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 MAY / JUNE 2018
RECODING
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Five minutes with Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK & Ireland; Insight and analysis with Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium; Retail Minister Andrew Griffiths MP; Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman of Debenhams and much more...
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EDITORIAL
Estelle Brachlianoff President, French Chamber of Great Britain Senior Executive Vice President of Veolia UK & Ireland
W
hat is the future for British retail? How are consumers changing? What will re-generate the high street? These were just some of the burning questions which started our discussions about the
Chamber’s Retail Conference 2018. The event marks the sixth time that we have hosted a major sectoral conference. In the past we have focused on topics such as Energy, Digital Innovation, and Transport. This conference follows of the success of our London Luxury Think Tank in 2017, which we launched in partnership with Walpole. This year, we are delighted to bring together major French and British retailers, large companies, transversals and start-ups in order to share knowledge and best practices regarding how consumers are driving the future of retail. I am pleased to welcome you to this year’s conference, and to introduce this issue of INFO, an edition specially commissioned to accompany the event. In these pages you will find insight and expertise on a range of retail-specific topics, including from industry insiders from Universal Music, Alibaba Group, Debenhams, the British Retail Consortium, the UK government and more. I would also like to extend a thank you to the sponsors of the event for making it possible. Our gold sponsors are CBRE, Econocom, HSBC and PwC. Our silver sponsor is Browne Jacobsen, and the conference partners are HEC Paris and L’Oréal Luxe. This is also a good opportunity to remind you of the other great activities ongoing at the Chamber. As we enter the summer season, we are looking forward to our Annual Gala Dinner at the Landmark London on 21 June, where our guest of honour will be Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times. Also, do not miss our AGM at the offices of Reed Smith on 12 June, where we will detail another successful year of operation of the Chamber. Let me conclude by wishing you a productive conference – and an enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing you at a Chamber event soon. I
info
- may / june 2018 - 5
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CONTENTS
RECODING
8 INFO
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
B U S I N E S S
FRENCH CHAMBER OF GREAT BRITAIN www.frenchchamber.co.uk
8 10 16 26
50 52 53
Five minutes with... Vincent Tourette, Groupe Renault Brexit: Analysis and Key Dates Business News & Analysis Reports and research
FOCUS | R ECODING R E TAIL
28 Introduction 30 A Bright Future for Retail Helen Dickinson, BRC 32 The Word from Westminster Andrew Griffiths MP 33 A Brexit Deal for Retail Josh Hardie, CBI 34 Two Nations of Shopkeepers Sir Ian Cheshire, Debenhams 36 UK Retail: Success or Failure Mercier & Dunn, Boston Consulting Group 37 Tackling Staff Turnover Cédric Voix, L'Oréal 38 Competing for Shoppers' Habits Sue Rissbrook, PwC 39 Online/Offline Sébastien Badault, Alibaba 40 A 'Brand' New World Olivier Robert-Murphy, Universal Music 41 The New Retail Workforce Sophian Nacer, Deloitte 42 The Evolution of the Sector Sian Doyle, CBRE 44 Investing in Retail Julien Callede 45 Eye in the Sky Third Eye Labs 46 A Supply Chain Closer to Home Jean Louet, Andros UK 47 Consolidation in the Retail Sector Eniga de Montfort & Coralie Oger, FPTA 48 Protecting Against Counterfeit Giles Parson, Browne Jacobson 49 Flower Power Bloom & Wild
Culture: What's on Book reviews Wine Story Thibault Lavergne
AT THE CHAMBE R
55 Introduction by Stephen Burgin 56 New Members 58 Chamber News FORUMS & CLUBS
59 60 61 62 63 64 65
Finance Forum Cryptocurrency: money of tomorrow Start-up & SME Club How to do business with the British Climate Change & Sustainability Forum Health and air quality HR Forum Taking your leave Retail Forum What to do with old stock Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum The scope of AI Forthcoming Forums & Clubs
67 68 69 74
Women, Inspiration and Leadership Yana Peel and Rachel Johnson Ambassador's Breif HE Jean-Pierre Jouyet Past event highlights Breakfast with Katherine Bennett; Cross-cultural Quiz; Breakfast at Sotheby's; RVC Vanessa Seward Forthcoming events
CHAMBER EVENTS
MAy / JUNE 2018
CULTUR E AND LIFE S T YLE
RECODING RETAIL
BUSINE S S WOR LD
MAY / JUNE 2018
RECODING
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Five minutes with Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK & Ireland; Insight and analysis with Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium; Retail Minister Andrew Griffith MP; Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman of Debenhams and much more...
Editor: Jakob von Baeyer Cover & Graphic Design: Katherine Millet Sales Manager: Suzanne Lycett Contributors: Helen Dickinson, Andrew Griffiths, Josh Hardie, Ian Cheshire, Sian Doyle, Sébastien Badault, Cédric Voix, Olivier Robert-Murphy, Razwan Ghafoor, Pierre Mercier, Samantha Dunn, Sophian Nacer, Julien Callede, Aron Gelbard, Sue Rissbrook, Coralie Oger, Eniga de Montfort, Jean Louet, Giles Parsons, Thibault Lavergne, Geraldine Fabre, Helen Conybeare Williams, Suzanne Lycett
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 Managing Director: Florence Gomez
info
- may / june 2018 - 7
Five minutes with...
Vincent Tourette Managing Director Groupe Renault UK and Ireland
INFO meets the director of Renault’s UK and Irish operations to speak about innovation and challenges in the automotive sector What are your priorities for Groupe Renault in the UK?
What are some of the challenges facing the automotive
Groupe Renault – which comprises of the Renault, Dacia and
industry in the UK?
Alpine brands – has a clear mid-term global business plan,
Balancing rapid technological change whilst interacting
‘Drive the Future’, which takes us through to 2022.
with customers who are increasingly more connected, in a
In the UK, our plans link directly to this and our priority
24/7 environment. Customers visit showrooms less, yet are
will be to differentiate us through excellent customer
better informed than ever, which is why the strongest online
service, along with a focus on brand image in an increasingly
presence is crucial. However, people still buy from people, so
competitive market.
traditional customer service has to be at the highest level, as
The group has sold five million Dacias worldwide to date, so with Dacia celebrating five years in the UK this year, there
well. Examples of how we do this are the development of My
is strong growth potential for this brand, particularly with the
Renault Connected APP and Dacia-online. The My Renault
introduction of the new Duster this summer. We can also add
Connected APP is the first step towards introducing a
to this the launch of the stunning Alpine A110 sports car later
customer journey that is connected between the customer’s
this year.
mobile device and their car, making the customer’s life easier and giving the customer more control. The customer can
You have worked with the company in different
send the location of their next meeting in their diary to their
capacities for the last 24 years. What are the biggest
car, or click to request a service booking or contact Renault
changes you have seen in the industry?
for help.
Renault celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. It has
At Dacia we like things to be easy and hassle free in our
witnessed enormous change over the years. The mainstream
online store, which we feel is the easiest and smartest way to
car market is now the most competitive sector, with the
buy a new car. We only sell the cars we have in stock so we
premium brands expanding through smaller models and
can guarantee customers an ‘easy’ delivery within two weeks
emerging brands moving up the scale, which, in itself,
at the dealership of their choice, or directly to their doorstep.
provides a real opportunity for Dacia. The biggest changes have been in recent years due to
You have spoken about the need to focus on retail and
the incredibly fast pace of change itself. The arrival of electric
SME sales – why is this the best strategy for the UK
vehicles was the start. Renault has been the European leader
market?
in electric vehicles since 2011, and now sophisticated mobility
Selling to private and small business customers’ has always
services along with connected and increasingly-autonomous
been critical. Renault has a diverse range, from small cars to
vehicles are shaking everything up once again.
crossovers, EVs to vans, so our range lends itself perfectly to
8 - info - may / june 2018
FIVE MINUTES WITH... VINCENT TOURET TE
Customers visit showrooms less, yet are better informed than ever, which is why the strongest online presence is crucial. However, people still buy from people, so traditional customer service has to be at the highest level
both private and business markets. Our most popular retail and SME vehicles are Clio and Captur. Captur is the best-selling Renault car in the UK overall. Clio is our best-selling car in France.
market, introducing a line-up of fully electric, zero emissions , vehicles as early as 2011. More than 100,000 all-electric ZOE superminis have been manufactured to date and it currently has the best-in-class range of any mainstream electric vehicle at 186 real-world
What affect do you anticipate that Brexit will have on
miles. Our commitment is to sustainable and affordable
your business?
mobility for all, and within the period of our mid-term plan
Since the referendum, forex has been a challenge to a great
we will expand our fully electric and electrified line-up,
number of businesses. I think it’s too early to say what the
with a continued emphasis on enhanced connectivity and
exact outcome of Brexit will be but we have plans in place to
autonomous vehicles.
adapt our business to any opportunities or challenges that present themselves.
What does being a Patron member of the French Chamber mean to Groupe Renault UK?
What are Groupe Renault’s ambitions/targets for zero-
Renault celebrates its 120th anniversary this year and has
emissions and electric vehicles?
been in the UK for 115 of those. Being a member of the
Renault is the number one electric car and electric van
French Chamber is a valuable asset that gives us access to
manufacturer in Europe and has been a pioneer in the EV
events, forums and briefings, plus allows us to exchange ideas across industries. I Interview by JVB
RENAULT UK - BY THE NUMBERS • Dealerships: 160 • Number of staff: 220 • Vehicles sold (2017): 114,000
• Brands: 3 (Renault, Dacia, and Alpine) • UK Market position (2017): Renault cars 12th; Renault vans 7th; Dacia 16th
• Turnover: £1,380,071,100
info
- may / june 2018 - 9
Analysis and look ahead INFO looks at the latest news on Brexit and its impact on the Franco-British community
T
he customs union is the issue now at the forefront of
that ‘fresh thinking’ is need to avoid a hard border at all costs.
the negotiation process, in Brussels and most notably
This is after another perceived set-back in parliament.
at Westminster. In April, a group of MPs tabled a motion in
The government was defeated in the Lords on the issue of
parliament to keep the UK in a customs union. The signatories
parliamentary involvement in the Brexit process. Some say this
consisted of ten select committee chairs, including three
prepares for a scenario where ministers are sent to Brussels to
conservatives, showing signs that an internal rebellion on Brexit
renegotiate on behalf of the country, should MPs vote down the
might be on the cards for the Prime Minister.
withdrawal deal this autumn.
There is pressure on the leave side, too. A group of sixty
The recent shake up in the Prime Minister’s Cabinet, with
pro-Brexit MPs from the European Research Group provided
the Home Secretary Amber Rudd resigning over an immigration
the Prime Minister a report opposing the ‘customs partnership’
scandal, has also created questions. Rudd was known as one
model, currently favoured by the PM.
of the most ardent remainers in the party and a strong voice
Early May saw Michel Barnier on an official visit to Ireland.
in the Cabinet. And while her replacement, Sajid Javid, also
According to the Guardian, ‘the problem of the border between
voted remain, he is seen as not as enthusiastic about the EU
north and south remains the most significant obstacle to the
and could tilt the balance of May’s front bench toward the pro-
successful completion of a withdrawal agreement.’ Barnier has
Brexit camp. I
urged the UK to re-consider its red lines on the issue, saying
Key dates Transitional arrangements
EU budget
Deadline for Article 50 agreement
(May-June 2018)
(May-June 2018, Brussels)
(October 2018)
The UK and the EU will negotiate to agree
The first post-Brexit budget for the EU will
The UK has provisionally accepted the
transitional arrangements to avoidWa
be proposed, and will include reforms in
deadline for an Article 50 agreement to
Brexit ‘cliff-edge.’
both spending and revenue.
be reached by the autumn.
We have always said we will have a customs agreement that has the minimum of frictions. That is crucial
I do not expect the solution to be an extension of the customs union. I would view that on my part as a failure
GREG CLARK, Business Secretary, defending the call for a customs partnership with the EU, 6 May
DAVID DAVIS, Brexit Secretary, on his position as lead negotiator, 25 April
10 - info - may / june 2018
Sponsored by
Will Brexit stall UK vehicle manufacturers? UK vehicle manufacturers have adopted a wait and see approach, but the costs of Brexit could be a major challenge for the industry
T
he session was co-chaired by Neil Sherlock, Partner and
British parts, with the rest sourced from the EU or Asian
Head of Reputational Strategy of PwC and by Angela
markets.
Hepworth, Corporate Policy and Regulations Director of EDF
Depending on the EU-UK negotiations, new tariffs and
Energy. Ian Henry, Director of AutoAnalysis shared his thirty
customs arrangements could heavily impact the cost of
years of experience in the automobile industry and spoke
vehicles, as increased cash spent on parts are passed on to
about the challenges faced by the industry in the context of
customers.
the Brexit negotiations.
UK vehicle manufacturers would like to increase UK sourcing, but there are significant challenges to consider,
The end of a cycle
including supplier confidence in the UK market. Furthermore,
In 2017, 1.73m cars were produced in the UK. This was
manufacturers do not keep large volumes of stock. The current
70,000 fewer compared to the previous year. Henry argued
supply model is optimised to a ‘just in time’ model, where parts
that the fall in numbers is not directly linked to Brexit yet it
are delivered only when they are needed. Manufacturers may
demonstrates an industry going through turmoil.
need to consider warehousing stock, when this optimised
Issues that led to the downturn include the diesel controversy, the end of life decline acceleration for the Toyota
supply model is no longer possible post Brexit. Another key supply chain issue is in the growing eclectic
Auris and the Range Rover Evoque, and the disappointing sales
car market. Supply chains for an electric vehicle are vastly
of traditional saloon cars.
different from traditional vehicle, and new relationships and
Henry also reported that investing by vehicle manufacturers has also dropped. Between 2015 and 2017
supply models will need to be established if the UK is going to compete in the market.
investments decreased from £2.5bn to £700m. Yet for some vehicle manufacturers, it is still clearly
The consequences of a ‘hard Brexit’
‘business as usual,' with some positive activity by several
According to Henry, a ‘hard Brexit’ would heavily impact the
manufacturers. Honda recently launched the global Civic;
UK car manufacturers and the UK market. Also costs would
Nissan confirmed new Qashkai and X-Trail soon after the
increase because of new taxes and operational costs. (For
Brexit vote; and Mini electric vehicles will be made in the UK.
instance, the standard duty for goods imported from outside Europe is ten percent, which would likely be added to a new
The supply chain in trouble Henry reported that supply chains are the main focus of
import duty and cost of sale.) New distribution channels would b needed, generating
Brexit uncertainty for manufacturers. Globally, vehicles are
new costs, and pushing up the average price of a car. In some
built with parts come from outside the country in which they
some cases, from as much as £3,700 to £5,600. A hard Brexit
are assembled. In the UK, vehicles contain roughly 30 percent
may lead to some hard questions for the industry. I
The current supply model is optimised to a ‘just in time’ model, where parts are delivered only when they are needed. Manufacturers may need to consider warehousing stock, when this optimised model is no longer possible post-Brexit
info
- may / june 2018 - 11
Is opportunity knocking for the new international chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal? Helen Conybeare Williams, Counsel at Haynes Boone, explores the launch of a new venue for international commercial arbitration in the context of Brexit
O
n 7 February 2018, a new specialist International
give written evidence on which they may (in addition to
Chamber within the Paris Court of Appeal was launched
questioning by the judge) be cross-examined at the hearing,
by the French Ministry of Justice together with the Paris Bar
as well as in relation to the production of documents by
Association. The chamber is intended to deal with international
allowing certain document requests (but not going so far as
commercial matters governed by French as well as foreign
US discovery or English court disclosure)
law, and the use of English as well as certain common law procedures will be permitted. Paris has long been positioned as a leading centre for
e) A strict procedural timetable will be fixed up to and including the date that judgment is to be issued, although this can be modified in limited circumstances, which is
international commercial arbitration disputes, but the French
intended to reduce procedural delays and promote a swift
Government has expressed its clear intent to capitalize on the
and timely resolution of disputes
forthcoming departure of the UK from the EU by announcing several initiatives to strengthen Paris’ attractiveness as a financial centre. These include the development of a
f) The judgment will published in French together with a sworn translation in English English law has long been the preferred choice of law
specialized international chamber within the Paris Court
for international commercial and financial transactions,
of Appeal as a way to boost the attractiveness of its own
and English is globally used as the language of international
courts to English-speaking litigants engaged in cross-border
commerce, and will likely remain so for some time given the
transactions.
many factors which make English law attractive to international
The salient features of the new Paris International
business. The UK’s legal market is currently the largest legal
Chamber, which will be competent to determine appeals of
services sector within the EU (the commercial law market
international commercial disputes decided at first instance
is worth around ÂŁ14 billion) being some six times the size
by the international division of the Paris Commercial Court
of the French market, operating both as a global centre for
and actions against international arbitration awards including
international commercial transactions and disputes, as well
exequatur or registration procedures of international arbitral
as the European hub for legal services enjoying as it still does
awards for all actions commenced after 1 March 2018, are as
the advantage that judgments are currently freely enforceable
follows:
within the EU.
a) Such cross-border disputes will relate to international
However, the enforceability of English judgments once
commercial contracts, carriage of goods, competition, and
the UK no longer has access to the EU regime for recognition
financial instruments and securities
of judgments in the EU is at present uncertain and still being
b) Disputes may arise under international commercial
worked on in the negotiations between the UK and the EU.
contracts where the parties have chosen French law as the
As it is generally expected that some part of the banking and
governing law but where a foreign law is applicable to the
financial services sector, which has traditionally litigated in the
dispute (generally this will be cases under the common law
courts of the historical financial sectors such as London, may
and in English)
have to relocate from London, its users may need to consider
c) The written pleadings and submissions are to be in
alternatives to litigation in London following Brexit. However,
French, but in order to avoid the costs of translation or
the international arbitration market in London is expected to
interpreters, documentary evidence may be submitted in
remain attractive to its users since awards rendered in this
English without translation, and the parties, their counsel,
jurisdiction will continue to be enforceable across the EU, and
witnesses, and experts may all also be heard in English (or
this may also be the case in the banking and financial services
another foreign language)
sectors where there is a recent trend towards the use of
d) The procedure adopts common law approaches, in that the parties may call witnesses and experts to
12 - info - may / june 2018
international arbitration for the resolution of disputes. Against the uncertainty of Brexit for the UK, competitor
The Paris legal market already has a significant presence of English and US law firms, as well as numerous French law firms with an international dimension, and a significant number of lawyers at the Paris bar are both dual-qualified and English speaking
jurisdictions in the EU, such as the Paris International
International Chamber are able to deal with these cases
Chamber, are now seeking to offer alternative courts where
under a foreign law, in particular the common law, and in a
parties can litigate their English language and/or English law
foreign language, and that they are supported by appropriately
disputes combined with the certainty that their decisions will
qualified assistants.
be freely enforceable across the EU. The rules and practices of
The Paris legal market already has a significant presence
common law or the English commercial court are not intended
of English and US law firms, as well as numerous French
to be transposed into the French court system, but the latter
law firms with an international dimension, and a significant
is seeking to develop a system within the French legal tradition
number of lawyers at the Paris bar are both dual qualified and
suited to international commercial contracts. This objective
English speaking, including a large number presently practising
brings with it some considerable uncertainty for parties,
in London, so such expertise may be readily available.
because the outcomes may be less predictable and difficult to
Nevertheless the immense concentration of business (in
assess than litigation in the English courts.
particular financial business) and legal competence in London
A significant consideration for parties when deciding on
will likely mean that London maintains its position in legal
jurisdiction clauses and contemplating where to litigate their
market for the foreseeable future, but the developments in
disputes is whether the expertise to decide English law cases
Paris will no doubt be keenly followed from across the English
exists in competitor jurisdictions. It may take some time,
Channel in the current uncertain climate of Brexit, especially
resources, and training to ensure that the judges dealing
when the first cases start to be heard in the Paris International
with international and financial disputes within the Paris
Chamber, as will the initiatives in other jurisdictions. I
info
- may / june 2018 - 13
Cyber security in the European retail sector The potential loss of European digital security regualtion could have important consequences for online marketplaces, says Geraldine Fabre, Partner and Head of the French Group at Sherrards Solicitors LLP
O
n 12 March 2018, the European
1. Where a digital service provider
Commission published a notice
(DSP) is established in the Union,
on the consequences of Brexit in
the DSP is subject to the jurisdiction
the field of security of network and
of the Member State where it has
information systems (NIS). Subject
its main establishment, which in
to any transitional arrangements
principle corresponds to the place
contained in a possible withdrawal
where the provider has its head
agreement, EU rules on NIS will stop
office in the Union.
applying to the UK from the date of
2. Where a DSP is not established in
its withdrawal from the EU in 2019.
the Union but offers digital services
At that point, the UK will become a
into the Union, it must designate
‘third country’ in respect of the EU
a representative in the Union. If
regulation.
the DSP is broadly in breach of the
This will have important consequences for online shopping
General Data Protection Regime (GDPR) or the NIS rules, the
centres and online market places selling goods and providing
designation of a representative shall be without prejudice to
services (non-financial) across the border, as well as all other
legal actions which could be initiated against the digital service
‘online digital services’ such as search engines, Software as a
provider itself, across jurisdictions.
Service (SaaS), and cloud computing service providers.
3. If the DSP‘s main establishment was in the UK before the withdrawal date, and:
Rapid development
3.1 If it maintains one or several establishments in the EU
According to the European Commission, the retail sector is the
27-member states, it will be deemed to be under the jurisdiction
biggest sector in the EU non-financial business economy in
of the EU 27 resulting in a change of competent authority (for
terms of number of enterprises and persons employed. Retail
example: the CNIL in France).
is also closely linked to other sectors of the economy such as
3.2 If the DSP is no longer established in the EU27 but offers
wholesale, manufacturers, farmers as well as transportation
digital services into the EU27 member states, it will be subject
and logistics, and other business services. With the rapid
to the obligation to designate a representative in an EU27
development of e-commerce, the security of the sector which
member state.
brings goods and services from around the world to EU and
4. If a DSP is neither established in the EU27 nor in the United
non-EU consumers is essential.
Kingdom but subject to the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom
Alongside this, the digitalisation of processes in the retail
before the withdrawal date because it had designated a
sector are not only influencing the way consumers shop, but
representative in the United Kingdom, that DSP will, as of the
are also modifying offline and online shopping. This includes
withdrawal date, be subject to the obligation to designate a
shopping platforms for the sale of goods (such as Amazon or
representative in an EU27 Member State where services are
Shopify), and market places for suppliers of services, such as
offered by that DSP.
freelancers in the media, computing, and the arts (like Upwork
As retailers and suppliers of services accumulate vast
and Guru). It also includes tradesmen and facility services (such
amounts of valuable personal information on their customers,
as Uber, Airbnb, MyBuilder, and Rated People) who advertise
the risks involved in data breaches are increasing in the retail
and sell their services digitally to ever more trusting consumers.
industry. In the UK, the NIS Directive will be implemented into
Safety at stake
law on 9 May 2018 and the General Data Protection Regime
The consequences of the withdrawal date are as follows:
(GDPR) will be implemented into law on 25 May 2018. I
With the rapid development of e-commerce, the security of the sector which brings goods and services from around the world to EU and non-EU consumers is essential 14 - info - may / june 2018
INNOVATION OR
INVASION
Don’t settle for black and white For the full perspective, turn to the FT Visit FT.com
NEWS
A ND
A N A LY S I S
L'Oréal expands commitment to support women in science During the 20 th anniversary of For Women in Science, the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO gave their program a renewed drive by announcing the Male Champions for Women in Science initiative. At a time when less than 30 percent of researchers worldwide are women, men in the scientific community have a key role to play in changing the system from within. More than 20 eminent male scientists have joined ‘Male Champions for Women in Science.’ Among the leading figures are Professor Alain Fuchs, Chairman of the Université Paris Science et Lettres, and Professor Serge Abiteboul, Research Director at the École Normale Supérieur. I
EDF celebrates decade of safe working at Hunterson
Cripps named one of the UK’s top law firms Cripps has been recognised as a top law firm for its work in the private wealth sector for a fifth consecutive year. The recognition has been awarded by eprivateclient, the leading website and news service for private client practitioners, following a survey of over 140 firms for its ‘Top Law Firms’ guide. Myles McIntosh, head of the private client division said: ‘We are delighted to, once again, be ranked as a top law firm by eprivateclient. It is a recognition which reflects the hard work of our entire team and one which we are extremely proud to receive.’ I
LVMH names new Berluti Artistic Director Staff at Hunterston B power station are celebrating a
Kris Van Assche has been announced
significant safety milestone as the station reached 10 years
as the new artistic director of luxury
without anyone having to take time off due to an injury at
brand Berluti. He will be in charge of shoes, leather goods,
work. Since March 2008 staff and contractors at the site
ready-to-wear and accessories collections. ‘I am delighted
have worked more than 18.2 million hours in total without a
to welcome Kris Van Assche to Berluti. I have known him for
Lost Time Injury (LTI). That is when someone working at the
several years, have always admired his work at Dior Homme
station injures themselves on duty and is absent for one day
and I am looking forward to working with him,’ said Antoine
or more. This is longest run across all eight UK nuclear power
Arnault, CEO of Berluti. Kris Van Assche will present his first
stations. I
collection during Paris Men’s Fashion Week in January 2019. I
Coty introduces new Marc Jacobs fragrance
Marc Jacobs International and Marc Jacobs Fragrances, a division of Coty Inc, announced that for the first time in over four years, the brand will be introducing a new fragrance line into the Daisy Marc Jacobs franchise, Daisy Love Marc Jacobs. The global advertising campaign will feature model Kaia Gerber in her continued partnership with the brand. I 16 - info - may / june 2018
BUSINE S S WOR LD – NE WS AND ANALYSI S
Edenred invests in payments and monitoring start-up
Eurostar introduces first commercial service to Holland
The Edenred Group, via its venture capital
Eurostar, the high-
structure Edenred
speed rail service
Capital Partners, has
connecting the
acquired a stake in
UK with mainland
the American start-up
Europe, launched a
Candex, specializing in
new service direct
vendor monitoring and
from London to
payments, as part of a $3.5m global fundraising campaign.
Rotterdam and
This investment intends to finance Candex's growth and
Amsterdam, with the
enhance its solution. It will also allow Edenred to explore
first customers departing from St. Pancras International. The
the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the area of corporate
arrival of Eurostar’s new service marks a step change in the
payments, in line with its open innovation strategy. Candex
expansion of international high-speed rail, transforming the
is an online marketplace, facilitating interactions between
connection between London and the Netherlands. For the
companies and tail service vendors, and connecting
first time, passengers can travel from the heart of London
thousands of companies to vendors in more than 50
direct to Rotterdam in 3h01 and Amsterdam in 3h41, at a
countries. I
speed of 300kph. I
Saint-Gobain acquires Micro Hydraulics
Saint-Gobain’s Performance Plastics Life Sciences business has acquired the pharmaceutical business Micro Hydraulics, Ltd., a Dublin, Ireland, based supplier and manufacturer of single-use components and systems for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.
SPIE wins health and safety award
SPIE UK received Gold in the internationally-renowned RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, the longest-running industry awards scheme in the UK. SPIE UK will continue to build the safe practices and behaviours, as well as promote its ‘No One Gets Hurt’ ethos, to ensure that the safety culture is embedded throughout the business.
BNP Paribas Group acquires Raiffeisen Bank Polska
BNP Paribas Group and Raiffeisen Bank International have reached an agreement for the acquisition of the core banking operations of Raiffeisen Bank Polska, to be combined with the Polish subsidiary BGZ BNP Paribas.
Euronext launches an inaugural €500m bond issue
Euronext, the leading pan-European exchange in the Eurozone with more than 1,300 listed issuers, launched a €50m, 7-year inaugural bond issue, rated by S&P “A”, with an annual coupon of 1 percent and listed on Euronext Dublin.
Veolia launch new online marketplace for organic resources in the UK
As part of the drive to increase the circular economy, global resource management company, Veolia, is launching an online trading platform that makes it easier to sell and buy organic resources.
info
- may / june 2018 - 17
NE WS AND ANALYSI S – BUSINE S S WOR LD
AQUIND has been awarded PCI status by the European Commission The European Parliament approved the latest PCI project list featuring AQUIND Interconnector in March 2018. PCIs are key energy infrastructure projects that address the three challenges of the European energy policy: affordability, security of supply and decarbonisation. AQUIND will make a valuable contribution towards achieving these goals by providing more interconnection within the priority Northern Seas offshore grid corridor.
Airbus announces repeat order for fuel-efficient aircraft
SAS Group, has signed a firm order for 35 A320neo aircraft. SAS will also lease 15 additional A320neos from leasing companies.
AccorHotels acquires restaurant management platform
This important new strategic commitment will result in SAS becoming an all Airbus operator with the fuel-efficient A320 family for its mainline European operations, as well as for its extensive domestic services in Scandinavia. These new A320neos will join the airline’s existing Airbus fleet of 56 aircraft (eight A340s, eight A330s and 40 A320 Family aircraft). The engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date. SAS has been an Airbus customer since 1980. I
AccorHotels has completed the acquisition of table reservation system, ResDiary. Established in Glasgow in 2004, the company now has more than 100 staff based in 6 countries, and has a footprint in 60 countries globally, seating 166m diners a year in over 8,600 venues.
Estée Lauder partners with Nature Research on Global Award
Nature Research and The Estée Lauder Companies have launched two global awards today that seek to put a spotlight on exceptional achievements of female scientists and those working to promote greater inclusiveness.
18 - info - may / june 2018
Fenestron celebrates 50th anniversary On the 12th of April 1968, the first Fenestron, invented by Paul Fabre and René Mouille, took to the skies on the second prototype of the Gazelle. It has since become emblematic of Sud Aviation, Aerospatiale, Eurocopter and now Airbus helicopters with the H160 carrying this sound-reducing, safety-enhancing technology into the next generation of rotorcraft. The idea behind shrouding the tail rotor was initially developed to provide additional safeguards for workers on the ground but also to protect the tail rotor in forward flight and in complicated operational environments, such as working around high-voltage power lines. I
Willis Towers Watson expands cybersecurity services with IBM Security
Willis Towers Watson announced an expansion of the company’s global advisory services aimed at addressing risk related to cybersecurity. As part of the broader service offering, Willis Towers Watson will begin integrating IBM Security’s suite of services – from security testing and technical assessments to incident response and cyber resiliency services – to help clients assess, protect and recover from cybersecurity threats. This collaboration will provide clients a more integrated and holistic view of their cyber risk, enabling an effective risk transfer and overall capital allocation strategy. I
Proud to be the UK’s largest producer of low carbon electricity Feel better energy To find out more about our low carbon nuclear generation visit www.edfenergy.com/energyfuture. Character under licence from BeatBots LLC. EDF Energy is a trading name used by EDF Energy Customers Ltd, Reg. No. 02228297 whose Registered Office is at 90 Whitfield Street, London, W1T 4EZ, incorporated in England and Wales.
BUSINE S S WOR LD – SME PROFILE
Customer Experience 2.0 The London- and Paris-based CXB Hub helps established and emerging companies improve how they serve their customers and employees. INFO speaks to co-founders Alexis Grabar and Claire Bonniol What does CXB Hub do?
data plays a critical role in addressing
We work in tandem with strategic
these demands, for example: cloud data
providers to deliver timely insights and
can be used to retain brand seamlessness
solutions to customer and employee
whilst simultaneously personalising the
experience-related
customer’s interactions.
business
issues.
Currently, our strategic providers under contract are KPAM and Hiveworks
What are your top tips for businesses
(ex-Orange Digital). We work also in
seeking to ensure a continual high-
partnership with Live Journey, Klaxoon and Aktan.
level customer experience? through
our
partnership
with
For
well
established
businesses:
As a team, we have over 40 years
LiveJourney, which uses algorithms and
enhance your digital and technological
of experience dealing with blue chip
data visualisations to identify and rectify
capabilities. Big data is no longer a
companies
inefficient business practices.
visionary ideal, it is crucial to building
in
their
customer
and
employee experience journey. We are
New technologies are integral to
present in the UK/US, French, Russian
our future and immediate-to-long term
interaction. For emerging companies,
and Romanian markets.
growth. We conducted an internal
defining who their customer voice is and
competitive analysis report which found
creating user-centred design features to
Tell us how the concept for your
that our traditional competitors agree.
accompany their brand.
business arose.
Accenture, CapGemini and Ernst &
When we first moved to London with
Young have made targeted acquisitions
What are the most common areas in
Academie du Service and experienced
of technology and big data-focussed
which improvements can be made?
the innovation-driven market here we
companies
Firstly, they need to isolate the customer
knew we had outgrown the traditional
capabilities.
to
enhance
their
own
a
holistic
experience
consultancy model. CXB Hub created a
and
seamless
from
employee
brand
and
customer
experience,
product/service
bridge between solutions providers and
How
influencing
experience, so as not to lose sight the
fast-growing/fortune
how businesses approach their CX
complexity of the customer experience
Our vision is grounded in the power of
activities?
journey as it currently is today. Secondly,
customer and experience management
CXB Hub has a deep appreciation of
they need to address shortcomings in
centricity
the customer voice and how influential
the organisational culture and structure.
it is in shaping CX activities. In B2B
Transformational
and B2C spheres, the customer voice
be made when you have visionary
How are new technologies, such as
is
leadership,
big data and digital tech, impacting
comes to fast response times to issues,
what you do?
interacting with knowledgeable staff and
We incorporate data-driven practices
experiencing brand seamlessness. Big
for
500
enhancing
companies.
company
performance.
are
consumers
increasingly
demanding
when
it
changes
rather
than
can
constantly
fighting fires. I
TOP CX TRENDS ‘In 2018, and beyond, the top trends are personalisation, greater use of cloud data for ‘decisioning’ and augmented reality. Cloud data is no longer just a marketing tool but a way of leveraging all types of customer information. This will help personalise customer interactions better and ensure more efficient ‘decisioning.’ Without integration, ours and customer’s most precious 20 - info - may / june 2018
only
commodity, time, will be wasted. With regards to augmented reality, the sensory experience of the customer will become far more enhanced and give an accurate prediction of what the customer should expect. Underlying all of this is the importance of the organisational culture and structure.’ - Alexis Grabar & Claire Bonniol
BUSINE S S WOR LD – SME NE WS
Delville Management grows team in automotive, aerospace and healthcare
A
fter a strong 2017 that saw turnover double to £11.5m, Delville Management has made five new hires to increase the team to 30 people, with the objective of achieving 40 percent growth in 2018 and confirming our position in the top tier international interim management firms. After focussing primarily on Private Equity in the UK, Delville Management is expanding its UK focus to Automotive, Aerospace and Healthcare companies. I
Mondassur partners with Qare online doctor consultation
TheHouseShop.com expands into rental management with Experian
M
T
ondassur continues to develop its services in London to offer the most suitable medical insurance for the French living in the United Kingdom, announcing a partnership with Qare to offer our policyholders online doctor-consultation services at a reduced cost. Mondassur offer access to French-speaking doctors. I
he
tech
Microsoft
programme
giant for that
has
RentScore handles all aspects of rent collection, but crucially also registers tenant’s rental payment data with Experian’s Rental Exchange. Sebastien Goldenberg, Co-founder of TheHouseShop, says: ‘RentScore effectively gives individual private landlords the same power as big financial institutions to incentivise on-time rent payments from their tenants.’ I
ON5 launches energy savings workshop
O
launched
Startups, aims
that will help landlords to incentivise on-time payments
from tenants. The new ‘smart rent collection’ service called
Microsoft announces new programme for start-ups
T
heHouseShop announce new partnership with Experian
to
a
bring
N5 Company UK, has launched an innovative energy savings programme created to help employees
save energy in their homes through engagement online
technology and marketing expertise
and
to startups and that includes a co-
workshops, Energy100 educates employees with quick
onsite.
Through
30-minute,
awareness-raising
selling program that allows startups
and easy energy-savings tips for their homes, helping each
to piggyback on Microsoft’s existing
employee to save up to £100 on their home energy bills.
sales force. In addition, Microsoft is tweaking some of its existing
Workshops are complemented by the Energy100 Hub, a
programs to better support the startups in its ecosystem – in
digital platform that utilises gamification techniques and
total committing $500m over the course of the next two years
rewards to incentivise people to take action to reduce
to run joint sales engagements and offer to startups access to
their gas and electricity consumption. I
technology and community spaces. I
Early Metrics partners with PwC in Insurtech
S
F
rench kitchen manuMobalpa
facturer
tart-up rating agency Early Metrics have teamed up with accounting giant PwC
and
Mobalpa showroom opens in Reading
international
opportunities
to
to
by
started opening
10 th
Franchise showroom in
business-to-
Reading. Representing
business Insurtech firms. The PwC Scale |
a
Insurtech
Mobalpa
Programme
2018 its
commercial
provide
fast-growing
has
features
revenue-
300K
investment, Reading
is
generating scale-ups with a validated product
the latest store to join
for companies approaching Series A financing or
their growing network.
beyond. Running for 10 weeks, the programme
Based on Watlington Street, the 170sqm showroom features seven kitchen,
will enable Insurtech companies to connect
bathroom, wardrobes and living displays. Designed to display a modern way
with industry executives, thought leaders, and
of living, the space has open-plan areas, storage solutions and finish, colour
investors through private events. I
and handle selections displayed in a real setting. I
info
- may / june 2018 - 21
BUSINE S S WOR LD – S TART- UP PROFILE
True Colours Co-nekt, an agency that specialises in colour and its applications to brands, consumers and retail spaces, speaks to INFO about the influence that colour can have on consumers What does your agency do? We are a premier colour brand experience agency. We
give another dimension to the relationship brand/customer, to
empower brands with the development of meaningful colour
be able to re-enforce and assist the client at every stage of this
experiences. We design a series of innovations as well as
sensorial marketing.
interactive and multi-sensorial communication concepts. By capturing this sensitivity, we capture key information on what
What is the most surprising thing you have learned about
builds the personality, the profile and the specific customer’s
colour?
tastes.
The power of colour. As a universal language conveying emotions, colour speaks to the sensibility of everyone with
Who are some of your clients?
a direct influence on the state of mind, the mood and what
L’Oréal, WGSN, Bloomingdales, The Conran Shop, PANTONE,
we feel.
Louis Quatorze Paris , The Set Hotel, and more. What kind of results have you achieved for your clients? Where did the idea for an agency that specialises in colour
The colour sensorial marketing offers the opportunity for a
come from?
brand to interact with the ability to advise, propose, orientate,
Colour has been our field of expertise and is part of our DNA.
direct each client, influence his behaviour, and reassure him,
We are the original creators of the PANTONE consumer brand,
making him feel comfortable, identify and create a purchasing
PANTONEUNIVERSE.
desire based on non-intrusive and meaningful relationship.
Why is colour important for companies and branding?
What are the priorities for the development of the
Colour’s power influences mood and evokes feelings that can
business?
make a significant impact on purchasing behaviour. For a long
The goal is to prioritise human relationships. We want to create
time, colour played an important role in trends prescribing/
spaces where the dialogue between brands and their clients
forecasting and its updates.
Today, new colour usage offers
is optimised. We do this by creating unique colour-immersive
new perspectives in establishing relationships of proximity,
and multi-sensorial experiences, which will deliver a new type
trust and loyalty. Managing colour offers the opportunity to
of behavioural analysis and colour emotional data. I
The power of colour influences mood and evokes feelings that can make a significant impact on purchasing behaviour
IN D US T RY I N S IG H T : THE I MPAC T OF COLOU R In a recent article, the Industry London underlined the five emotional triggers to help increase sales, including the power of colour. Colour’s powerful influence on our mood can evoke feelings that can make a significant impact on customers purchasing behaviour. They found that: 93 percent of purchasing decisions are based on visual appearance. 85 percent of consumers cite colour as the primary reason for choosing a product. Source: Co-nekt / Industry London
22 - info - may / june 2018
E DUC ATION – NE WS
Arts & Métiers alumnus receives award Renaud Million, alumnus of Arts & Métiers ParisTech, was awarded young actuarial professional of the year by InsuranceERM for Spixii, an insurtech company working with global insurers to enhance their digital customer journey, with the mission of making insurance more accessible. Developed using behavioural economics, Spixii equips insurers with powerful and innovative technologies to rethink their relationship to their customers by transparently providing them with better protection and added value. I
Ecole Jeannine Manuel Paris ranked best high school in France for 2018 Ecole Jeannine Manuel in Paris has been ranked best high school in France by l’Internaute (alongside the Lycée Henri IV) for the sixth year in a row and second best high school according to the Figaro (between Henri IV and LouisLe-Grand). According to Head of School Elisabeth Zéboulon, ‘These results are all the more remarkable given that all of our students take the International Option of the French Baccalaureate (OIB), the most prestigious course of study offered in the French education system.’ I
HEC Paris hosts AfricaDays 2018 The second edition of AfricaDays, hosted by HEC Paris, put the spotlight on agriculture in Africa. Africa’s main economic actors met on campus to discuss the most
Grenoble Ecole de Management announces recruitment programme for students with Aspergers
pressing issues in African agriculture
Grenoble Ecole de Management has partnered with
and the solutions needed to answer
C3R (Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation pyscho-sociale
the challenges they pose. ‘HEC Paris'
et de Remédiation cognitive) to create a new data program
commitment to Africa is a long-term
designed for Asperger profiles and companies that wish to
one. We are a partner of African economies, providing our
recruit students from the program. The goal is to facilitate
expertise and contributing to the training of future decision-
job employment for Asperger profiles by meeting growing
makers in Africa and its Diaspora,’ said François Collin,
demands for employees with data skills. The program is
International Director of HEC Paris. I
expected to open in January 2019. I
EM Normandie launches Digital Sales specialisation
ESCP Europe partners with Bain
EM Normandie will open a new specialisation on its Dublin
Company is a strategic partner for the recently established
Campus: Digital Sales. Open to final year students of the
Master's programme in ‘Strategy and Digital Business’ at
Grande Ecole Programme, this new specialisation option will
the ESCP Europe Business School in Berlin. Bain supports
train specialists in Digital Sales, able to work in international
the programme by offering its expertise in digitalisation and
environments.The objective is to enable students to
strategy, which results in an ideal combination of teaching and
master those e-business technologies which generate
practical experience. Applications welcome until early August
competitiveness, to be able to define new business models
2018. I
The international management consulting firm Bain &
and deploy their marketing and social media strategies. I
info
- may / june 2018 - 23
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
RETAIL in Hauts-de-France: B2B on 12 June 2018 in Lille Retail and e-commerce in Hauts-de-France, two historically dynamic sectors turned towards innovation • 160 e-merchants representing 10,300 jobs and 65bn euros of sales: Amazon, Showroomprivé, Egencia, Booking.com, Conrad, and more • The retail business generates 204,000 jobs in more than 71,250 businesses and accounts for one 1/3 of total distance sales • 1 unique competitiveness cluster in France for 'tomorrow’s commerce:' the PICOM • 1 incubator dedicated to e-commerce: 'Blanchemaille by Euratechnologies' • Numerous logistic platforms representing over 13m square metres of warehousing
T
he HAUTS-DE-FRANCE Region gave birth to the pioneers of
together the main French players in retail, e-commerce and customer
Distance Selling and today hosts giants in the retail business:
relations in order to anticipate 'Tomorrow’s Commerce.'
Auchan, Decathlon, Leroy Merlin, Boulanger, Norauto. At the forefront
Do you wish to establish sustainable and innovative business
of technology in this field, it has succeeded in transforming the sector
relations? The Hauts-de-France Region is the ideal close-to-home
and moving it on to e-commerce and enable the establishment here of
destination for British firms. Young and enterprising, the Region
big names such as Amazon or Showroomprive.com.
is enriched with the diversity of its companies and proud of the
With over 71,000 businesses accounting for 204,000 jobs, the retail
quality of its workforce: dynamic small businesses, young start-
sector in Hauts-de-France is at the forefront of technology, thanks to
ups, multinationals, incubators or accelerators in the retail sector, all
its competitiveness cluster, unique in France, the PICOM, that brings
partnerships are possible.
You find it hard to make plans because of the uncertain future? No problem. Welcome EU! The Hauts-de-France Region welcomes you and facilitates the development of your business. For every question you have, we provide an answer: • Are you looking for the right contact person or body?
• Do you wish to arrange a meeting in Lille with a customer, partner
The website www.welcom-eu.com is your starting point for any
or prospect? Or simply have a workspace available to you free of
economic undertaking for partnership or establishment in Hauts-de-
charge opposite Lille Europe Station a stone’s throw away from the
France.
Eurostar? The Business Lounge is a space specially dedicated for you. Located
• Do you wish to meet a partner in the UK?
in the Euralille business district, it welcomes you from Monday to
No problem either. The Hauts de France office in London is an open
Friday on the premises of the Hauts-de-France Chamber of Commerce
door for you! It is located at 300 High Holborn, Lincoln House, London.
and Industry, 299 boulevard de Leeds in Lille. http://www.welcom-eu. com/blog/en/2017/10/27/see-business-lounge-hauts-de-france-lille/
• Do you need to share, exchange or set up a network? Ensure or develop your trade with the Continent?
• And supposing, at the end of the day, we really did do business?
Welcome to 'Channel Hub,' a Franco-British business information
It’s possible on 12 June in Lille! The event is for people who are
and experience sharing club for French companies that export to the
seeking or offering innovative solutions or technologies in the fields
UK and British firms located in Hauts-de-France. Join the experts!
of E-commerce & retail, Cyber Security, Fintech, Video games, Virtual reality, film shoots, Internet of Things or Smart city.
See you on 12 June in Lille for the 1st Franco-British business convention in the digital sector in France. Come and meet your future Hauts -de-France partners. You are perhaps just what they are looking for!
The B2B is free. Register now! https://linklille.b2match.io/ HAUTS-DE-FR ANCE: WELCOME EU!
B2B Matchmaking Event - Digital
Take the oppportunity to connect with future customers, suppliers and key partners, in Tech sectors, during this Franco-British event !
12 June 2018 - Lille - France Main Topics • • • •
E-commerce & retail Cyber Security Fintech Video games, virtual reality, film shoots • Internet of Things • Smart city
linklille.b2match.io Free admission but registration is required
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
Deloitte: Global Powers of Retailing Global Powers of Retailing identifies the 250 largest retailers around the world based on publicly available data for FY2016 (fiscal years ended through June 2017), and analyses their performance across geographies and product sectors. It also provides a global economic outlook and looks at the 50 fastest-growing retailers and new entrants to the Top 250. This year’s report focuses on the theme of ‘Transformative change, reinvigorated commerce,’ which looks at the latest retail trends and the future of retailing through the lens of young consumers. To mark this 21st edition, there will be a retrospective which looks at how the Top 250 has changed over the last 15 years. Deloitte: Global powers of retailing – 2018 Available at: https://bit.ly/2FL94mo
KPMG: Retail survey For the fourth year running, KPMG have analysed consumers’ buying patterns and spending habits to gain insight into the experience of shopping with many brands in the UK. Their Retail Survey revealed that there are a range of dynamic trends re-shaping the retail landscape which have been brought to light over the Black Friday and Christmas shopping period in 2017. KPMG surveyed over 1,600 KPMG employees in their capacity as consumers over a five-week period, from 20 November to 22 December 2017. The findings incorporate consumer interactions with 297 UK retailers, across 30 product categories. The data was collated through KPMG’s digital analytics and visualisation tools. Our insights are broad-reaching, covering every stage of the retail cycle including purchase, transaction, collection, delivery and returns. KPMG Retail survey – 2018 Available at: https://bit.ly/2jirUaq
PwC: Retail Outlook PwC reports that 2017 was a challenging year for retailers. Cost pressures have mounted due to a combination of Sterling weakness, cost inflation, business rates increases, the National Living Wage and other staff costs. While consumers have continued to open their wallets, they’ve done so more judiciously, for example diverting their spending towards nondiscretionary categories and own label products. Retailers are now on tenterhooks waiting to see what this Christmas will bring. Orders have been placed, stock is filling stores and warehouses, promotions have been planned, ad campaigns are about to be revealed. But will consumers continue to spend, or will the squeeze in real earnings and expected hike in interest rates come home to roost? PwC: Retail Outlook – 2018 Available at: https://pwc.to/1SJBsIn 26 - info - may / june 2018
info
- march / april 2018 - 26
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internationalsos.com
RECODING
T
he newspaper headlines talk about UK retail heading into challenging times – store closures, questions about the future of the high street, and the uncertainty of Brexit loom large. KPMG’s annual retail survey showed that non-food sales were at an all time low, retuning to 2011 levels when the aftershocks of the global financial crisis were being felt. But this isn’t the whole picture. In addition to the challenges that it faces, there are green shoots across the industry, where retailers are adapting to meet the needs and expectations of consumers. As you will read in this FOCUS section, our contributors make the argument that now is the time for innovation in the sector – uncertainty can also mean opportunity. From the rise of third-party platforms like Alibaba and Amazon to enterprising start ups, retail activity is catering to new priorities: choice, ease of delivery and concern about sustainability are just some of the issues at the forefront of the mind of the consumer in 2018.
28 - info - may / june 2018
One important trend is the confluence of physical and digital retail. As one contributor notes, the dichotomy between shopping in-store and online is rapidly becoming irrelevant, as consumers see retail as holistic of both online and offline experiences. The question is: how will retailers adapt to this new way of shopping? New thinking is needed in the industry that is the UK’s largest private sector employer. According to the British Retail Consortium, the sector’s leading industry organisation, retailers are making considerable investment in technology and innovation. They are also looking to the back office, finding new and better ways to recruit, train and retain staff across their operations. Our aim in this section is to provide a snap shot of where the sector is, and where it is going. Payment, technology, business models and consumers are some of the key themes that are explored in this pages – we wish you an enjoyable and informative read. I
info
- may / june 2018 - 29
A Bright Future The future of retail looks positive, but there is much to be done to fulfil our potential, says Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium
R
etail is a dynamic and diverse industry and as the UK’s
Reflecting these changes, we have a vision for better retail
largest private sector employer, it is a driving force in our
jobs in the future which will improve productivity and provide
economy, touching the lives of millions of us every day.
quality employment opportunities for people across the UK.
But take a walk down any UK high street and it’s easy to see
Our members are investing considerable sums to increase
that the industry is in the midst of a period of considerable
the skills of their employees and this improvement in the
transformation.
digital literacy of the workforce will have substantial positive
On the one-hand some of this is healthy and reflects positive reinvention as retailers invest in technology and innovation to improve the customer experience. On the other hand, the industry is facing rising operating costs and continued pressure on consumer spending.
implications across the whole of the UK economy. The future is bright for retail but there is much that we must address if we are to realise this positive vision. The current business rates system for example is acting as a barrier to new businesses taking over leases in empty premises.
We know that this period of change will be with us for some
As the larger retailers consolidate their store portfolios this is
time yet, but as the industry navigates its way through it, we
preventing new investment in our high streets and getting in the
must not lose sight of the fact that the future is bright for retail.
way of regeneration. Start-ups are being put off taking on new
We have a world leading industry, showing other countries
leases when the potential rates bills threaten to cripple their
how to deliver for customers in new ways. Retailers are making
enterprise before it even gets off the ground.
considerable investment in technology and innovation which
For every £1 retailers pay in corporation tax they pay £2.30
are transforming the retail experience for customers. Online
in business rates on average. Retailers alone are responsible for
transactions currently account for 15% of retail sales and this
£7bn in business rates annually, or a quarter of the overall total,
figure looks set to grow as barriers to growth are overcome by
despite making up a much smaller proportion of the economy.
innovation, enabling latent customer demand to be realised.
We need a new, more creative and flexible approach from
Consumers are interacting with brands in different ways, with retailers offering an integrated shopping experience across
government to rebalance taxes and attract investment which will lead to greater productivity and improved living standards.
stores, internet and mobile giving consumers greater choice
It’s not only the business rates system which requires
in how, where and when they shop. This means that there
reform. Retailers are committed to creating jobs that are higher
will be fewer stores and that they are more likely to focus on
skilled, with clear progression routes that lead to higher wages.
experience, convenience or fulfilment.
Apprenticeships are one important way to achieve this but the
Retailers are responsible for £7bn in business rates annually, or a quarter of the overall total, despite making up a much smaller proportion ot the economy
30 - info - may / june 2018
R ECODING R E TAIL – FOCUS
for British Retail current system isn’t working; the number of apprenticeship
makers must play their part in addressing this by allowing more
starts is falling and the Apprenticeship Levy is not flexible
flexibility in how Apprenticeship Levy funds can be spent.
enough to allow retailers to make the most of it. The retail
It’s clear that retail in the future will look very different to
industry’s contribution to the levy is significant – up to £180m
today. Policy makers must play their part, as retailers are, in
per year. On top of this retailers are required to find up to
ensuring that the future is a bright one. I
20 percent more to run apprenticeship programmes. Policy
BREXIT : ONE YEAR TO GO BUT A LONG ROAD AHEAD As one-year countdown to leaving the EU has begun, recent breakthroughs in the negotiations logjam couldn’t have come soon enough. The agreement on a framework for a standstill transition period is something we’ve long argued is vital to avoid a cliff-edge by giving businesses and government time to adjust, plan ahead and invest. Another encouraging development comes from both the UK and EU-27 negotiators appearing committed to a tariff-free deal, which is important for consumers. This is particularly important for food as around 20 per cent of products sold in a supermarket are imported from the EU and adding high tariffs would have a significant
impact on hard-pressed consumers. The BRC also led calls to put the trade deals that the EU has negotiated with third countries, from which the UK benefits from zero or low rate tariffs on various imports, on a more secure footing for the transition phase. With the UK and EU working together, and goodwill from the third countries involved, there is every sign that this will be achieved too. These bilateral deals enable retailers to source products, namely food and clothing, at preferential rates, so they must be transferred in time to ensure UK consumers don’t lose out. – Helen Dickinson, BRC
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- may / june 2018 - 31
The word from Westminster
INFO speaks with Andrew Griffiths MP, the UK’s Retail Minister and co-chair of the newly-founded Retail Sector Council What is the importance of the British
How was the Retail Sector Council
How will the Council operate?
retail sector to the country?
created?
Government will co-Chair the Council
The UK’s retail sector is a driving force in
The Council is the first industry-led
as part of its Industrial Strategy to
the economy and essential to our high
sector council for retail and was
improve the Government’s interaction
streets, local and regional communities.
launched on 7 March by myself and
with the sector and work in partnership
It is also is a high employment sector
Richard Pennycook, Chairman of
to tackle the industry’s issues. Senior
(3.2 million jobs across the UK). In 2016,
Fenwick, The Hut Group and Howden
management from Boots, Amazon and
the retail sector added a gross value of
Joinery Group. We are both co-Chairs of
other renowned retailers will also sit
£94.6bn to the UK economy.
the council.
on the Council as well as the British
Given the fast structural changes
Retail Consortium. Our government
Could you elaborate on the
in the sector and the current operating
has a history of successfully bringing
goverment's recent launch of the
environment, retailers and government
sector players together via small,
Retail Sector Council?
are now in agreement that the time is
strategic sector councils and working
The Council aims to discuss the
right to establish a Council.
in partnership to improve the sector’s
challenges the sector faces, provide
The formation of the Council follows
performance e.g. the automotive, agri-
expert advice to the sector and
other government action to create
contribute to its future direction. It will
a Britain fit for the future including
At the moment, the Council is
review how best retailers can adapt
the government’s response to the
defining its work plan, but ways to
to changing consumer behaviour and
independent Taylor Review, which
boost sector productivity and grow its
changing business environment. It
ensures employment law and practices
economic health have been identified
will review opportunities such as the
keep pace with the modern ways of
as priorities. It will meet regularly to
development of new technologies to
working, and its ambitious Industrial
discuss the challenges the sector faces.
improve customer service, and growing
Strategy which sets out a long term plan
skills through a push on high-value
to boost the productivity and earning
How will Brexit affect the sector?
training and ways of working. Lastly, it
power of businesses and people
EU exit negotiations continue. The
will devise a strategy to boost sector
throughout the UK.
Government is looking for a deal that is
productivity and economic health.
tech and construction sector.
in line with retailer’s interests. I
Our new collaborative Retail Sector Council will bring government and industry together to look at how best to ensure the industry adapts to meet the changing demands of consumers 32 - info - may / june 2018
R ECODING R E TAIL – FOCUS
A Brexit Deal for
RETAIL
Josh Hardie, Deputy Director General of the CBI, explores how Brexit can deliver what the UK retail industry needs now
T
here is no other part of the economy that is at the front
transferred further up the supply chain.
and centre of the public consciousness as much as the
From Camembert to Chianti, the EU is the largest and most
retail sector. Accounting for around 9 percent of jobs
important market both for the import and export of retail
in the UK – from Christmas jobs on the high street to full-time
goods. Where the UK does not produce items itself, it heavily
management of retail distribution depots – nearly everyone
relies on imports - for example, 98 percent of UK demand for
has some experience working in, or with, the industry. It is also
clothing is from the EU and the rest of the world.
one of the economy’s most innovative sectors and is often at
For food retail, frictionless trade is especially important – the
the vanguard of adopting disruptive technologies and business
EU alone accounts for 29 percent of the food on the shelves in
models.
the UK. The solution to the Irish border question will also be
But despite these strengths, retail faces serious potential
particularly fundamental to the sector, as 41 percent of the
challenges with the UK’s departure from the EU. Retail is a key
Republic of Ireland’s food exports go to the UK, in trade worth
example of why it is important
€4.bn. The UK regularly acts as a
to get the right Brexit deal, in
trade hub for non-EU imports to
terms of immigration regulation,
enter the EU. For example, one
and customs. While things are
consumer goods CBI member
moving in the right direction in the
manufactures
negotiations, this is the moment
products in Asia then ships them to
for businesses in the retail industry
hubs in the North East of England
to make their priorities clear on
and from there, the company
both sides of the Channel.
coordinates distribution across the
Ensuring that retailers and
all
its
clothing
UK, Ireland and Northern Europe.
their supply chains continue to
One of the answers to achieving
have access to the right talent and
as frictionless trade as possible in
workforce after Brexit is crucial for
a post-Brexit world is to have high
the sector. Beyond the shop floor, EU citizens work throughout the supply chain. From farm workers, to lorry drivers, to accountants, a significant part of the workforce that supports the industry are EU citizens. For it to thrive in the future, continued access to labour and skills form the EU is therefore absolutely vital.
A hard-headed look at the economic evidence shows that some form of customs union, alongside high regulatory alignment and a deep relationship with the single market, is necessary to ensure frictionless trade and no hardening of the Irish Border
Crucially, in the new economic
regulatory convergence with the EU. The CBI’s latest report Smooth Operations found that the vast majority of UK sectors are seeking a deep regulatory relationship with the EU – including consumer goods and food. A hard-headed look at the economic evidence shows that some form of customs union, alongside
relationship between the UK and
high
regulatory
alignment and a deep relationship
EU, safeguarding frictionless trade is particularly important
with the single market, is necessary to ensure frictionless trade
for retail. With retailers acting as the consumer facing outlet
and no hardening of the Irish Border.
for many different sectors that sell into it, such as food and
Business is 100 percent committed to making a success of
drink, goods constantly move around from supply chain to
Brexit. The next six months will be crucial in the negotiations
manufacturer to retailer at pace.
and the experience of companies will be essential in the months
To protect the deeply interconnected supply chains of the
ahead. The negotiators must listen to the evidence – and the
retail industry, trade must be as easy and frictionless as possible
CBI is working with them to secure the best possible outcome
or costs will inevitably be passed on to the consumer or simply
for both the UK and EU. I
info
- may / june 2018 - 33
Two Nations of
SHOPKEEPERS? Sir Ian Cheshire, retail expert and Chairman of Debenhams and Maisons du Monde, reflects on the character of Anglo-French retail and the challenges facing the sector
H
aving had the privilege of running one Anglo-French
I would argue for three themes:
retailer, Kingfisher (the owner of B&Q and Castorama/
1) real complementarity of skills between the two
Brico Depot), I am now chairman of another French
countries;
retailer, Maisons du Monde, and a UK one, Debenhams, who
2) real differences; and
are providing Maisons with their launch pad into the UK. My
3) real opportunity when we work together.
personal perspective over twenty years of cross-channel retail is based on a deep belief in the opportunities created from working together – despite the challenges of Brexit.
A nation of shopkeepers
In my experience, both nations have different skill sets, but ones which can be complementary.
1. Complementary skills It may be a cliché to talk about French design skills, but they
The phrase 'a nation of shopkeepers' is usually, and wrongly,
really do stand out. I am reminded of two notable examples.
attributed to Napoloen. It was in fact used as an insult by
First, when we brought Castorama products to B&Q; and
revolutionary France in 1794, and was first developed as a
recently, with Maisons du Monde selling chic and affordable
positive idea by the economist Adam Smith in his ‘Wealth of
French homeware around the world.
Nations.’ The irony of this phrase is that France has developed
Equally, the UK is the most developed e-commerce market
a world-leading retail industry, both pioneering global mass
in the world, and has capability to accelerate the development
market retailing through brands such as Carrefour, Decathlon
of the increasingly mobile commerce market in France. In
and Auchan, as well as dominating the world of luxury retail
the back office area, my belief is that we have seen more
through brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes. So
sophisticated supply chain and warehouse management
what do we see when we compare the UK and French retail
systems in the UK. However in other areas of IT, the French
landscapes?
industry has led the way, especially in electronic shelf edge
Once we understand each other better – though it does take time – I have seen the combination of strong French and British teams is the way to win in global retailing
34 - info - may / june 2018
R ECODING R E TAIL – FOCUS
For brands like Maisons du Monde or Decathlon, there are real opportunities in the UK market – especially by testing online first, before committing to the complicated world of UK retail property
price labels. The ability to pick the best of both worlds was a real plus for us at Kingfisher.
2. Vive la différence There are some deeply important differences which mark the two industries. Firstly, France is huge relative to the UK, with much lower rental costs, and a more dispersed population, which makes the last mile of e-commerce quite a challenge and has led to more small franchisees running stores than the chains who dominate the UK. Also, labour costs and labour laws are massively
there are real opportunities – especially by testing online
different in France. President Macron is trying to address
first, before committing to the complicated world of UK retail
this – the social costs of employment in France are nearly
property.
four times higher and there is less flexibility, which means less employment for younger workers. On the plus side for France, it doesn’t have long leases
Conversely, many UK retailers have struggled in France, including M&S and Carphone Warehouse. It does seem harder to have a green field start in France, but once established,
and business rates, and costs are lower. These are some of
French retailers have excellent business models and are highly
the factors which make UK retailing so inflexible. In France
effective. For example, many French retailers have world
you can adapt your store estate much more quickly than in
leading sales densities and return on capital, such as Auchan,
the UK. Differing business models have developed reflecting
Leroy Merlin and Decathlon. Perhaps acquisition might be the
these economics, including the drive-pick-up format in French
safer option?
grocers, as opposed to more home delivery in the denser UK populations.
3. Working together
When the two cultures combine, such as at Kingfisher when we created global expansion plans, then the future is even brighter. It is notable that in markets such as Russia, Poland and China, the French have been more successful than
Finally, I am certain that there are opportunities in both
American retailers like Walmart. Success there was all about
directions, and across the world, when the two cultures are
being able to develop a strong local platform.
combined. Retailing continues to globalise and new electronic trading platforms will continue to proliferate. The UK is one of Europe’s biggest, if most competitive, markets. For brands like Maisons du Monde or Decathlon,
Once we understand each other better – though it does take time – I have seen that the combination of strong French and British teams is the way to win in global retailing. And I remain convinced of this to this day. I
info
- may / june 2018 - 35
UK RETAIL:
On the Brink of Success or Failure Retailers need to acknowledge the key challenges that lie in wait, argue Pierre Mercier and Samantha Dunn of The Boston Consulting Group
U
K retail continues to face turbulent times. Already, 2018
they want and leave the store without ever stopping to
has been beset by store closures and job losses, with
pay for their items. In Burberry, sales associates armed
retailers such as Toys R Us, Maplin, and New Look going
with tablets, detailing purchase history can make better
into administration or a Company Voluntary Arrangement
recommendations about what to buy. Others (e.g.
(CVA).
Lululemon yoga and Runners World Running club), are
Current inflation, sluggish growth, and Brexit uncertainty are only part of the story. Retailers have been slow to adapt to technology advancements and changing customer
creating more experiential reasons to visit, increasing footfall and combating pricing pressure. Investing in behind the curtain capabilities, to support
expectations. Shoppers are increasingly shunning the high
the customer who expects to shop anytime, anywhere
street, in favour of more competitive, convenient on-line
must not be forgotten. Progress in artificial intelligence,
channels. The result, several categories like clothing and
analytics, robotics and sensors etc. can help retailers better
sporting equipment, travel or toys are now predominantly
predict sales, improve inventory visibility, increase product
shopped on-line.
availability (on-line / instore), and shorten the order to
Time to wake up
delivery time. A few examples. Argos and Home Depot, offer a range of same day delivery options. Burberry, uses
Retailers must act now or risk going out of business. Cost
RFID technology to know where products are and display
reduction initiatives, so often turned to in the past, will not in
product information in store.
isolation, turn the tide. To survive, three core step changes are needed:
• Understand and truly adapt to customers, not the
• Develop new Talent
Whilst digital and technology are having a disruptive impact, people matter too. It’s estimated that by 2035,
reverse
technology will automate a third of all work activity, with
Retailers have to be more innovative in acquiring
almost three quarters of jobs substantially impacted.
customers. A more tailored shopping experience, with
Remaining roles, whether in store, at head office or in the
customized products or services is the new normal.
warehouse will require individuals to be more analytical,
Under Armour (UA), is doing just this. Transformed
better at solving problems, and managing risks.
from a company that only sells sports shirts and shoes
In an environment where competition for talent is
to the world’s largest digital fitness brand, it links retail
fierce, companies must develop internal candidates whilst
transactions to customer behaviour. With 200+ million
looking externally for new pools e.g. data scientists from
subscribers to its ‘Connected Fitness Platform,’ UA
start-ups. Additionally engagement, recruitment, retention,
can selectively target new customers, based on data
and reward strategies must be tailored to the different
(geospatial, exercise, sleep patterns, nutrition) collected
generational cohorts. For example, eliciting, retaining and
from apps. Its ‘wearables’ brand, Gemini running shoes
sharing the critical know-how of the ‘Baby Boomers’ should
and Healthbox fitness system automatically tracks and
be a priority as retirement looms, whilst for Generation
synchronizes your fitness activity.
‘Y’ whom are tech savvy, mobile between jobs, attention
•
Re-think stores – both in front and behind the
should be on maximizing the return on investment from graduate, and ongoing development programmes.
curtain Leading retailers are revolutionising the in store
Retailers cannot afford to stand still. They must ‘wake up
experience. Some, for example, Apple, Burberry and
and smell the coffee’ if they are going to survive and reap the
Amazon Go’s ‘walk in, walk out store’ are digitising the
rewards from this new era. I
store. Scanning the Amazon Go app, shoppers pick what
Retailers must act now or risk going out of business. Cost reduction initiatives, so often turned to in the past, will not in isolation, turn the tide 36 - info - may / june 2018
R ECODING R E TAIL – FOCUS
Tackling staff turnover Cédric Voix, HR Director of L’Oréal Luxe UK & Ireland, used innovative new techniques to confront the perennial problem of staff turnover in the retail service sector
W
hen Cédric Voix arrived
the next step in their career with the
at L’Oréal UK to run their
company. Secondly, respondents said
HR division, he inherited
that counter-productive management
a pervasive problem: every year the
styles motivated their departure. The
beauty giant had a massive turnover
third-most cited reason, was a lack of
of their in-store advisors, the beauty
work-life balance.
sales assistants who are the face of the
An action plan was created, with
brands for consumers.
the goal to retain all new joiners to
Across the country, L’Oréal employs
the company, as two thirds of leavers
more than 3,200 beauty advisors – and
had been hired in the last 6 months.
their annual staff turnover was just over
Now the company invests in new
45 percent. (The most recent XpertHR
and different ways to on-board new
figures suggest that the industry average is roughly 25 percent, just ahead of hotels, catering and leisure at 46 percent.) ‘If you look at it this way, we were losing nearly half of our staff ever year,’ says Voix. ‘It was a potential disaster.’ Voix and his team set out a comprehensive program to tackle the
We managed to reduce turnover to 36 percent annually. And we are on target to bring this down to 33 percent by the end of the year
problem, re-thinking both the way that
joiners with a personal touch. Uniforms have been updated; their first year is celebrated with the receipt of a beautifully handwritten note from the managing director; pay, while not the make-or-break, has been raised 2 percent above the competition. Each beauty assistant was seen to have potential for development in the company. Managers were equipped
L’Oréal UK was recruiting staff and how
recruitment, migrating much of the
with the tools and ability to better
they were working to retain their current
process online. They set up an online
engage and motivate their teams and
employees. Since changes began, the
test to assess applicants’ strengths,
their bonuses were linked to their
company has made significant strides.
particularly in relation to customer
staff retention. They also introduced
service, regardless of their background
talent tracks to allow creative career
or experience.
progression for staff across brands and
‘We managed to reduce turnover to 36 percent annually,’ says Voix. ‘And we are on target to bring this down to 33
The process enabled fast and
roles.
percent by the end of the year – and we
effective pre-screening for some 1,800
want to go further.’
applicants every year. It also revealed
Future plans
the real competencies of candidates,
Voix also explained that the company
information not necessarily contained in
is currently trialling the use of AI in the
a traditional CV.
recruitment process – to improve the
Innovations in recruitment One of the ways the UK team did this was to revolutionise the way that L’Oréal was hiring.
Staff retention
experience for candidates and increase the pace of hiring. The technology has
In the past, recruitment had been
The other part of the solution was to
already been used to recruit interns at
carried out by area managers, who were
look at the retention of current staff.
the company’s headquarters, with plans
under pressure to recruit quickly due
Voix and his team created focus groups
to roll it out on a large scale.
to the turnaround. ‘This meant that we
and exit surveys to find out the reasons
weren’t necessarily finding the right
behind why employees were leaving.
people for us,’ says Voix. ‘And then they
To their surprise, the top reason
‘We are a company founded by an engineer who was obsessed by innovation,’ said Voix, referring to the
would leave, creating a vicious circle for
was not money – a popularly cited
chemist Eugène Schueller who founded
the managers who would then have to
reason for the high turnaround in
L’Oréal in 1907. ‘It’s part of the DNA of
interview again.’
the service industry. Rather the top
the group. We are always looking to
response was that they did not see
improve.’ I
The first step was to centralise
info
- may / june 2018 - 37
Competing for Illustration by Lincoln Agnew
SHOPPERS' HABITS PwC’s seventh annual global survey of consumers suggests that the next major retail industry battle will be over control of everyday routines, says Sue Rissbrook, Partner and Head of Retail at PwC
T
he well-publicised difficulties of retailers were on our minds this year as we began sifting through
the data of 22,000 global respondents from our annual PwC consumer insights survey. For the seventh consecutive year, we asked people around the world about their shopping and consuming activities. We imagined that we would end up telling a simple story about the
Respondents to the PwC 2018 Global Consumer Insights Survey told us for the fourth year in a row that they have increased, not decreased, their shopping in physical stores
bleak prospects for brick-and-mortar
widely, but those that do will heavily influence which brands people will buy. Dire headlines about widespread store closings, could be misinterpreted as a death knell for brick-and-mortar. Forty-four percent of global survey respondents said they shopped in stores daily or weekly (for items other than groceries), up from just thirty-six percent in 2014. Some new e-commerce channels
retail.
are, in fact, complementing their is online or 'in real life' matters less than
physical counterparts by integrating the
No so fast. As it turns out, respondents
a long list of other factors, including
analog and digital environments. Zara
to the PwC 2018 Global Consumer
privacy and personalisation.
have just launched their in store AR app
Insights Survey (GCIS) told us for the
For retailers seeking success, the
which allows customers to hold up their
fourth year in a row that they have
most important factor to watch is
phone to certain store windows or a
increased, not decreased, their shopping
the reshaping of consumer habits by
sensor within the store and see models
in physical stores. At the same time,
new technologies and online social
come to life on their screens – walking
they’re using mobile devices, especially
interaction. Everyday activities that have
and even talking - wearing selected
smartphones, for more and more of
driven marketing strategies for decades
items from the Zara range, which they
their shopping. The survey paints a
— weekly grocery trips, spending a day
can then click through and buy. IKEA
picture of consumers who are complex;
at shopping centres, “Black Friday”–
has an app that previews what furniture
conflicted; highly segmented by age,
shopping, coupon- and promotion-
would look like in consumers’ own
gender, and geography; and on the cusp
driven bargain hunting — are compelling
homes.
of change — but not necessarily in the
fewer people every year.
ways that most retailers expect. For example, respondents were
The traditional path to purchase is
The resilience of real-life shopping reminds us that it’s easier to augment
being replaced by a highly personalised
and modify habits than to erase them.
asked to name shopping experiences
consumer journey, enabled by
Not so long ago, experts predicted that
that give them satisfaction. Fifty-three
smartphones, digital assistants, and
e-books would cannibalise the market
percent named face-to-face interaction
other personal devices, and embedded
for printed books; today, printed books
with knowledgeable, helpful salespeople
in new forms of logistics such as click
enjoy rising popularity, and e-book sales
— a larger percentage than those who
and collect and same-day delivery. In
have leveled off.
named personalized offers (40 percent)
this new world, every product and brand
or in-store screens that display extended
is always accessible, information is
dictates that the pace of change in retail
product ranges (39 percent). In general,
limitless, variety is infinite, and delivery
will almost certainly accelerate. Retailers
when it comes to deciding where to
is nearly instantaneous. It’s not yet clear
cannot afford to move slowly. I
shop, the choice of whether the venue
which shopping habits will catch on most
38 - info - may / june 2018
The fierceness of competition
R ECODING R E TAIL – FOCUS
ONLINE OFFLINE:
THE HOLISTIC VIEW The old dichotomy between online and offline retailing is being challenged by innovations in the Chinese market, says Sébastien Badault, Managing Director France at Alibaba Group
O
ne might think that it is counterintuitive for the global
The first Hema location opened in 2016, and the concept
technology and e-commerce company Alibaba to invest
has taken off since then, with 17 new stores in 2017, and
heavily in physical stores.
another 29 having opened in the first four months of 2018 in 13
However Alibaba’s recent expansion of their brick-and-
cities across China – an average of one every four days.
mortar supermarket chain Hema, demonstrates a successful
According to Badault, fluidity of payment is central to its
new trend in retailing, where distinctions between online and
success – and is already firmly established in the culture in
offline are being rethought and redesigned.
China where paying with your mobile phone (for example with
According to Sébastien Badault, Managing Director France
Alibaba's Alipay) is the norm in many retail situations.
at Alibaba Group, the dichotomy between e-commerce
Greater insight into consumer behaviour has also had a part
and physical point-of-sale no longer makes sense, because
to play. Alibaba uses big data analytics to remember purchase
consumers have their phone on them all the time – and can
preferences for each customer and to make personalised
make purchases whenever they want.
recommendations on the Hema app. The stores also provide a
Alibaba’s Hema stores have gained popularity in China for
data-driven selection of fresh food to customers.
Because consumers have their phone on them all the time – and can make purchases whenever they want – the dichotomy between e-commerce and physical point-ofsale no longer makes sense
their mobile-approach to grocery shopping – merging online/
China’s market lead
offline facilities to improve in-store and delivery services to
Historically the Chinese market looked to the West, but now it
consumers, turning grocery shopping from a tedious activity
is innovation from China that is leading change. Badault makes
into an enjoyable, fun experience.
the point that innovation can be harder in the West because
Shoppers can use their phones to scan items as they shop
the infrastructure is already established. In China, companies
to get product information and make better-informed buying
are starting from scratch in some ways, which he sees as a huge
decisions. They are also able to order their groceries through
advantage.
the app for delivery. Each store serves as its own delivery node,
One idea that is migrating from China to Europe is the
allowing Hema to deliver in as fast as 30 minutes to consumers
electronic price label. Shoppers will often browse products
who live within a three-kilometre radius of the store.
in store, and then go online to find the best price. Alibaba
Hema also offers a level of service that you wouldn’t find
pioneered electronic labels in stores, which display the best
in your normal grocery aisle. Consumers are able to shop for
online price in real time – therefore generating the sale in store
products that will be prepared by chefs on-site, and served to
at the best price.
them in the in-store food courts. It is a model that highlights
Badault says that from the point of view of the European
the importance of experiential shopping, in addition to the
consumer it is a wonder why there is not something
convenience offered by technology.
like Hema there already. I
info
- may / june 2018 - 39
A ‘BRAND’ NEW WORLD INFO speaks to Olivier Robert-Murphy - Global Head of New Business at Universal Music Group and last year’s President of the Cannes Lions Entertainment for Music jury – about brand and consumer engagement What do brands need to know about how consumers are changing? It has never been harder for brands to catch our attention, specifically when consumers are better informed - and more volatile - than in the past. According to Havas Media, 74 percent of people would not care if their favourite brand disappeared tomorrow. There is no more loyalty; there is no more love. As I see it, there are two solutions: one is to constantly drive new customers to your brand; or two, to create a personalised and meaningful relationship with your consumers. Here is one example: Yesterday morning, I ran out of Nespresso capsules. On the same day, I received a tailormade email suggesting I renew my last order. It was delivered to my office that morning. The message that I
It has never been harder for brands to catch our attention, specifically with consumers being better informed and more volatile than in the past
received was: They care. That’s how you create loyalty. What is the role of data in adapting business models?
(for instance computers), and how they’re selling it (through
We used to use insight to target people, segmenting them
retail), and more on why they’re selling it. Think about it - as
by demographic and social background, etc. To use a sports
Redbull 'Gives You Wings' and we 'choose happiness' with
analogy, you do not talk to someone who attends a football
Coca-Cola, Universal Music creates emotional moments.
match twice a week the same way you would talk to someone
As for storytelling, here’s an example. Recently in the final
who is just reading L’Équipe once a week. Brands need to
of the Super Bowl, Amazon launched an advertisement for
reach out based on consumer engagement.
their Amazon Echo. Their clever campaign was about Alexa –
Data will tell you that I usually listen to music on a
the voice activated device – losing her voice. It made her seem
Thursday evening through my Sonos system. If a relevant and
so human. Everyone wanted to watch the ad until the end, to
aligned brand were to reach out to me at that exact moment,
see if she would recover.
I am more likely to engage with them. If you think about it, thanks to insight, you know what the consumer wants. Thanks
What role does technology have to play in these activities?
to data, you know why and when they want it. Together insight
Let me take the example of music. Data and insight will tell
and data produce the how.
you that if you want a hit song, it needs to last X number of
But, as much data and insight as you may have, it will still be about the idea and the storytelling.
minutes, be played in a specific key, and the chorus should start after X seconds. But does that really make it a hit? No, you still need the authentic creativity of an artist to convey
Storytelling has been central to many brands. Can you tell
their emotions and passions, partnered with the expertise of
us why?
talented producers and A&R executives. Storytelling will always
In his book Start with Why, the marketing expert Simon Sinek
have its place. I
explains that brands need to focus less on what they’re selling
40 - info - may / june 2018
R ECODING R E TAIL – FOCUS
Emergence of the new
RETAIL WORKFORCE Sophian Nacer, Senior Consultant at Deloitte UK, explores how robotics, AI and automation are set to change the retail workforce
T who
he ‘future of work’
as
is upon us. How
Feedback
work
is
done,
gathered instantly from
does
the
work,
social
crowdsourcing. will
media,
be while
and where, is changing
input from the crowd
rapidly,
will shape new products
driven
by
automation and changing
and
attitudes to work and
traditionally
careers. The challenge
intensive logistical roles
for the retail industry is
will become increasingly
particularly large, and it
automated,
will affect roles at each
advantage
designs.
Even labour-
taking of
drones
stage of value creation. In a study commissioned by Deloitte, we
and other technologies. Finally, sell-side roles such as retail
found that the retail industry has the highest risk of automation,
sales assistants, cashiers, and checkout operators will see over
relative to others. In total, we estimate that 59 percent of roles
90 percent of their work automated.
within the wholesale and retail sector have a high chance of
Historically, similar shifts have created better working
being automated. However, it is not all a doomsday scenario -
conditions for the vast majority of the labour force, and what we
while some roles will be lost, many others will be created.
are seeing today is no exception. We estimate that 65 percent
‘Retailers’ profits are under pressure at a time when they
of children in primary school today will work in roles that do
need to incorporate a number of new and different sales
not currently exist. In the retail industry, this will also be true.
channels in order to match customer expectations. These
Robotics engineers will be needed to augment the workforce
pressures are leading to a greater focus on productivity, the
and enhance the supply-chain, while data-analytics resources
workforce and the role that technology could play in either
will be needed to analyse and interpret vast amounts of data to
replacing or augmenting human labour. Defining how much
provide insightful knowledge about their target market.
work and who – or what – will deliver this is going to be critical to enable retailers to change their workforce in the right way,’
A role for social media
says Colin Jeffrey, a retail partner at Deloitte.
Finally, in order to leverage social media and the crowd, we see
AI and automation
social media representatives as key to ensuring retailers are attracting customers through the right channels. By embracing
Looking specifically at certain roles enables us to understand
these changes and preparing their organisations for what lies
how the retail workforce will evolve. For example, financial
ahead, retailers will be able to maximise the value generated by
planners will see their manual tasks automated while AI-
the investment in workforce.
enabled software will allow predictive forecasting using real-
The world of work is changing and new technologies will
time updates from inventory and sales. Merchandisers will see
increasingly automate many tasks in such a way that will further
a significant portion of their role automated, up to 50 percent,
transform retail over the next decade. Retailers are already
while what is left will be augmented through the use of AI tools
responding to these labour challenges, but the question is, are
that will inform on trends and wastage.
they moving fast enough? The next three years will be a defining
On the buy side, product design and roles will be truly empowered by AI and alternative sourcing models, such
period for UK retail and will very much determine who will be the winners and losers in the longer term. I
We estimate that 65 percent of children in primary school today will work in roles that do not currently exist. In the retail industry, this will also be true info
- may / june 2018 - 41
The evolution of the
RETAIL SECTOR Sian Doyle, Executive Director of CBRE, explores the trends driving change in the sector and how retailers need to adapt to new consumer appetites
T
he global retail landscape is undergoing significant change, and technology is playing a lead role. Automation, customisation, and big data will shape this change, but
ultimately, it all comes down to customer experience. CBRE
In the next few years, the use of data to transform stores will set apart those who succeed with the modern consumer
explores this in its latest insight series: The Future of Retail 2030. The insights set a focus on how the world of retail will look in the future - fuelled by changes in consumer’s lifestyles,
of shopping online. As a result, the landscape of the physical
urban environments, retail operations, logistics and other
shop is drastically changing. Our insights explore this; stating
trends impacting the industry and the challenges ahead for
that the physical store will be more about the experience of the
occupiers and investors.
brand as opposed to selling more merchandise. In the future,
The modern consumer is entirely different than a decade
personalisation will become an integral part of the foundation
ago – they want a personalised, seamless experience – and
in the retailer-consumer relationship. The option to customise
they want it now. Platforms including Facebook, Instagram,
will be essential for the many businesses to thrive, and how well
and Snapchat are increasingly being used as marketing tools
it’s done will be a point of differentiation for successful brands.
to launch and sell new products. Ten years ago, they didn’t
Physical stores of the future will focus on delivering brand
exist. Today, they’re a part of our everyday vernacular and have
experiences where customers can better interact and learn
contributed significantly to the shift in customer behaviour.
about a product, and its offering and tech will play a big part
This can be seen in the growth of e-commerce sales over the
in the type of interaction we have. We’ll start to get interactive
last few years. The rise in internet shopping is adding pressure
suggestions on our mobile devices while shopping as intelligent
on traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, and to stay current,
technologies monitor which areas we’re pulled towards in a
companies need to understand this shift and present an equally
shop, and make personal recommendations based on these
inviting offer.
movements.
Selection and convenience
Fostering community
E-commerce’s most obvious edge is in selection and
Retailers will need to focus on creating stores that feel like a
convenience. Even if a department store holds everything
community hub for their target audience. It is no longer enough
a person could want, it lacks the accessibility and precision
for businesses to depend on footfall volumes to drive sales, and
42 - info - may / june 2018
R ECODING R E TAIL – FOCUS
Retailers will need to focus on creating stores that feel like a community hub for their target audience
thus shops of the future will have to construct spaces which offer
more extensive range of opportunities for retailers to collect
new experiences; be it social areas, workshops, or immersive
information on customer preferences and purchasing habits,
technology to attract consumers. We already see a lot of this in
allowing them to build up a more precise picture of their
the 'athleisure' market, with in-house yoga classes, technique
customers.
workshops, and wellness and nutrition sessions. Also, shops will feature cafés, florists and independent boutiques presenting a
Personalisation
unique ‘one-stop-shop’ community setting that feels bespoke,
In the future, not only will personalisation per consumer be
thus extending dwell time and making a purchase more likely.
essential, but personalisation based on location will play a
With more options available, and the ability to thoroughly
significant role in appealing to a diverse geography. People in
research an item before making a purchase, it is critical for
rural neighbourhoods often have different needs, wants, and
brands to create a space and experience where consumers
lifestyles than those who live in city centres. Shops will need
actually want to interact with their offering. Tech-led brands are
to adapt to this, and in some instances, even adjust their
taking note, and have been investing heavily in physical store
model based on neighbourhoods adjacent to each other. We
space. Late last year we advised Microsoft on its 20,000 sq. ft.
can already see this in the food and beverage industry where
flagship store on London’s Regent Street with further plans to
modern chains like London based ‘Dishoom’ or ‘The Ivy’ slightly
expand across Europe. We’re also witnessing a movement of
alter their décor depending on the location.
online retailers into physical stores in a bid to increase sales
The ability to provide a more accurate indicator of consumer
and brand visibility, demonstrating the value of a space where
behaviour and shopping habits is key. In response to this, CBRE
consumers can see and touch a product before purchase. The
as part of its extensive retail consultancy team has launched a
online-born brand Missguided has recently opened stores in
new retail analytics tool called Calibrate. The service enables
UK shopping centres Westfield Stratford City and Bluewater.
CBRE to provide occupiers, landlords and investors with data-
In addition, Boden has announced its second standalone
driven information on the shopping habits and movements of
physical store in Westfield London’s new expansion, following a
over 100 million consumers across EMEA, providing unique
successful debut in London’s Kings Road in 2017.
access to consumer profiling and retail spending behaviours
A seamless shopping experience is equally important to the
and covering the type of purchase in each location. This allows
modern consumer. The spike in digital transactions over the
us to assist customers with bespoke reporting and modelling
past few years supports this, and in response retailers around
to optimise their portfolios. Through understanding current
the globe are test-driving shops that do not accept cash or
consumer behaviour by who, when, and where customers
eliminate cash registers entirely.
are visiting, we can help our clients understand current
Earlier this year, the world’s largest internet retailer opened
performance but also forecast future opportunities.
a register-free convenience store where customers scan their
In the next few years, the use of data to transform stores
smartphone on the way in and are tracked with cameras as
will set apart those who succeed with the modern consumer.
they browse. When they take an item off the shelf, it’s added
It’s now more important than ever for retailers to deploy
to a virtual cart, and the total is charged to the customer’s
innovations in-store that will entice high street shoppers who
account when they leave. These new initiatives have potential to
are happy to blur the line between online and offline retail.
significantly alter the appearance of physical shops, eliminating
There’s an abundance of great technology at our fingertips, but
checkouts and creating more space for customer engagement.
retailers need to combine emotion with innovation if they want
Digital receipts sent via e-mail are already commonplace
to survive growing consumer demand. I
for consumers, and this use of mobile payments opens a
info
- may / june 2018 - 43
Investing in RETAIL Julien Callede, Co-Founder of Made.com and retail guru, gives an investor’s point of view on the current sector, as well as what it takes for retailers to succeed investment in the sector now?
team that has experience in their
The first one would be that the
industry.
underlying assets (brands, retailers, and
You can’t imagine how many
retail brands) are now generating better
entrepreneurs come to you with
profits, making them attractive for
ideas of services for which there is no
bigger investors previously reluctant to
demand, or where they won’t be able
bet on promises and unproven profits.
to differentiate themselves from the
Secondly, a lot of tech-enabled
competition, often in industries they
service platforms have emerged to
have no real experience in. I’m not
help enhance customer experience,
saying none of them will succeed, but
as well as retailers’ efficiency. These
the hit rate will be much lower than if
have been great assets for investors, as
they were ticking these boxes.
they benefit from the whole growth of How has the retail sector changed
the online retail sector, as well as new
What are the keys to success in the
since you launched Made.com?
omni-channel business models that are
retail sector now?
In eight years, the retail sector has
driving innovation in the offline retail
Succeeding in retail today is very
changed dramatically. Customers have
world.
complex. Competition is terribly strong,
access to better items, of better quality,
Finally, we’ve seen a surge in
marketing costs are very expensive,
higher originality, at a better price, and
direct-to-customers brands, which
and customers are very demanding.
service levels have improved.
bypass traditional retail and banking by
It is very hard to summarise in a few
building direct relationships with their
words what it takes to succeed in such
retailers are finally generating cash and
customers. This has made these brands
an environment, but I would really
EBITDA at decent levels, while for years
more efficient, more reactive, and as a
put the emphasis on: a strong offer;
companies had previously been built
result more valuable.
differentiation and originality of your
Most importantly, some online
and sold at very high valuations, despite never having generated profit. We are seeing these changes
product and service; quality of the When investing, what do you look for
brand; quality of customer experience;
in a business/entrepreneur?
and marketing expertise.
because the infrastructure supporting
I look for a business that solves a
e-commerce retail has improved, and
problem that exists, which ensures
your revenue through increased and
we’ve moved away from the trend
there is a market for it; a product or
repeat sales, improving your margins,
where everybody thought that selling
service that is different from what you
decreasing your customer acquisition
online meant selling cheaper.
can find on the market, which ensures
costs, and being able to scale as
you won’t spend your time fighting to
painlessly as possible. These would be
protect your margins; and an amazing
the main drivers of success. I
What are the key trends driving
THE
B RE X IT
'Brexit has, and will have, mixed effects. Strong businesses will stay ahead and increase their market shares, while weaker ones are at risk. Even though we don’t know how Brexit is going to be implemented, we do know the following: GBP currency value fell massively, making imports more expensive; and inflation is up, both in retail prices and in manufacturing costs. Let’s also not forget that UK manufacturers do have to import most of their raw material at a higher cost, and
44 - info - may / june 2018
Retail is all about maximising
E F F ECT
employ people whose buying power is shrinking due to retail inflation. It’s getting harder to hire international talents able to help companies export out of the UK. Investors should bet and focus on companies with a European footfall, Brexit or not. These companies are the ones who’ll be able to make the most of a market roughly as big as the US. Europe is an amazing market, but it requires a strong brand and skills to master it.’ – Julien Callede
R ECODING R E TAIL – FOCUS
Eye in the sky
Third Eye Labs is an innovative start-up at the Google AI residency programme that uses CCTV to analyse in-store shopping. INFO speaks to its Co-founder, Razwan Ghafoor A lot of the technical innovation that is seen in retail is in
What do you provide for your clients?
the digital space – how did you develop a business model
We use our data to become a real time in-store AI assistant.
around tech in the physical retail space?
We can, for example, detect shoplifting, predict flash queues
Eighty-five percent of shopping is still done in physical stores
or enable real life hyperlocalised A/B testing. We give real-time
and though online stores will carry on growing, physical stores
alerts on our own web-based application for security and ops,
will never go away. However, as clicks on a website are much
and we integrate into industry standard visualisation tools (e.g.
easier to analyse than real life, brick-and-mortar stores have
Tableau) for marketing teams.
always found it much more difficult to be data driven. This is where we saw the opportunity to use our
Can you tell us a bit about your work with UK retailers?
background in AI and computer vision to help brick-and-
We currently don't reveal the names of the retailers where
mortar stores use their existing CCTV infrastructure to equalize
we work. However, we are working with 3 out of the largest
the data playing field with online stores.
7 UK retailers. The outcomes of the work have been really successful. We have helped retailers reduce their losses
What do your CCTV cameras do? How is the information
significantly; make their operations even more efficient; and we
analysed?
have given their marketing teams the richest possible dataset
We actually leverage existing CCTV camera networks, so no
to help increase sales.
need for huge new installations. Our software grabs these camera feeds and does human activity classification, people
How has being at Google impacted on your development?
tracking and object recognition on the video.
We are in the Google Campus' AI residency program. Having
What this means in a retail store is we pick up actions such
access to Google's resources has been extremely helpful.
as what items people are taking, where they are looking and
Google are pioneers in AI, therefore having world-class
their journeys within store. Moreover, the first step to our
mentors from Deepmind and Google's sales teams helped us
processing is anonymising the video feeds – it also means that
fill gaps in experience Peter (our CTO) and I had during our
we don't fall under GDPR.
journey. I
We have helped retailers reduce their shrink significantly, make their operations even more efficient; and we have given their marketing teams the richest possible dataset to help increase sales info
- may / june 2018 - 45
A supply chain closer
to home
After years of importing certain products from Europe, Andros UK has benefitted from investing in UK production and facilities, says its Managing Director, Jean Louet
I
t is a little known fact that Andros, maker of the Bonne
‘For Andros it came down to perseverance, relentlessly
Maman brand which continues a love affair with the British
translating our strategy into very tangible benefits; longer shelf
consumer, is also a major supplier of dairy desserts under
life, less waste in stores, less stock replenishment and fewer
the brands of the main supermarket chains in the UK. Andros is a family company with a long-term vision, and in
staff movements, lower customer complaints.’ ‘Retailers are increasingly following business models which
many ways their story in the UK is one of time management
leave less and less time available for suppliers to present
and addressing market resistance to change.
their plans. Business communications have had to become
As well as importing food from the continent, Andros
more efficient in order to make the most of a limited audience
bought a production facility in Somerset in 2008, recognising
with the customer. It took several years in fact but today the
the advantage of the west of England’s reputation for dairy
benefits are demonstrated in hard currency.’
farming. The site itself is a paradox, starting life as a tannery and
Automation
having played host to industrial activity for 120 years. Work
New economic and financial considerations also influenced
began in earnest on modernising, entirely re-equipping the site
Andros UK to invest heavily in automation in a pioneering site
as a state of the art chilled dessert production facility. When
making British family favourites (trifles) as well as international classics (mousse, cheesecakes). The key factors that impacted this decision are:
• The on-going success of discounters is
increasing price pressure on all retailers and their suppliers
• Ingredients inflation, over the last two years,
applying cost pressure from the supply side
• Introduction of the national living wage and
compulsory pensions inflating workforce costs
• High employment rates and Brexit
uncertainties for European employees further increasing recruitment pressures
• Rising pressure from government, retailers and
consumers to decrease waste
• More stringent demands for food control
and safety. fully redeveloped in 2012, it represented then, and remains today, the largest investment and most automated production site in its category. All filling at the site excludes manual handling,
Other production units, more akin to large kitchens, are relevant to producing high value complex desserts sold at a premium. But when having to service millions of consumers
guaranteeing precise hygiene and assuring regularity of
with good staple classics at competitive prices, this sort of
quantity and presentation to the 300 million pots produced
investment is essential.
annually. Combined with the fact that all dairy ingredients
When investing on a foreign market, it is easy to
are manufactured on site from locally sourced milk, this
underestimate how long it will take to convince commercial
guarantees regular, reliable, repeatable quality.
prospects of the value of your business. Without the foresight
‘The hardest task was actually to sell the benefits to the
to invest some six years ago neither the site in Somerset, nor
trade in a market where the norm is flexible units relying on
Andros would be as well prepared for today’s market – or the
high numbers of affordable temporary staff,’ says Jean Louet,
market of tomorrow. I
Managing Director at Andros UK. 46 - info - may / june 2018
R ECODING R E TAIL – FOCUS
Consolidation on the
RISE
Mergers and acquisitions are increasing, as they provide retailers opportunities to scale, say Eniga de Montfort and Coralie Oger, Partners at the law firm FTPA Avocats
O
ver the last few years, consolidation by way of mergers
investors say that they are reluctant to buy in the UK until
and acquisitions (M&A) in the retail sector has become
there is certainty on tariffs, exchange rates etc. in a post-Brexit
more commonplace in the UK and in France, due to
world.
a number of factors. Little or non-existent organic growth in
Former Waitrose boss, Steven Esom, had warned that
the brick-and-mortar retail environment due to strengthening
Brexit-led inflation would drive a new wave of M&A activity
e-commerce has led traditional businesses to acquire their
in the UK retail sector as the collapse of the pound had left
competitors (online or otherwise) in order to grow.
retailers grappling with rising import costs for goods alongside
Additionally, a number of brick-and-mortar retailers have
rapidly deteriorating consumer confidence. The recent
also sought to establish and/or accelerate their omni-channel
completion of Tesco’s £3.7m takeover of wholesaler Booker
strategy; and capture increased market share by acquiring
Group, Co-op’s £143m takeover of Nisa (which remains subject
e-tailers, online platforms or other technologies that allow
to regulatory approval), and Morrison’s acquisition of Yorkshire
consumers to bring the in-store shopping experience at home.
egg supplier Chippindale Foods, demonstrate how businesses
Recent activity
are focussed on looking at increasing volumes to reduce costs. Nevertheless, such challenges to the business environment
Amazon made retail headlines when it purchased organic,
create opportunities for retailers to better compete by way of
supermarket chain, Whole Foods, for $13.7bn last year, with
consolidation to achieve economies of scale, to diversify the
the aim of providing a true omni-channel shopping experience.
products and to address rapidly changing customer habits and
Closer to home, Sainsbury’s recently acquired Home Retail
needs.
for £1.4bn, including Argos and Habitat. Across the English channel, Danone, the French food giant, last year merged with
The outlook for 2018
the American The WhiteWave Foods for $12.5bn (€11.7bn)
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, we are currently
resulting in Danone becoming the organic milk global
seeing low interest rates in the UK, favourable public markets
leader and consolidating its prime position in organic dairy
on both sides of the Channel and access to a plentiful stash
manufacturing.
of public and private capital to fuel M&A activity. The recent
Another French giant active last year in the consumer
acquisition of US based Finish Line by Sports Direct is a
goods and retail sector was L’Oréal, which completed its
good example which shows that M&A in the retail sector is
biggest deal since 2008 with the acquisition of three US
increasingly occurring on a cross-border basis notwithstanding
skincare brands from the Canadian Valeant last year, for a
challenges to the business environment in the UK.
total value of $1.3bn (€1.2bn). These brands, CeraVe, AcneFree
Furthermore recent tax reforms in the US have prompted
and Ambi, enabled L’Oréal to increase the size of its cosmetics
retailers such as Walmart and Target to make statements
division in the US – a geographical market where L’Oréal was
regarding how they expect to use their new tax savings in
still relatively under-represented owing to the lack of its natural
2018. We believe such US retailers may put their extra cash
distribution platforms such as pharmacies.
flow towards UK M&A.
One reason for the recent high levels of M&A activity is
As ever, a successful M&A transaction (be it domestic
the renewed interest from US and other overseas buyers who
or cross-border) requires a thorough review of legal issues
have become even more bullish with the dramatic depreciation
spanning (amongst other things): legal due diligence, drafting
of the pound Sterling following the Brexit vote – making UK
and negotiating the suite of acquisition documents, careful
retailers prime targets for foreign takeovers. Earlier last year
apportioning of risk between buyer and seller via suitable price
saw the £1.4bn acquisition of Weetabix by US company Post
adjustment mechanisms, and implementing a seamless post-
Holdings, and the £1bn acquisition of Moy Park by the US
completion transition and integration phase. I
Pilgrim’s Pride. However, we are also seeing certain overseas
One reason for the recent high levels of M&A activity is the renewed interest from US and other overseas buyers who have become even more bullish with the dramatic depreciation of the pound following the Brexit vote info
- may / june 2018 - 47
Protecting against
counterfeit sales The internet has made it easy to purchase counterfeits, grey goods and lookalikes, but there are a few essential points that can make it easier to deal with them, says Giles Parsons, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Browne Jacobson LLP
Protect your brand
that
The very first thing to do is get a
infringement
good IP portfolio in place. Register
and this could certainly cover
trademarks
your
a trade mark or design take-
brands, and consider whether
down notice filed without any
registering designs is worthwhile.
basis.
that
cover
groundless are
threats
of
actionable,
In the UK, copyright auto-
If the infringements are
matically subsists in qualifying
not being hosted on an online
works once they have been
marketplace and are on a
created and recorded. Passing
specific website, it should be
off gives options when a mark
possible to find out who is
has not been registered, and UK
hosting the domain (and who
and EU unregistered design rights can protect shapes. Ensure
acts as the registrar). They may have a takedown procedure, or
before you need to enforce unregistered rights that you have
may be themselves liable for the infringement.
they have been correctly assigned to you in writing. To stop infringements before they reach market, consider placing watch notices to assist customs in identifying and destroying infringing goods; these can be implemented on a European-wide basis.
Protect your trading network
If you are encountering a number of infringements, it may be worthwhile investing in a semi-automated procedure to tackle them.
Court proceedings The UK courts have become more business-friendly in recent years. The streamlined procedures available for IP claims
Ensure that your distributors have appropriate restrictions on
are relatively quick, and require both disclosure and cross
sale (although some care may be needed to avoid restrictions
examination, which can help identify the nature and scale of
on anti-competitive agreements). The CJEU has recently
the infringement. The court’s remedies have also become more
confirmed that luxury brands can impose proportionate
inventive – as well as blocking injunctions (see below), there has
restrictions on sales through online marketplaces like eBay and
been innovative use of declarations, pan-European injunctions,
Amazon. With these in place, it is easier to maintain an aura of
and the ability to sue in England in relation to foreign copyrights.
luxury and police fakes.
It may also be worth considering courts in other countries,
Trademarks can be used very effectively to prevent grey goods – that is, goods first marketed outside of the EU – from
particularly if the defendant is based outside of the UK.
being imported into the EU. This helps protect global supply
Blocking injunctions
arrangements. They can also be used to prevent goods being
Recently, some companies, mostly luxury brands, have obtained
sold if their condition has changed – for example, if they have
orders from the court compelling internet service providers to
been repackaged.
block access to certain websites through which infringing goods
Use take-down procedures
can be purchased. The main ISPs have over 90% of the UK market, and so this is an effective though not complete block.
Amazon, eBay and Gumtree all have quick and simple take-
The Supreme Court is due to give a judgment setting out
down procedures, and other international trading platforms
whether the luxury brands or the ISPs themselves should pay
will often have their own procedures or at least a copyright
for the cost of implementing the blocking injunctions. These
takedown procedure so that they comply with the US Digital
require a reasonable amount of work, though it is possible to
Millennium Copyright Act – DMCA. This is often quick and
group domains and request that several are blocked in one
cost effective. Do bear in mind the UK provisions which mean
application. I
48 - info - may / june 2018
R ECODING R E TAIL – FOCUS
FLOWER POWER One of the fastest growing companies in Britain is a digital florist putting a new spin on an age-old industry. INFO meets its Co-founder, Aron Gelbard
P
eople in the industry said it would never work.’ This is how Aron Gelbard talks about the time leading
up to the launch of Bloom & Wild, a tech start up that
delivers bouquets of cut flowers to your home. Industry experts couldn’t have been more wrong. Since its launch in 2013 the company has grown into a major player in the flower delivery space in the UK. A 2017 profile in the
posted in a package designed to fit through your letterbox. The delivery method responded to a perceived gap in the market. ‘We learned over time that people didn’t like having the surprise of gifting someone flowers when they had to ensure that the recipient would have to be at home to receive the delivery,’ said Gelbard. The idea that flowers arrive in a well-presented box, yet
Independent newspaper reported that Deloitte named Bloom
are unarranged, was also central to their market research. ‘Of
& Wild the second fastest growing business in the UK, after
course arranged flowers can have a wow-factor, but we found
Deliveroo.
that when unarranged flowers arrive, the recipient is involved
The company went from 20 to 60 employees in that time, and has attracted more than £7m in funding, allowing the company to expand into France and Germany. Other successes include being selected to join Tech City UK's Upscale Club and Bloomberg's 2016 Innovators. The
in the arranging, and the gift is more personal.’ The company also offers non-letter box, hand-tied bouquets, and a subscription service, where customers receive flowers in regular deliveries.
company’s app was in the top 10 of the App Store's best of
Simplified supply chain
2015.
Without operating a physical store, Bloom & Wild can keep
Gelbard and his co-Founder Ben Stanway were always confident in their business model. ‘We thought it was crazy that there was no online brand that people love in this space, like for takeaways or minicabs,’ says Gelbard.
Digital florist
its overheads lower than the competition, in a market where flowers can be subject to high mark ups. Attention has also been paid to their supply chains, working directly with growers to work in cheaper, more efficient and more sustainable ways. In the summer months the company sources its flowers
The appeals of the digital florist are its strict digital presence
directly from a grower in Lincolnshire, while their supply in
and its innovative delivery model: your selected flowers are
the less hospitable winter months comes from Kenya, where they have a primary supply partner, who has a large scale operations with accredited growers. ‘We’re always looking for more sustainable ways to sell flowers,’ says Gelbard. ‘It allows us to reduce waste and achieve a long shelf life for our flowers, because we received them directly.’ According to Gelbard, their flowers last an average of twelve to fourteen days, as opposed to some supermarket bouquets that were processed through middlemen and may last only four or five. Unpacking and repacking of flowers by middlemen also creates the potential for broken stems, which adds to the wastage that Gelbard is keen to eliminate. Their plans for the future are nothing short than market dominance. ‘We want to be the number one online flower company in the UK,’ says Gelbard. If their growth model continues at the current pace, they will be there soon. I
According to Gelbard, their flowers last an average of twelve to fourteen days, as opposed to some supermarket bouquets that were processed through middlemen and may last only four or five info
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CULTURE – WHAT'S ON A SELECTION OF RECOMMENDED CULTURAL EVENTS
B RI T I SH M USEU M , LO N D O N
In 1881 the French sculptor Auguste Rodin visited London for the first time. On a trip to the British Museum, he saw the Parthenon sculptures and was instantly captivated by the beauty of these ancient Greek masterpieces. Like many archaeological ruins, the Parthenon sculptures had been broken and weathered over centuries, but Rodin took inspiration from the powerful expression that they conveyed through the body alone. He even removed the heads and limbs from his own figures to make them closer to the broken relics of the past. By doing so, he created a new genre of contemporary art – the headless, limbless torso. A hundred years after his death, see a selection of Rodin’s works – including his iconic sculptures The Thinker and The Kiss – in a new light. This major exhibition will feature original plaster, bronze and marble examples of many of Rodin’s sculptures on loan from the Musée Rodin in Paris. For the first time, they will be shown alongside some of the Parthenon sculptures that the artist so admired, as well as selected objects from his own collection of antiquities. The exhibition will provide a new opportunity to focus on the Parthenon sculptures as individual works rather than as part of an ensemble and understand the extent of the influence of the art of antiquity on Rodin and his contemporaries. I From 26 April 2018 until 29 July 2018 / Tickets available from £17
© Musée Rodin
Rodin and the Art of Ancient Greece
Auguste Rodin (1840 –1917), The Kiss, large version, after 1898
ROYA L H OSPI TA L CH EL SE A , CH EL SE A
© RHS / LUKE MACGREGOR
RHS Chelsea Flower Show Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea since 1913, RHS Chelsea is the world's most famous Flower Show. Nowhere makes gardening more fashionable, with a catwalk of colour and creativity, the biggest and brightest ideas, the latest plant trends and the pinnacle of garden design - this show is one the world wants to see. One of the biggest attractions at RHS Chelsea are the spectacular gardens. Unrivalled in their ability to create the extraordinary, the Show Gardens display the largest and most outstanding designs, acting as perfect examples of horticultural excellence and innovative landscape design. New for 2018, the Space to Grow Gardens offers original ideas, trends and take-home messages to inspire visitors to transform their outdoor spaces and feel the benefits that growing can bring. At the heart of the Show lies the Great Pavilion, which not only plays host to almost 100 nurseries, new and old, but also houses the Discovery Zone, an area dedicated to highlighting the very cutting edge of technology in the world of horiculture. I From 22 May 2018 until 26 May 2018 / Tickets available from £37 Chelsea Pensioner Ray Pearson poses on the Marks and Spencer 'Spirit of Summer: A Mediterranean Journey'
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CULTUR E – WHAT ' S ON
ROYA L AC A D E MY, LO N D O N
© Image: Hayes Davidson
RA250: The New Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academy’s north-facing entrance, Burlington Gardens
The Royal Academy of Arts will open its new campus to the public on Saturday 19 May 2018 as part of the celebrations of its 250th anniversary year. Following a transformational redevelopment, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Sir David Chipperfield CBE RA and supported by the National Lottery, the new Royal Academy will open up and reveal more of the elements that make the RA unique. From dedicated galleries to surprising interventions, a dynamic series of changing exhibits and installations will present the living heritage of the Royal Academy; exploring its foundation and history in training artists as well as showcasing contemporary works by Royal Academicians and students at the RA Schools. I From 19 May 2018 / Free
VI C TO RI A A N D A L B ERT M USEU M , LO N D O N
The V&A will explore the power of design in shaping the world of tomorrow in its major spring exhibition. From portraits of Chelsea Manning generated by her DNA and a chargeable shirt which can power a smartphone, to a global seed bank to prevent loss of plant species in the event of a crisis, The Future Starts Here will bring together ground-breaking technologies and designs currently in development in studios and laboratories around the world. Drawing upon international research, and working closely with a range of companies, universities, practitioners and advisors, the V&A will seek to represent this new picture of an advancing future with more than 100 objects, many of which have never been on public display. The Future Starts Here will explore the impact these objects may have on the body, the home, politics, cities, and the planet. I From 12 May 2018 until November 2018 / Tickets available from £15
© Photography by Studio Tomás Saraceno, 2015
The Future Starts Here
Tomás Saraceno, Aerocene, launches at White Sands Natural Park, 2015
TAT E M O D ERN, LO N D O N
Shape of Light: 100 Years of Photography and Abstract Art will be the first show of this scale to explore photography in relation to the development of abstraction, from the early experiments of the 1910s to the digital innovations of the 21st century. Featuring over 300 works by more than 100 artists, the exhibition will explore the history of abstract photography side-by-side with iconic paintings and sculptures. Shape of Light will place moments of radical innovation in photography within the wider context of abstract art, such as Alvin Langdon Coburn’s pioneering ‘vortographs’ from 1917. This relationship between media will be explored through the juxtaposition of works by painters and photographers, such as cubist works by George Braque and Pierre Dubreuil or the abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock and Otto Steinert’s ‘luminograms.’ Elsewhere the focus will be on artists whose practice spans diverse media, such as László Moholy-Nagy and Man Ray. I From 2 May 2018 until 14 October 2018 / Tickets available from £16
© Antony Cairns
Shape of light – 100 years of photography and abstract art
Antony Cairns, born 1980, 2017
info
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LIFE S T YLE – BOOK S
THESE BOOKS, RECENTLY PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH, WERE SELECTED BY THE FRENCH INSTITUTE IN THE UK
MAIGRET AND THE RELUCTANT WITNESSES
BLACK SUGAR
by Georges
Published by Gallic
Simenon Published by Penguin Random House UK Translated by William Hobson Original title: Maigret et les témoins récalcitrants
by Miguel
Bonnefoy Books Translated by Emily Boyce Original title: Sucre Noir
A once-wealthy family closes ranks when one of their own is
On the edge of the Latin American rainforest, the Oteros family
shot, leaving Maigret - along with a troublesome new magistrate
farm sugar cane in their remote corner of the earth. Cut off
- to pick his way through their secrets.
entirely from the modern world, life is peaceful, uneventful. Until,
It was as if suddenly, long ago, life had stopped here, not the
that is, a succession of ships arrive in search of Henry Morgan’s
life of the man lying on the bed but the life of the house, the life
legendary lost treasure, said to be buried deep beneath the forest
of its world, and even the factory chimney that could be seen
floor. Soon, the isolated villagers are exposed to all the trappings
through the curtains looked obsolete and absurd.
of modernity, while the travellers’ search for booty unearths more
Penguin is publishing the entire series of Maigret novels in new
than anybody could have anticipated…
translations. I
And so it was that the treasure lay buried amid scraps of sail and a pirate’s corpse, preserved within the belly of the Caribbean... I
ONE DEADLY SUMMER
ALIENATION AND FREEDOM PARIS
by Sébastien
Japrisot Books Translated by Alan Sheridan Original title: L’été meurtrier
by Frantz
Fanon Published by Bloomsbury publishing Translated by Steven Corcoran Original title: Ecrits pour l’aliénation et la liberté
Published by Gallic
Since the publication of The Wretched of the Earth in 1961, Fanon's
From a master of suspense comes this classic tale of lust and
work has been deeply significant for generations of intellectuals
revenge set in the French countryside.
and activists from the 60s to the present day.
Beautiful newcomer, Elle, has turned the head of every man in
Alienation
and
Freedom
collects
together
previously
the village. But it’s Fiorimond, the local mechanic, who wants
unpublished works comprising around half of his entire output –
her more. After just one date she moves in with him and his
which were previously inaccessible or thought to be lost. This book
family. As Fiorimond starts to wonder if he’s doing the right
introduces audiences to a new Fanon, a more personal Fanon and
thing, he has no idea that Elle is planning to avenge a terrible
one whose literary and psychiatric works, in particular, take centre
crime from the past…
stage. These writings provide new depth and complexity to our understanding of Fanon's entire oeuvre revealing more of his powerful thinking about identity, race and activism which remain remarkably prescient. Shedding new light on the work of a major 20th-century philosopher, this disruptive and moving work will shape how we look at the world. I
52 - info - may / june 2018
Set in the 1970s, this tale of obsession is a classic of French suspense from the author of A Very Long Engagement. I
LIFE S T YLE – WINE
THE Wine Story OF PROVEN CE Provence is famous for its Rose wines, whose storied history dates back to the earliest settlers to the region
W
as the Mediterranean always as blue? Yes, of course. Two-thousand-six-hundred years after the Phoceans founded Massalia (Marseille), Nikaia (Nice), Antipolis (Antibes) and Anthenopolis (Saint-Tropez) – and planted vines around their new colonies –
nothing has changed in this land nestling between the mountains and the sea. The region has always attracted settlers and visitors, and the people of Provence come from Mediterranean stock with a personality forged by successive influences. Before the Phoceans were the Ligurians (ancestors of the merchants of the region of the Genoa city in Italy). There were also the Romans, the Moors and the Italians who came to work in the XIX century. Today, I should add to this melting pot, the Americans and the Brits (La Promenade des Anglais). There have also been the Russians who immigrated after their revolution, and the Oligarchs who have made Nice an orthodox city and Provence a jetsetter's playground. Many were first enticed to French Riviera by movies such as To Catch a Thief with Grace Kelly, the future Princess of Monaco, or wooed by idealised characterisations in books such as the best-selling A Year in Provence from the late English author Peter Mayle. Of course, art has also played its part in mythologizing the area, in works by Cezanne and Picasso, to name just two.
REFLECTIONS IN THE WINE All these influences have forged wines with variety and a strong character. For instance, sipping a particular Rose from the Cotes de Provence (an official appellation since 1951), one cannot escape the glamorous French Riviera. Opening a bottle of Chateau Miraval, it is as if one is transported to a luxury yacht on the Med’s crisp blue waters. Thanks to the constant improvement of quality from local growers, the strength of the Provence brand factor and the local tourists consumption (compared to the nearby Languedoc) wine from Provence are at a super premium price point. In the Provence wine region, Rose accounts for roughly 80 percent of the production – and therefore pink wines have enjoyed a long historical association with the region. Indeed the basics of its production have not changed since Roman times. Rose, or claret, is obtained after a very short maceration between the skin of black grape, which contains natural colouring agents, then added to the grape pulp and juice. In the various local wines appellations, I particular like the wines of Bandol, whose vines extenned over 1480 hectares in high villages West of Toulon. Sheltered by the massif of Sainte Baume to the North, where you can find the famous chapel where Mary Magdalene is supposedly buried, the Bandol vineyard descends in terraces towards the sea. The main grape variety of the Bandol Red and Rose (minimum 50 percent) is the Mourvedre – also called Monastrell in Spain. The main grape for the white is the Rolle (local name for Vermentino). In the village of La Cadiere d’Azur, I personally love the wines from the Chateau Vannieres. The red is powerful in its youth and has a very long aging potential. It blends the strong Provençal character with the more aristocratic dry finish and tannins that you also find in a Bordeaux from the Medoc. Their rose is packed with red fruits and offers a refreshing palate. This wine is a must try, as is the Bandol and the range of Provence Rose wines. One could even say that the delicate pink of its wines gives the Mediterranean blue a run for its money as the defining colour of the region. 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
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A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO HUMAN RESOURCES IN GREAT BRITAIN
New to HR in the UK?
ÂŁ15
Whether you are working within a large HR team, operating as an external advisor or are a business leader with responsibilities for the HR aspects of your organisation, this guide will help you to prepare for the challenges you face when working with employees in the UK. This guide is also much appreciated by the senior management and HR staff of UK subsidiaries of French companies. Millennials, working conditions, salaries or payroll, the guide provides an overview of all the topics that relate to managing a workforce in Great Britain. It is the reference tool to do HR in the UK! Areas covered include: How to recruit - The legal framework - What salary and benefits? - Payroll, taxation and other charges - Recruitment on the internet - Working conditions
Buy our practical guide on: www.frenchchamber.co.uk
Translated by HL TRAD
AT THE CHAMBER
T
he busy start to the year has not
conference also shines a light on
let up, and we are excited to enter
the transforming aspects related to
the summer season with a host of
payment, subscription and technology,
engagement with the key stakeholders
high-profile events and a renewed focus
with an emphasis placed on current and
in the Franco-British community.
on all of our activities.
future trends. We are also especially
Indeed, this inclusivity is in our DNA, and
proud to provide a platform at the event
over the next year our priority will be to
at our Retail Conference, the sixth
for innovative start-ups to present their
ensure that we are continuing to deliver
annual major sectoral conference we
companies.
value to each of our members.
You may be reading this issue
have hosted, which include Travel,
Closer to home, we are redoubling
support them every step of the way. Our aim remains to deepen our
It has been my privilege over the
Marketing and Energy sectors. This
our efforts to prioritise the inclusivity of
past months to work closely with the
year we are proud to welcome some
the Chamber as it grows and adapts for
team at the Chamber, and to engage
of the biggest names across the British
its members. This includes our ongoing
with many of our members on a one-
retail industry, many of whom are also
partnership with French Tech London,
to-one basis. It is clear to me that the
key stakeholders in the Franco-British
an incubator for the next generation
Chamber is a exceptional and dynamic
relationship on both sides of the
of tech start-ups in the capital. Under
organisation.
Channel.
joint stewardship, partnerships of this
I very much look forward to the
In addition to exploring the
kind help fulfil the needs of fast-moving
coming months and to meeting with
changing face of the consumer, the
companies, and the Chamber is there to
more of you soon. I SB
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NEW MEMBERS 2 NEW PATRON MEMBERS AQUIND LTD – Aquind Interconnector Linking England and France Represented by Richard Glasspool, Director
AQUIND Interconnector is a new subsea and underground High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) electric power transmission link between the South Coast of England and Normandy, France. By linking the British and French electric power grids it will make energy markets more efficient, improve security of supply and enable greater flexibility as power grids evolve to adapt to different sources of renewable energy and changes in demand trends. AQUIND Interconnector has been recognised as a candidate for PCI (EU Project of Common Interest) status. With the capacity of 2,000 MW, AQUIND Interconnector will transmit up to 16,000,000 MWh of electricity each year between the two connected countries, which is approximately 5% and 3% of the total consumption of Great Britain and France respectively. www.aquind.co.uk
SERPENTINE GALLERIES – Contemporary Art Gallery Represented by Yana Peel, CEO
Championing new ideas in contemporary art since it opened in 1970, Serpentine Galleries has presented pioneering exhibitions of 2,263 artists over 45 years, showing a wide range of work from emerging practitioners to the most internationally recognised artists and architects of our time. www.serpentinegalleries.org
2 NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS BANQUE INTERNATIONALE À LUXEMBOURG Private Banking-Corporate & Institutional Banking-Treasury & Financial Markets Represented by Steph-Davy Nguimbi, Senior Business Developer Wealth management and structuring. Management of private and professional needs. Support during start-up, growth and transfer phases. Diverse client base: SMEs, major accounts, financial institutions. Customised cash management products to address the needs and requirements of investors in a dynamic market environment. Retail Banking. www.bil.com
STEWARTS LLP Law Firm Represented by Patrick Dunaud, Partner Stewarts specialises in high-value and complex disputes. Our track record of success for our clients has helped us become the UK's leading litigation-only law firm. Clients choose Stewarts for our legal excellence, our specialist expertise and our pioneering approach to complex litigation. Our focus is always on success: achieving the best results for our clients around the world. www.stewartslaw.com
56 - info - may / june 2018
AT THE CHAMBE R - NE W ME MBE R S
18 NEW ACTIVE MEMBERS Albert's Club – Private Members Club - www.albertsclub.com Represented by Alla Furmanova, Business Development Director Atlantis Consulting – Recruitment and Consulting Services in IT and Energy Sectors - www.atlantis-consulting.fr Represented by Christelle Bimar, UK Country Manager Blanc – Natural Drycleaner, Tailor, Launderer, Homeware Retailer - www.blancliving.co Represented by Ludovic Blanc, CEO Bonpoint UK Ltd – Luxury Goods - www.bonpoint.com Represented by Carlotta Piovella, Area Manager North Europe Bridor – Premium Viennoiserie, Bread and Patisserie Supplier - www.bridor.co.uk Represented by Erwan Inizan, Sales Director Bridor UK & IE / Nordic & Baltic Coaching Assembly Ltd – Recruitment Platform - www.coachingassembly.com Represented by Thomas Viguier, CEO Collège Français Bilingue de Londres – Bilingual School for Students Aged 5-15 - www.cfbl.org.uk Represented by François-Xavier Gabet, Headteacher EOL Group UK Ltd – Manufacturer of Office Furniture - www.eol-group.net Represented by Carolyn Angus, Director Greenwood Distillers – Spirits Company Represented by Barthelemy Brosseau, CEO IFinance – Finance, Repurchase of Credit, Assurance - www.ifinancecourtage.com Represented by Pascal Chalot, Co-founder Keley Consulting – Consulting Firm Specialised in Digital - www.keley-consulting.com/en Represented by Arnaud Goupil, Manager London International Medical Centre – L’Excellence Médicale Française 7 jours/7 - www.limc.co.uk Represented by Eric Sayag, Director LSS Relocation – Global Corporate Relocation - www.lssrelocation.com Represented by Julia Clayden, Director Mossessian Architecture – Architectural Practice - www.mossessian.com Represented by Michel Mossessian, Design Principal PowerWomen Network – Network for Senior Women Business Leaders - www.powerwomen.org.uk Represented by Tanuja Randery, CEO/Founder Pret a Train – Personal Training, Well Being, Group Classes, Corporate Training - www.pretatrain.com/en Represented by Romain Gherardi, Director and Founder Stream Advisory – Fund Advisor for Investment in West Africa Represented by Hassane Hamza, Major Shareholder The London Wealth Practice Ltd – International Business Development Consultancy Represented by Brigitte Reech, CEO, Founding Director
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NE WS – AT THE CHAMBE R
Chamber introduces Reward Programme for member referrals
T
For introducing a new Corporate member, choose from: - 1 free ticket for a ‘Breakfast With’ event - 1 free ticket for a ‘Current Affairs Update’ - A classified advertisement in INFO magazine
e
RP
For introducing a new Active member, receive: - 1 free ticket to a ‘Rendez-Cous Chez’ networking event
m
P r
o
w a r d
R
e
he Chamber is pleased to announce a programme which will reward current members when they introduce a new member to the organisation. Help us grow the Franco-British business community and receive the following upon completion of a new member’s membership:
g r a m
To thank our members who act as ambassadors for the French Chamber we are pleased to announce our new Reward Programme
For introducing a new Patron member, choose from: - 1 free ticket for a ‘Dîner des Chefs’ - Exclusive access to a Patron Event - 1 month free advertising banner on the Chamber’s website Please get in touch with the membership team for more information membership@ccfgb.co.uk / 020 7092 6600
reward programme 2018 selection1.indd 1
4/20/2018 10:23:55 AM
THE BUSINESS CENTRE: A SPRINGBOARD INTO THE UK Aimed at French Start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs that are developing their businesses in the UK, the French Chamber’s 20-desk Business Centre is currently home to 11 companies. Meet SMCP, the affordable luxury fashion retailer
Catherine Dragan, Human Resources Director, SMCP What does your company do? We are a global affordable luxury fashion retailer. Sandro-Paris is part of the SMCP Group. Our business model is blending the codes of luxury and fast fashion. We have on-trend high-quality products with a short and reactive cycle from design to production. We have premium store locations all over the world with a superior personal shopping experience. Sandro’s DNA is intimately related to Paris. The brand expresses through its collections the essence of cool and chic Parisian spirit, the French effortless elegance, with a unique twist. Our Headquarters are located in the heart of Paris, where studios and ateliers conceive the collections. We have a unique know-how for a certain idea of French allure, recognised all around the world. Why did the company decide to come to the UK? Due to our year on year success, Sandro was expanding globally and of course due to the high demand for luxury in London what better market to enter than the UK. We currently have 24 points of sale in the UK: 11 boutiques, 1 mixed outlet and the rest partnered with department stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. Globally, we currently have 593 points of sale across 37 countries. We have seen a huge success in the UK market and are looking forward to what the future holds for us especially as we are focusing on building our brand awareness in the UK to make its presence as strong as it is in France! What would be your top tip for French companies entering the UK? For retailers, it is important to understand the UK market in terms of its customers and its employees. The UK is a whole different ball game when it comes to employment legislation and its cross-cultural diversity. A key point to highlight is adaptability. We have customers from all over the world who expect a different shopping experience. UK retail trade fluctuates so retailers need to adapt and innovate in order to keep growing!
To find out more about the Chamber’s Business Centre, please contact Sophie Bosc, Business Consultancy Project Manager, sbosc@ccfgb.co.uk or 0207 092 6628 58 - info - may / june 2018
FINANCE FORUM
Cryptocurrency: Money of Tomorrow The latest session of the Finance Forum looked into cryptocurrencies and the blockchain technology which underpins them
Cryptocurrencies have the ability to decentralise trust, increase competition, and address issues such as income distribution
I
n a highly informative and technical
market, while volatile, has proven
the technology that is behind bitcoin,
session, the latest meeting of the
successful, and best practices are
and has a wide range of possible
Finance Forum welcomed Julian
starting to be identified. As an
applications beyond it – such as tracking
Kaljuvee, Co-Founder, Founders Capital
investment, cryptos have been very
ownership, provenance, digital assets,
Ltd, and Lucie Munier, Associate,
lucrative, yet the market is susceptible
physical assets or voting rights.
Qadre, to disscuss the cryptocurrency
to volatility.
Perhaps the most useful application of
revolution. The Forum was chaired by
Regulation poses a risk as it may
the technology is to do with security,
John Peachey, Managing Director &
struggle to keep up with the pace of
yet there are still several key areas
CFO Global Markets, HSBC Bank Plc.
change of the technology. Kalijuvee
where the technology faces problems,
noted that while the UK Financial
including:
Conduct Authority is one of the best
1. Scalability: There is no past proof of
Julian Kaljuvee, Co-Founder of the
regulators in the world, it took them
concept and concerns are rising due to
fintech investor Founders Capital
nine years to respond to crowd-
code complexity. Also, the ratio number
Ltd, prefers the word ‘token’ over
funding. The peer-to-peer lender Zopa
of transactions/second is currently too
‘crypto,’ when describing the new
was founded in 2005, yet regulation
low.
digital currecncy, as it allows a more
governing its activity was released in
2. Vulnerabilities: The complexity of the
comprehensive approach toward the
2014.
blockchain can itself be a problem if a
crypto world.
Another risk is the large amount
minor flaw in the code appears.
of organised crime and terrorist
3. Energy consumption: Today one
the ability to address fundamental
money likely to be laundered through
bitcoin transaction could power a US
problems at the core of our financial
decentralised systems. Public chains
home for 7 days, leading to concerns
systems. These include centralised trust
(such as currencies like Bitcoin and
about sustainability.
(meaning a more democratic approach
Ethereum) can be effectively monitored
to money), the fact that economies of
now, yet others are much harder for law
It is important to note that not all
scale lead to monopolies, and pervasive
enforcement to track.
blockchains use the same methods. For
The Token Economy
He said that the technology has
inequality in economic systems. Tokens, or cryptocurrencies, have
Blockchain explained
example, the cryptocurrency Ethereum uses a verification method that allows
to ability to decentralise trust, increase
Lucie Munier, Business and Legal
a higher transaction per second rate.
competition, and address issues such as
Associate at the blockchain provider
In spite of this, Blockchain’s proof
income distribution.
Qadre, explained that it is essential
of concept continues to be an open
to understand that blockchain is not
question. Only time will tell. I
Currently tokens are a growing market, taking off since 2014. The
the same as bitcoin. Blockchain is
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- may / june 2018 - 59
START-UP & SME CLUB
How to do business with the British For French nationals, doing business in Britain can be a mystifying experience. The latest Start-up & SME Club shared their experiences and received some expert advice
T
he French Chamber was pleased to welcome Matthew Hill, Facilitator, Author and
professional speaker and coach of the New Leader’s Club and Cathy Wellings, Director of the London School of International Communication as speakers of the latest Start-up and SME Club. Jeanne Monchovet, Founder & Principal Consultant of Olystix and Sébastien Goldenberg, CEO & CoFounder of TheHouseShop.com cochaired the session. The two speakers began the session by asking participants to share their experiences about their first contact with British prospects. They found
The British get directly to the point compared to the French who tend to contextualize the situation
that the British get directly to the point compared to the French who tend to contextualise the situation
shows that relationship building can
business’). ‘Your sales process has to
before talking about the original topic.
take time in certain scenarios, but can
fit with their buying process,’ says Hill.
Hill argued that, in a professional
pay off in time.
He added that the best way to get
setting, the British can be much more
The last part of the session was
specialised than the French who have
focused on the best way to succeed in
the presentation, not to wait until the
a more general approach due to the
British meetings and pitching. Hill and
end, as most British clients will avoid
difference between the two academic
Wellings reported that as a seller, you
interrupting the presentation to ask
systems.
have to bring direct solutions to the
questions.
their feedback is to ask them directly in
Building relationships with British
table, and offer rational and concrete
‘takes time’ according to Wellings. To
facts to explain them. Put simply, ‘get
give their price early on, as this is one of
illustrate the situation, she chose the
to the point, and show them what they
the fundamental things that the client
peach/coconut model. A coconut is
can gain.’
will want to know. With all these steps in
harder to break than a peach, but contains a soft inside. The metaphor
This means prioritising the clients
Hill also advised the participants to
place, success is just a meeting away. I
news before your own (or your
K EY TAK EAWAYS • Learn to ‘crack the code’ and read what’s not being said
• Remember that Brits love self-deprecation and understatement
• Respect privacy and personal space
• Brits struggle to give negative feedback; but don’t be afraid to ask
• Avoid interrupting
• Deliver negative messages softly Source: Matthew Hill Cathy Wellings, 2018
To purchase the French Chamber's bilingual cross-cultural booklet 'Light at the End of the Tunnel', visit www.frenchchamber.co.uk
60 - info - may / june 2018
CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY FORUM
The Health Impact of Air Quality The latest Climate Change & Sustainability Forum explored causes, consequences, current action plans, and what more should be done when it comes to air quality
T
he Chamber welcomed guest speakers Elliot Treharne,
London calling
Air Quality Manager, Greater London Authority, and Dr
Elliot Treharne, Air Quality Manager of the GLA, told the story
Richard Maggs, Consulting Group Manager - Air Quality,
of London’s success in tackling historic pollution, from the
Acoustics & Vibration, Bureau Veritas UK.
historic highs of sulphur dioxide and smoke in the air in the
The session was co-chaired by Richard Brown CBE, Chairman of the Franchise Advisory Panel for the Department
1950s, to the relatively low concentration by the 2000s. However, there is still work to be done. In January 2017,
for Transport and former CEO and Chairman of Eurostar,
London was hit by a ‘very high’ pollution episode, which meant
and Jean-Philippe Verdier, Founding Partner, Verdier & Co.
that high concentrations of particulate matter in the air were
Corporate Advisory.
more than double the hourly legal EU limit. The whole of
Win-win outcomes Dr Richard Maggs of Bureau Veritas reported that the health
London is exposed to particulate matter levels that exceed safe limits set by the World Health Organisation. In 2013, a particular challenge for London was identified
burdens associated with poor air quality can include loss of
in terms of reducing its nitrogen dioxide levels, the most
productivity, medical care, and in the worst cases loss of life.
common sources being internal combustion engines burning
Non-health impacts include: the impacts on carbon pricing,
fossil fuels – ie. road traffic.
crop yields, material damage from ozone (rubber industries),
It was a problem that was shared in cities across Europe.
material damage from SO2 (acid rain), and material damage
The EU has set road emission limits each year, and each year
from PM (soiling and historical buildings).
they have been greatly exceeded.
It has been estimated that poor air quality incurs societal costs of £16bn per year. The business case for improving air quality is related to
The Mayor of London has said that tackling air pollution is a top priority, holding a consultation on a number of air quality measures within weeks of coming into office. A number of air
this economic impact. There have also been positive leads and
alerts were created as was the Healthy Streets for London
innovation in response to environmental regulation around the
programme, a long-term plan to encourage more Londoners
issue. Science is part of the solution, but it will be integral for
to walk and cycle. New double deck buses will be hybrid,
business to play a part, with huge potential benefits in terms of
hydrogen or electric from this year; while single deck buses will
new business opportunities.
be zero emission in central London by 2020.
Responses from business can involve tackling the
A low emission zone was also established from Bromley in
problem from different angles, including investing in R&D,
the South to Barnet in the North, Heathrow to the West and
manufacturing and technological solutions, and informing
Romford to the East. All these initiatives and more are part of a
behavioural change – with each carrying their own challenges
broader strategy for London to have the best air quality of any
and opportunities.
major world city by 2050. I
info
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HR FORUM
Taking your Leave The latest HR Forum heard about the importance of work-life balance and information on various forms of family leave
T
he HR Forum on 14 March welcomed two guest speakers
said their working hours regularly got in the way of family time
from Irwin Mitchell LLP: Melanie Stancliffe, Partner –
and 1 in 5 parents working full time put in 5 extra weeks a
Employment, and Sarah Wallace, Partner. The session was
year out of work hours. These statistics mean that employers
chaired by Pia Dekkers, Human Resources Director at Chanel.
who do offer a good work life balance create motivation and
A question of leave
encourage loyalty. ‘I actually think it’s in business interest to look at these things
The Labour government originally established various leaves
and to operate them in a fair way,’ says Stancliffe. This builds
available (maternity, adoption, paternity, flexible working,
upon the case for retention in the workplace, with Stancliffe
emergency) as well as the protections existing for those who
stating that 81 percent of women finding a job more appealing
meet the relevant criteria, with an aim to retain mothers in
when it offers flexible working.
the workplace and also to increase the participation of both parents in the young lives of their children.
Similarly for the millennial generation; whereas flexible working requests were previously limited, now ‘it’s almost a
Enhanced shared parental pay is one key element which
given that people want to work flexibly at whatever age and
demonstrates the difficulties in ensuring a standardised
even on entry’. Different types of families mean that ‘policies
attitude to the options available.
need to be adequately drafted in order to make sure that
Stancliffe outlines that employers don’t have to enhance, but recent cases demonstrate the unequal approach to rulings
everybody feels included.’
via the employment tribunal in Shared Parental Leave (SPL) due
IM Modern Families
to a distinction in comparing a man on SPL with a women on
The ‘IM Modern Families’ initiative was implemented by Sarah
maternity leave, rather than with a woman on SPL.
Wallace to create a forum to discuss these issues at Irwin
‘You do have disparities between organisations which won’t become apparent until employees start querying them’, Stancliffe says.
Mitchell. Launched in the autumn of 2017, employees of Irwin Mitchell give a series of talks to their fellow employees at a
Overall, there are difficulties in raising awareness of the
national level via videolink. They touch upon key factors such as
eligibility of employees of SPL. Reports demonstrate that
flexible working, maternity policies and careers after pregnancy,
although 285,000 couples every year are eligible, only 2 percent
care of elderly parents, use of language in creating unconscious
take advantage of the benefits. The government launched
bias, etc, with the aim of creating awareness companywide.
the ‘Share the Joy’ campaign to combat this shortcoming, in February 2018. Stancliffe says the Taylor Review on modern working practises, with a strong focus on the protection against
The initiative aims to appeal to both men and women, and focuses upon the growing diversity in the concerns of modern families, flexible working and wellbeing at work, with a broader audience than just those families with children.
redundancy linked with pregnancy and maternity, will have a
In general, Wallace says that the younger generation are
major impact as the government has accepted nearly every
engaging and will get behind this movement as attitudes are
recommendation.
changing between younger people and the older generation in
‘The government recognises that women are being too often targeted for redundancies [and] are not getting opportunities when they’re off’, says Stancliffe.
Flexible working and retention The Modern Families Index found that 48 percent of parents 62 - info - may / june 2018
how issues can be addressed and openly discussed. As the work landscape changes and work life balance becomes an essential element of both recruitment and retention, Wallace says that ‘if you are not behind it, you will be left behind.’ I Suzanne Lycett
RETAIL FORUM
Retail: Making old stock great again The Retail Forum explored the options companies have when managing their out-of-date stock, from disposal to recycling
L
es 110 de Taillevent in Marylebone hosted the latest Retail Forum session. Three speakers shared their experiences
and viewpoints on the disposal and repurposing of old stock: Jamie Crummie, Co-Founder of Too Good To Go;
More than the environmental and moral duty to avoid waste, it represents an opportunity for firms to make their old stock worthwhile
Boriana Guimberteau, Partner at Franco-British law firm FTPA Avocats and Robin Osterley, CEO of the Charity Retail Association. Alain Harfouche, General Manager UK and Ireland of L’Occitane and Catherine Palmer, Legal and
Give clothes a second life
Administrative Director of Joseph co-chaired the session.
Robin Osterley of the Charity Retail Association outlined the
Old stock deposal
successful reuse model championed by high street charity shops. His organisation represents more than 11,000 shops
The session heard that old stock deposal is a huge challenge
in the UK which each year reuse at least 323,000 tonnes of
for UK retailers, as well as an environmental and moral issue
clothing donated by individuals and retailers.
globally. Borina Guimberteau, FTPA, explained that the goal for
Osterley argued that charity shops give a longer life to the
many companies is to repurpose their older and aging stock
products, generate social benefits and can also do some win-
to generate new revenue or tax incentives, promote positive
win partnerships with firms.
brand image, and make a positive impact on society and the environment. Guimberteau explained that it is estimated that €630m of
He also explained how some UK companies have integrated donation into their marketing strategy, working directly with charity shops. For instance Marks & Spencer has
goods are destroyed each year in the UK. Because of the waste
partnered with Oxfam: if people give old items to Oxfam, they
and accompanying environmental issues, the clothing industry
get a five pound M&S voucher. They help a charity, target some
alone ranks second in the world in terms of the environmental
new potential customers and it is also a mean to improve their
impact of industries.
brand image.
The potential market for the retailers is huge: roughly 100,000 tonnes of food are wasted in the fodd sector. 70
Food & waste
percent of it is avoidable which represents £19bn of business
Globally, more than a third of food produced is wasted,
opportunities. More than the environmental and moral duty
representing 1.3bn tonnes each year. The shocking statistic
to avoid waste, it represents an opportunity for firms to make
led Jamie Crummie to create Too Good To Go, a mobile
their old stock worthwhile.
application where consumers can buy unsold prepared meals
According to Guimberteau, companies have four options when
at a discount. The firm is now in 8 countries, 3.3m consumers
it comes to managing their old stock:
are registered and 3.5m meals have been saved. In long run,
1. Destruction (when mandatory)
his purpose is to get a one-to-one rate of preparation of meals
2. Donation to charity
to consumption of meals.
3. Sale abroad. That works well for the
That way of thinking is directly supported by the UN in
seasonal goods.
its Sustainable Development goal report: ‘By 2030, halve per
4. Transformation or recycling.
capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels
She also highlighted that companies must follow established regulations. For example France has signed the Food Waste Control Act in 2016, which compels retailers to donate their surplus to charities. The EU Commission has also
and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post harvest losses’. This global awareness benefits to everyone: people, planet and retailers. I
adopted new guidelines on the subject in October 2017.
info
- may / june 2018 - 63
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INNOVATION FORUM Sponsored by
The scope of Artificial Intelligence The latest Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum heard about the business applications of artificial intelligence
T
he Digital Transformation
Disruption is coming
and Innovation Forum
According to Recino, AI is
session was chaired by
set to completely disrupt
Christophe Chazot, Group
the economy, with potential
Head of Innovation of HSBC
applications across sectors, such
Bank Plc. The French Chamber
as medicine, insurance, legal and
was also pleased to welcome
manufacturing.
Philippe Lerique, Partner of
He anticipates that AI will
Talan Consulting UK Limited
also have a huge impact on the
and Alessandro Recino, Cloud
workforce, replacing a range of
Solution Architect Date & AI at
both blue and white collar jobs.
Microsoft as speakers to the
Yet, he said, the rise of AI will also
forum.
How AI works
The real strength of AI is in its capacity to learn ‘alone’ and automatically
In contrast to human intelligence,
create many new jobs and career paths including those developing, maintaining and working with the new technology.
AI is a compartmentalised imitation of
activities in business-based AI solutions.
As the technology begins to adapt
the way we think. Alessandro Recino
Its platform consists of three streams: AI
and scale, only time will tell the impact
presented a graphic (see below) which
infrastructure, the AI services and the AI
that AI will have on our lives. I
represents the three main components
tools, each offering a range of complex
of AI.
AI solutions.
The field of AI represents the
As a case study, the session
specific application of the technology,
highlighted recent work undertaken by
whether it is, for instance, text
Talan Consulting UK, a French business
translation, text analytics or voice
and IT consultancy where Lerique is a
authentication. Machine learning is
Partner.
how AI works, including the computer
Working with SNCF in an effort
algorithms which underpin the
to improve the safety of their
technology. As a specific subset of
infrastructure, Talan installed smart
machine learning, ‘Deep learning’ allows
cameras across the railway network to
for a high standard of data processing,
observe and analyse incidents which
as AI is able to learn in a way that closely
were not prevented.
resembles our current understanding of the workings of the human brain.
Business applications
The strength of using an AI application was the ability to synthesise information and ‘learn’ from a massive amount of collected data –
Highly complex software is at the core
independently and automatically – work
of any application of AI in a business
that would be impossible without
context – evidenced by Microsoft’s
machine learning.
64 - info - may / june 2018
Source: Microsoft
FORTHCOMING FORUMS & CLUBS By application only
17
HR FORUM
‘Compliance Considerations for a Globally Mobile Workforce’ May Guest speakers: Charlotte Firth, Manager, 08.30 - 10.00 James Cowper Kreston and Lucy Langham, HR Manager, Mechadyne Co-chairs: Pia Dekkers, Human Resources Director , Chanel and Melanie Stancliffe, Partner - Employment, Irwin Mitchell LLP
22
CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILIT Y FORUM
May
‘Batteries: technologies, innovation, usages and the economics’ 08.30 - 10.30 Guest speakers: Alastair Davies, Head of Strategic Analysis & Modelling, EDF Energy and second speaker to be confirmed Co-chairs: Richard Brown CBE, Former CEO and Chairman of Eurostar, Chairman Department for Transport Franchise Advisory Panel and Jean-Philippe Verdier, Founding Partner, Verdier & Co, Corporate Advisory
24
RETAIL FORUM
Retail Forum 1 Year Anniversary Cocktail Party Venue: L’Occitane Flagship Store, 74-76 18.00 - 20.00 Regent St, Soho, London W1B 5RL Co-chairs: Alain Harfouche, General Manager, L’Occitane and Catherine Palmer, Legal & Administrative Director, Joseph May
5
START-UP AND SME CLUB
‘Start-ups and Corporates: Building and Evolving Valuable Relationships’ June Guest speakers: To be confirmed 08.30 - 10.00 Co-chairs: Sébastien Goldenberg, CEO & Co-Founder, TheHouseShop.com and Jeanne Monchovet, Founder and Principal Consultant, Olystix, Advisory Councillor of the French Chamber
13
BREXIT FORUM
20
FINANCE FORUM
‘Impact of BREXIT on HR & Education (talent, labour law, mobility, training)’ Joint session with the HR Forum 08.30 - 10.00 Guest speakers: Simon Mercado, UK Director, ESCP Europe Business School, and Kady Doumbia, Consultant, Turenne Consulting. Co-Chairs: Angela Hepworth, Corporate Policy and Regulation Director, EDF Energy and Neil Sherlock CBE, Partner, Corporate Affairs, PwC June
‘The Financial World: How to Attract & Retain Talent (employees’ skills, 08.30 - 10.00 performances, training, incentives, vision, etc.) ‘ Joint session with the HR Forum Guest speakers: Angela Paul, Research Lead, Willis Towers Watson and second speaker to be confirmed Chair: John Peachey, Managing Director - CFO Global Markets, HSBC Bank Plc June
21 June
08.30 - 10.00
DIGITAL TR ANSFORMATION & INNOVATION FORUM ‘Social Media: analytics, etc. ‘ Guest speakers: Amanda Tran, Managing Director, JIN and second speaker to be
confirmed Co-chairs: Christophe Chazot, Group Head of Innovation, HSBC and Lucien Boyer, Chief Marketing Officer, Vivendi.
All sessions, excluding the Luxury Club and the Women's Business Club, take place at the French Chamber. For more information, please contact: Ophélie Martinel at omartinel@ccfgb.co.uk or 0207 092 6634
info
- may / june 2018 - 65
PAST EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
WOMEN, INSPIRATION AND LEADERSHIP The Chamber marked International Women’s Day with an event that celebrated women’s accomplishments and discussed the future for women in the workplace
A packed room for International Women’s Day at the Bulgari Hotel Yana Peel, CEO of the Serpentine Galleries, and Rachel Johnson, Author & Journalist
T
he Chamber welcomed two inspirational speakers to an
She added: ‘My message to all women's audiences is “be
event celebrating women and leadership. Featuring a
pushy,” borne out in spades by the truly awful data on the
discussion between the journalist Rachel Johnson and Yana
gender pay gap across the board. There's a pay gap even in
Peel, CEO of the Serpentine Galleries, the event on 8 March
women-dominated industries like cosmetics and fashion, so
at the Bulgari Hotel also marked International Women’s Day.
there's no doubt that la lucha for fairness and equality must
The discussion was moderated by the Chamber’s Senior Vice
continua.'
President, Peter Alfandary. More than 120 participants attended the packed event, and each left with a luxury gift, generously donated by the event’s
The speakers
As CEO of the Serpentine Galleries, one of the world’s leading
sponsor Chanel. In the elegant surroundings of the Bulgari
contemporary arts institutions, Yana Peel shared her rise to
Hotel, guests enjoyed canapés and Champagne following a
the top of the international art world. Drawing on multiple
discussion and lively Q&A.
sources and experience, Peel described aspects of her career
The event, which was as launched in 2014, has grown in
as being formative in this journey. Peel is also Chair of the
popularity and appeal year-on-year. This year, in addition to
Intelligence Squared Group, a global forum for live debate
falling on International Women’s Day, the event was set against
which she co-founded. She is also the co -founder of Outset
the backdrop of the recent MeToo and TimesUp movements.
Contemporary Art Fund, and holds board and advisory
This added to the dynamism of the audience Q&A, where the
positions with Tate International Council, British Fashion
panellists were asked about the highs and the lows of women’s
Council, World Economic Forum, V-A-C Foundation (Moscow)
experience in the workplace and society. It was a highly
and Para Site Art Space (HK), amongst others.
educational event for all in attendance, whether male or female.
Rachel Johnson, is a journalist, novelist and broadcaster
Rachel Johnson commented about the event: ‘I always feel
based in London. After leaving Oxford she joined the staff of
imposter syndrome [at these events] as I don't think I've been
the Financial Times, becoming the first female graduate trainee
a successful woman at all; so it was a great honour to be up
at the paper in 1989. She moved to the BBC in 1994, but left
there alongside Yana Peel and in front of such a distinguished
to move to Washington D.C. as a columnist and freelancer
gathering.’
in 1997. She edited The Lady Magazine 2009-2011. She has
‘I thought the event went very well, mainly as we spoke from
written weekly columns for most national newspapers and
the heart and with great frankness about our respective careers
contributes a weekly column in The Mail on Sunday, and co-
and personal histories. There was no fake news element to it,
presents the panel show The Pledge on Sky News. As a novelist,
just an authenticity that reverberated around the room, given
her works include Notting Hell (Penguin 2006), Shire Hell, and
the added impact that we held the event on IWD and the
A Diary of The Lady, My First Year as Editor (Penguin, 2010). I
experience of women (around the world not just in the UK and
Suzanne Lycett
Europe) was very much in the forefront of everyone's minds.’
info
- may / june 2018 - 67
AMBASSADOR’S BRIEF Chamber members were welcomed to the French Residence in London for an intimate and informative talk by HE Mr Jean-Pierre Jouyet, French Ambassador to the UK
H
ow will Brexit shape the relationship between France and the UK?
The Ambassador’s brief did not disappoint: he offered a unique and
Patron and Corporate members of the
often frank insight in the thinking
Chamber registered to hear HE Mr
around Brexit in France and the UK, with
Jean-Pierre Jouyet's briefing, which was
especial attention to how negotiations
held at the French Residence in London.
and the final deal may impact on the
The Ambassador addressed the
Franco-British community. Of note were
assembled crowd on the topic of the
questions related to the new Macron
future of the Franco-British relationship
government in France, and to French
on the aftermath of the bilateral summit
interests in the negotiation process.
between leaders of the UK and France.
As has been widely reported, the
He also took questions from the event’s
current French government was not
moderator, Peter Alfandary, Senior Vice
in support of a pro-Brexit vote. The
President of the Chamber, following his
Ambassador also addressed a host of
remarks.
issues that directly affect the historic
The audience, made up of more
relations between the two countries,
than 80 main representatives from
regardless of their involvement in the
Patron and Corporate member
EU.
companies, was also invited to ask
About the Ambassador HE Mr Jean-Pierre Jouyet graduated from ENA (Ecole Nationale
A Champagne and canapé reception
d’Admiistration) in 1980. He is also a
questions. The event was held according
was held after the talks, where
Lawyer. Between 2007 and 2008 he
to strict Chatham House Rules, in
members were able to address the
was the Secretary of State for Francois
order to encourage open and frank
Ambassador personally and network
Fillon’s Government. He had been the
discussions.
with fellow members.
president of the ‘Autorités des marchés
The event has been held
The event was the ideal forum to
financiers’ from 2008 to 2012. In 2012
several times per year since 2009,
discover more about the ‘real’ impact
he was appointed as Director of the
demonstrating the close relationship
of Brexit – the Chamber would like to
‘Caisse des dépôts et consignations’
between the Embassy and the
thank HE Mr Jean-Pierre Jouyet and
and President of the ‘Public Investment
Chamber. It marked the first session
his team for their hospitality at an
Bank.’ He held these positions until
of this kind with the new Ambassador
exclusive Chamber event at the French
2014; he was then appointed Secretary
since he took up his post late last year.
Residence.
General of the Presidency. I
68 - info - may / june 2018
E VE NT S – AT THE CHAMBE R
BREAKFAST WITH…
KATHERINE BENNETT OBE The Chamber welcomed the Senior Vice President from Airbus to speak about her career, women in business, and challenges facing the aviation giant
I
n ten short years, Airbus has grown from a relatively small player in the UK to one of the giants of British aviation.
type of initiative. In a highly informative session, Bennett also spoke about
Katherine Bennett, Senior Vice President at Airbus,
initiatives to boost recruitment and apprenticeships, as well as
addressed the assembled guests at the Bulgari Hotel,
investing in innovation in air traffic management, AI and urban
exploring successes at Airbus and challenges facing the sector.
mobility. Addressing the gender pay gap is also a priority of
She was introduced at the event by Tanjua Randery, CEO and Founder of the PowerWomen Network and Vice President
Airbus. Opening up the session to questions from the
of the Chamber. Detailing aspects of Bennett’s biography,
audience, Bennett elaborated on many of the themes of
Randery highlighted Bennett’s OBE, which was awarded in
her presentation, and spoke more about contributing to
2004 for her work in industry and charity.
government targets to tackle climate change.
Airbus is probably best known by commercial passengers
The Chamber wishes to thanks the Bulgari Hotel and
for the iconic A380, the massive double-decker jumbo jet, now
their staff for their hospitality, and Paul UK for catering the
the flagship of the brand. Since it began flying ten years ago,
breakfast.
the airplane now accounts for 10 percent of all passengers flying from Heathrow airport. In addition to commercial aviation, Airbus is also involved
About the speaker
Katherine is a Senior Vice President of Airbus and has been
in other aspects of the industry including aircraft wings,
with the company for 13 years. She leads the company’s
helicopters and satellites – every TV satellite broadcast in
external engagement and strategy in the UK and reports
the UK is from an Airbus satellite. Bennett reported that the
directly to the Global CEO, Tom Enders. Katherine has held
company has an annual £5bn spend on R&D.
roles in Communications and spent several years based at
Bennett addressed current concerns in the industry, including the effects of Brexit and issues related to staffing and business innovation. The former CEO of Airbus, Louis Gallois,
Airbus HQ in Toulouse, France running the global public affairs function. Based out of London and Bristol, she has specific
was famous for saying: ‘Airbus is the part of Europe that works.’
responsibility for UK Government Relations for all parts of the
As a fully integrated European company, it is an example of the
Airbus company which employs 15,000 people in the UK.
frictionless cooperation, trade and investment fostered by the EU. According to Bennett, ‘Brexit has put a spotlight on the need for the UK government to help industry more.’ She
In December 2015 she became a Board Member of the International Aviation Womens’ Association and in March 2016 she was nominated a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Katherine is active in her local community in Wiltshire, is
called for a more holistic industrial strategy, bringing together
a church organist, a member of the UK Parliament Choir and
senior people from companies across sectors, noting that
founder of the Airbus Filton Choir. I
government money has now been unlocked to help set up this
info
- may / june 2018 - 69
CROSS-CULTURAL QUIZ NIGHT
Sponsored by
Teams from across the Chamber’s 600 member companies came together for a lively evening of food, competition and, unexpectedly, singing!
T
he Cross-Cultural Quiz Evening has a reputation to
ringleader behind of the ever-relevant ‘Light at the End of
uphold in the Chamber’s calendar. In its fourth year,
the Tunnel’ Cross-Cultural Relations booklet published by the
this is a dinner with a difference, hosted annually at PwC’s Embankment offices. Tables were snapped up quickly as Chamber member
Chamber, once again donned his expert quizmaster cap. ‘I am absolutely thrilled that the Cross-Cultural Quiz seems to have become a traditional feature for the Franco-British
companies gathered together 120 of the best and brightest
community through the French Chamber’, says Alfandary. ‘It’s
from amongst their colleagues and clients to compete in
not only a fun event but also reflects the importance of the
their teams. Expectations were high and the evening did not
Chamber’s role in furthering cross-cultural understanding and
disappoint.
friendship. It’s now my fourth year putting the Quiz together.
The event offers a quiz with a compelling Franco-British twist – questions based around both French and British
Although an expert on cross-cultural issues, it certainly taxes my brain but gives a huge amount of pleasure to prepare’.
cultures and traditions. A diverse mix of participants is the key
After five intense rounds of questions, including
to establish equal representation from both cultures and gain
unanticipated but welcome musical interludes from
the maximum number of points. A number of companies were
participants to illustrate certain answers, Cripps edged ahead
represented with tables on this occasion: Cripps, Chanel, ebl
of their competitors in a close final result, to take first place.
miller rosenfalck, Euronext, Gide Loyrette Nouel, Sherrards Solicitors and PwC, alongside a number of mixed tables. The Franco-British inspired menu ensured the cross-
Not to be discouraged, participants left vowing a comeback for the next edition. Thank you to PwC for sponsoring and for hosting the Quiz
cultural theme continued and offered Coq au Vin, quiche,
for the fourth year running in the impressive Embankment
Yorkshire puddings, and French and British cheeses amongst
Offices. Thanks also to our generous prize donors, providing
other traditional favourites.
a selection of goodies for all members of the winning team:
Peter Alfandary, Vice President at the Chamber and the
Caudalie, La Maison Maille, MYNE London, PAUL UK. I
Top left: Deliberations amongst teammates from Browne Jacobson LLP & ESCP Europe Top right: Stephen Burgin, Deputy President of the French Chamber, introduces the event Bottom left: Representatives from SPIE UK, HSBC, Institut Français UK, PwC, French Education Charitable Trust & the French Embassy Bottom right: The winning team from Cripps UK 70 - info - may / june 2018
E VE NT S – AT THE CHAMBE R
SOME OF T H E Q U IZ'S Q U ESTI O NS 1. What links Harold, Emmanuel and 70 metres? 2. Which Paris Metro stations make you think of a)
4. When did women get the right to vote in the UK and France?
5. Where are you in London if you take 30 minutes to
Bleach b) Bad Grass
3. What is the shortest French word using all the vowels?
go round?
1. THE BAYEUX TAPERSTRY 2. JAVEL, MALSHERBES 3. OISEAU 4. UK 1918 FRANCE 1945 5.THE LONDON EYE
THE INTERCULTURAL TROPHY 2018 APPL ICAN TS 2018 • James Cowper Kreston
• ebl miller rosenfalck
• ESCP Europe Business School
• Epic
• Evolution Coaching
• Waddington Custot
• Browne Jacobson LLP
• Street League
WINNER 2018: INSTITUT FR ANÇAIS UK
W
ith nice applicants overall, and a close final vote,
Fabre. ‘It is a great trophy, with an impressive history of winners
competition for the 21st edition of the Intercultural
amongst the Franco British business community since 1997’.
Trophy 2018 was fierce.
Claudine Ripert-Landler, Head of the French Institute in the
Aimed at recognising a culturally-intelligent company,
UK, says ‘The Intercultural Trophy is awarded to organisations
organisation or project that has successfully helped to bridge
which show a commitment to creating lasting cultural bonds
the gap between our two cultures, the level of interest in this
between France and the UK, which was the ethos of the Night
year’s edition demonstrates a true celebration of Franco-British
of Ideas 2018.
projects and sentiments from amongst the French Chamber members.
‘We believe that our goal, to expand and deepen the presence of French culture and language in the UK, through
With the winner decided by public vote, this year’s trophy,
large-scale events such as the Night of Ideas, is more than
sponsored by Sherrard’s Solicitors, was presented to l’Institut
ever meaningful. This was confirmed by the large audience
Français du Royaume-Uni on the evening of the Cross-Cultural
we welcomed at this occasion with a strong focus on younger
Quiz.
generations and is now confirmed by this award and the vote
Geraldine Fabre, Partner and Head of French Group, represented Sherrards Solicitors in handing over the trophy to Marjorie Lecointre, Deputy Director at l’Institut Français. ‘It is Sherrards Solicitors’ international engagement that
of the members of the Chamber of Commerce.’ Many thanks also to Caudalie, Frenchie Covent Garden, MYNE London, PAUL UK and The Hippodrome Casino for their kind prize donations, to accompany the trophy. I
lead us to sponsor this very meaningful trophy this year’, says
Suzanne Lycett
Marjorie Lecointre, Deputy Director at l’Institut Français UK
Left to right: Peter Alfandary, Deputy President of the French Chamber; Marjorie Lecointre; and Geraldine Fabre, Partner & Head of French Group at Sherrards Solicitors info
- may / june 2018 - 71
PATRON EVENT AT SOTHEBY'S - 26 FEBRUARY
‘AN INDUSTRY OF EMOTION’ A Patron event at Sotheby’s heard about the history of the famous auction house – and explored its future
T
The psychology of the auction
Speaking at the event were Patrick Masson, Senior Director,
sale or discovering a hidden masterpiece, Masson and his
General Manager, Sotheby’s Europe, Middle East, Russia, India
colleague were unequivocal: theirs was an industry that even
and Africa, Isabelle Paagman, Senior Director, European
after decades is characterised by the thrill of the uncovering
Head of Private Sales, Contemporary Art, and Samuel Valette,
and selling great art at record prices.
he auction house Sotheby’s opened its doors to host an intimate breakfast event and tour of their collection.
Senior Director, Vice Chairman, Private Sales, Worldwide, Impressionist & Modern Art. Kicking off a spirited conversation between the speakers, Peter Alfandary, Senior Vice President of the Chamber,
Asked where they still were excited by the prospect of a big
‘Raising your paddle at an auction can sometimes be irrational,’ said Masson. ‘You want to win, but you don’t quite know why. There is a shock of adrenaline.’ Masson’s admitted his own excitement each time he
moderated a series of questions about the history of the
uncovers a special, unique or rare piece of art, and is able to
auction house and the business of selling art. Attendees,
usher it through the process of authentication, marketing and
comprising the main representatives of Patron member
auction.
companies, were given the chance to ask questions of the speakers – probing their insight into the art market from a cultural and investment point of view. ‘The first point,’ said Masson, ‘is that the stock of old
Digital transformation
One of the biggest challenges for the auction house is translating this experience – this thrill – to the online space.
masters is finished. The stock of impressionist art is finished –
The digital arena has been a principal focus of Sotheby’s
Picasso will not paint anymore canvases.’
expansion, particularly in the Asian market, which a rapidly
Masson was making the point that their businesses model is not about shifting product; rather, it is a more nuanced
growing segment of their sales. Online sales tend to favour smaller and more targeted
trade in the intangible. Said Masson: ‘We are an industry of
sales, but there is also space for innovations to meet new
emotion!’.
demands. Currently, the market accounts for roughly $250m in annual sales, as compared to the more than $2bn sales at their New York and London locations, driven primarily by the market in contemporary art.
About Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744. Sotheby’s became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973), India (1992) and France (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby’s presents auctions in 10 different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris, and Sotheby’s BidNow programme allows visitors to view all auctions live online and place bids from anywhere in the world. Sotheby’s offers collectors the resources of Sotheby’s Financial Services, the world’s only full-service art financing company, as well as the collection advisory services of its subsidiary, Art Agency, Partners. I
Left to right: Samuel Valette, Peter Alfandary, Isabelle Paagman and Patrick Masson
72 - info - may / june 2018
The stock of old masters is finished. The stock of impressionist art is finished – Picasso will not paint any more canvases
E VE NT S – AT THE CHAMBE R
RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ VANESSA SEWARD - 7 MARCH
FOLLOWERS OF FASHION The ready-to-wear fashion brand opened its London premises for an evening networking event
S
oon after the one year anniversary of Vanessa Seward's first boutique opening in London, its doors were thrown
open to members of the French Chamber, for the Rendez-vous chez networking event on 7 March. The twenty participants sipped champagne and were treated to delectable canapés to accompany their conversations in an intimate space. Two lucky winners went home with goody bags including a scarf each, amongst other gifts on the evening. The boutique reflects the elegance of the clothing brand, with the midnight blue colour scheme creating a warm and welcoming space. The inspirational story of Vanessa Seward emphasises the
of which Touitou is a partner.
entrepreneurial spirit of the brand. Rising through the fashion
Featuring silk shirts, high-waisted denim and vibrant
ranks, the success of the feminine touch that she brought to a
patterns amongst other signature pieces, the style portrays
variety of collections at APC prompted Jean Touitou, founder of
everyday elegance, with a wardrobe to suit both work and day-
APC, to suggest the creation of Vanessa Seward’s own brand,
to-day life. I Suzanne Lycett
info
- may / june 2018 - 73
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
22 May
18.00 - 20.30
SEMINAR WITH FTPA - FEW PLACES LEFT! At FTPA Offices, Octagon Point, 5 Cheapside, St Pauls, London EC2V 6AA Speakers: Alexandre Ebtedaei, Partner, Head of Employment Practice, FTPA Eniga de Montfort, Partner, Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales, FTPA Coralie Oger, Partner, Paris Bar, FPTA Theme: ‘The changing legal landscape for doing business in France under Macron’ Free of charge - Open to all members – 2 representatives per company only For further information, contact: Rhianna Anderson at randerson@ccfgb.co.uk or on 020 7092 6644
12 June
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At Reed Smith Offices, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose St, London EC2A 2RS Free of charge - Open to all members
18.30 - 21.00
This will be a great opportunity for us to review the events and activities we shared together over the past year and to look at our programme for the year ahead. There will also be the opportunity to network during the cocktail reception immediately following the Meeting. We thank Reed Smith for again kindly hosting our Annual General Meeting. For further information, contact: Carla Coutinho at ccoutinho@ccfgb.co.uk or on 020 7092 6612
27 June
18.00 - 20.30
BEHIND THE HEADLINES At French Institute, 17 Queensbery Pl, Kensington, London SW7 2DT £25+VAT per person; £40+VAT special price for 2 Guest speakers: Alexandre Holroyd, Member of the French Parliament at Assemblée Nationale George Freeman MP, Member of Parliament for Mid Norfolk Moderator: Philippe Chalon, Director of External Affairs, International SOS Theme: “French and British politics in a comparative perspective” Open to all members For more information, please contact: Wassime Haouari at whaouari@ccfgb.co.uk or on 020 7092 6642
From left to right: Alexandre Holroyd, George Freeman and Philippe Chalon
74 - info - may / june 2018
29 June
08.00 - 10.00
BREAKFAST WITH SIMONE ROSSI At Sofitel London St James, 6 Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 4AN £40+VAT per person; £60+VAT special price for 2 Guest speaker: Simone Rossi, CEO, EDF Energy Sponsored by PAUL UK Open to all members For further information, contact: Wassime Haouari at whaouari@ccfgb.co.uk or on 020 7092 6642
21 June
19.00 - 23.00
ANNUAL GALA DINNER At the Landmark Hotel London ,1c Portland Place, Regent Street, GB W1B 1JA Guest speaker: Lionel Barber, editor, Financial Times Theme: 'Britain's new relationship with Europe' £210+VAT per person, £1,950+VAT table of 10; £2,250+VAT table of 12 Open to all members
All proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to Epic. For further information, contact: Anne-Claire Lo Bianco at alobianco@ccfgb.co.uk or on 020 7092 6641 Gold sponsors
Silver sponsors
info
- may / june 2018 - 75
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Que signifie Hedios ?
Document publicitaire dépourvu de valeur contractuelle
Vous ne savez pas ? Nous non plus.
Retenez seulement que Hedios est le créateur des solutions de placement Gammes H qui visent un objectif de 8 à 9 % de rémunération annuelle en moyenne nette de tous frais, 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, 39 supports ont déjà été remboursés au 28 février 2018, avec une moyenne de rémunération nette de tous frais de 8,36 % par an (hors prélèvements sociaux et fiscalité de l’assurance-vie, source Hedios). Les supports Gammes H non encore remboursés conservent un risque de perte en capital jusqu’à leur 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
Patron Members of the French Chamber in GreatinBritain Patron Members of the French Chamber Great Britain
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