty percent of our
sustainability as well. Through BIM we are also developing
people come from France. If you want to be efficient, it is
optimised, modular design solutions to respond to the
important to understand each other. This training helps avoid
Government’s housing agenda. We are also working with
misunderstandings and builds a more inclusive culture.
augmented and virtual reality to better allow our clients to visualise their projects before they are constructed.
What does being a Patron member of the French Chamber bring to Bouygues UK?
What are some of the innovations that we will see more
It is a fantastic way to meet like-minded organisations, and it
of in the future?
provides access to an influential business community in the
Within the Bouygues group we do all sorts of innovation-
UK and in France. It is an opportunity to showcase Bouygues
based work. One particularly interesting project is Wattway, a
Construction in the UK and for organisations to network on
Colas innovation that combines road construction techniques
a broad range of perspectives. On a personal level as part
to enable clean energy production on roads. In essence it is
of the Women’s Business Club, it is a brilliant opportunity to
a road paved with solar panels which can provide enough
meet an inspiring group of successful women. I
energy to power its street lights and other energy needs.
Interview by JVB
KEY FIGURES: BOUYGUES CONSTRUCTION
BOUYGUES CONSTRUCTION IN THE UK
• Country operations: 80
• Turnover: £1.089bn
• Worldwide employees: 50,100
• Employees: 2016/17: 8.8m
• Worldwide turnover: £11.8bn
• Ongoing projects: Circa 130
info
- january / february 2018 - 9
FRIENDS OR
FOES
10 - info - january / february 2018
Analysis and look ahead INFO looks at the latest news on Brexit and its impact on the Franco-British community
W
ith news that Britain had made an enhanced offer to
will follow the European courts for eight years after exit when
settle the EU ‘divorce bill,’ and made similar capitulations
deciding about citizenship issues. EU citizens in Britain will have
on the Irish border and the status of EU nationals, the first
to apply for ‘settled status’ after five years.
major breakthrough in negotiations was made last month.
As for the ‘divorce bill,’ Downing Street is saying that it will be
With ‘sufficient progress’ now firmly established, the
between £35-39bn – significantly higher than hard Brexiters in
European Commission signalled that they are prepared to move
the Tory party would have hoped, but in keeping with Theresa
on the substantive discussions about the future relationship
May’s intention to offer ‘a fair settlement to our obligations.’
between the EU and the UK.
No sooner was the Prime Minister doing her victory lap in
This followed the near derailment of the talks days before,
the House of Commons did rifts in her own party come to the
when the DUP was not shown a draft of the deal and raised
fore – this time led by pro-European Conservatives who lobbied
concerns that Northern Ireland risked becoming a problematic
for and won a full parliamentary vote on the terms of Brexit,
appendage to the UK.
even if there is no deal.
So what is in the deal? On Northern Ireland, the agreement
With new developments seemingly on a daily basis, there is
guarantees no hard border between NI and the Republic of
a sense that it will not be the restful Christmas break that some
Ireland. It remains to be seen how this will play out if Britain
had hoped.
leaves the single market, as it has signalled it will do.
And even with negotiations now believed to be resuming
In terms of EU nationals, the 3.2m EU citizens in Britain and
in March, the spotlight turns firmly to UK domestic politics.
the 1.2m Brits living in the EU are part of a reciprocal deal that
‘Sufficient progress’ now feels more like ‘progress of a kind.’
will allow them to keep their status. The deal says that the UK
I JVB
Key dates Sign off of new directives
Phase 2 of negotiations
European Council Summit
(January 29)
(Brussels, March 2018)
(Brussels, March 22-23)
EU diplomats have a soft deadline
No firm date has been set, yet many in the
Items on the agenda include ‘single
to approve new directives for lead
British media speculate that trade talks
market strategies’ (ensuring progress
negotiator Michel Barnier, ahead of
will begin in earnest this month, following
towards reaching the 2018 deadline),
talks resuming.
preparations and a European Council
and free trade agreements.
meeting in December.
What's the requirement of my job? I don't have to be very clever, I don't have to know that much, I do just have to be calm DAVID DAVIS on the requirement of his position leading the Brexit negotiations, 11 December
There is no going back on this sufficient progress, this progress has been noted and recorded and is going to be translated into a legally binding withdrawal agreement MICHEL BARNIER on the EU/UK progress agreement, 13 December info
- january / february 2018 - 11
Brexit Survey 2017 The Results The French Chamber's second Brexit Survey, conducted by independent research agency Ipsos MORI, is a survey of the members of 13 foreign Chambers of Commerce in the UK, representing 6,000 companies. It revealed that a large majority are 'not confident' of a positive outcome for Britain in the Brexit negotiations.
Q.1 What has been the overall impact of the Brexit referendum vote on your UK business so far? Very positive Fairly positive Made no difference Fairly negative Very negative Don't know
2 6 14 5
32 41
Q.2 What do you think the likely effect of Brexit will be on future investments in the UK by your company over the next 5-10 years? Very positive Fairly positive No effect either way Fairly negative Very negative Don't know
1 5 11
Very positive: increase in future UK investment of more than 10% Fairly positive: increase in future UK investment of up to 10%
27 31 24
Fairly negative: decrease in future UK investment of less than 10% Very negative: decrease in future UK investment greater than 10%
Q.3 What is your company’s assessment of the current state of the UK economy? Very positive Fairly positive Neither positive nor negative Fairly negative Very negative Don't know
2 19 22 6 2
49
Q.4 How does your company view the overall state of the UK economy over the next 5-10 years?
Very positive Fairly positive Neither positive nor negative Fairly negative Very negative Don't know
12 - info - january / february 2018
2 15 17 13 7
46
QUESTIONNAIRE
Q.5 How confident is your company that a positive outcome for the UK will be achieved from the Brexit negotiations by March 2019?
Very confident Very confident Not very confident Not at all confident Don't know
2 11 34 5
47
Q.6 From the issues listed below, which are the two key issues your company would like to see addressed in the Brexit negotiations? A solution that allows companies smooth access to both high and low-skilled workers from abroad? A solution that allows the UK Government to strike trade deals A solution that allows for continued regulatory alignment with the EU A solution that allows for companies to be compliant with EU data laws A solution that allows for companies to have smooth access to the EU market for goods and services Other Don't know
55 18
26
9 70 4 3
Q.7 Does your business have UK Operations?
Yes
100%
Q.8 How many employees does your business have in the UK (including any sub-entities)? 1-50 51-100 101-250 251-1,000 1,001 -5,000 Over 5,000
61 9 6 11 9 3
Q.9 How confident is your company that a positive outcome for the UK will be achieved from the Brexit negotiations by March 2019?
Financial Services and Legal Professional Services Manufacturing Technology Pharmaceuticals Energy and Utilities Hospitality Property/Real Estate Luxury Retail Public sector Other
17 25 5 8 1 2 7 2 7 6 2 18 info
- january / february 2018 - 13
The difference between permanent residence rights and the proposed UK settled status A joint UK-EU report on citizens’ rights has implications for EU nationals living in the UK, say George Merrylees, Partner tax trust and estates, and Ben Xu, Solicitor immigration, at law firm Irwin Mitchell
O
n 8 December a joint report from the negotiators of the EU and the UK Government was published, aligning
the two parties’ positions on citizens’ rights post-Brexit. This agreement will allow the negotiations between the UK and the EU on Brexit to move to the next phase and follows the UK Government’s technical note in November detailing its proposed administrative procedures for UK resident EU citizens and their family members who wish to remain in the UK after the UK leaves the EU. As part of the Government’s offer, it is proposed that the European law concept of ‘permanent residency’ be replaced by ‘settled status.’ The proposal of settled status provides the basis
What is settled status and how do you acquire such status?
from which the rights of EU citizens who were resident in the UK
After the UK leaves the EU, the UK will no longer be bound by the
prior to Brexit will be protected.
EU Directive which created permanent residence. Furthermore
It is thought that the EU will implement a directive which
rights granted under EU law may lose their effect. The UK
would require individual nations in the EU-27 to implement a
Government proposed settled status as a UK law equivalent to
status similar to settled status for UK citizens resident in EU-27
permanent residence so that EU citizens and their families living
countries.
in the UK prior to Brexit can continue lawful residence in the UK post-Brexit.
What is permanent residence and how do you acquire
It is not yet proposed that settled status will be available to
such status?
EU citizens arriving in the UK following the UK’s departure from
Permanent residence is an immigration right granted to EU
the EU, although this is likely to form part of the next stage of
citizens under the UK’s implementation of an EU Directive. As
negotiations.
an EU citizen, you acquire this right automatically after five-
Under the UK Government’s current proposals, an
years of continuous residence in the UK so long as you have
application must be made in order to acquire the settled status.
exercised your treaty rights. Broadly, permanent residence
The fee for applying for such status will not exceed the cost
mirrors the right granted to non-EU citizens which is referred to
of a British passport which is currently £72.50. We presume
as “indefinite leave to remain in the UK”.
that the capping of this fee is intended to reflect the current EU
As permanent residence is acquired automatically, you are
rules that an EU member cannot charge more for a permanent
not required to apply to the Home Office. However, the Home
residence card than its own nationals pay for their own identity
Office offers a document certifying permanent residence to
cards (i.e. in the UK, the cost of a passport).
those who have acquired this right. Historically, few EU citizens
If you have already obtained a document from the Home
living in the UK made this application but since the referendum
Office certifying your permanent residence, the application
it was widely accepted that amid all the uncertainty, the
will be a simple process to exchange it for a settled status
application was the best way to evidence that the right had
document, subject to submitting ID verification, a photograph,
been acquired. The fee for applying for a document certifying
a criminal record check and confirmation of ongoing residence.
permanent residence is £65.
It is understood that the UK Government proposes that the
Once a person has permanent residence they are entitled to live in the UK indefinitely irrespective of whether they are exercising treaty rights. The right is lost if you leave the UK for a period exceeding two years.
conversion fee may be reduced below the cost of a UK passport application (i.e. less than £72.50) or no costs at all. If you do not hold a valid EEA permanent residence document, you will have to make a full application and provide documents evidencing five years of continuous and lawful
14 - info - january / february 2018
It has become a mantra of the Brexit negotiation that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, therefore it is our view that EU Citizens who have met the criteria should consider applying for the permanent residence card residence as a worker, self-employed person, student, self-
permanent residence, we suggest that you take ‘a wait and see’
sufficient person or family member.
approach, but ensure that you are meeting the current rules
Once obtained, the settled status enables you to be absent from the UK for a period not exceeding five consecutive years. Importantly, the UK government has proposed that private
on UK residence under the EU Directive, for example we still recommend that you take out private medical insurance if you are a student or a self sufficient person.
medical insurance which is a requirement for those who are self-sufficient or students will not be a criterion for settled
Should I apply for British citizenship?
status as is currently the case for permanent residency under
British citizenship provides you with certainty that you may live
EU law.
in the UK permanently and that your right to live in the UK will
What action should I take now in light of the joint report?
not be lost if you leave the UK for two years or five years as
While the ‘deal’ on citizens’ rights is not considered controversial,
provided under the joint report. Before making an application
within days of the publication of the joint report, there has been
for British citizenship, you should consider carefully what the
much commentary in press as to the deal’s legal enforceability.
legal or tax implications will be for you.
It has become a mantra of the Brexit negotiation that nothing
The European Court of Justice recently confirmed that
is agreed until everything is agreed, therefore it is our view that
by acquiring British citizenship, you will not lose your EU free
EU Citizens who have met the criteria for permanent residence
movement rights, in particular your rights to bring direct and
should consider applying to the Home Office for the permanent
extended family members to the UK prior to the UK leaving the
residence card. We take this view because it is the best way
EU. We understand that you would need to retain your original
to evidence your permanent residence status in light of the
EU citizenship to maintain your EU rights. We do not know the
uncertainty notwithstanding that there may be an additional
long term implications of this case particularly when the UK
conversion fee to obtain a document certifying settled status.
leaves the EU. I
For those who do not meet the requirements for
BREXIT FORUM The Chamber welcomed James Dowler, Deputy Director for the Stakeholder Engagement Team, Department for the Exiting the European Union, and Sir John Grant, Former UK Ambassador to the EU and Special Adviser, PwC to its latest Brexit Forum on 9 November. The session was notable for its high-profile speakers and as a concrete example of how the government is reaching out directly to our membership on the issue. The Deputy Director updated the Forum on the Brexit process and the state of the negotiations. Those who were present were able to feedback their key issues and concerns directly to him. The former UK Ambassador to the EU drew on his distinguished career and experience operating in the highest political circles in Brussels. He shared his personal insights into the way the negotiations might be handled on the UK and EU side, and the possible outcomes. Future sessions will continue to respond to the evolving circumstances around the negotiations. The next session will be held on 7 February 2018.
info
- january / february 2018 - 15
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NEWS
A ND
A N A LY S I S
Art auctions reach record heights at Christie’s Da Vinci auction sets a new record while an impressionist sale is the strongest in a decade
O
n a historic night at Christie’s in New York, Salvator
at Rockefeller Center, with many thousands more tuning
Mundi, a depiction of Christ as ‘Saviour of the World’ by
in via a live stream. Since the sale of Salvator Mundi was
one of history’s greatest and most renowned artists, sold for
announced on 10 October at Christie’s, almost 30,000 people
$450m (£342,m) including the buyer’s premium, becoming the
have flocked to Christie’s exhibitions of the ‘Male Mona Lisa’
most expensive painting ever sold at auction.
in Hong Kong, London, San Francisco and New York – the first
This stunning price reflects the extreme rarity of paintings by Leonardo da Vinci. There are fewer than 20 in existence acknowledged as being from the artist’s own hand, and all apart from Salvator Mundi are in museum collections.
time the painting had ever been shown to the public in Asia or the Americas.
Impressionist on the rise
The global interest in a work that has been hailed as the
This follows Christie’s strongest impressionist and modern art
greatest artistic rediscovery of the last 100 years saw a rapt
sale in a decade, which came close to setting a new record for
audience of nearly 1,000 art collectors, dealers, advisors,
a van Gogh, as the auction house fired the starting gun on a
journalists and onlookers packed into the main auction room
week of sales expected to bring in at least $1.3bn. The sale raised $479.3m from 60 lots, surpassing its low end estimate for the night even though more than 10 percent of the lots did not sell. Seats in the typically standing room only Rockefeller Plaza salesroom were vacant. But when there was appetite, as there was for pieces by Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, René Magritte and Edouard Vuillard, the room came alive. ‘This year is obviously a stronger season than last year,’ Guillaume Cerutti, the auctioneer’s chief executive, said after the sale. ‘The offering was probably smaller than what we have this year. There was maybe a question about the supply, and this year it’s different. We had more collection and big lots coming to market.’ I
CBRE wins Women of the Future Award
ENGIE opens innovative photovoltaic roof project
Global real estate provider, CBRE, won the Corporate Award
ENGIE announced the inauguration the Organic Photovoltaic
at the Women of the Future Awards, on Wednesday 15th
Roof of the Mendès-France Secondary School in La Rochelle.
November at a ceremony held at the London Hilton on Park
This innovative facility for producing energy is the largest
Lane. CBRE was recognised for its pioneering diversity and
installation of organic photovoltaic films (OPV) in the world. It
inclusion strategy, and in particular, the success of the CBRE
was created in response to a call for tenders, launched by the
UK Women’s Network, which was founded in 2005. Over the
Charente-Maritime Department. Teams at ENGIE coevered
past 12 years, the CBRE Women’s Network has been at the
530 sq. m roof of the secondary school in La Rochelle with
forefront of promoting women and diversity in the real estate
HeliaSol® technology. ‘Renewable energies are an essential
industry and has been influential in helping CBRE attract,
part of our strategy, based on a decarbonised, decentralised
recruit and develop the best female talent. I
and digitised world,’ said Isabelle Kocher, CEO of ENGIE.’ I
info
- january / february 2018 - 17
BUSINE S S WOR LD – NE WS AND ANALYSI S
Saint-Gobain acquires Wattex Saint-Gobain has finalized the acquisition of 100% of the equity capital of Wattex, a business owned by the founding family Baert and manufacturing non-woven specialty products for the bitumen roof market. Founded in 1953, and located in the region of Antwerp in Belgium, this company produces non-woven carriers made from glass-fiber reinforced polyester providing excellent performance to waterproofing membranes for roofs. After taking over the German firm Kirson in October, this Wattex acquisition will enable Saint-Gobain’s Adfors business to develop new solutions with its customers and extend its line of reinforcement products on the roofing market. ’ I
Societe Generale partners with Moonshot-Internet and eBaoTech
Atos wins contract to accelerate PSA Finance Bank’s digital transformation
Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, has been selected by PSA Finance Bank (BPF), an international leader in consumer finance and mobility services in the automotive sector, as a privileged partner to manage its application base and to accelerate BPF’s digital transformation in consumer credit, financial services and consumer experience. According to the initial fouryear contract, Atos becomes the major Partner of the Information Systems Department of PSA Finance Bank (BPF).
Moonshot-Internet and eBaoTech have signed a strategic
partnership to sell contextual insurances through E-commerce websites in Europe. Moonshot-Internet, the B2B2C InsurTech dedicated to E-merchants created by Societe Generale Insurance in March 2017 is the first client in Europe of eBaoCloud®, solution of eBaoTech, a leading global provider of smart connected insurance platform for both life and general insurance. ‘With this new step, Moonshot-Internet intends to anticipate usages’ evolutions and to become the reference partners of E-merchants in Europe,’ said Philippe Perret, CEO of Societe Generale Insurance..' I
Airbus receives certification for new aircraft
Following an intensive flight test campaign performed in less than a year, the A350-1000 has received Type Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The certified aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. ‘Receiving the A350-1000 Type Certification from EASA and FAA less than one year after its first flight is an incredible achievement for Airbus and for all our partners who have been instrumental in building and testing this superb widebody aircraft,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus COO and President Commercial Aircraft. I
18 - info - january / february 2018
Dassault Systèmes and Capgemini partner in integrated home planning venture
Capgemini and Dassault Systèmes announced a technology and services partnership to deliver new cross-channel design solutions to the consumer goods and retail industry. With the systems integration and consulting support of Capgemini, companies in Germany, Sweden and France will now be able to create engaging home planning experiences for their consumers by deploying, operating and customizing Homebyme, Dassault Systèmes’ immersive and interactive 3D experience application to imagine and manage the home environment.
NE WS AND ANALYSI S – BUSINE S S WOR LD
Veolia optimise energy for Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
Global resourcemanagement company Veolia, working through its specialist energy performance contracting team, is now helping the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust increase energy efficiency, save money and cut carbon emissions. By delivering a 15 year Energy Performance Contract (EPC) that will target savings of £1.3m per annum the company will implement a wide range of improvements at Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Furness General Hospital and Westmorland General Hospital. Estelle Brachlianoff, Veolia’s Senior Executive VicePresident, UK & Ireland said, ‘Enabling the NHS to become more sustainable, and helping to focus budgets on patient care is very important as it enhances facilities and directly improves healthcare. Energy performance contracts now meet these aims by delivering the necessary investment and payback to upgrade energy provision, reduce carbon emissions and build long term energy resilience. We look forward to working with the Trust and helping them meet the Department of Health’s Sustainable Development Unit model for NHS organisations.’ I
Ardian becomes majority shareholder of DRT
Ardian, the independent private investment company, has entered into exclusivity with some family shareholders and Tikehau Capital to acquire a controlling stake into Les Dérivés Résiniques et Terpéniques ("DRT"). The proposed transaction values DRT at approximately €1bn and is fully supported by DRT's management team which will remain in place and is headed by its CEO Laurent Labatut. This transaction would be a further step in the company’s development path as many individual shareholders and Tikehau Capital have decided to reinvest part of their proceeds alongside Ardian.’ I
SPIE awarded cold storage contract SPIE UK has been awarded a
building services contract for NewCold, a specialist deep frozen warehousing and distribution global player, to support them in developing their cold storage facility in Wakefield, UK. The new build extension will dramatically increase the cold storage facility by 17,000 sqm. This contract was negotiated on a design and build basis and is valued at £1.5m. Stephen Taylor, SPIE UK’s Operations Director North, commented, 'We are delighted to be working with NewCold, an industry market leader, and hope this is the start of an ongoing relationship with the firm. SPIE’s international presence means that we can support NewCold in various locations where they operate, but we look forward to exploring further opportunities in the UK.' I
VINCI Energies acquires Cougar Automation VINCI Energies UK & ROI has bolstered its industrial
automation and process control capabilities by acquiring Cougar Automation, one of the UK’s largest Control
Capgemini in ‘Winners Circle’ of HfS Research Blueprint Report Capgemini announced it has been placed in the
System Integrators. Cougar Automation Ltd employs 110
Winners Circle in the 2017 HfS Blueprint Report: Finance
people across six UK offices and offers a suite of advanced
& Accounting-as-a-Service. HfS evaluated 19 service
engineering solutions. Its customers include major
providers under the innovation and execution criteria.
companies active in the water, oil & gas, manufacturing,
Capgemini’s Finance-as-a-stack service includes support for
food processing, waste recycling, energy, infrastructure and
centralising and supporting financial planning & analysis,
transportation industries. 'Cougar Automation is a great
and controllership. Capgemini’s portfolio of Finance and
addition to the VINCI Energies group and will complement
Accounting offerings were recognised for being platform-
and strengthen our ability to partner with businesses on
based and designed to match the culture and approach
improving efficiency, optimising industrial and infrastructure
of its clients to help them achieve ‘virtual F&A.’ Capgemini
processes, and integrating the latest smart industry
was also noted for its progress in defining a more clear and
technologies,’ says Rochdi Ziyat CEO, VINCI Energies UK
collaborative approach to incorporating robotic and cognitive
& RoI.' I
automation into finance with its clients. I
info
- january / february 2018 - 19
BUSINE S S WOR LD – NE WS AND ANALYSI S
London Stock Exchange Group welcomes 21 new companies
London Stock Exchange Group
BNP Paribas to trade US Treasuries French bank BNP Paribas
(LSEG) today
and market
welcomes 21
maker Global
new international companies to its
Trading Systems are teaming
successful global
up to trade
business support
US Treasuries,
and capital raising
adding to a
ecosystem, ELITE.
string of deals
This brings the total number of companies in the ELITE
in which banks have tapped into the computing power of
community to over 680. The 21 new businesses come from
high frequency traders rather than face the costly task of
11 countries, ranging from Denmark to Turkey and including
revamping their own systems. BNP Paribas will lean on GTS's
four companies from Croatia, three from Hungary - based on
technology in an attempt to improve pricing for its clients
the long term partnership with the Budapest Stock Exchange
and boost its market share of US Treasury trading. ‘It aligns
– and the first companies from Luxembourg and Serbia.
with our plan to further develop our US global markets’
14 companies from the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)
platform at BNP Paribas,’ he said. ‘The market is getting
region have joined today as part of UniCredit CEE Lounge, a partnership between LSEG’s ELITE and UniCredit designed to prepare and support firms in the region.' I
increasingly electronic and digital oriented. You need to have the right technology, the right people and you need to be good at being able to deliver the right pricing, right now,’ said Olivier Osty, Executive Head of Global Markets.' I
Financial Times recognised at 2017 Business Culture Awards
The Financial Times has won the Business Culture Achievement Award in the Medium Business category at the 2017 Business Culture Awards. The Business Culture Awards celebrate organisations which recognise the importance of improving the employee experience. Sarah Hopkins, FT global HR director, said: ‘We are delighted to be recognised for the work we’ve done to continue building an inclusive and innovative culture. From expanding our Learning and Development team through to introducing career coaching and mentoring, we are always looking for ways to engage and motivate staff towards our companywide business goal of one million paid for readers.’ I
EDF Energy welcomes more women apprentices
EDF Energy is welcoming more and more women into its apprentice scheme, the company’s new CEO Simone Rossi told an audience of graduating apprentices and their families. The company’s push for more women engineers to join its apprentice and graduate schemes is paying off thanks to such innovative campaigns as ‘Pretty Curious’, which recently partnered with Disney’s new Star Wars film. Mr Rossi said, 'This year around 35 per cent of our intake is female – far above the average for STEM apprenticeships.’ I
Pinsent Masons receive British Legal Awards
International law firm Pinsent Masons has won three awards at the British Legal Awards 2017, taking home 'Team of the Year' for the TMT, Property and M&A (medium-sized deal) categories. Richard Foley, Senior Partner at Pinsent Masons, says: 'These awards recognise the truly landmark deals the firm is working on across borders and disciplines as we continue to provide the most innovative solutions for our clients. I would like to thank Legal Week and their panel of independent judges for recognising the firm's achievements.' I 20 - info - january / february 2018
S T A R T - U P
P R O F I L E
One of the Chamber’s newest members is a private social club aimed at francophones in London
T
he B&C Club is the brainchild of Bénédicte de Nonneville and
I lacked a professional network as well.’
view at the V&A of the work of Marcel
‘The idea was to create a club to
Breuer and Charles and Ray Eames; and
Parisians
help people develop their social and
a sessions at Morton’s private members
turned Londoners who sought to create
professional networks in London. We
club on how to navigate the ins and outs
a new social offering for French speakers
want to create a space for people to
of raising a child in London.
in the capital.
indulge their cultural interests and to
A particularly popular recent event
help new arrivals to the city integrate
was an exclusive meeting with Victoria
into a like-minded community.’
Beckham in her Dover Street boutique.
Christine
Afflelou,
former
Since its first event in 2015 – an ‘encounter’
with
the
painter
Wolfe
von Lenkiewicz at his National Gallery
The Club boasts eighty members,
exhibition – the club has been hosting
and is looking to grow. They range from
regular events featuring experts in art,
age 30 ro their oldest member, who is
fashion, current affairs, literature and
90 years old. Roughly 80 percent of the
has been, Afflelou has a hard time
philosophy, gastronomy and oenology
membership is French, with a mix of
choosing. ‘I could not pick just one, as
and sport.
nationalities making up the numbers.
all the events we offer are ones that I
Afflelou reports that it sold out in 30 minutes. Asked what her favourite event
Nonneville has a background in
For their loyal membership, the
would like to attend. The idea is to give
corporate finance, which she put on hold
club has acted like a surrogate family –
people an experience that money can’t
to raise three children. Her interests
with one member describing the club
buy, such as access to Victoria Beckham,
span an impressive variety of activities –
as ‘neither an elitist club nor a closed
or Paul Smith, or a host of writers and
she is both a certified gemmologist and
circle. It is a bit like an enthusiastic
philosophers.’
a licensed airplane pilot. Afflelou, for her
family – serious without talking itself too
part, worked at YSL Beauté for twelve
seriously.’
years, and later founded the bespoke event company Paris Privé.
Afflelou has joked that the club has even
nurtured
Club
members
also
receive
‘privileges’ which include discounted relationships.
‘Some
shopping experiences and exclusive member offers.
Part of the inspiration for the B&C
husbands have thanked me, saying their
Plans for 2018 include building on
Club came from Afflelou’s experience
relationships with their wives are better
the membership numbers – ‘our goal is
of moving to a new city, and finding
since they joined the club.’
to double or triple it, says Afflelou. More
herself without a network of friends or
But the club is far from playing
ambitious is the idea to create their own
colleagues. ‘I experienced a terrible first
match maker. Recent events in 2017
venue, what Afflelou calls a ‘place where
year in the UK,’ says Afflelou. ‘I did not
have included a talk about Artificial
members can feel at home’, reinforcing
know anyone here, and as I had to close
Intelligence by Alex Lebrun, who leads
the idea of the club as an extended and
down my Paris company before leaving,
the Facebook AI research Team; a private
welcoming family. I
We want to create a space for people to indulge their cultural interests and to help new arrivals to the city integrate into a like-minded community info
- january / february 2018 - 21
BUSINE S S WOR LD – SME NE WS
WCT Cross-cultural launches new venture
Citigate Dewe Rogerson survey places investor education centre stage
C
DR’s 9th annual IR survey, based on responses from 224 Investor Relations Officers at leading companies across the world, reveals how MiFID II is prompting companies in Europe, and beyond, to take a more active and direct role in educating investors. The EU’s MiFID II reforms on the financial industry will come into effect this month. I
C
ross-cultural training at WCT Cross-cultural offers an overview of both theory and practical applications in a business context. This includes key cross-cultural concepts and their influence on the way people think and act; recognising and overcoming barriers to communication; and cross-cultural working practices. WCT aims to help companies benefit from diversity, and prevent and solve multicultural conflicts. I
Verdier & Co. named in annual investment banking ranking
JIN announces new hires to management team
E
uropean communications agency JIN, specialised in public relations and digital influence, announces two new appointments to its Management team, to support its rapid growth. Patrick Bonin, former Managing Director of Kingcom, will lead of JIN France as Managing Director. Maxime Treillard, former Global AD at Deezer, and AD at Blue Hive France will take on artistic directorship for all the agency’s countries and head its studio in Paris. I
L
aunched in 2016, Verdier & Co. Corporate Advisory, the independent corporate finance adviser, is pleased to have been named to the 2017 mergers & acquisitions ranking of Décideurs & Dealmakers, in the €75-500m value & High Reputation category. The judges highlighted the independence of the firm business model and advice, and knowledge across UK and French markets. I
Pays de la Loire offers a home for business
Ponant launches cruise ship with underwater lounge
T
he Pays de la Loire region has seen significant development in the number of foreign companies setting up in the region and direct investment in local companies from abroad. The Pays de la Loire is now a leading venue for Aeronautics, Automotive, Electronics, Robotics firms – and a potential windfall for digital companies wishing to participate in modernization and automation in these sectors. I
E-Notam partners with Chinese influencers
P
onant, the only French-owned cruise line and the world leader in luxury expeditions, in keeping with its pioneering spirit, is launching the first cruise ship to be equipped with a multi-sensory underwater space. The ‘Blue Eye’ underwater passenger lounge is located within the hull beneath the water line and offers unparalleled underwater sensory and viewing experiences. I
22 - info - january / february 2018
L
ondon-based digital agency E-NOTAM is partnering with leading digital Chinese influencers to drive Chinese travellers to points of sale for French and British luxury brands in Europe. The agency, founded and managed by Aline Moulin-Conus, analyses influencers’ online communities, ensuring there is a proven interest in their clients’ luxury goods or services, and drives customers to French and British luxury clients. I
SME PROFILE - BUSINE S S WOR LD
Luxury B2B Gifting: The French Touch OMYAGUE, a French-based luxury corporate gifting company, is poised to launch its first London trade show in 2018, says its founder Nathalie Cozette How would you describe your business model? Our business is centred on helping
British brands alongside French and international brands. We will grow the event from there.
select brands be successful and find their place in the corporate
What do you hope to achieve in your first London trade
gifting niche market, by activating
show?
four highly efficient marketing
Finding the right visitors is our priority. We want to bring
tools. Our two-day fairs enable
buyers and exhibitors together. At the same time, we want
exhibitors to meet their clients
to make sure visitors are aware that they will not talk to ‘go-
face to face. We also publish a
betweens’ or resellers, but to the B2B representatives of
magazine, INSPIRATIONS LUXE,
these select brands. They will be able to plan their incentive
which highlights our exhibitors,
programmes for the upcoming year, and find gift ideas at
and operate an online gifting fair.
prices they would not be able to secure elsewhere.
Last but not least, our Concierge service provides help to companies who seek to find original and unique gifts within
What is the average spend of a company on their gifting?
their budget.
Spending ranges from £27 to more than £450 per gift. Our study has shown that the bigger the company, the higher the
You have also positioned yourself as an expert in the
spending and need for expensive gifts. More than a third of
sector, contributing insight to your publications and
the companies we surveyed organise four or more incentive
others.
operations per year. Those organising up to three per year
Our expertise comes from working in the B2B sector for many
spend one third of their total budget on gifts worth more than
years. We get to know the buyer by conducting annual surveys,
£450. I
and by analysing patterns, needs, trends and carefully studying the results. Adding this insight to our magazine is a valuable tool for us, and for companies and media who ask for our findings. We also track changes in tax policies and evolutions in our sector. What are the benefits of corporate gifting? Corporate gifting has to be taken seriously if you want to make an impact with your client or humanise a commercial relationship. A well selected gift will trigger an emotion. Gifts do not have to be expensive, but they have to be special, unique, good quality and original. We select the brands that can cater to those needs, and which will trigger the right emotions. What are some of the challenges of establishing the concept in the UK? When a new brand wants to exhibit at our Paris fair, we tell them that they need to establish their presence in the B2B market. We are aware that this will be the case for OMYAGUE in London, too. To succeed in London, we decided to start with fewer exhibitors in the first year, and to have high quality
Corporate gifting has to be taken seriously if you want to make an impact with your client or humanise a commercial relationship
OMYAGUE’s Luxury B2B Gifting Fair will take place on 21 & 22 March at Pullman St Pancras. Visit omyague.com for details.
info
- january / february 2018 - 23
E DUC ATION – NE WS
EDHEC launches masters in data and digital
ESSEC opens London office The new premises strengthen
The business school is pleased to announce the launch of
ESSEC’s existing
a new MSc in Data Analytics & Digital Business. This new
the
degree will be delivered on the EDHEC Lille campus, starting
objective of the London office
September 2017. It is designed for all students with a business
is to enhance corporate and
studies background from top institutions as well as candidates
academic partnerships, support
with engineering or scientific backgrounds. I
United
position in
Kingdom.
The
student recruitment activities and strengthen the alumni community. London is home to more than 2,000 alumni – the largest destination for ESSEC
Ecole Jeannine Manuel announces growth plans
graduates – and has welcomed more than 500 ESSEC interns over the past few years. I
University of Oxford acquires Atos supercomputer
Three years after its inception, Ecole Jeannine Manuel
Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, signed a contract with the world renowned University of Oxford to deliver a new national Deep Learning Supercomputer, which will enable UK academics and industry to develop and test deep learning applications and proofs of concept. Deep Learning has a broad applicability, from automated voice recognition and autonomous vehicles to medical imaging. I
London welcomes 365 pupils representing 40 nationalities from nursery through Year 10. Next fall, the school will open its Upper School on Russell Square, steps from its Primary and Middle schools. In Year 11, the Upper School will enrol the school’s current Year 10 pupils as well as new bilingual or Anglophone pupils. I
EM Normandie expands Oxford facilities
Sciences Po celebrates tenth anniversary of UK alumni gala On 12 October, the Sciences Po Alumni UK organised the 10th edition of their annual gala dinner, to raise funds for the Sciences Po Alumni UK Charity Trust. More than £1m have been raised in the past decade by the Sciences Po Alumni UK to help fund bursaries for students and cross-border research and teaching programmes involving Sciences Po and their partner British Universities (incl. Oxford, LSE, King’s College). I
Toulouse School of Economics launches a course on ‘nudges’ EM Normandie has already outgrown its existing Oxford Campus facilities opened in 2014, and is now moving to much larger premises within the City of Oxford College. The new building is located near Oxford Castle, in the heart of the Westgate Centre. One hundred Master in Management programme students are on site. The Business School offers a new Master‘s Year 2 in Banking, Finance & Fintech. I 24 - info - january / february 2018
TSE is pleased to announce the opening this academic year of a new course on ‘nudges’, an increasingly popular policy tool that plays on the human side of economic actors. A key objective of the new TSE course is to offer students insights into the influence of psychology on rationality. TSE is a worldrenowned economics department chaired by Nobel laureate Jean Tirole within the University of Toulouse, in the south of France. I
FE ATUR E - E DUC ATION
Education: a new asset class for the private sector? Bruno Mourgue d’Algue, Chief Financial Officer at Galileo Global Education, the largest for-profit post-secondary education group, and Rémi de Guilhermier, Director at PMSI, a strategy and market intelligence consulting firm spoke with Frédéric de la Borderie, Founder and Director of Turenne Consulting education specialists in the public and private sectors, about the latest investment trends in the education sector
P
rivate investment and ownership in the education sector is not a
Why invest?
matter of common knowledge. For
While concerns remain around
instance, few may know that some of
profitability, due to operational costs,
the largest education consortiums in
regulation, and increasing competition,
the country, such as
Guilhermier lists six main reasons why
Asquith, Eaton Square, Southbank, and
the education sector can appeal to
ICS, are in private hands.
private investors.
The UK has a long tradition of
1. Demand for good quality education
independent, fee-paying schools –
is outstripping supply: Most parents
roughly 2,500 schools covering primary
view education as a top priority.
and secondary provision education
2. Low risk investment: Parents rarely
roughly 7 percent of British children
remove children from premium
and 18 percent of pupils over age 16.
schools during recessions, preferring
However, the recent acceleration in UK
to economize in other areas before
and international investors in the sector
sacrificing their children’s education,
has seen a rise in education providers
making the investment quasi
under private ownership.
recession-proof.
This trend is also seen in France,
3. Predictability of revenues: Parents
where recent purchases include Cours
rarely change schools mid-stream
Hattemer and École Internationale
and so they provide a predictable
Bilingue by Nace Schools group, a
customer base with only one key
profit education in the UK is primarily
portfolio company of Providence Equity
transition between junior and senior
focused on the primary and secondary
Partners.
school. This provides reliable, visible
segment, while higher education is
income streams and long-term
mainly run by non-profit organisations
customers.
or government. The provision of
Large investment funds such as
4. Positive cash-flows: Schools
government-funded loans makes the
Providence Equity Partners, Apax and
collect fees in advance and are
UK market inherently riskier for private
Eurazeo have focused on the education
often profitable within three years
investors. In France, the private sector
sector; Providence Equity Partners, for
of operation. Profit margins vary
represents close to 20 percent of the
instance, holds $3.3bn of global equity
depending on the size of school but a
total higher education market. In the
invested on 3 continents.
good, 1800-pupil, K12-school should
context of Brexit and its effect on the
generate profit margins of between
pound, successful higher education
emergence of these specialised funds
20 to 40 percent. The key costs
groups will have the responsibility to
in education is exemplary of the fact
involved are rent for the campus and
help students into employment and
that the amount of capital required
salaries for the teaching staff.
adapt to innovation by teaching new
to create, develop, revamp or simply
5. Extra inflation gain. Additionally,
technology and industry trends. I
maintain a quality school is becoming
fee increases rise faster than local
increasing high. The traditional charity
inflation figures, improving returns for
Turenne Consulting offers project
or not-for-profit model, usually
investors above other sectors.
management and strategic advice
managed by a board of governors and
6. Social Responsibility: of investment
services, with a strong focus on
without profit redistribution, may be
in education into the country’s long-
education and real estate
losing out to shareholder organisations
term global competitive position.
The profit motive
According to Guilhermier, the
A good, 1800-pupil, K12school should generate profit margins of between 20 to 40 percent Mourgue d’Algue reckons that for-
looking for a return on their investment.
info
- january / february 2018 - 25
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
PwC: UK Hotels Forecast PwC’s UK hotels forecast 2018 identifies the key drivers and trends that will be impacting hoteliers in the coming year. UK hotels have enjoyed record trading, underpinned by the boom in overseas leisure travel, but uncertainty is still important: the stimulus of the weak pound starts to weaken, new supply kicks in, and there is still global political volatility, an expected deceleration in UK economic growth and continued Brexit policy uncertainty.
UK Hotels Forecast – As good as it gets? – 2018 Available at: https://pwc.to/2gZe6RH
KPMG: Leisure Perspectives KPMG surveyed UK CEOs across multiple sectors in 2017 to gain an understanding of what is at the top of their corporate agendas. Disruption has become a fact of life, with 65 percent of CEOs seeing disruption as an opportunity for their business. Risk and regulation are climbing on the agenda, and businesses are now starting to ensure that they have the right people and talent to cultivate the culture they require for success. Along with risk and people, CEOs are placing more focus on customer-centricity to understand consumer purchasing habits, and how to create value for them. Leisure Perspectives – 2017 Available at: http://bit.ly/2AGAD0g
Deloitte: European Hotel Investment Survey The yearly Deloitte European Hotel Investment Conference gathers insights from its attendees with an industry survey, focusing on the UK and wider European market. Over 90 senior hospitality figures from across the world, including owners, lenders, developers and investors answered a series of questions on their views of key trends and how these will shape the industry in 2018 and beyond. The survey is summarized in an Infographic, with a spotlight on the UK. European Hotel Investment Survey – Heading into thin air? – 2017 Available at: http://bit.ly/2A3PF0G
info
- september / october 2017www - 26
British Hospitality Association: The Economic Contribution of the UK Hospitality Industry The BHA reports that the hospitality industry is the 4th biggest employer in the UK, accounting for 3.2m jobs through direct employment in 2016, and a further 2.8m indirectly. The industry generated more than £73bn of Gross Value Added directly to the UK economy, and a further £87bn indirectly. The report provides an assessment of the economic contribution of the hospitality industry to the UK economy. With key data, it defines what the industry represents, measures its economic impact, and compares it to other industries.
The Economic Contribution of the UK Hospitality Industry – 2017 Available at: http://bit.ly/2jtSazp
Welcome to Newhaven Ferry Port: The Gateway to France via Dieppe
Transmanche ferries are operated by DFDS
www.newhavenportauthority.co.uk www.dfdsseaways.fr/lignes-ferries/ ferries-vers-angleterre/dieppe-newhaven
T
he British hospitality sector has an amazing story to tell. In a time of economic and political uncertainty, the sector has grown into one of the powerhouses of the UK economy.
In 2010 it was the fifth largest industry in the country. But industry bodies are reporting that it has grown exponentially and is now the country's fourth largest industry, employing more people than the manufacturing, construction and education sectors. The industry contribution to the UK coffers, including ancillary spending, is roughly £140bn as off 2016, and according the British Hospitality Association the industry will generate 100,000 new jobs by 2020. But this growth isn’t without its issues. A hundred thousand new jobs means finding this many new employees in a sector largely avoided by a British workforce uninterested in what they see as low-skilled and low-status work. 28 - info - january / february 2018
Hospitality: BEHIND THE FRONT DESK
And with more than 700,000 EU nationals propping up the talent pool, there are serious concerns of staffing crisis if the sector cannot continue to attract and retain its largely European labour force. This FOCUS explores other concerns and opportunities across the sector, from luxury hotels and restaurants, to industry watchers and other stakeholders. You will read about the need for modernisation and digitisation to serve new clientele, in a sector that is shifting the traditional trapping of British hospitality to reflect more inclusive and diverse expectations. From interviews with experts and industry leaders to contributed articles from key players and innovative brands in the sector, we hope that this FOCUS will help you better understand the current issues facing the industry and develop specialist knowledge into how the sector plans to adapt. I
info
- january / february 2018 - 29
The state of hospitality Uffi Ibrahim, Chief Executive of the British Hospitality Association, speaks to INFO about the latest trends and forecasts affecting the sector What are the current strengths of the industry?
our members are currently facing a ‘perfect storm’ of issues.
The British hospitality industry is a lynchpin in the UK economy.
Their most pressing concern is business uncertainty following
It is the country’s fourth largest sector and indeed the fastest
the Brexit referendum in 2016 and in the negotiations since.
growing since the 2008 downturn, employing over 4.5 million
Despite the government’s welcome progress in negotiating
people in the UK. It created 331,000 jobs between 2010 and
the status of current EU citizens after we leave the European
2014 and is forecast to create a further 100,000 by the end of
Union, the availability of labour from European countries in
this decade.
the future remains worryingly ambiguous. Over 700,000 EU
The hospitality industry is also the face of the nation for
citizens currently work in the hospitality industry, as evidenced
millions of visitors each year; it is our duty to ensure that the
in a report for the BHA by KPMG.
UK is renowned around the world for its first class service and treatment of guests. The immense success of the 2012
Taxation is also an important issue for your members.
Olympic Games in terms of visitor experience is just one
Hospitality businesses are challenged by a Tourism VAT of 20%
example of the reputation of the British hospitality sector
- one of the highest in Europe– meaning that many domestic
reverberating around the world.
tourists are opting to travel abroad rather than spend their money at home. To put this in perspective, there is a deficit
What are the most viable growth areas for the industry?
of more than £11 billion when it comes to inbound and
A report released by Visit Britain showed that whilst France
outbound travel. Economic modelling shows that a reduction
welcomed over a million Chinese visitors in 2016, the UK only
of VAT on accommodation and attractions to 5% would
received 328,000 visa applications in this year. An important
actually increase tax revenue by £4.6 billion over 10 years.
reason for this is that British hospitality is competing with a
Following BHA campaigning the UK Government has agreed to
disadvantage. Tourism VAT is twice the European average
review the rate of Tourism VAT in Northern Ireland in 2018.
and the visa application process for visitors from many key markets, including China, is a much more challenging process
What are the lobbying priorities of the BHA?
compared to applying for a Schengen visa. The BHA continues
The BHA is in constant dialogue with officials up and down the
to lobby Government for change here to make the UK a more
country to make sure that the concerns of British hospitality
accessible, attractive place to visit.
businesses are heard. Our key priorities at present are: a Brexit settlement which reflects the needs of our industry;
What are the biggest challenges facing the industry?
a reduction in VAT for accommodation and attractions,
Despite the impressive performance of the hospitality industry,
and the fair regulation of the sharing economy and online
30 - info - january / february 2018
HOSPITALIT Y: BE HIND THE FRONT DE SK – FOCUS
Despite welcome progress in negotiating the status of current EU citizens after we leave the European Union, the availability of labour from European countries remains worryingly ambiguous
platforms. Through this we want to work with Government
protect consumers and industry.
to make hospitality a driver of private investment and career opportunities in cities, rural and coastal areas across the
Internet booking sites are also on your radar.
United Kingdom.
The power of Online Travel Agents and search engine
We have also strongly criticised plans by various local
aggregators is also a concern for both hospitality businesses
authorities to bring in any kind of ‘tourism tax’ – a nightly
and consumers. These platforms can blur the lines between
charge levied on visitors who stay overnight in certain
search, comparison and booking by providing, at times, all
cities. The BHA is firmly of the belief that this particular kind
three functions. Lack of transparency in pricing, ranking and
of taxation is regressive, simplistic, and will drive visitors
rating criteria remain of concern and the BHA welcomed the
away when we should be making the UK a more attractive
Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) recent decision
destination for visitors. We have mounted successful public
to reopen its investigation into the practices of online travel
awareness campaigns in Bath, Hull, and London to present the
agencies (OTAs).
counterargument proposals in these cities. What are the priorities of the BHA for 2018? What is impact of the ‘sharing economy’ on the sector?
The BHA will be officially launching its ten year plan in 2018 to
With regards to the emergence of the “sharing” economy the
recruit more British workers over the next decade as we leave
BHA has consistently confronted the difficulties arising from
the European Union. We take our obligations seriously when it
the role of home sharing platforms as “intermediaries”. These
comes to the training and employment of more British workers
operate a huge sharing economy without responsibility for
in the hospitality industry, but we need government support
the services they facilitate or any obligation to provide data
to make this a reality. Close work with government over the
to relevant authorities to support law enforcement. Rogue
course of the months and years to come will be crucial in
landlords can ignore fire, health and food safety laws and avoid
making up any shortfall in workers after we leave the European
paying taxes, and the BHA has lobbied for a fair playing field to
Union. I
HOSPITALITY
AT A GLANCE I The
industry is the UK’s fourth largest sector and the fastest growing since the 2008 downturn
I It
employs more than
4.5 million people
331,000 jobs between 2010 and 2014 I It forecast to create a further 100,000 jobs by I It
created
the end of this decade
I
700,000 EU citizens currently work in the hospitality industry
I Hospitality
businesses are charged a Tourism VAT of 20% - one of the highest rates in Europe info
- january / february 2018 - 31
The Human Touch As the hospitality industry adapts to the future, inter-personal interaction still matters most, says Peter Ducker FIH, Chief Executive of The Institute of Hospitality What are the current challenges in
sleep or meet
the hospitality industry?
outside the home.
The biggest challenge moving forward,
As a vital bridge
particularly in the UK, isn’t a lack of
between education
demand or clients, it’s about finding
and the industry,
the right people to work for you. I was
we are very much
talking to a very successful and well-
focused on engaging
regarded restaurateur with a string
with hospitality
of high-end restaurants in London.
management
He has equity money behind him and
students as they
his backers want to open another six
graduate and
restaurants but he won’t do it. He knows
take their first
the quality will suffer when they are
positions. We
unable to find the staff to run them.
provide a number of services including a
People will want to have that outside experience more and more and grab it while they can, since social media is potentially making us more insular
Are there concerns related to Brexit?
mentoring scheme.
What are they?
It is vital for our
As an industry we’ve always relied on
industry to retain
people from overseas coming to work
talented individuals
insular, particularly for up-and-coming
in the UK. It has always been the case
and for them to feel a sense of
generations. The focus is on where
from the days of César Ritz and Auguste
belonging and community.
human interaction adds value to the
Escoffier right through to today. And
guest experience and how we can make
now we’re seeing people who came
What is on the mind of managers?
the most of that value. Putting staff in
here to work moving to other countries
In terms of the management-level view,
front of guests is increasingly pricey so it
like the Netherlands, Spain and
through our communication channels,
has to be done well.
Germany. Staffing costs will inevitably
we survey the views and experiences
have to go up. While the weaker pound
of our members and disseminate best
What are the jobs of the future in
is bringing leisure tourists in, it is also
practice. Demographic change and
hospitality?
creating a harsher environment for
Brexit are sharpening the minds of
The application of artificial intelligence
hoteliers and restaurateurs as they
HR personnel who need to find new
and robotics has been talked about a
have to deal with skills shortages and
and creative solutions to recruitment
lot recently. Henn-na Hotels in Japan
higher costs for imported goods such
and retention. For some businesses,
are staffed entirely by robots that are
as wine and meat. The good news is
recruiting at food fairs has been a new
monitored by humans via security
that, so long as the pound doesn’t fall
source of F&B staff, for example. There's
cameras. This is clearly playing up
any further, imported food and drink
a growing awareness of flexible working,
to the novelty value, but major hotel
inflation is forecast to slow down in
not just for Millennials but people at
chains including Hilton and Starwood
early 2018.
other stages of their lives where a full-
are seriously developing the use of
time job is not appropriate. We will see
robots and artificial intelligence. We’d
What are the activities of the IoH in
much more multi-skilling in businesses
never want to lose the human touch,
these areas?
too.
but robots could be a way of helping
The Institute of Hospitality is the
address the skills shortage, for functions
professional body for people in
Are customer attitudes and
such as 24-hour room service delivery.
hospitality management. That’s
expectations changing?
The demand for diligent, agile, and
everyone, from those running a school
People will want to have that outside
innovative managers will remain as
meals service or prison catering, to
experience more and more and
strong as ever, not least because robots
hotels, restaurants, cruise lines and
grab it while they can, since social
still require human management. I
airlines, anywhere that people eat,
media is potentially making us more
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HOSPITALIT Y: BE HIND THE FRONT DE SK – FOCUS
The evolution of hospitality It is a time of opportunity for forward-thinking hospitality providers, says Thomas Dubaere, COO, AccorHotels UK & Ireland
I
t is an exciting time for the hospitality sector. In the past 15 years travel has continued to grow, tastes have developed, and technology has transformed
the way people find and book their hotels and travel experiences. These shifts in consumer behaviour have seen new businesses emerge from the gig economy into the travel sector and forced traditional hospitality companies to adapt. AccorHotels recognised this challenge a few years ago and decided to be one of the leaders of change in the hotel sector. We transformed our focus and the way we do business in many ways – and consequently, going into 2018, I see some fantastic opportunities for us. Guests are now looking for new services and experiences when they travel, without sacrificing the level of hospitality they have come to expect. To take advantage of this, the hospitality industry needs to do two very simple things: improve the services they already provide, and provide new ones that their customers want.
The hospitality industry needs to do two very simple things: improve the services they already provide, and provide new ones that their customers want
Mobile solutions So how can they do things better? A good example is in
brands such as JO&JOE, which provides a totally new kind of
how guests now use mobile technology. They want to use
hospitality experience that is a blend of a hostel, a hotel and
smartphones and tablets to access most travel services, but
a private rental property, with communal spaces for both
they don’t want to sacrifice personal customer service or be
guests and local communities. The growth of the private rental
forced to talk to robots or machines. So what does mobile
sector has also awoken customers to the appeal of ‘individual’
technology have to offer to hotels in a way that improves their
properties, which is one of the reasons Accor has invested in
customer service?
companies in the private rentals space such as onefinestay.
One of the ways we have chosen is by reinventing how guests are welcomed in hotels. Our hotel staff now uses
Instead of just offering customers a range of hotels, Accor can now offer them a much wider variety of stay experience.
smartphones and tablets to run our ibis hotels, from back of
Another good example is in the vibrant market for restaurants
house operations to guest reservations. This frees them up to
and bars. We see these as a strong growth opportunity, which
interact with guests anywhere in the hotel – for instance when
is why in the UK we have launched a variety of new branded
a guest enters the hotel, staff approach them rather than wait
restaurants and bars with distinct and contemporary identities.
to be approached, already armed with their guest details, their
From Bokan, our rooftop restaurant at Novotel London Canary
room key and even their personal preferences gathered during
Wharf, to our Chill artisan café bars, they transform the
online check-in. We are now also rolling out this best practice to
traditional hotel restaurant experience, enriching the stays of
other brands such as Novotel.
our hotel guests and attracting new customers from the high
Hybrid hospitality
street. I expect 2018 to be a good year for the UK hospitality
The second thing the hospitality industry needs to do is to
industry, but a great one for hotel operators who can be truly
provide new experiences to meet the expectations of what
innovative while keeping the guest experience at the centre of
many consumers look for today. We have created new lifestyle
everything they do. I
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THE RISE OF THE INFLUENCER:
Social media in hospitality and leisure The latest market report from KPMG explores the importance of online marketing and the kinds of messaging that brands need to consider, says Will Hawkey, Global Head of Leisure and Hospitality
S
avvy travel brands are now
influencers who have a combined
using social media as a platform
39,482,812 Instagram followers and
for their customer service
an overall total reach of a whopping
and support models, responding to
106,000,0003. With those figures, it
enquiries and tackling problems. The
is not surprising that communities
consumer expects to be able to interact
are starting to play more of a role in
with brands directly through social
consumer decision making and driving
media, and receive a personalised
because of the brand itself – it’s
experience.
propped up by the ‘influencers’ who
Travel brands are using key
engagement with brands. KPMG’s report also presented
create authentic content, tell a story,
findings from dating and travel site Miss
‘influencers’ to drive brand awareness.
and can sway the opinions of their
Travel, which found that 33 percent of
In return for a free flight, hotel stay or
followers.
travellers use Instagram to discover new
experience, they ask the influencers
According to Forbes magazine’s
places, while a whopping 86 percent
to share experiences of their trips on
Top Influencers 2017, the top 10 travel
of travellers use online sources when
social media, to provide an authentic
influencers alone have a combined
deciding on their accommodation.
lens into their offerings, and share
10,945,263 Instagram followers,
However, for many travellers, cost
stories with their extended social
and a reach across social media of
continues to be a motivating factor,
followings and communities.
17,419,0002. However, this is only a
with 47 percent saying they choose a
fraction compared to the top 10 fitness
destination based on price. I
Social media isn’t powerful solely
KNOW YOUR CONSUMER
W
ith competition from new entrants rising, it’s important for the hospitality and leisure industry to do their due diligence and get to know the consumers that they are marketing to in online spaces – as ultimately, the consumer has the choice. Here are three theoretical consumer personae to start to understand the types of consumers that are emerging, and how the hospitality and leisure industry can begin to interact with them:
• The health and wellness fanatic
• The value seeking traveller
• The environmentalist
The ‘value seeker’ uses ubiquitous use of metasearch engines to reduce their overall price and find the best deal. They’re cost savvy, without skimping on value. Their choice of location or activity can be swayed by price, but they don’t sacrifice the quality of the experience.
As well as reducing their carbon footprint, the ‘earth aware’ consumer is now also focused on waste reduction and local consumption. They like to know that what they are consuming is sustainable for the environment, and prioritise experiences where they are informed about the supply chain and ethics. I
34 - info - january / february 2018
The ‘health and wellness fanatic’ has a vested interest in improving their lifestyle through the means of diet, exercise and general wellness. This might include following a specific diet or way of eating (such as ‘clean eating’), getting involved in boutique fitness classes and placing a greater emphasis on holidays with a purpose such as yoga retreats, wellness breaks and digital detoxes.
HOSPITALIT Y: BE HIND THE FRONT DE SK – FOCUS
A mixed forecast for hospitality Growth is down but the outlook is broadly positive, say David Trunkfield, UK Hospitality & Leisure Leader, and Dr Andrew Sentence, Senior Economic Adviser, PwC
We don’t expect the growth in 2018 to match 2017, even though the outlook is broadly positive for the UK hotels sector
S
o far this year, the hotels business in the UK has been
of international leisure tourists to visit London in 2017.’ But she
boosted by two main factors. First, the global economy is
added: ‘Worryingly, the weak pound doesn’t appear to have
growing well – and there has been a marked recovery in
boosted international corporate travel in the UK, reflecting
continental Europe in recent years. That is helping to encourage
corporate uncertainty around Brexit.’
overseas visitors to travel more generally, with the UK – and
In contrast, for 2017 as a whole we have edged our Provinces
London in particular – always a popular destination for tourists.
forecast down a little, but we still forecast further RevPAR growth
Second, the fall in the value of the pound since the Brexit vote
of 2.5%. Our 2018 forecast is marginally stronger than expected
last year has attracted leisure tourists from overseas and
in March, and we now anticipate a further 2.3% RevPAR growth.
provided an added incentive for visitors to come to the UK.
The terrorist attacks in London and Manchester appear to have
Looking ahead we should continue to see these positive
had a limited impact on visitation levels.
factors supporting growth in 2018, but to a lesser extent. In
Cyber-attacks also have the ability to disrupt hotel trading.
addition, Brexit uncertainty is a possible dampener on business
A recent research report showed that two out of three bosses
travel to the UK, and there are some signs that this is already
at Britain’s biggest companies have not been trained in how to
having an impact. The slowdown in the UK economy may also
deal with a cyber-attack, despite cyberattacks being considered
subdue domestic spending on hotels. We cannot therefore
one of the biggest risks these organizations faced. While
expect the growth in 2018 to match 2017, even though the
concerns have heightened following the large scale Petya and
outlook is broadly positive for the UK hotels sector. A spike in
WannaCry attacks and serious breaches at the National Health
new hotel supply, especially in London, will also act as a drag.
Service, hotels are also being targeted by criminals.
For London, the stronger than anticipated tourism boom in
While hotels are enjoying strong top line growth driven by
H1 2017 means we have edged up our latest forecast for 2017
the weak pound’s boost to travel, they have also to contend
and now expect around 6% RevPAR growth* for the year as a
with a less positive effect of the depreciated pound as weaker
whole; but we don’t expect this strong growth to be sustained
margins reflect the higher cost of imported goods. Hotels also
as uncertainty weighs on the economy and the effect of the
report that the cost of labour has been pushed up as it becomes
weak pound slows.
harder to fill vacant positions.
Inbound corporate travel has recorded a 2.8% decline in
The Brexit vote has prompted some workers from other EU
the first half of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. Liz
countries to leave already or consider going, partly because of
Hall, Head of Hospitality and Leisure Research at PwC, said the
uncertainty around the UK’s economic outlook and because any
fall in the value of the pound against the euro and the dollar
money those workers earn in pounds is now worth less in euros
after last year’s Brexit vote had ‘encouraged record numbers
for them to send home. I
*RevPAR, or revenue per available room, is a performance metric in the hotel industry
info
- january / february 2018 - 35
‘The most connected city on the planet’ London’s future looks bright, thanks to a vibrant and dynamic tourism sector, says Andrew Cooke, Acting CEO of London & Partners, the Mayor’s official promotion agency for the city What is the importance of tourism in
across the capital.
London?
What impact has the fall in Sterling
Could you provide some context to
The tourism industry is absolutely crucial
had?
London’s relationship with Europe?
for London as it supports hundreds of
According to the ‘European Traveller
Business
thousands of jobs and accounts for 11.6
Insights
eDreams
Channel are thriving. Over both the 5
percent of the capital’s GDP. According
ODIGEO, released in December this
year period (Aug 2012 – Aug 2017) and
to a new report published by London &
year, the fall in the value of the pound
the 10 year period (Aug 2007 – Aug
Partners, tourism numbers in the city
since the Brexit referendum appears
2017), France has been London’s second
are set to rise sharply over the next few
to have been a key driver of growth,
largest source market for investment.
years, with more than 40 million people
as visitors to the UK can now get more
London-based
expected to visit London by 2025, an
for their money. The latest visitor data
billion capital investment from France
increase of 30 per cent on the 31.2
show that the city welcomed 5.5 million
over the last 10 years, creating over
million visitors who came to the capital
international visitors between April and
5,800 jobs for the capital. In October
in 2016.
June, a 10 per cent increase on the same
and November, London & Partners
period last year.
organised two trade missions to Paris
2017’
report
by
What are the current priorities of
relationships
firms
across
attracted
the
£2.1
and Lille, led by the Mayor of London
London & Partners
What is your approach to Brexit?
and Deputy Mayor for Business, and
The report, ‘A Tourism Vision for London,’
Following the EU referendum vote, we
attended by over 25 of the capital’s
which was published in September and
have seen increasing competition from
fastest-growing tech companies. The
has the backing of the Mayor of London
other cities across the continent. The
entrepreneurs on the one-day trade
and over 100 industry partners, makes
Mayor has made it clear that he wants to
missions
a number of recommendations to
maintain a strong working relationship
explore expansion opportunities in
ensure the growth and sustainability
with other European cities, working
some of France’s largest business
of London’s tourism industry. Those
in the best interest of Londoners and
centres, meeting high-profile French
include
enabling
Europe. As a result, we are planning
companies including Decathlon, Kiabi
visitors to see more of London, as well
to increase our overseas presence in
and Leroy Merlin.
as continuing to improve London's
the drive to attract investment into
tourism infrastructure and information
the capital after Britain leaves the EU –
London has been an attractive venue
provision. 17,000 new hotel rooms are
and to ensure that jobs and growth for
for meetings and events.
also set to open by 2020, adding to the
Londoners are retained.
Over the last few years, London has
encouraging
and
current 145,000 room stock.
used
the
opportunity
to
become more and more attractive to You’re looking to strengthen ties to
event planners, with the city now scoring
Why do people visit the city?
Europe?
5th in the International Congress and
We know that culture is a key draw for
Earlier this year, the Mayor also travelled
Convention Association (ICCA) ranking.
visitors coming to the city, with 80 per
to Paris to sign a landmark agreement
A number of high-profile wins, such
cent of tourists citing it as their main
with the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo,
as the European Respiratory Society,
reason for visiting. We’ll carry on shining
agreeing to stronger ties on tourism
Advertising Week Europe, and the
a light on the city’s offering, both in
and business. Collaboration is key. Paris
recently announced 2021 European
central locations, but also further afield,
was also the first city to join our city-to-
Society of Cardiology congress have all
to ensure visitors get to experience
city Business Welcome Programme – a
contributed to raising London’s profile.
a mix of iconic attractions as well as
programme designed to build a global
London is also the most connected city
hidden gems. We will also showcase
network of cities to promote stronger
on the planet with direct flights to 336
more of London’s neighbourhoods,
trade and investment. Other cities to
international destinations, making it an
both for leisure and business visitors,
join the programme include Lille, Lisbon,
easy place to reach for international
sharing insider tips to lesser known
Berlin, Amsterdam and San Diego – to
events. I
areas. This will help ensure that the
name a few.
benefits of tourism are spread right
36 - info - january / february 2018
We know that culture is a key draw for visitors coming to the city, with 80 per cent of tourists citing it as their main reason for visiting
NEW TECH IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM
T
he Traveltech Lab is the UK’s original travel innovation hub housing a growing community of early stage technology start-ups poised to disrupt the sector. The Lab aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and creativity while bringing together technology start-ups with major corporates and breaking down the barriers that can exist in them working together. The Lab is a partnership between us and The Trampery, specialists in innovative spaces to drive creativity and entrepreneurship. Since its launch, the Lab’s 72 members have cumulatively raised more than £20m and won over 15 awards, including the prestigious TechCrunch Disrupt Award Finalist. We’re keen to support any tech that improves
our visitors’ experience and one of the Lab’s successes in doing just that is TimeLooper. Timelooper have developed a 360 degree virtual reality smartphone app that lets visitors re-live iconic moments from famous sites around the world. We saw potential for this innovation not only to enhance the visitor experience but also to attract an increased number of visitors to landmarks and sites, so we welcomed Timelooper to our start-up community. We connected Timelooper to the Tower of London, who were looking to increase their visitor numbers. Timelooper developed a bespoke ‘Great Fire of London’ video which gets activated when users visit the Tower of London. This raised Timelooper’s profile and provided them with a platform to approach other clients.I
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- january / february 2018 - 37
LONDON:
The future of the luxury hotel The capital’s top hotels are a thriving and historic business, but new pressures are forcing them to adapt says Max Binda, General Manager of the Connaught, and Kostas Sfaltos, General Manager of the Bulgari
O
ur goal is to cater for our guests in every way. This
word of mouth – which is still the most important way we get
means excellence across the board in service and what
and retain customers.’
we provide in terms of our rooms, meals and facilities.
‘They need to be hospitable to a fault,’ says Binda.
And we do this every day.'
Having a majority foreign staff is also seen as a major advantage
This is how Max Binda, General Manager of the Connaught
by both GMs. ‘The benefit of having multiple languages is that
Hotel, describes the role of the luxury hotel. Over the past year,
the cultural outlook is refined. Having a truly multicultural staff
his iconic five-star hotel, located in Mayfair, has catered for
is a huge benefit for us,’ says Binda. ‘Plus language skills are
royalty, business people of all types, and a thriving clientele in
important component of the skill-set required by the sector.’
the art world – as many of London’s top galleries are located in the area.
Competition
And generally business is good. But that is not the whole
According to Sfaltos, the skills shortages are not only down to the
story, as many of London’s top hotels are facing new pressures
fall of the pound and the uncertainty around Brexit. There are a
in their sector, brought on by Brexit, the poor performance of
record number of new hotel rooms in London and the number
the pound, increases in business rates, and concerns around
is growing. PwC speculates a 4.6 percent rise in the number of
security after terrorist attacks in the capital. A primary concern
rooms in London due to new and scheduled openings. London
is the skills shortages that the sector will face in the coming
currently has more than 150,000 hotels rooms across all the
years – with industry bodies predicting a potential staffing crisis
industry.
by 2020.
‘All these new openings need staff, so we are competing for
Skills shortages
people here, too,’ says Sfaltos. He sees his competition not only among other five-star hotels,
Many sectors are reporting concerns about skills shortages
but also London’s many four-star hotels and ancillary hospitality
and talent drains as result of Brexit – the hospitality sector
businesses offering luxury services.
is no different. This is due to its reliance on overseas and
‘There is a high level of competition – therefore as a recruiter,
predominantly European staff for low and high skilled jobs.
we need to be as appealing as possible.’
Binda reports that roughly 80 percent of his staff are foreign-
‘The problem we have is that while competition is growing, the
born. The majority come from Europe and send money back to
same cannot be said about the demand for these jobs in the
their home countries.
UK,’ says Sfaltos.
But this is changing as the pound has been devalued after
The demand for hotel rooms is also being thinned out.
the EU Referendum result, and due to the uncertainty around
‘Fifteen years ago, during Wimbledon, I knew my hotel would
the status of foreigners in the UK.
be full. Now, during Wimbledon this is impossible to guarantee,’
‘Our main talent pool is Europe – and now they can send roughly fifty percent less money back home if they come here to work,’ says Binda.
he says.
Solutions
‘Because of the political uncertainty, those Europeans
For Binda, the solution partly lies in modernisation of the hotel
looking for low-skilled work are now going to Germany, and we
and its services – creating the five-star hotel of today, and
are losing out.’
catering to new trends amongst the clientele and the staff. ‘You
Kostas Sfaltos, General Manager of the Bulgari, a five-star
need to be relevant in the market and in your time,’ says Binda.
hotel in Knightsbridge, has a similar diagnosis. His hotel is
He also notes changes in the way clients approach the five-star
staffed disproportionately by Europeans, and he is concerned
hotel. ‘Twenty to thirty years ago, you couldn’t walk into our hotel
about his continued ability to attract the right calibre of staff
if you weren’t wearing a tie. But now it’s not the same,’ he says.
– candidates who are ‘prepared to understand luxury and the
The Connaught responded with a new restaurant opening, Jean-
expectations for the clientele.’
George, by the French-British-Asian fusion chef Jean-Georges
‘Service is more important than ever,’ says Sfaltos. ‘If it is
Vongerichten, which offers more accessible yet inventive fare,
impeccable and excellent, we will get more business through
still provided with impeccable service that the clientele expects.
38 - info - january / february 2018
HOSPITALIT Y: BE HIND THE FRONT DE SK – FOCUS
‘If you arrive in London after an over-night flight from Los
ways. There are huge opportunities for luxury hotels to build
Angeles, you’re not immediately looking for a fine-dining
on their event offerings, not just hosting events in their grand
experience,’ says Binda. ‘You want a burger or sushi in a casual
ballrooms, but using all kinds of spaces to host unique events
atmosphere.’
– like a book launch in the swimming pool, or a film opening in
For guests still wanting the traditional fine dining of a five
the private cinema.
start hotel, they have retained Alain de Rosie, their white table
Sfaltos explains one such creative offering: ‘Tomorrow we
cloth offering, which guests often consider for special occasions.
have twenty-two ladies in our largest suite for breakfast, lunch
Part of this new offering involves a more entrepreneurial
and for spa treatments. They are not staying the night, rather
approach to the business of running a hotel. ‘You always want
they are spending the day in the hotel room, using the suite as
to deliver quality and match the requirements of your clientele
their own private, well-serviced oasis.’
– which will necessarily change over time,’ says Binda. According to Sfaltos, restaurants are one growth area, but so are event hosting and using rooms in new and innovative
The five-star hotel is part of London’s DNA, but as the city undergoes changes, so too will their segment of the hospitality sector. Time will tell what new changes are in store. I
STAFFING: THE RETURN OF THE APPRENTICESHIP
Y
oung people in the UK are an untapped source of labour in the hospitality industry, says Knut Wylde, General Manager of the Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge. But it is about making the job attractive to them. ‘It is about much more than just Brexit,’ he says. ‘We have struggled to attract UK young people to the industry. They don’t see it as a career – they see is as a part-time or summer job.’ ‘The fact is that we can’t rely on the European labour market in future, as there is too much uncertainty about Brexit. But let’s stop moaning about it – lets be productive.’ Wylde sees apprenticeships as part of the way to increase the uptake of UK nationals into the industry. ‘Most other
European countries have proper apprenticeships. We need to try to change this in the UK,’ says Wylde. It is also about promoting the sector to young people and their families. ‘Hospitality and luxury hotels are an amazing career. You are not just sitting at the desk in front of a computer.’ ‘This message needs to be delivered in schools at primary level, and communicated to parents, who can support their children into this career.’
‘Yes, it’s hard work. But it can turn into amazing things. Gordon Ramsay started at the bottom as a pot washer.’ Wylde, a German national, was one such young person who did an apprenticeship in the industry more than twenty years ago. He noted that the experience of working across the sector in different roles over a two year period gave him a great overview of what he wanted to do, and where he might best fit in. He parlayed this experience to jobs in hotels on four continents and is now at the helm of one of London’s most iconic hotels. For Wylde it is about lobbying the government for support for these types of schemes, but not to wait for them to act. The industry must begin to adapt internally. I
info
- january / february 2018 - 39
HOSPITALITY:
An investor's point of view Isabelle de Wavrechin, CEO of Worldwide Invest Management, offers an analysis of investment in leisure and real estate development in the hospitality sector especially Hong Kong investors. We have
Do you have Brexit concerns? What
seen this trend increase in recent times
are they?
due to Brexit.
There is a great deal of speculation within the hospitality industry about
How would you describe your
Brexit, and it is still unclear how it will
company’s activities in the hospitality
affect the industry in the long run.
sector?
However, at the moment, rising costs
Worldwide Invest Management’s
due to the fall in the pound following
purpose is to look for new European and
Britain’s decision to leave the EU are
international tourism real estate projects
having a huge impact on the costs
and to assist with the development and
of imports that will inevitably be felt
the fundraising of those projects.
by consumers. British citizens may
It also has tremendous experience in
therefore think twice about holidaying
operating tourism sales by unit.
or buying holiday properties on the
We work on the project design, create
continent. On the other hand, a
What trends in the hospitality sector
a successful and sustainable offer with
devalued pound may make UK more
are driving investors?
guaranteed yield, increase the project
affordable for visitors and foreign
The trends of interest for investors are
overall net profitability and increase
investors. UK residents may also choose
the capital flow from Asia, the economics
the speed of the pre-sales and sales
to spend more time holidaying here.
of the sharing economy, and the growth
programs.
So the situation has actually created
and interest in sustainable development.
opportunities for the hospitality industry.
The USA and Europeans are now also
What are the current challenges that
A negative impact will probably occur
increasingly driving investors’ interest.
concern investors in the sector?
on recruitment. The hospitality industry
The global political uncertainty coming
relies heavily on European skilled work
How would you charcaterise the UK
from the US, the UK, Spain and North
force. The uncertainty about those
market?
Korea are the main concerns for
workers’ status can be a real problem
In the UK hospitality market, investment
investors at the moment.
with increasing turnovers and struggles
is dominated by the Asian market and
to fill growing vacancies in the industry. I
REGIONS RIPE FOR FOR INVESTMENT
P
ortugal is a good place for individual and institutional investors. The demand is incredibly high at the moment. For quality of life, value for money and investment potential, Lisbon ranks above cities including Madrid, Paris and London. Its history, climate and food make it special. But the main thing it offers is a quiet and safe life in a country where everything works and where visitors are warmly welcomed. Lisbon’s revival has come on the back of significant growth in tourism. Property development has followed suit, with new cafés, bars and housing going up all over the city.' 'The Algarve was voted Europe's No.1 beach destination at the World Travel Awards. There are
40 - info - january / february 2018
strict planning permissions that secure the natural beauty and limit the supply of new properties thus keeping demand high. With flight times of less than three hours, a great choice of airports and low cost airlines the whole property market in Portugal is close, easy to reach and affordable.' 'Also, there is a significant amount of good-value real estate for sale in Italy available at the moment, particularly in the areas traditionally popular with worldwide investors, such as Tuscany. Ireland is also quite attractive, where labor costs and cost of living are on the lower end of the EU and global scale. Its pro-business stance definitely attracts investors in the hospitality business as well.'I
HOSPITALIT Y: BE HIND THE FRONT DE SK – FOCUS
An ‘Aura of Intangible Luxury’ The key to meeting and exceeding customer expectations lies in a mix of exclusivity and personalisation, says Kalindi Juneja, Director of Member Services, Relais & Chateaux UK & Ireland
F
or Relais & Chateau this means: Caractère, Charme
Courtoisie, et
Cuisine
Calme,
[Character,
Curtesy, Calm, Charm and Cuisine]. These five Cs are the motto of the global hospitality brand, a fellowship of individually owned and operated hotels and restaurants. The company includes more than 500 unique properties – castles, manor houses and townhouses – in 60 countries. Many of the properties have historical distinctions, while all of them must meet the strict admission criteria (luxury plus unique character) and offer high-end cuisine. ‘The spirit of a Relais & Châteaux property is about being special and having certain unique
see that a spa or a restaurant is a destination in itself, and more
qualities. Over and above the hotel and restaurant experience is
and more the main reason to visit a hotel. It is now time to create
the magic of the setting, the outstanding service and the special
experiences and not only sell a beautiful building or spa,’ says
bond with the staff, which all gives Relais & Châteaux its aura of
Juneja.
intangible luxury. Our clients are travellers seeking refinement and discretion who appreciate the new and the unexpected,’
Technology in the mix
says Kalindi Juneja, Director of Member Services for Relais &
Juneja explains that to aid potential clients select the right trip,
Chateaux UK & Ireland.
Relais & Châteaux has developed an ‘Inspire-Me’ section on its
Juneja highlights that Relais & Châteaux’s uniqueness comes
website that offers guests an opportunity to explore themes
from their interest in developing a new generation of more
such as ‘exquisite wine cellars;’ ‘in search of local communities;’
personal, intimate hotels which seek to blend in locally. ‘You want
‘meet local producers’ or ‘away from it all.’
to experience where you are visiting. Our clients are looking for
This follows the development of the Relais & Chateaux's app,
authentic and human experiences, and that’s a universal trend.’
which has doubled the volume of sales and the conversion rate
Relais & Châteaux’s ‘Routes du Bonheur’ trips continue to
between visits and sales. Another app has been made available
be the most popular package that they sell. The ‘routes’ consist
to property owners, and assists them with their recruiting
of specialised itineraries to visit multiple destinations within a
strategies and publicising events.
region, and they have been operating them in France since the
Similarly Relais & Châteaux’s digital magazine, Instants,
1950s. Today there are more than 130 unique itineraries to
was launched to complement the existing print edition. The
choose from.
magazine is published twice a year, and made available at all
‘The Route du Bonheur’s program is truly dedicated to our
of their properties. Articles are contributed by journalists and
history. These inspiring itineraries incorporate our hotels and
influencers, while photos are selected from Instagram users,
restaurants worldwide, allow our guests to create their own
allowing another point of contact with their clientele.
journeys with Relais & Châteaux,’ says Juneja.
‘Personalisation means that one size does not fit all,’ says
Juneja also see potential for development in this regional
Juneja. ‘Technology is really helping us personalise every
approach – one not focused on a single destination, but where
guest experience. Customer relationship is essential and we
‘guests’ stay in multiple locations over their holiday.
are currently developing tools to further enhance each guest
‘Travellers plan journeys to discover a region. We can also
experience. I
It is now time to create experiences and not only sell a beautiful building or spa info
- january / february 2018 - 41
Charms of the Cote d'Azure A series of luxury holiday home projects in the South of France are reviving an interest in the French Riviera, says Russell Meadows, Commercial Director of Caudwell Collection
T
he story of the Provencal Hotel on the Cote d’Azure is
clearly intended to appeal to a different kind of client, one who
one of legend. The grand art deco resort was built by the
seeks out the highest standards of quality and luxury, but who
American industrialist Frank J Gould in 1920, and played
can also emphasise with the rich heritage of the building, and
host to the likes of F Scott Fitzgerald, Coco Chanel and Pablo Picasso, from its heyday in the 1920s through to the 1960s.
the region.’
When staff petitioned over pay in the early 1970’s the owner
Experience and character
locked the doors and declared Le Provencal closed – its famous
The Caudwell Collection’s portfolio of properties includes
façade now adorned by graffiti and broken windows, its tennis
development land on the magical Cap d’Antibes and a trio of
courts invaded by weeds.
luxury apartment blocks a short walk from the seaside site of the
When billionaire Phones 4u founder John Caudwell first laid eyes on the Juan-les-pins property, it had fallen into disrepair, but this is all about to change.
Provencal, with other properties in the region and in London’s Mayfair in the works. According to the Fairfax Property Abroad Index, buying a second home abroad continues to be popular with UK buyers, with the cheapest starting at £100K up to the top end of the market where Caudwell does its business. Indeed, Caudwell’s ventures in the South of France target a customer who prioritises authenticity, experience and local charm, with all the bells and whistles of a five-star hotel. Caudwell’s
recently
completed Parc du Cap, a collection of one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments, are fully serviced, with an on-site concierge, treatment rooms, tennis courts and both indoor and outdoor pools. The average spend on these The hotel is the centrepiece of Caudwell’s luxury holiday
apartments range from just under €600,000 for a one-bedroom
apartment venture, the Caudwell Collection, pitched to a high-
to up to 7.5m€ for one of ten penthouses, which comes
end and discerning customer looking for unique properties and
complete with a private infinity pool.
experiences – much like Caudwell himself.
‘There was no single development in the area that offered
The company is now developing designs for a massive
this complete package of luxury, lifestyle and facilities,’ says
restoration and refurbishment project to revive the property
Meadows. ‘We saw the opportunity to do something different
once called ‘the French Riviera’s last remaining gem.’ The project
for a more discerning market.’
will restore & enhance Le Provencal’s iconic features while
Sales are progressing well ahead of the company’s
creating modern luxury apartments with exceptional amenities
expectations with many buyers having already taken occupation.
and up-to-date technology – like Turkish baths, swimming pools,
A further benefit to potential buyers is the chance to experience
full home automation, lighting and music systems - a logistical
one of the fully furnished show apartments at the property
challenge in a property with heritage distinction and which sits
before making a commitment to buy.
in a conservation area. Russell Meadows is confident that all the effort is worth it – as he sees a clear market for this one-of-a-kind property. ‘It’s 42 - info - january / february 2018
The Cote d’Azure has long fascinated tourists from around the world. And in these new luxury projects, it’s a dream that can come true. I
HOSPITALIT Y: BE HIND THE FRONT DE SK – FOCUS
FRENCHIE:
‘Bistronomy’ comes to London
A new trend in restaurant hospitality eschews fine-dining finery and etiquette, without sacrificing the high-end cuisine
Y
ou won’t find white tablecloths
Oriental, and was the head chef at Jamie
A new hospitality
at Frenchie, the chic restaurant-
Oliver’s Fifteen. He also trained under
Today, Frenchie in Paris consists of a
cum-bistro in London’s Covent
Danny Meyer at the Gramercy Tavern
24-seat restaurant with a single tasting
in New York City, with other stints in
menu, a wine bar with a contemporary
kitchens in Hong Kong and Spain.
small plate menu, a Deli counter serving
Garden which launched early last year. The eatery is a transplant from the Parisian restaurant scene,
His cuisine is deeply influenced by
pastrami sandwiches, lobster rolls, hot
where gastronomic restaurants
his travels, yet retains a French flair –
dogs and pulled pork (all meats are
have challenged the traditions and
another key aspect of the bistronomy
smoked in house) and a wine shop.
expectations of high-end cuisine,
approach.
While in London, Frenchie is a 65-
beginning in the 1990s and growing in popularity every since. ‘For a long time, French food
‘Today, French food travels.
seat restaurant in the heart of Covent
French chefs are much more open to
Garden offering an a la carte menu and
travelling the world and to embracing
tasting menu. ‘No matter which outlet, whether
has been perceived as snobby
other cultures. At Frenchie, our food is
and inaccessible. There were too
French-rooted, but uses my extensive
it’s the fine dining restaurant or the
many ‘codes’ that people didn’t
travel experience as an inspiration,’ says
sandwich shop, we want to create
understand, and which made them feel
Marchand.
an experience focused on guest
uncomfortable,’ says Gregory Marchand, chef-patron of Frenchie.
One example is the new Frenchie cookbook, which is split into three
Dubbed the ‘bistronomy’ movement – a contraction of ‘bistrot’
experience,’ says Marchand. Indeed, he is clear about his
chapters: London, New York City, and
ethos, one where the ego of chef
Paris.
or the rarefied air of the restaurant
‘Frenchie started as a place
is not the focal point of the dining
combine small rooms and inventive
that I would like to go to and most
experience. ‘[Bistronomy is about]
cuisine. Their chefs have often been
importantly come back to. It is a mix of
offering affordable and high-quality
trained in celebrated Michelin-starred
my experiences from travelling around
food, served in an unpretentious setting.
kitchens.
the world combined with the different
This new breed of French restaurants
cultures I’ve encountered. It’s authentic,
desacralises French gastronomy and
genuine and delicious.’
puts the guest’s experiences first.’ I
and ‘gastronomy’ – these restaurants
Before launching the original Frenchie in Paris in 2009, Marchand worked at the Savoy Grill, the Mandarin
CHEF GREGORY MARCHAND’S
TOP DINING TRENDS
‘There’s a general trend for less protein on the plate and better sauces. Protein has begun to be used almost as a condiment rather than a main ingredient. However, this doesn’t make the dishes vegetarian but rather vegetable driven.’ 'Chefs are becoming more and more wastage conscious. Dan Barber illustrated it well with his pop-up restaurant, ‘Wasted’ at Selfridges.' 'Talented chefs are moving to the countryside or have begun purchasing sections of land to grow their own produce for their restaurant. This way they can grow and use fresh, seasonal ingredients, straight from farm-to-table.' I
info
- january / february 2018 - 43
Setting the food agenda Restaurants need to encourage cleaner, healthier eating says Jeremy Page, Executive Chef at L'Atelier Joël Robuchon
T
he mackerel on Jeremy Page’s menu, the executive Chef of L'eAtelier Joël Robuchon, is a perfect reflection of his cross-cultural heritage.
He takes a British product, in this case filleted and skinned
mackerel, and applies French cooking techniques to it. Marinated lightly in oil and salt, and serve raw with herring eggs, horseradish cream and pickled kohlrabi, grown in the UK. Page, who was born in Bath but move the Périgord Noir region in the south of France at age six, is often thoughtful about his cross cultural heritage. ‘I’m not exactly either – I’m a hybrid French/English identity, I guess. And you can see it in the food in some ways.’ ‘The biggest difference in cuisine in France and Britain is that in France you have regions which have specialities. It’s much more interesting in France, but the produce here in Britain is very good.’ For Page this also includes scallops and the langoustines that make it on to his menu. As well as British beef, which he describes as ‘much better quality than in France.’ He also sees comparisons between British cuisine, and the cuisine of Brittany, the Northern French region where his wife comes from. ‘You find the same use of good quality butter, buttermilk and buckwheat – which all have Celtic origins.’
We all need to be more responsible, but we in the industry are well placed to help educated and show people what can be done
Setting the example But Page is part of a wave a chefs that are more conscious than ever about issues of waste and sustainability. ‘In restaurants, we can get good produce from local suppliers,
is more than happy to accommodate dietary requirements of all types.
however in UK supermarkets, it is less good. One the things that
‘Being vegan, I understand it. Of course it’s not what we do
surprised me most when I came back was that everything was
here – and I do have a love for meat and fish that is responsibly
in a plastic bag.’
sourced – but it is the direction things need to go. Less protein,
This trend in industrial food is at odds with his ethos, and he prioritise using British suppliers which don’t produce food on an industrial scale. ‘Restaurants have to set the right example,’ says Page, who notes that more customers than ever ask his staff about where the products in their meals come from. ‘We all need to be more responsible, but we in the industry are well placed to help educate and show people what can be done.’ And while Page’s menu consists of many French classics – a cuisine known for its cream, butter and meat and poultry – he
44 - info - january / february 2018
less dairy.’ Perhaps Page is just the chef to do it. He took over the helm of one of Robuchon’s London restaurant in 2016, and has matched his inspiration with some of the famed chef’s classics. ‘He used to do a lobster wrapped in angel hair pastry, which I loved. I’ve done a similar thing here, but with langoustine. But I’ve added vinegar made from fermented mangoes and a coulis of mangoes and a passion fruit and basil leaf.’ For Page, it is techniques, like fermentation from Asian cuisine, that should travel in the world of gastronomy, not the produce – which should be local. I
PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS ON THE FRENCH AND BRITISH IN BUSINESS
“Fascinating bilingual guide... full of shrewd insights into both sides’ codes.” - The Financial Times
£6
Meetings may not start until the most senior person arrives.
Meetings start on time.
A meeting is a debate.
A meeting is a process.
Latecomers enter, shake hands with everyone present, and then sit down. “Non c’est impossible” – often means “start convincing me”. •••
Latecomers slip in quietly, apologise and sit in the nearest available seat. “No, I’m afraid that it really is impossible” usually means just that. Non-negotiable. •••
© Château de Mercuès
Whatley Manor
OFFER THE TASTE OF A GETAWAY A five-star breakfast, a room with a breathtaking view, a relaxing massage… Relais & Châteaux has captured the secret to timeless moments in a Pure Luxury Gift Box. Whether it’s an overnight stay or a spa treatment followed by a Michelin-starred dinner, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed. All you need to do is choose the destination you want. Gift certificates are available starting at £100. www.relaischateaux.com/gift
CULTURE – WHAT'S ON A SELECTION OF RECOMMENDED CULTURAL EVENTS IN LONDON... AND FURTHER AFIELD
N AT I O N A L P O RT R A I T GA L L ERY, LO N D O N Cezanne: Portraits
©Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh; acquired through the generosity of the Sarah Mellon Scaife Family.
Over the course of his 45-year career, Paul Cézanne made close to a thousand paintings. The National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition brings together more fifty of his portraits from around the world, shining a light on this central aspect of the French artist’s work. Some of the works have never been displayed in a public exhibition in the UK. Cézanne, born in 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, in the South of France, is one of the most important artists of the nineteenth century, and is said to have formed the bridge between Impressionism and Cubism. He was described by Picasso and Matisse as 'the father of us all.' The show, curated in collaboration with the MoMA in New York and the Parisian Musée d’Orsay, features the famous Self Portrait in a Bowler Hat (1892), several portraits of his wife Hortense, and of his Uncle Dominique, a cross section of some of Cézanne’s masterpieces, highlighting the influence of his works on modern painting. I Until 11 February 2018 / Open daily 10am-6pm. Open late Thursday and Friday until 21:00 / Tickets with donation: Full price £20 (Concessions £18.50)
Left: Self Portrait in a Bowler Hat by Paul Cézanne
TAT E B RI TA I N, LO N D O N The EY Exhibition: Impressionists in London As part of the EY Tate Arts Partnership, Tate Britain brings together more than a hundred works by French artists who fled France for London during the Franco-Prussian war and the insurrection of Paris. Monet, Tissot, Pissarro and others are gathered in this exhibition, which is a testament to their experiences in England. Featuring six of Monet’s views of the House of Parliament, Pissarro’s paintings of Kew Gardens, and works from Tissot, who lived in London for eleven years and painted Britain’s highsociety during the Victorian era. The exhibition reveals a latenineteenth century London through French eyes. I Until 7 May 2018 / Open daily 10am-6pm / £17.70
Right: Camille Pissarro (1830 – 1903), Saint Anne’s Church at Kew, London, 1892. Oil paint on canvas. Private collection
info
- january / february 2018 - 47
CULTUR E – WHAT ' S ON
BUS I N ES S D ES I G N C EN T RE, LO N D O N London Art Fair
London Art Fair 2017
The London Art Fair returns this January for its thirtieth anniversary. Opening the international art calendar, the London Art Fair gives collectors access to quality modern and contemporary British art curated by leading galleries. The museum partner of this year’s fair is Art UK. An exhibition curated by Kathleen Soriano, former Director of Exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Arts, will showcase a selection of thirty works from Art UK’s website, made by five leading artists. Special exhibitions are also curated for the occasion: Photo50, examining the directions in contemporary photographic practice, and Art Projects, showcasing international galleries. I 17-21 January 2018 / Tuesday (preview evening) 16 January - Sunday 21 January / Day ticket: £15.95 in advance / £23 at the door
SC I EN C E M USEU M , LO N D O N
Unidentified Woman of the Zenana, c.1870 (2012.04.0054-0028)
©Science Museum Group
Following the seventieth anniversary of India’s Partition celebrated in 2017, a Science Museum exhibition shines a light on the country through photography. First used by the British as a mean of documenting the subcontinent, it became a way for Indians to express the way they experienced their own country. Taking a particular interest in the two pivotal dates of the beginning of the movement for Independence, with the Mutiny in 1857, and the Partition in 1947, the exhibition examines the development of photography in India and the role it played in its history, with works by Samuel Bourne, photography pioneer Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, Henri Cartier-Bresson and contemporary photographer Vasantha Yogananthan. I Until 31 March 2018 / Open daily 10.00–18.00 / Free
© Vasantha Yogananthan
Illuminating India - Photography 1857 –2017
Unidentified Woman of the Zenana, c.1870 (2012.04.0054-0028)
I M PERI A L WA R M USEU M , LO N D O N Age of Terror Featuring works by more than forty British and international artists such as Iván Navarro, Grayson Perry, Gerhard Richter, Ai Weiwei and more, this exhibition concentrates on four key themes related to war after 9/11: artists’ responses to the events of 9/11, issues of state surveillance and security, our complex relationship with weapons, and the destruction caused by conflict. Through work in different mediums, the Imperial War Museum’s exhibition examines the role of modern artists, the way conflict is represented, and how stories of the affected are told. I Until 28 May 2018 / Open daily 10:00 – 18:00 / £15 48 - info - january / february 2018
INTERVIE W – CULTUR E
New Directions at the French Institute The French Institute in London has an ambitious programme of events in 2018, says its talented new Director Claudine Ripert-Landler
C
laudine Ripert-Landler steps into the role of Director
films are screened.
of the French Institute and French Cultural Counsellor
Other events will look outside of London, including a
of the French Embassy at a time of uncertainty in EU
France-UK dance festival, which will engage with regional dance
relations. But the former top advisor to François Hollande looks past gloomy Brexit forecasts, and sees it as an ‘exceptional opportunity’ to reinforce the links between the two countries, regardless of the political backdrop. ‘The Institute is an exceptional tool in this regard,’ says
companies from Bristol to Belfast, and a series of cross-cultural theatre projects to be mounted in English and French on both sides of the Channel. ‘The common link in all of these activities is our shared values,’ says Ripert-Landler. ‘Free expression, free art, exchange and debate.’
Ripert-Landler. ‘We have the ability to build and develop our
Plans also include special offerings for 25-year-olds and
shared heritage, and to reassure communities in both countries
under, with educational provisions alongside more youth-
that we are working together for a shared future.’
oriented talks, events and gigs.
For Ripert-Landler this means sharing and showcasing the
Ripert-Landler will oversee ongoing renovations to the
best that France has to offer with the more than 200,000 visitors
physical spaces at the Institute, including a 35-seat cinema for
to the Institute every year – both as a conduit of French art and
more intimate screenings, and lounge and multi-purpose areas,
culture, and as a platform for other cultures and languages.
suited for hosting arts, educational and corporate events. The
In this vein, the Institute is offering a programme of events with global ambitions. Its cinema, the Ciné Lumière is showing
foyer will also be fitted with the latest technological equipment. ‘These renovations will contribute to the overall impression
European and World cinema throughout the year, hosting
of the Institute as an upscale venue,’ says Ripert-Landler.
an average of 15 international festivals featuring the latest
‘There are high levels of expectations, both from the French and
productions from Spain, Italy and Russia, among others.
British community. We know that with this talented team, we
It is reinforcing the venue as one of London’s most relevant repertory cinemas – the Iranian film festival, for instance, sold
can meet and exceed expectations – and create a space with a modern, global outlook.’ I
out in hours, as there is no other venue in the city where these
On 25 January, the Institute with host its second annual Night of Ideas (Nuit des Idées), a global project staged simultaneously in London, Paris and worldwide. First proposed as an initiative by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Night of Ideas is an intensive day-and-night long series of debates, performances, exhibitions and screenings. This year’s edition inspired by the Power to the Imagination slogan of the Paris May 1968 protests, will include events and debates on the ability of the arts to help shape the world. Other events will explore topics such as artificial intelligence and space travel (in the presence of French astronaut Thomas Pesquet and the European Space Agency), and talks marking the centenary of women’s suffrage in Britain. For a full listing of events, see www.nightofideas.org.uk.
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- january / february 2018 - 49
THESE BOOKS, RECENTLY PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH, WERE SELECTED BY THE FRENCH INSTITUTE IN THE UK
LETTERS TO THE LADY UPSTAIRS
AFTER THE WAR
by Marcel
by Hervé
Proust Published by 4th Estate Translated by Lydia Davis Original title: Lettres à sa voisine
Le Corre
Published by Maclehose
Press Taylor Original title: Après la guerre Translated by Sam
A charming, funny, poignant collection of twenty-three letters
Bordeaux in the 1950s: The Second World War is never far
from Marcel Proust to his neighbor in102 Boulevard Haussmann,
from people's memories, particularly in a city where the scars of
an elegant address in Paris’s eighth arrondissement. Madame
collaboration and resistance are more keenly felt than ever. But
Williams lives upstairs with her second husband and her harp;
another war has already begun in Algeria, where young men are
downstairs lives Marcel Proust, trying to write In Search of Lost
sent to fight in a brutal conflict. Daniel knows what awaits him.
Time, but all too often distracted by the noise from upstairs.
He's heard stories. Patrols, ambushes, reprisals, massacres,
Written between 1909 and 1919, the letters reveal the effort
mutilations, all beneath a burning north African sun. He has just a
required to live peacefully with annoying neighbours; of the
month left before he leaves but, haunted by the loss of his parents
sadness of losing friends in the war; of concerts and music
and sister in the atrocities of the last war, Daniel questions why he
and writing; and, above all, of a growing, touching friendship
is even going to fight in the first place. I
between two lonely souls. I
TRANSLATION AS TRANSHUMANCE by Mireille
Gansel Published by Les Fugitives Translated by Ros Schwartz Original title: Traduire comme transhumer
REVOLUTION by Emmanuel
Macron
Published by Scribe Translated by Jonathan Goldberg and Juliette Scott Original title: Révolution
A slim half-memoir, half-philosophical treatise musing on
In Revolution, Emmanuel Macron, the youngest president in the
translation's potential for humanist engagement by one of the great
history of France, reveals his personal story and his inspirations,
contemporary French translators. Hansel has lived her life as a risk-
and discusses his vision of France and its future in a new world
taker. Going back to her childhood in post-war France she reflects
that is undergoing a ‘great transformation’ that has not been
on her origins as a translator; then she evokes her encounters with
known since the Renaissance.
banned German writers in 1960s East Berlin. During the Vietnam
This is a remarkable book that seeks to lay the foundations
war, Gansel went to Hanoi to work on an anthology of Vietnamese
for a new society — a compelling testimony and statement of
poetry. With the city under bombardment, this section of the book
values by an important political leader who has become the
is a fascinating account of wartime danger, hospitality and human
flag-bearer for a new kind of politics. I
kinship. I
50 - info - january / february 2018
E AT, DR INK , S TAY – LIFE S T YLE
DÎNER DES CHEFS:
Côte d’Azur comes to London The guests of the latest Dîner des Chefs joined the long list of luminaries to be hosted by the Michelin-starred chef Christian Sinicropi, says INFO’s Sophie Achary
J
ane Campion, Robert de Niro and Pedro Almodóvar are
Your influences are Mediterranean.
just a few of the cinema elite to have enjoyed Chef Christian
Whenever you travel to a country with a strong gastronomic
Sinicropi’s cuisine at The Palme d’Or, the two Michelin-starred
culture, you come back marked. In France, there are regions
restaurant of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Cannes. Each year,
with heterogeneous cultures, and our clients come to the
Sinicropi prepares a menu of intricate and delicious dishes
restaurant to discover them. I am of Italian descent, but I
inspired by the careers of the Jury of the Cannes Film Festival –
was born in Cannes. I am French, and I was raised with this
all the while staying true to his gastronomic roots in the South
culture. I believe that when people come to my restaurant, it is
of France.
to discover this cuisine. My produce comes from the region. I
For the 18th edition of the Dîner des Chefs, held at the Hyatt
would describe my cuisine as 100% Mediterranean.
Regency, Sinicropi brought the charm and regional specialities
Where did you draw your inspiration for a dinner in
of his Mediterranean kitchen to London. His menu included a
London?
pissaladière, an iodised main course with langoustine, caviar and
My cuisine stayed Mediterranean, but with frivolities such as
prawn, a chocolate dessert with piedmont hazelnut.
sardines, paprika. I revisited the pissaladière – which did not
The food was paired with a selection of fine wines from
look like the classic French south-eastern dish, but did taste like
Crus Classés de Graves, represented by Stephen Carrier, and
it. The starter was very green, around a radish and its minerals.
the diner ended with coffee and Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac
Visually, it was very simple, but the originality of the tastes was
represented by Laurent Pillet.
very pronounced.
In a lively atmosphere, the Chamber’s Managing Director
We were also intrigued by your ‘choco-pigeon tartlet.’
Florence Gomez introduced the Chef by highlighting his
The aim with this dish is to surprise guests. It has the
exceptional career. Afterward, Sinicropi discussed his influences
appearance of a chocolate tartlet, but is really a pigeon-
with the assembled diners.
thigh crumble, the meat preserved for 48-hours. There is no
You are known as a chef for your creativity. Could you
chocolate, the sauce is thickened with blood. I had the occasion
describe your cuisine?
to make a vegetarian version of this tartlet, as well as a choco-
It’s a cuisine which combines the five senses. It is superimposed
sardine version.
but does not mix. It is culturally focused on its Mediterranean
Your new cookbook is called ‘New Classics’. What is the
and Latin roots with local produce and recipes.
secret to creating new dishes with lasting impact?
Another specificity of my cuisine is my use of ceramics since
I used one British product: langoustines. They were served with
2006 [Sinicropi creates original plates for his restaurant with his
a crustacean broth and vegetables. Langoustine is a very reliable
wife Catherine]. I dress my cuisine like a person, depending on
product, which is delivered to us alive. As we are sensitive to
its morphology - the recipe and the produce.
sustainability issues, we set up a tank to avoid waste. I SA
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- january / february 2018 - 51
LIFE S T YLE – WINE
THE Wine Story OF SAINT GEORGE The legacy of the Patron Saint of England lives on in a delightful Vouvray white, says Thibault Lavergne, founder of the wine distributor Wine Story
A
s a wine buyer for the UK market, I receive a lot of wine samples in my post box – and I can assure you that some of these un-solicited wines can be more dangerous than junk mail. But few days ago I
received a welcomed surprise: A sample of Cuvee St Georges, a medium-dry white wine by the Domaine de la Châtaigneraie in Vouvray. Vouvray is an all-white wine appellation made from Chenin Blanc grape in the heart of the Loire Valley, located along the right bank of the river, east of the city of Tours. Depending on the vintages and the date of the harvest, between August and November, the grape offers a variety of styles from dry to medium-dry, even sweet when harvested late in the season. The region also produces a dry and medium-sweet sparkling wine. The Domaine de la Châtaigneraie has been owned by the Gautier family for centuries. Since 1981, it has been run by Benoit, a charismatic wine-maker well-known in this part of the Kings Valley. Interestingly enough, the region features an assortment of limestone caves, where vineyards like the Gautier family stock their wines. Could it be a coincidence that this ancestral underground network recalls the troglodyte house in Turkey where the legend of St George may have begun?
HISTORY IN THE MAKING Indeed, I was struck by the name of the cuvee, and the label with a representation of the iconic Saint patron of the Kingdom of England. Only few days before, I was in Paris visiting an exhibition on the ‘Chretiens d’Orient’ at the ‘Institut du Monde Arabe.’ I learned that he was made a saint after he refused to renounce his faith in the face of death. Various legends situated his birth place in Palestine, Turkey, or Georgia – depending on the source. It was as if Saint Georges, knowing I had spend many pleasant hours studying his portraits and holy icons at the exhibition, elected to send me this wine from the Loire Valley, one of many regions where his memory has been cherished since mediaeval times. The Gauthier named this cuvee after the courageous knight because its grapes are harvested from a plot of land near a medieval Church which bears his name. The wine’s label depicts one of the scenes I saw at the exhibition: Saint George is shown killing a dragon with his lance to protect villagers. His courage and sense justice inspired many Kingdoms, such as England, to take him as their patron. Until 1348, when Edward III gave St George a special position as a patron saint of the Order of the Garter for his supposed intervention at the Battle of Crécy, St George had no special identity as a patron saint of England. He only rose to the position of the primary patron saint of England during the English Reformation. A revised prayer book in 1552, under Edward VI, abolished all religious flags and banners except for George’s. The first recorded use of St. George's Cross as an English maritime flag dates to 1545. In 1606, it was combined with the Scottish St. Andrew's Cross to form the Union Jack. This magnificent cuvee, would pair well with the bold flavours of blue cheese or Asian delicacies. But why not celebrate its British heritage when you pour yourself a glass. What could be better than Cuvee St Georges enjoyed along with the country’s national dish – a sumptuous and spicy curry. I 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 52 - info - january / february 2018
AT THE CHAMBER
O
n behalf of the Board, the
a must-attend event, with the most
under 40 at the same time last year. The
Advisory Council and the team
up-to-date information and analysis.
service continues to be a trusted partner
at the Chamber, we wish you a
One session was attended by a senior
to our members, including companies of
Happy New Year!
official form the Department for Exiting
all sizes, from start-up to large corporate,
We begin 2018 with a sense of pride in
the European Union, taking feedback
a large number of whom are repeat
our accomplishments of 2017, all the
from our members directly. Our Start-
clients of the service.
whole noting what could improved in all
up and SME Club hosted their first
Our
aspects of our activity.
‘Pitching Session,’ where entrepreneurs
offer desk space to start-ups and
We ended the year with a bang. Some
received
on
SMEs, continues to have 100 percent
of our biggest events all occurred with
how they present their businesses and
occupancy. One client, the Hauts-de-
a month of each other: The Franco-
themselves. We plan to build on this
France region, recent renewed for the
British
which
concept in 2018, and encourage similar
second year, and continues its expansion
celebrated excellence on both sides
interaction between the Club and some
into the British market, using the French
of the Channel (see page 72 for the
of our large corporate members.
Chamber as their base of operations.
winners); The London Luxury Think
Over the past year, our Membership
Our year begins with a promising
Tank, the very first event of its kind
department
programme,
in London and great success; and the
members to the Chamber. (As of going
Galette des Rois, hosted by Paul UK
Annual Financial Lunch, where we
to print in late December, this broke
on 10 January, where we will indulge in
welcomed the Governor of the Bank of
down into 7 Patron, 26 Corporate and 77
the seasonal delicacy at this networking
France, Francois Villeroy de Galhau, as
Active members.) With this new influx, the
event. Also, make a note in your calendars
our guest speaker.
department has organised our first ever
for our Cross-Cultural Quiz, devised by
Throughout the year, we hosted almost
‘welcome breakfast’ for new members
Peter Alfandary, on 15 March, when we
fifty events in total. This is in addition to
and their main representatives, further
meet for dinner and take part in a quiz
the more than forty Forums and Clubs
encouraging interaction amongst our
on French and British topics, habits and
sessions, which featured presentation by
growing network.
traditions. This is your chance to impress
high calibre experts from across business
Our
Service
with your cross-cultural knowledge, or
and industry. To highlight just two: Our
placed nearly 60 candidates – a record
Brexit Forum continues to grow into
number of placements, as compared to
gain a better understand, while building your professional network. I FG
Business
Awards,
54 - info - january / february 2018
constructive
growing
feedback
welcomed
110
Recruitment
new
Business
Centre,
including
where
our
we
annual
NE WS – AT THE CHAMBE R
Chamber announces new Advisor y Councillors
T
he French Chamber is delighted to welcome three new Advisory Councillors:
Amanda Blanc Group Chief Executive Axa UK & Ireland
Bénédicte Duval General Manager UK & Ireland Air France KLM
Robert Carey Director of Strategy and Network easyJet Plc
The Advisory Council consists of up to 66 members – including the Directors of the Board – and hosts three sessions a year with a view to advising the management of the Chamber on strategic decisions. The role of the Advisory Council is to increase the effectiveness of the Chamber by actively participating in and leading its activities as well as recruiting new members.
2018 Director y: Is out now!
T
his practical reference tool lists more than 2,000 contacts and is indexed by sector, company name and representative’s name. In addition to the French Chambers members, the Directory also includes useful contacts in both the UK and France, such as French press correspondents in the UK. The online version, updated regularly, can be accessed at: http://bit.ly/2hJ9htD.
New faces at the Chamber
T
he French Chamber has appointed Jakob von Baeyer as Head of Publications and Content, to replace Jason Hesse. Jakob joins the Chamber after many years as a freelance writer, editor and consultant. He is a former journalist of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and has contributed to mainstream magazines and newspapers in Europe and North America. He can be reached at jvonbaeyer@ ccfgb.co.uk or 0207 092 6647.
G
uillemette Simon joins the Chamber as Communications and Marketing Manager, where she is responsible for press relations and external communications, including social media. Her background in communications includes roles at Euro Disney, Carglass France, and the Kellogg Group. She holds an advanced degree from NEOMA Business School. She can be reached at gsimon@ccfgb.co.uk or 0207 092 6648.
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- january / february 2018 - 55
NEW MEMBERS 1 NEW PATRON MEMBER SOTHEBY’S – Auction House
Represented by Patrick Masson, Senior Director, General Manager, Europe Executive Offices Sotheby's is an international leading auction house. Sotheby's offers all the services a collector would need, including valuations, private sales, financial services, tax & heritage services etc.
www.sothebys.com
5 NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS ALICE Global Retail & Luxury Goods Consulting Represented by Sophie Charbonneau, CEO Alice gives the opportunity for businesses in the luxury goods sector to access the expertise and practical support they need to become more successful: - Highly experienced luxury Retail - Sales and Operations executive with strong result improvement track record - Business vision and strategy-set direction and inspires teams to work together to achieve targets - PR and brands representation - Product and branch launch specialist - B2B partnerships- building win/win marketing strategies. aliceluxe.com FINELK Proactive Strategic Financial Communications Represented by Louise Tingström, Partner FinElk provides proactive strategic financial and corporate communications advice to international companies and institutions. We help our clients ensure they successfully address their communications challenges and ultimately, achieve their business objectives. FinElk advises senior management and works alongside their communications teams in implementing communications strategies and helps building long-term relationships which deliver on their strategic imperatives. www.finelk.eu MEDIOBANCA The Leading Italian Investment Bank Represented by Clarence Nahan, Vice President Mediobanca is the leading Italian investment bank. For over 70 years, we have supported businesses and households by meeting their financial needs with tailored solutions: from traditional banking to the highest levels of sophistication available on financial markets. www.mediobanca.com NEWTOWNVISION Bilingual Media-Training and Conference Moderation Represented by Etienne Duval, Director-Founder NewTownVision is a media-training and communications agency operating in English and French. It trains journalists, spokespeople, and executives to communicate effectively on screen or in front of a live audience, with workshops based on real-life and extensive TV experience. It also provides bilingual conference moderation. www.newtownvision.com 56 - info - january / february 2018
NE W ME MBE R S – AT THE CHAMBE R
SMITH & NEPHEW World Leaders in Orthopaedics, Sportsmed and Woundcare Represented by Olivier Bohuon, CEO Smith & Nephew supports healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries in their daily efforts to improve the lives of their patients. We have leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma & Extremities. We have around 16,000 employees and annual sales in 2016 were more than $46 billion. www.smith-nephew.com
16 NEW ACTIVE MEMBERS ACT London – Tax, Accounting, Advisory Firm - www.act.london Represented by Alessandro Iobbi, Chartered Accountant CFTE – Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship – Education Platform for Finance Professionals in a Tech World - www.cfte.education Represented by Tram Anh Nguyen, Co-Founder CXB Hub – Customer Experience Solutions Provider Strategic Consultancy - www.cxbhub.com Represented by Claire Bonniol, Co-Founder & Managing Director Durance – Natural Home Fragrances & Body Care - www.durance-uk.com Represented by Nadia Guemdjo, UK Sales Representative E-Notam Ltd – Boutique Digital Agency Specialised in Influencer's Campaigns for Luxury Brands - www.e-notam.com Represented by Aline Moulin-Conus, Managing Partner EPIC – Registered Charity - www.epic.foundation/en Represented by Myriam Vander Elst, Vice-President Europe FD Platinum – Bespoke Relocation Solutions - www.fd-platinum.com Represented by Laurent-Philippe Vercaemer, Director of Business Development House London Trip – Personal and Business Property Hunting - www.houselondontrip.com Represented by Chakir Zahid, CEO Londres Mag – Leading French Media for the Londoners - www.londresmag.com Represented by Jean Viry-Babel, Director Mondassur – International Medical Insurance Plans for French UK Residents - www.mondassur.com Represented by Brigitte Saint-Olive, Development Manager My Love Affair – Partnership Agency Connecting Musical Talents with Brands - www.my-loveaffair.com/en Represented by Raphael Aflalo, CEO & Co-Founder Oakre Ltd – Real Estate And Hotels: Partnership And Consulting Represented by Florent Brunier, Director Ovinalp – Haute Fertilisation – Engrais Organiques - www.ovinalp.fr Represented by Etienne Clavel, Business Development Manager Stanley Robotics – Automated Valet Parking Service - www.stanley-robotics.com Represented by Adrien Michel, Project Manager The B&C Club – Social and Cultural Private Club in London - www.thebc-club.com Represented by Christine Afflelou, Co-Founder Toulouse School of Economics – Leading University and Research Centre in Economics - www.tse-fr.eu Represented by Lorna Briot, Business and International Relations Manager
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- january / february 2018 - 57
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WOMEN BUSINESS CLUB
Carolyn McCall: The Chief Executive Dame Carolyn McCall was the latest Women’s Business Club’s guest, where she reflected on her career and how to succeed as a CEO
T
he luxurious
top business leaders.
surroundings of
She has held two
Home House private
positions as chief executive
members club hosted the
in two very different fields:
latest Women’s Business
media and airlines. She has
Club on 18 October.
recently returned to the
The event’s chair, Estelle
media world, as the newly
Brachlianoff, Senior
appointed CEO of ITV.
Executive Vice-President
According to McCall,
UK & Ireland, Veolia and
regardless of the industry,
President of the French
a CEO has to establish
Chamber of Great Britain,
strategies, handle teams
introduced guest speaker
and crisis, and be open
Dame Carolyn McCall DBE.
to new technologies.
Brachlianoff highlighted
‘As a CEO, the skills are
McCall’s successes as CEO
transferable, as long as
of easyJet. In the role, McCall
you are a fast learner,’ she
was heavily involved in the
explained.
French market – easyJet is
Experience in non-
the country’s second largest airline. In 2016, McCall was given France’s highest merit
executive positions Dame Carolyn McCall DBE and Estelle Brachlianoff surrounded by fellow high-profile representatives of the Women’s Business Club
– the Légion d’Honneur –
In her short speech, McCall said she considered herself
how to deal with a board, which contributed to her
for delivering economic and industrial benefits to France and the UK.
helped her understand
confidence as a CEO. A good CEO also knows when it is the right time to go. ‘It is good to go when they want you to stay,’ she explained.
‘very lucky’ in her career. After joining The Guardian in 1986,
Successful CEOs often overstay their welcome – they have
she rose to the position of chief executive of the media group.
achieved a lot but cannot see the limitations of their abilities at
She joined easyJet in 2010, where she transformed the airline
the company.
with a new customer-oriented approach. She is optimistic about more women being promoted into
She reminded the assembled guests that the strength of any business is in the teamwork and camaraderie of the
top jobs, but also cautions that underlying inequalities still
staff. ‘I always believed that teams are much greater than any
persist. ‘Even today, I get asked “how I do it,”’ she said. ‘Have
individual could ever be’.
you recently asked Jean-Marc Janaillac [CEO of Air France] that same question?’ The solution? Focus on the bigger picture. ‘Lots of women
Wise words for anyone with ambitions of a high-flying role. The Chamber wishes to thank Guerlain for sponsoring the lunch, Hello Day for their gifts, and Home House for hosting
share lots of common threads and it’s important to talk
the event. Dame Carolyn McCall DBE was appointed CEO of ITV
about them,’ she says. ‘[However] women who only talk about
in July 2017. I SA
women’s issues get very pigeonholed. Actually, we’re just in business.’
What makes a good CEO McCall discussed other aspects of her experience in business, from her early mentors who advised her to ‘expand her horizons,’ to the challenges she has faced as one of the UK’s
I always believed that teams are much greater than any individual could ever be
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- january / february 2018 - 59
FINANCE FORUM
The CFO: When and why you need one The latest Finance Forum heard how the role of the CFO is adapting to new challenges
T
he role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) remains crucial, but the job
has changed in recent years due to new trends in finance. These include a more hands on role in development and adapting to a more data and technology driven business environment. These challenges were discussed by Patrick Fenton, Partner, Head of Cloud transformation at KPMG, and Michael
Elalouf, CFO of Iwoca, in a session chaired by John Peachey, Managing Director - CFO Global Markets, HSBC. Elalouf was the first CFO in his company, which he describes as a ‘fintech company operating as a bank.’ He described starting in his role as more like a financial administrator. The company relied on exterior expertise for talent management, and integrated
the right performance measures.
Because the company, which
business services. Another trend
They establish the right performance
launched in 2012, was still young,
is disruptive technology, defined
management and control frameworks,
Elalouf’s job involved raising equity by
by greater automation of routine
and they build cross-functional,
engaging with investors and CFOs from
tasks, better performance with new
integrated teams to drive end-to-end
privately-held companies. He structured
data management tools, and Cloud-
performance. Ideally they will become
debt, engaged with banks, and attended
integrated systems.
custodians and curators of enterprise-
their accounting.
capital-raising events, before turning
Fenton outlined three growth
wide data, to develop and deliver
his attention to the traditional strategic
areas where data inputs (which include
analytic insight which drives decision-
concerns of the CFO.
financial, non-financial and external
making.
Chief Performance Officer (CPO)
data) can lead to new insights and business outcomes:
•
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) -
To foster this evolution, companies need to take ownership of their data. They should conduct their own analysis,
Patrick Fenton reported on the
Finance goals are aligned with business
embrace the Cloud, automate more,
evolution of the role by describing
goals, with one global set of KPIs linked
and create a better analytical engine.
current trends in the finance and the
to driving shareholder return
evolution of the CFO to the CPO.
•
Democratisation of Data - Common,
Regarding recruitment, companies will have to change their ways. Senior
standardised data breaks down
management will need to have
will have to change the way they work,
functional barriers and enables self
cross-functional experience, and HR
and employees in finances departments
service access to information
departments will need to prioritise
Top executives working in finance
will need to develop need skills such as
•
communication and analytics.
is the custodian of all enterprise wide
new jobs will require a skill set which
data, ensuring one version of the truth
replaces control and compliance with
with data standards and governance
analytical and strategic thinking.
These changes will reflect a reorganisation through centres of expertise, including greater
Chief Data Officer - This new role
These trends, Fenton explained,
capability over knowledge. These
The forum finished with a short
specialisation in corporate functions
can also lead to the newly defined role
brainstorming session on the 2018
such as tax, treasury, investor
of Chief Performance Officer. CPOs set
agenda. I
relations, and risk management.
the company’s performance agenda
They will also extend to outsourcing,
and focus on realising value through
60 - info - january / february 2018
HR FORUM
How to Manage Millennials The latest HR Forum heard from Dr Boris Altemeyer, Chief Scientific Officer of Cognisess, whose research into Millennials helps provide a blueprint for managers and recruiters
W
hilst it is certainly not the first time
significantly lower; p<.005) in terms of
makes work meaningful for people. This
that a new generation entering the
using favourable attributes to describe
might be working towards a promotion,
workforce is making waves, the arrival
themselves to potential employers. This
being an influencer, working for a cause
of the Millennials has questioned the
might be an indication that they are being
they believe in, or financial security.
effectiveness of workforce management
more honest about how they present
A flexible approach – which will look
in unprecedented ways.
themselves – not all of us are highly
very different from sector to sector,
The question is no longer how to
organised, driven, and extremely resilient,
company to company, and department
manage the workforce per se, but how
after all. Such findings are in line with the
to department – caters to all generations
to manage it in a way that is ‘attractive to
overall perception of Millennials as being
and all people in a better way than
the workforce’. Within this question, I see
less achievement focused.
systems that were designed to work
huge potential for all sectors to rethink
Our results show that Millennials tend
best for the company in the past. The
and reengineer how we see – and manage
to be less trusting, less driven by status
crucial challenge is the provision of an
– humans, by exploring a shared question
and achievements and less concerned
individualised work experience on a large
between all generations in the workforce:
about the opinion of others.
scale. Work and life have merged again.
how do they find purpose and generate meaning in their life?
The good news for Millennials is that
As experts in the field of predictive
they have achieved what their parents
analytics, we are excited to see how this
To better understand the personality-
wanted for them: to be independent,
will change the workplace in the next ten
based differences between age cohorts,
to work for what they believe in, and
to twenty years. Intelligent systems, as well
we analysed an equally split sample of
to put their family first. Unfortunately,
as high levels of emotional intelligence
more than 1,200 members of the working
whilst the new generation was told that
on the side of managers will be required
population.
these should be values for a meaningful
to manage a generation that does not
life, the workplace has not changed to
choose a career for life, but will shop
accommodate these values.
around for the right ‘work experience.’ I
Comparing
the
two
groups,
Millennials and non-Millennials, led to very interesting results. Millennials, as a
There is an opportunity for employers
general observation, scored lower (often
to introduce flexibility that caters to what
Our results show, that Millennials tend to be less trusting, less driven by status and achievements and less concerned about the opinion of others
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- january / february 2018 - 61
RETAIL FORUM
The Future of Retail: HR Management A new generation of employees are seeking different experiences from their employers than their parents, heard the latest Retail Forum
H
eld at Marylebone restaurant ‘les 110 de Taillevent’,
steady career and like stability, Millennials look for change.
this session of the Retail Forum heard insights on the
They are interested in work with personal rewards and social
theme of HR management. Co-chaired by Alain Harfouche,
responsibility, and put family values before corporate ones.
General Manager, L’Occitane and Catherine Palmer, Legal
‘There is a shift towards softer, less tangible priorities. They
& Administrative Director, Joseph, the attendees discussed
value meaning over stability and see managerial structure as
questions such as manpower, staffing, the way to attract and
a support network rather than a ladder to be climbed,’ said
retain talent, and the changes resulting from automation.
Austin.
Pia Dekkers, Human Resources Director, Chanel,
According to Austin, a good way to manage new generations
explained to the attendees how HR has changed in the last
and create engagement (an emotional commitment from
five years. According to Dekkers, one of the biggest changes
the employee to the company) can be done in two steps: by
lies in consumer behaviour and increased competition. The
building energy then great relationships.
impact of online shopping, for instance, changed costs and
When building energy around the company, there are four
organisational structures, as the model of the store was
points that shouldn’t be neglected. Articulating a clear ‘primary
disrupted by players like Amazon. The digital revolution was
purpose’ is central to establishing meaningful engagement
another source of change, creating new jobs, new skill sets,
– one example is Beaverbrooks jewellers, whose motto is
but also skill gaps for workers. Social media has also impacted
‘enriching lives.’ This is followed by the’ core principles’ of the
the employment experience, with websites like Glassdoor,
company – such as passion, fairness and integrity. Austin says
which allows employees to review companies, interviews and
that ‘ambition’ and an ‘ingenious plan’ are key to engaging
jobs.
employees.
The final shift Dekkers highlighted was the new
Building great relationships is done through managerial
responsibility employers have, as companies are now openly-
engagement. It is then important to motivate employees.
criticized for their actions, such as on large salaries or tax
‘Sell the direction and vision of the organisation and ensure
avoidance.
others can see how their role impacts on the bigger picture,’
The new retail employee
says Austin. One then has to consider people, support them, and
Jonathan Austin, Founder & Chief Executive, Best
recognize and reward a job well done. Regular communication
Companies Ltd, focused his presentation on individuals who
with employees is important, too. Finally, a manager needs to
work in retail and the differences between generations.
recognize people’s lives outside of work, respect their personal
Contrary to the older generations, who are loyal, want a
time, and show interest in them as individuals. I
Sell the direction and vision of the organisation and ensure others can see how their role impacts on the bigger picture
L.: The Forum at Les 110 de Taillevent R.: Pia Dekkers, Human Resources Director, Chanel 62 - info - january / february 2018
LUXURY CLUB
An evening with: Ron Arad A tour of the artist’s atelier revealed surprising insights into to his process and the art of being creative
Ron Arad welcomes the Luxury Club to his Chalk Farm studio, an incubator for his creative design, architecture and fine art
I
t’s important to create expectations, and then to break them.' This is one way that the architect and
designer Ron Arad describes his creative process. The Royal Academician is widely celebrated for his inventive and playful creations, like the bookworm bookshelf and the rover chair. The latest meeting of the Luxury
Arad's busy studio was filled with rocking chairs in the shape of tear drops a, blue prints for buildings going up around the world, and a wide assortment of objects that defy categorisation
Club attended an exclusive tour of Arad’s
undulating chromatic red ribbons. ‘Architecture is normally a journey of compromises,’ said Arad. ‘There’s the budget, and pleasing the neighbours, and working with all kinds of people. For the design museum, I honestly didn’t believe they were going to built it, so I did what I wanted.’ Later at a presentation of his work at the Roundhouse, Arad explained
Chalk Farm studio, and a presentation
were adorned with bookshelves that
that his design of the museum defied
of his work at the Roundhouse, where
curlicued as if taken from the pages of
conventions in more ways than one – it
members enjoyed champagne courtesy
Dr Suess.
also holds the distinction of being the
of Ruinart and a mustard tasting. The
Arad’s busy studio, which includes
only public building in Isreal without a
session was overseen by the club chair
offices for his parallel practices in design,
mezuzah (the small scroll affixed to the
Tom Meggle, Managing Director of Louis
fine art and architecture, was also filled
doorway or threshold of a building).
Vuitton UK, Ireland can South Africa.
with delightful rocking chairs in the
‘There is no threshold in the building –
Speaking about one of his quixotic
shapes of tear drops and tree stumps,
you flow in and out,’ said Arad.
chairs, this one constructed out of bent
blue prints for buildings going up around
But what may sum up the artist
sheet metal and held in place with bolts,
the world and a wide assortment of
best is his love of ping pong. Among his
Arad commented that often the heart of
objects that defy simple categorisation
many ongoing projects is a series of ping
the design process is a meeting of wills:
as a product of ‘design’ or of ‘art’.
pong tables, built to be both functional
‘The will of the designer plus the will of
This question is of course not lost on
– he really does play on them – and
the artist himself, who when reflecting
aesthetically beautiful. And in an Arad
The tour included other fascinating
on his prestigious appointment to the
twist he has slightly canted the surface to
materials, such as a 3D printed book in
Royal Academy in 2012, wondered which
slow the ball down and make the game
the mould of Albert Einstein’s face – the
aspect of his work was being honoured.
easier to play. Art meets design meets
the material.’
book was created as part of an Einstein
His best known building, for example,
legacy project, celebrating 100 years
is the now iconic design museum in
since his theory of relativity. The walls
Tel Aviv, characterised by its shape of
functionaity I
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- january / february 2018 - 63
CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY FORUM
The finances of clean energy The latest Climate Change & Sustainability Forum delved into topics such as debt and equity financing markets, and returns and trends in Mergers & Acquisitions
T
he economics of climate change and financing of clean energy are now
mainstream news. Business executives are increasingly well informed of impacts on their strategy, disruption of many sorts as well as witnessing the investment and divestment decisions such as in new clean energy, heard the latest Climate Change and Sustainability Forum. The
session,
co-chaired
by
Richard Brown CBE, Chairman of the Department for Transport and JeanPhilippe Verdier, Founding Partner of Verdier &
Co. Corporate Advisory,
began with a presentation by Verdier entitled: ‘Is Environmental, Social and Governance [a criteria more commonly used by investors] good for business?’ Verdier explained the breadth and depth in the investor and issuer bases for green investments, including in the green bonds market
This transition will impact credit and ratings for four reasons:
expected to have increased by another 50 percent this year, and
‘policy and regulatory uncertainty, direct financial effects such as
reach $300bn of outstanding issuance.
on profitability and leverage, changes in consumer preferences,
In terms of equity performance returns have been solid
and disruptive technological stocks.’
over the last five-year period, suggesting that clean technology
Some sectors have high exposure to this carbon transition
as a sector and investment have matured and indeed turned a
risk, such as unregulated utilities and power companies, coal
corner.
mining, and oil and gas.
Green technology and clean energy have also been prone
There is an additional risk when the country’s targets are
to significant disruption. The cost of solar projects, for example,
very high. Germany, for instance, targets 50 percent reduction
has dropped by 80 percent in the past seven years, and
in energy sector emissions by 2030. This can also be the case
manufacturing is now dominated by China, with levelized cost
when the targets are very low, such as in Poland, where policies
of electricity becoming more advantageous than gas, if not coal.
favour the construction of new coal generation.
Not surprising therefore to see the strategic M&A occurring. ‘We counted no less than eighty sizeable solar companies that went bankrupt between 2009-2016, many in the US and Germany,’ says Verdier.
The credit implications of carbon transition Niel Bisset, Senior Vice President EMEA Infrastructure Finance
Carbon transition in the short term will incentivise higher renewable penetration, decentralised generation, electrification of transport, and push CO2 prices higher. These trends are changing the nature of the power grid and system, with conventional generators with high variable costs being displaced, and new opportunities for renewable developers.
Group at Moody’s, reported that the Paris Agreement lead to
In the long term, Bisset reported that the negative effects
a ‘near universal commitment to greenhouse gas reduction,’
of energy efficiency on power demand should be off-set by this
with a 2020 target of 20 percent of renewable energy in the final
new scenario. I
consumption.
The cost of solar projects has dropped by 80 percent in the past seven years, and manufacturing is now dominated by China 64 - info - january / february 2018
START-UP & SMEHR CLUB FORUM
Brainstorming Session: Themes for 2018 The Start-up & SME Club looked to the year ahead, and discussed the key issues facing entrepreneurs and small business owners
L
egal challenges and working with bigger clients were two of the concerns on the minds of the entrepreneurs and SME company directors at the latest Start-up & SME Club. This special brainstorming session, and recap of 2017, was led by co-chairs Sébastien Goldenberg, CEO & Co-Founder of
TheHouseShop.com and Jeanne Monchovet, Founder of Olystix. It was a chance to reflect on a satisfaction and brainstorming survey that was circulated to members, and captured their recommendations and feedback on the activities of the Club. The surveys showed an interest to explore a diverse set of topics in future sessions, including how to develop a sales force, how to work with new technology, and how to generate new clients. Club members also expressed an interest in building greater inter-club communication through LinkedIn Groups. Additionally, there was interest to establish a parallel session, which would be more informal and open format, giving members a chance to discuss problems and learn specifically from mistakes. A request was circulated for potential venues for the event. All start-ups were also invited to submit a short presentation pitch to the Chamber. After a roundtable discussion and voting, the Club settled on a programme of topics and potential titles for the six sessions in 2018. The co-chairs wished to thank members and speakers for making 2017 a success, including launching an inaugural pitching session, where entrepreneurs were invited to present their business in front of other members and receive constructive and critical feedback. The chairs noted that they looked forward to building on these successes over the coming year. I
2018 T HE M ES 9 January – Legal Workshop (IP, Contracts, Business Structure) 27 February – Funding (Navigating Funding Options, Introductions, Valuations, Grants) 17 April – Cross Cultural Challenges (Do’s and Don’ts, How to deal with French Companies, Franco-British and beyond, Linguistic Nuances) 5 June – Acquiring and Attracting Clients (Business Development, Growth Hacking, Social Media, Data Analytics, CRM, Online V Offline) 11 September – Corporate and Start-Up Relationships (Navigating and Networking, Pitching and evolving) 6 November – Brainstorming session (preparation of 2019 themes)
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- january / february 2018 - 65
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INNOVATION FORUM
General Data Protection Regulation: Issues and Challenges The session explored what companies need to know about changes in regulation. and how they affect the collection and handling of personal data
T
his session of the Digital Transformation and Innovation
company must comply and turn it over. Security measures must
Forum, chaired by Lucien Boyer, Chief Marketing Officer,
also be taken against breaches. Cross-border transfers of data
Vivendi, discussed the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), starting with a presentation by Eve-Christie Verminck,
will need to be subject to appropriate safeguards.
associate, Baker & McKenzie, which explained the regulation
‘Further than compliance’
from a legal perspective.
‘The two big pillars of change in Financial Services are technology and regulation’ says Carole Gentil, Vice President, Head of Customer Experience – Financial Services at Capgemini UK. ‘GDPR is no exception. It goes further than compliance; it acknowledges a power shift from the ensterprise to the customer.’ This means that companies will have to make changes. But Gentil says that GDPR will eventually be beneficial to companies, as it will engender enhanced customer trust, and generate richer insights, more efficient information systems, and clearer and better managed processes. A study conducted by Capgemini found that only 8 percent of all UK companies are fully prepared for GDPR. They face common challenges, mostly organisational, such as a lack of process to deal with data breaches, or of information on the current processing of data. According to Gentil, employee
Verminck highlighted the legal framework of the GDPR – a
awareness is key. A shift in their way of thinking about data
regulation by which the European Parliament, the Council of
processing is the best way to implement GDPR. But companies
the European Union and the European Commission strengthen
will have to develop strategies to be ready in time. I
and unify data protection for all individuals within EU. Crucially for the UK after March 2019, it also addresses the export of personal data outside the EU. This new regulation, to be implemented on 25 May 2018 with immediate effect, reinforces the existing European Data Protection Law. Its key concepts will remain, for instance regarding personal data and its processing, but there will be higher fines for non-compliance, up to €20m or 4 percent of total worldwide annual turnover. Aiming to protect individuals, the GDPR creates opportunities for companies but also changes the way they process data, a source of insight for businesses that has been said to be ‘the new oil.’ Verminck explained that the regulations contain several key data protection principles. They include ‘a fair and lawful processing.’ Also data can only be processed for specified and
Re c om m en d a t ion s for p re p a ri n g for a n d i mp lem ent i n g G D PR 1 – Create an action plan 2 – Assess relative priority of compliance recommendations, and make strategic decisions 3 – Review and improve the current data protection program
lawful purposes (ie. the company must only process the data it
4 – Inform senior management of the progress
needs). Data has to be kept up to date and has to be deleted
5 – Set the timeline and assign resources
when it is no longer relevant or adequate. Furthermore, when an individual requests the data a company holds on them, the
66 - info - january / february 2018
It’s all about connections W ho we are
W hat we offer
> The largest foreign Chamber
> The strength of a network
of Commerce in the UK
> The ideal platform to exchange
> 134 years of experience
with decision makers
> 600 members ranging from
> A wealth of information and
SMEs to Blue Chip companies
experience
in all sectors > Half of our members are non French
> Bespoke solutions to develop your business > Access to the right people
www.frenchchamber.co.uk For more information, please contact Justine Kaouane Membership Department e:jkaouane@ccfgb.co.uk t: +44 (0) 207 092 6638
PAST EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
Sponsored by
ANNUAL FINANCIAL LUNCH, 23 NOVEMBER
THE ECONOMIC QUESTION Francois Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Bank of France, was the distinguished speaker at this year’s event, where he explained the economic challenges ahead for Europe
E
stablished financial systems in Europe will need to change to meet the challenges that the UK’s exit poses to the sector. Francois Villeroy de Gallau, Governor of the Bank of France,
delivered this message in a speech to assembled guests at the
If British banks wish to do business in Europe, they will need to have a legitimate physical presence on the continent
French Chamber’s Annual Financial Lunch on 23 November at the Langham Hotel in London. He was introduced at the event
He was equally bullish in his support for the proposed
by Estelle Brachlianoff, President of the French Chamber and
labour reforms in France. The French President Emmanuel
Senior Executive Vice President of Veolia UK and Ireland.
Macron has recently pushed through large-scale changes to
Amid the opulent surrounding of the hotel’s ballroom, 120 guests heard the European Central banker and policymaker deliver his prognosis of the financial services and banking industry in a prepared speech. The theme of his remarks was Europe, UK and France: facing our common economic challenges.
the labour market, including the decentralisation of collective bargaining rights for workers. Villeroy said that the changes will reduce taxes and have a ‘significant’ impact on growth and development, reported Reuters. Villeroy was appointed Governor of the Bank of France in
Villeroy was emphatic in his remarks that he would not
2015, after more than ten years in the private sector as Chief
comment on the political negotiations between the UK and
Executive Officer of Cetelem, and then as head of the retail
the EU. However he did insist there was a consensus among
banking activities of BNP Paribas in France and Chief Operating
European central bankers that British banks should not be
Officer of the BNP Paribas group.
afforded passporting rights to operate in Europe outside of a
Prior to that, he held posts at the French Treasury, and as
single market. He underlined the point that if British banks wish
advisor to the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister Pierre
to do business in Europe, they will need to have a legitimate
Bérégovoy , then became financial advisor at the Permanent
physical presence on the continent.
Representation of France in Brussels. He was head of the
Reuter’s, who reported on the event, quoted Villeroy in saying that: ‘We are indeed going through a difficult period which puts the friendship between our countries to the test.’
General Tax Directorate from 2000 to 2003. The Chamber wishes to thank Albert Roux OBE, who planned the menu and attended the event, sitting at the top
Yet Villeroy was optimistic about Europe’s ability to meet
table. The Chamber’s champagne and wine partners, Vranken
the challenge. He noted that recent economic activity in the
Pommery, Les vins de Pessac-Léognan, and les vins du Médoc
region has outperformed forecasts, in part due to the European
provided the wine. I
Central Bank’s shifts on monetary policy.
68 - info - january / february 2018
E VE NT S – AT THE CHAMBE R Sponsored by
BREAKFAST WITH… 17 NOVEMBER
CHRISTINE OURMIÈRES-WIDENER At an exclusive breakfast, the Flybe CEO spoke about her career and the priorities for her regional airline
R
egional airlines in the UK are wellplaced as a competitor to the rail
and road infrastructure.
with the Chamber. Ourmières-Widener noted that
appointed to the role in 2017, has a long career in aviation, having held
apart from a few transportation
senior roles at CityJet and Air-France.
This is the idea that underpins the
infrastructure projects based around
She is interested to see more women
business model of Flybe, a British carrier
London, the majority of Flybe’s routes
in top positions in the industry, and has
based in Exeter. It’s newly appointed
our outside of London, catering for
made improving this one of her goals.
CEO, Christine Ourmières-Widener
regions in the UK, and in fourteen other
spoke to assembled guests a breakfast
countries in Europe.
event hosted in the offices the law form Pinsent Mason. ‘Our main competitors are rail and
‘The UK is very different from most
‘I used to have a very good colleague, Caroline (McCall, CEO of easyJet). Unfortunately she is going to
of the other European countries. Take
another industry, and is being replaced
the road and railway infrastructures.
by a man.'
road for 70 percent of our business. We
We believe these will not improve
don’t compete with other airlines in the
significantly in the next decade, apart
number in senior leadership in airlines,
same way, which is quite unusual,’ says
from rail connections between London
but it is something that I am trying to
Ourmières-Widener.
and Birmingham,’ says Ourmières-
change by trying to promote more
Widener.
women in my team.’
The chief executive was introduced at the event by Peter Alfandary, Senior
‘Ours is a sound business model. We
‘This obviously won’t increase the
Prior to joining Flybe, she briefly
Vice President of the French Chamber,
represent 53 percent of the domestic
switched her career to the travel
and Head of the French Team at
airline travel in the UK outside of
industry, taking a job as Chief Global
Reed Smith LLP. He noted that this
London.’
Sales Officer for American Express
event was the 23rd breakfast of its
Recently, the airline began flying to
Global Business Travel, based in New
kind. These events have been highly
Heathrow as part of a growing network
successful networking events, and have
of aviation partners. Flybe services
attracted high-profile speakers from a
domestic regions and connects with
apartment in Chelsea and thinking
range of industries. He tanked Paul UK
large carriers for intercontinental flights.
“I miss the smell of kerosene in the
for providing the pastries and other delectables, and Pinsent Mason for its hospitality and long-time association
She reported that the average flight time of a Flybe journey is 59 minutes.
York. But the move didn’t stick. ‘I was sitting in my beautiful
hanger.” I knew then that aviation was what I wanted to do with my life.’ I
Ourmières-Widener, who was
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- january / february 2018 - 69
LONDON LUXURY TH I NK TANK
T
he inaugural edition of the London Luxury Think Tank
free] travelling suit and that fact that he still does a Saturday shift
organised by the French Chamber of Great Britain, in
in his shop to stay connected with customers.’
partnership with Walpole, was held on 1 November in the
high-tech offices of HAVAS LuxHub.
One of the key messages of Smith’s talk was that ‘nobody needs anything anymore.’ A provocation, by which he meant that
This first-of-its-kind event provided a platform for high-level
‘we are overproducing, and with the automated future we are
engagement on topical issues between leaders, pioneers and
going to be producing more things that people probably don’t
disruptors from across the fields of luxury. It was sponsored by
want.’
PwC, with the FT as the media partner.
It is our job to make lovely things which people would like to
The overarching theme ‘How are disruptors driving the future of Luxury?’ is particularly relevant in today’s age of exponential technological
and
consumer-based
development.
buy,’ said Smith. Macro and micro elements of the luxury sector were
The
addressed, including the evolving attitudes to sustainability, the
conferenece responds to a call to action in the sector: to evolve
role of new technology and the strategies employed by companies
and adapt, and to enrich and enhance traditional best practices
and brands to meet these demands.
through innovation.
For Rissbrook, another key moment was the session on
‘This is the basis of today’s Think Tank. The sub-categories of sustainability, future tech, future consumers and business models will create a more specific focus within this large and all encompassing topic,’ says Tom Meggle, Chairman of the Chamber’s Luxury Club and Managing Director, Louis Vuitton UK & Ireland and South Africa. Supporting sponsors of the event included Browne Jacobson, Cegid, Christofle, Devialet, HEC Paris, and New West End Company. The event partners were Caviar Petrossian, Christian Liaigre, Méert, mycoocoon/co-nekt, L’Oréal, Ladurée, Laurent Perrier, Les Vergers de la Silve, Les Vins du Médoc and Les Vins
CONFERENCE IN NUMBERS • More than 50 percent of sales are from mobile commerce in H1 2017 (Yoox Net-a-Porter) • Customers who buy both online and in-store typically spend 50 percent more than the in-store only customer • Google has been investing in AI for 15 years (‘We are now an AI first company,’ Martijn Bertisen, Google)
de Pessac-Léognan.
Varied line up More than 170 attendees from the worlds of fashion, retail and luxury heard from a varied line-up of speakers – all were experts in their respective fields, with keen insight into the future trends of the sector – including Alexandra Palt, Chief Corporate Sustainability Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer at L’Oréal, Michael Ward, Chairman of Walpole and Managing Director of Harrods, and the designer Sir Paul Smith. ‘Paul Smith was a particular highlight,’ says Sue Rissbrook, Retail Partner at PwC. ‘His theme of being childlike to harness creativity helps ensure that creativity is not lost, with ever more
• Paul Smith’s ‘Suit to Travel In’ campaign achieved 600k hits and 40k travel suits sold • Amazon’s own brand battery is the number 1 selling battery in the USA due to its Alexa AI personal assistant platform • Approximately 63 percent of luxury goods purchases take place in a physical store (Megan Higgins, PwC)
data driving decisions. I was also impressed with Smith’s [wrinkle
Co-organiser
70 - info - january / february 2018
Main sponsor
Host sponsor
Media partner
17 N OV E MB E R 2017 AT H AVA S LUX H UB
It is time for luxury goods companies to club together, and to talk as one voice on the progress they have made, as well as embracing exciting developments
innovation and sustainability, opened with a keynote by Palt, and followed with a panel featuring Tom Beagent, Sustainability Director at PWC, Diana Verde Nieto of Positive Luxury, Nina Marenzi of The Sustainable Angle, and Dax Lovegrove, Global Vice President Corporate Sustainability at Swarovski. ‘During the conversation on innovation in sustainability there was a growing realisation for me that "sustainability" as a banner is now outdated,’ says Rissbrook. ‘It is now about transparency and truth as we look to protect people and the planet, and this is demanded by Millennials, in particular.' 'Those who have focused well in this area are loath to be too vocal for fear they will be highlighted as not succeeding in all areas. It is time for luxury goods companies to club together, and to talk as one voice on the progress they have made, as well as embracing exciting developments.’
Tom Meggle, Chair of the Chamber’s Luxury Club and Managing Director, Louis Vuitton UK & Ireland and South Africa
Tom Beagent explained that there are social consequences of putting more products out into society which touch the entire value chain. ‘In the digital age consumers are getting direct access to that information. There is nowhere to hide anymore.’ It is a sentiment echoed by speaker Michael Ward, who in addition to his role at Walpole, has worked with the European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance, a pan-European luxury goods industry organisation, and lobbied the European parliament on behalf of the industry. In his forward to the programme, Ward reflected on the setting of the conference. ‘Where better to host this inaugural Think Tank on Luxury than London? London’s global dominance as a luxury destination is well documented: our unique mix of brands – both home-grown and international – status as a hub of creativity and innovation, and intriguing mix of history and heritage ensures the city is a must-visit for wealthy overseas visitors, as well as a key market for
Alexandra Palt, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer, L’Oréal
new brands looking to set-up shop. Indeed, over 20m tourists visit London each year, spending around £12bn on shopping and dining – all of which contributes to the British luxury industry’s value to the UK economy of £32.2bn.’ As the champagne flowed at the events closing cocktail party, many of the attendees reflected back on the success of the event. There was a clear interest to reprise the conference in future years, with French Chamber Managing Director Florence Gomez noting the appetite for a similar event in two years time in her closing remarks. For Rissbrook, a reprise of the conference should involve more platforms to hear from designers like Smith, in addition to an interest to explore the relationship between companies and communities. ‘As business plays a greater role in society we could also focus on what this looks like for the luxury sector,’ says Rissbrook. I
Sir Paul Smith CBE, Chairman and Designer, Paul Smith
Supporting sponsors
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- january / february 2018 - 71
30 November 2017 At the May Fair Hotel
Honouring the achievements of companies on both sides of the Channel, the latest FBBA ceremony brought together the most successful and innovative companies in a night of celebration
he winners of the Franco-British Business Awards –
T
He added that he was ‘certain that tonight will show the
held since 2000 under the high patronage of the French
Chamber at its best, demonstrating our commitment to sharing
Ambassador to the UK and the British Ambassador to
best practice and building strong cross-cultural relationships.’
France – were announced on 30 November at the May Fair Hotel.
Following a gastronomic dinner, with fantastic wines provided
The Awards showcase the best, most innovative and successful
by Les Vins du Médoc and Les Vins de Pessac-Léognan, the
French and British companies. Both embassies were represented
awards were presented.
by Christian Fatras, Economic Counsellor, Industry, Energy and New Tech and Oriel Petry, Director, Department for International
SME/Entrepreneur Award: Early Metrics
Trade, British Embassy.
Early Metrics was the jury favourite in a close race in the Start-up
Following a Vranken-Pommery champagne reception, the
category. The international rating agency is used to weighing up
proceedings were opened by Stephen Burgin, Deputy President
the pros and cons of any potential venture, as they assess start-
of the French Chamber. He remarked that the Chamber received
ups and innovative SMEs. The independent agency assesses the
twenty-five impressive applications this year, from companies that
growth potential of innovative ventures through analysing key
range from start-ups to large corporates. This year also marked
non-financial metrics. Early Metrics works on behalf of corporates
the inaugural award in the category of sustainability, which
as well as institutional and private equity investment clients. It has
emphasises the fundamental issues that companies are facing
offices in London, Paris, Tel Aviv and Berlin.
relating to the environment, energy, recycling and the industrial supply chain.
Sustainability Award: Bouygues UK
He also announced that the awards next year would include
The jury was extremely impressed by Bouygues truely global
new categories of 'diversity' and 'digital champion.' He highlighted
approach to sustainability. The jury members also appreciated
the fact that the FBBAs were more important than ever, amidst
that each employee of this large corporate received a personal
the political and economic backdrop of the UK and Europe.
training in order to raise awareness of the importance and
‘As we know, the business landscape is rapidly changing and
relevance of sustainability.
uncertain. It is therefore a priority to reinforce our Franco-British
Bouygues UK is one of the country’s leading construction
ties and values, regardless of the future of UK and the EU,’ said
companies. It focuses on sectors where it can add value through
Burgin. ‘In this context, our awards take on a new significance
the technical expertise, skills and experience of Bouygues UK and
and we are proud to celebrate successful and innovative Franco-
the global Bouygues Group. These include residential (including
British companies.’
social housing, the private rented sector, private for-sale homes,
Main sponsors
72 - info - january / february 2018
Supporting sponsor
E VE NT S – AT THE CHAMBE R
education (ranging from nursery schools through to higher
French Chamber Award: VINCI Construction Grands Projets British Isles
education) as well as technically complex projects across sectors
VINCI Construction Grands Projets was awarded the French
where the company’s expertise can be maximised.
Chamber Award in recognition of their overall contribution to
mixed-use, care homes and student accommodation); and
Bouygues UK provides intelligent management throughout
the Chamber. They have been a Patron member of the Chamber
the entire life-cycle of each project, delivering efficiently and to
since 2003, and were shortlisted for the Intercultural Trophy
an excellent standard. In 2015, Bouygues Construction and its
in 2017. They have also been extremely active in the Forums,
50,000 employees generated sales of €12bn.
particularly the Climate Change and Sustainability Forum since its
Coup de Coeur: LeSalon
launch in 2009. VINCI’s first steps in the UK were made in 1992 with the
The jury was taken by this start-up, and recognised the potential
construction of the second bridge on the Severn Estuary, a
of this leading on-demand beauty service in London. LeSalon
cable-stay bridge connecting England and Wales. Their branch
connects users with their expert team of beauty therapists
in London was established to ensure the development of local
through a slick and easy to use mobile app and website. They
long-term partnerships based in the UK. This has permitted VINCI
have a team of more than 50 beauty therapists who are all vetted,
to participate in the construction of three major sections of the
tested and trained by the LeSalon team. This means that every
Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
treatment delivered by LeSalon follows a strict process ensuring a standardised level of quality.
The French Chamber would like to offer a special thank you to
LeSalon started in 2015 and has since grown more than ten
our main sponsors, Eurostar and Mazars, and to our supporting
times in size. The company is now delivering more than 1,000
sponsor, Frenger International. We would also like to thank
treatments a month and growing 15 percent month-on-month
our prize donors for their generous contribution: Vranken-
(in 2017). Their customer base includes celebrities, VIPs and
Pommery, Chivas Brothers, La Belle Assiette and Pullman
companies such as Uber, Airbnb and WeWork. LeSalon has been
London St Pancras.
accelerated by Ignite100 and has raised more than £700k with
We would also like to thank our close partners: Vranken
Angels and Investors, who have previously invested in Hassle.
Pommery for the champagne; Le Conseil des Vins du Médoc
com, Lantum and Ometria.
and Les Vins de Pessac Léognan for the wines; and of course, the May Fair Hotel for hosting the event. I
Winners of the Franco-British Business Awards 2017 From L to R: Sébastien Paillet, Founder of Early Metrics; François Monville, Partner at Mazars; Clarence Michel, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager at Vinci Construction Grands Projets British Isles; Oriel Petry, Minister Counsellor, Department for International Trade, British Embassy in Paris; Stephen Burgin, Deputy President of the French Chamber; Nidhi Baiswar, Head of Sustainable Design and Construction at Bouygues UK; JeanMichel Chalayer, Co-Founder & CEO of LeSalon; and Nicolas-Pierre Baumé, M&A Advisor at Frenger International
As we know, the business landscape is rapidly changing and uncertain. It is therefore a priority to reinforce our Franco-British ties and values, regardless of the future of the UK and the EU. In this context the awards take on a new significance. info
- january / february 2018 - 73
PATRON TRIP: PARIS, 24 NOVEMBER
A PARISIAN SOJOURN Patron member’s enjoyed an exclusive trip to the French capitol hosted by the British Embassy and Dassault Systèmes
T
he one-day event kicked off as the
an exclusive private tour of their 3DS
infrastructure symbolize their long-term
delegation arrived at the British
Campus.
commitment and their goal to leav a
Ambassador’s residence, also known
An informal discussion amongst
as the Hotel de Charost. The historic
participants followed the meal. Parts of
The openness of the buildings provides
house is more than 200 years old, and
the discussion were focused on Franco-
ease of collaboration and innovation.
has been the private home of the British
British relations in the context of Brexit,
Each building is named after one of the
Ambassador to France since 1814.
and the role of the Embassy in this
four main elements, which symbolize
process.
Life, Power, Inspiration and Innovation.
The current Ambassador, Lord Llewellyn greeted the delegation at a
In the afternoon, the delegation
better place for the next generations.
Because Dassault Systèmes is
welcome reception, followed by lunch
travelled to Dassault Systèmes’s 3DS
committed to minimizing its corporate
where he gave a short speech. The
Campus, four 5-floor buildings with
environmental footprint, the 3DS
event was held according to Chatham
57,000 square meters of office space,
Campus has been designed and
House rules, and therefore the specifics
which can house up to 2,600 people.
constructed in harmony with the
of the proceedings cannot be detailed. Florence Gomez, Managing
A welcome and introduction to the
environment. It obtained NF Bâtiments
company and its digital manufacturing
Tertiaires HQE quality standard
Director of the Chamber, thanked the
was made by Christian Nardin. This
certification, based on the highest
Ambassador for his hospitality, and
was followed by a presentation entitled
level of eco-construction and eco-
the delegation for their attendance.
‘The Industry of the Future’ by Valérie
management available in France.
She also thanked Hervé Grella, Head
Ferret, Director of Public Affairs, and
of Marketing and Public Relations,
brief Q&A.
Department for International Trade,
A presentation entitled ‘Playgournd
British Embassy, for making this event
& Lives’ provided visualization and
possible. And she thanked Dassault
demonstrations of their digital
Systèmes, represented by Christian
manufacturing and their activities in
Nardin, Senior Vice President, High
living and shopping experiences.
Growth Countries EMEAR, for organising
The event partners included Eurostar, who provided transportation between London and Paris, and Les 110 de Taillevent. I
The 3DS Campus architecture and From L. to R.: (front row) Christian Nardin, Senior Vice President, Dassault Systèmes, Arnaud Vaissié, President, CCIFI, Lord Llewellyn, British Ambassador to France, Florence Gomez, Managing Director, French Chamber, Laurent Feniou, Managing Director UK&IRL, Cartier (middle row) Oriel Petry, British Embassy, Paul-André Rabate, Managing Partner, CVA, Hermione Gough, French Embassy, Alexander Law, Manager Public Affairs, Michelin, Fabrice Bernard, CTO, Theodo (back row) Olivier Carret, Vice President, ENGIE, Jean-Marc Tassetto, Co-founder, Coorpacademy, Jean-Francois Cecillon, Managing Director, Waddington Custot Galleries, Hervé Grella, British Embassy
74 - info - january / february 2018
E VE NT S – AT THE CHAMBE R
RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ... LACOSTE
RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ... PIERRE MARCOLINI
The crocodile is loose
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate
T
H
he last Chamber event of the year took place at Lacoste’s flagship store in Knightsbridge. After the champagneand-canapés reception, Olivier Bamberger, Retail and Visual Merchandising Director at Lacoste, spoke about the history of the company and its famous crocodile logo. René Lacoste, founder of the brand, was a professional tennis player. It is said that made a bet with his coach on a game, and the stakes were a crocodile-skin suitcase that took his fancy. Another story is that his fans nicknamed him ‘the crocodile’ because of his tenacious play on the court. Either way, he established a now iconic brand. The event was attended by more than forty people, and offered the chance not only to meet and network with fellow members, and to win a £500 voucher for the store. I
eld at Maison Pierre Marcolini’s Marylebone shop, this event was perfect for chocolate lovers, who were invited to discover the chocolatier’s exceptional treats. Vanessa Selignan, UK B2B Manager for the Maison, spoke about the ethos behind Marcolini’s creations: the brand is a leading high-end chocolaterie with strong ethical standards. Their cocoa is sourced directly from independent producers. The event was a sensorial discovery, as attendees tasted a variety of chocolates, and were given cocoa beans to crush and smell, experiencing the passion for the produce that drives Maison Pierre Marcolini. I
SAY ‘CHEESE AND WINE’
Dégustation with a smile
R
oughly thirty people met at La Cave à Fromage for an intimate evening of good cheese, wine, and conversation. It marked the return of the popular event, Say Cheese and Wine. Held in partnership with Wine Story, the food and drink combinations brought to life the pairings in INFO’s Cheese and Wine column. The selections on the night were similar to those suggested in the magazine, explained Thibault Lavergne, founder of Wine Story. Guests were treated to gruyere cheese with Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine, Ami du Chambertin paired with Madiran and more, as well as great charcuterie, which created the perfect atmosphere for networking. I
info
- january / february 2018 - 75
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
10
January 19.00 - 21.00
RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ PAUL TO CELEBRATE LA GALETTE DES ROIS! At Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, London EC2N 1HQ £25+VAT per person Open to all members For its third edition, we are delighted to announce that our Galette des Rois will take place at the PAUL UK Restaurant on 10 January. Come and join us to leave 2017 behind and celebrate the New Year together! For more information, please contact Wassime Haouari at: whaouari@ccfgb.co.uk or on 0207 092 6642.
18
January 18.30 - 21.00
COCKTAIL RECEPTION AT HOME HOUSE 20 Portman Square, London W1H 6LW For Corporate members’ main representatives Free of charge We are pleased to announce that the second edition of our Corporate event will take place on 18 January. This evening reception will be held in the magnificent surroundings of Home House and will give members an occasion to network and celebrate 2018 together. For more information, please contact Camille Gorin at: cgorin@ccfgb.co.uk or on 0207 092 6644.
30
January 18.00 - 20.00
SEMINAR WITH THEODO Theodo offices, 2-7 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DE Theme: Digital Transformation for Corporates: co-creation with a startup, the Theodo way Speaker: Fabrice Bernhard, Founder and CTO of Theodo By invitation only - Free of charge
The informative seminar will be followed by a cocktail reception where you will have the opportunity to network and make new business connections. For more information, please contact Camille Gorin at: cgorin@ccfgb.co.uk or on 0207 092 6644.
15
March 19.00 - 22.30
CROSS-CULTURAL QUIZ EVENING PwC offices, 1 Embankment Pl, London WC2N 6RH Open to all members £80+VAT for a ticket, £800+VAT for a table of 10 This is your chance to impress with your know-how or gain a better understanding of our different cultures while continuing to build your network and having fun! Do not miss the opportunity to book a table and invite both French and British staff and/or clients to this perfect team-building activity. For more information, please contact Camille Gorin at: cgorin@ccfgb.co.uk or on 0207 092 6644.
76 - info - january / february 2018
CL A S SIFIE D ADS
Brann Translations offers translations, proofreading, interpreting and language assessments in any language pair, for all industries and types of documents. BRANN TRANSLATIONS Charlotte Brann charlotte.brann@ branntranslations.com +44 (0) 7943847307 +33 (0) 6 52 71 45 26 www.branntranslations.com
A language training company with over 25 years’ experience providing bespoke services for corporates and individuals. Business English, European and other major worldwide languages LONDON LANGUAGES Maria Gordo maria@londonlanguages.com +44 (0) 207 233 8205 www.londonlanguages.com
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SUZANNE LYCETT slycett@ccfgb.co.uk 0207 092 6651
Independent co-ed day school From Year 1 to 13 Two programmes: • Bac Français Bilingue • English International LYCEE INTERNATIONAL DE LONDRES WINSTON CHURCHILL admissions@lyceeinternational. london + 44 (0) 20 3824 4906 www.lyceeinternational.london
You want to recruit ? We’d like to assist you ! Our Recruitment Department is a professional recruitment agency with expertise in Sales and Marketing, Digital, Finance and Accounting, Engineering and Support Staff We tailor our services to the needs of each client and offer privileged access to more than 1,500 high-profile bilingual and international candidates Whether your company is a member or not, we offer extremely competitive fees for all your recruitment needs
Please contact us at recruitment@ccfgb.co.uk or +44 (0) 207 092 6625
www.frenchchamber.co.uk
Patron Members of the French Chamber in Great Britain Patron Members of the French Chamber in Great Britain
ŠPhoto credits: Pascal le DoarÊ and COSEA photo libraries
CONSTRUCTING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE At VINCI Construction Grands Projets, we engineer digital solutions that help us and our Clients in the conception and construction of our major projects. On SEA Tours-Bordeaux high speed rail line (302 km and 38 km of connecting track), we developed a bespoke information system allowing sharing of processes and data between all partners (80 design offices, 5 sub-consortiums, 3,500 employees) that offers the most reliable performance. We introduced an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) and a Geographical Information System (GIS) whose 3D interface fostered collaboration with clients and stakeholders. This real Asset Information Management (AIM) is being transferred to the dedicated company for the maintenance of the project over 45 years.
In the UK, we are currently placing our BIM expertise at the core of infrastructure projects such as Tideway East and the M4 Corridor around Newport, with the aim of providing enhanced collaboration and efficiency. By EXCELLENCE, we mean designing and building quicker, safer and at best value. www.vinci-construction-projects.com/british-isles