Delano May 2015 by Maison Moderne

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05/2015

ISSUE 35

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CURRENT AFFAIRS Alumni: why join up?

LIFESTYLE Hearty kitchens

LUXEMBOURG IN ENGLISH

CHANGING CAREER LESSONS FROM THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THE BREAK

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Write to PO Box 728 L-2017 Luxembourg Offices 10 rue des Gaulois, Luxembourg-Bonnevoie ISSN 2220-5535 Web www.maisonmoderne.lu Founder and CEO Mike Koedinger Administrative and financial director Étienne Velasti Innovation, quality and operations director Rudy Lafontaine

EDITORIAL

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by GAËL LESURE

ENCOURAGING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

PUBLISHER Phone (+352) 29 66 18-1 Fax (+352) 29 66 19 E-mail publishing@maisonmoderne.lu Publisher Mike Koedinger Editor in chief Duncan Roberts (duncan.roberts@maisonmoderne.lu) Desk editor Aaron Grunwald (aaron.grunwald@maisonmoderne.lu) Contributors Wendy Casey, Neel Chrillesen, Stephen Evans, Alix Rassel, Tonya Stoneman, Wendy Winn Photography Julien Becker, Sven Becker, Annabelle Denham, Steve Eastwood, Gaël Lesure, Mike Zenari Proofreading Pauline Berg, Muriel Dietsch, Cynthia Schreiber DESIGN Phone (+352) 27 62 12 62-1 Fax (+352) 27 62 12 62-84 E-mail studio@maisonmoderne.lu Director, Maison Moderne Studio Guido Kröger Creative director Jeremy Leslie Art director Cassandre Bourtembourg Studio manager Stéphanie Poras Layout Sophie Melai (coordination), Jan Hanrion ADVERTISING Phone (+352) 27 17 27 27 Fax (+352) 26 29 66 20 E-mail mediasales@maisonmoderne.lu Director, Maison Moderne Media Sales Francis Gasparotto (francis.gasparotto@maisonmoderne.lu) Sales director Luciana Restivo (luciana.restivo@maisonmoderne.lu) Account manager Aysel Boschian (aysel.boschian@maisonmoderne.lu) SUBSCRIPTIONS For subscriptions, please visit www.delano.lu Luxembourg (shipping included) 1 year / 8 issues / 25 euros 2 years / 16 issues / 50 euros Europe (shipping included) 1 year / 8 issues / 31 euros 2 years / 16 issues / 68 euros Printed by Imprimerie Faber Distribution by Valora Services Luxembourg

In accordance with article 66 of the law of 08.06.2004 on the freedom of expression in the media: the company that publishes Delano is indirectly held, by a stake exceeding 25%, by Mike Koedinger, an independent editor registered in Luxembourg. Mike Koedinger is chartered with daily management. Delano™ and Maison Moderne™ are trademarks used under licence by MM Publishing S.A.© MM Publishing S.A. (Luxembourg) COVER PHOTO

Julien Becker shot Tom O’Dea at Sunflower Montessori Crèche in Moutfort. NOTE TO OUR READERS

The next print edition of Delano will be published on 20 May. For news updates, commentary and our weekly what’s on guide, visit www.delano.lu.

common theme has run through Delano’s cover stories over the past three months. A number of the Nordic women, café and burger joint owners and even career changing 40-somethings whom we have interviewed are new entrepreneurs. Some are still one-man shows, so to speak, while others employ a good number of full-time staff. But they are all part of the driving force of the economy, that happy band of small- and medium-size businesses that, studies agree, account for over 95% of firms and between 60% and 70% of employment in most OECD economies. These businesses also generate a significant share of the new jobs created every year. So shouldn’t governments be doing everything in their power to encourage entrepreneurship, to help get businesses off the ground and provide as much support as possible? The Luxembourg government’s plans to do just that, by introducing the “société à responsabilité limitée simplifiée” or Sàrl-S, should be applauded. The idea springs from an initiative by the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and has been referred to as the 1-1-1 company, a name dreamed up by the new business and entrepreneurship committee of the American Chamber of Commerce to reflect that idea that one person with one euro should be able

to set up a company in just one day. That may be a little “simplified” for a country in which an average of 498 companies went bankrupt every year between 1987 and 2014, reaching 1,049 last year. Indeed, the Chamber of Employees has delivered a negative opinion of the Sàrl-S plans, arguing that under-capitalised companies could face early bankruptcy, and that employees could find themselves stripped of legal status and social security protection. Testimony from entrepreneurs and the results of European Commission studies indicate that while obtaining business permits in Luxembourg is not particularly complex, the time required to receive the final paperwork--time spent “out-of-market”--is still too long. But the biggest stumbling block, and one which has been discouraging to many young entrepreneurs, is the current requirement that a company must show it has capital of €12,500. Hopefully the new initiative will overcome any objections and address these problems comprehensively. Because Luxembourg needs more dynamic, young entrepreneurs with fresh ideas. YOUNG AND DYNAMIC Luxembourg should be encouraging entrepreneurs like Benoît Schmit and Karolina Szatna of Ben & Pepper May 2015

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CONTENTS

DELANO MAY 2015 CURRENT AFFAIRS 6

UPFRONT Catching up with…

André von der Marck, the general director of Luxtram, says the transport system is meeting delivery targets. 8

SNAPSHOTS Vibrant Irish

They gathered in droves to celebrate Ireland’s national day. 10

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS 20

DELANO DIGITAL HIGHLIGHTS LIFESTYLE 48

UPFRONT Perfect weekend

SNAPSHOTS

Stojan Rudan, the CEO and co-founder of Wondermags, is planning on making the company a worldwide success.

48 hours for hip couples. 50

Female entrepreneurs show their goods at the Nordic Women’s Club expo. 24

University alumni associations are usually seen as fundraising machines or a forum for the old boy’s network. So what are the real benefits in Luxembourg? 14

HEALTH

PETITION 482

Should Luxembourgers have the “right to speak Luxembourgish”? www.delano.lu/news/right-speakluxembourgish

SNAPSHOTS Nordic businesswomen

REAL ESTATE

Rain didn’t dampen spirits

Soggy weather spoiled nothing for Mr. Bunny and the kids at the British Ladies Club’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. 54

Why join up?

UPFRONT Catching up with…

Spectacular increases

Housing costs are rising faster than inflation. But is there a bubble brewing? 30

WORKSPACE Viable options

KITCHENS & HOME IMPROVEMENT Hearty upgrades

Updating your kitchen can make your home so much more cosy; and eco-renovations can save you cash… just be sure you take these experts’ warnings to heart.

1ST INTERVIEW

Amazon finally opens up on its Luxembourg operations. www.delano.lu/news/amazongives-1st-interview

INTERVIEW

Work at home, share space or lease a whole office… the dilemma all entrepreneurs face. 36

COVER STORY

Liz Wenger wants to make it easy for Anglophones to learn Luxembourgish.

QUICK GUIDE Hippy chics

Adult obesity is rising in Luxembourg and across Europe. What can be done to combat the trend?

FAMILY

Never too late

Changing careers, sometimes dramatically, later in life holds less fear than ever before. How these five did it, what they’ve learned so far and what experts recommend. 46

MY OTHER LIFE

MY FAVOURITES

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

Support group Passage has launched a new website for English speaking parents. 18

A paint ban didn’t keep the Indian Association’s spring fest from turning grey.

Officials asked Microsoft for Luxembourg user details 54 times. www.delano.lu/news/names-nodetails-nearly-100-lux-users

Fashionistas know the ‘70s are back, so add some fringe, flowers and flare back to your wardrobe.

Parenting connections

SNAPSHOTS True colours

NAMES BUT NO DETAILS

Check out Delano’s community group guide. www.delano.lu/community-all

Into the grooves

European Commission translator Daniel Marcus dishes on vinyl.

Go for a ride

CyclistForum Luxembourg founder Jasper Aerts shares three favourite types of rides in “cycling heaven”.

HAVE A COMMENT? Delano is always looking for reader feedback and for new contributors: news@delano.lu

May 2015

Steve Eastwood Antony Antony (CC BY 2.0) Amazon Jakob Montrasio (CC BY 2.0)

“Ech léieren” Food is information

UPFRONT

CURRENT AFFAIRS

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PLANS UNVEILED

The government announced more details of the international school planned in Differdange. The school, due to open at the start of the 2016-17 school year, will be divided into two language sections for French- and English-speaking students. It will eventually have capacity for around 1,400 students leading to a finishing certificate in the European baccalaureate. Students in each language stream will have to learn the other main language of the school as well as a third language. Obligatory Luxembourgish lessons will also be introduced as part of the school’s integration programme. It will also be the first school in the Grand Duchy to formally teach Portuguese. “We have to ensure that equal opportunities exist for all students,” said Claude Meisch, the education minister, who cited figures suggesting that up to 60% of secondary school students in the south of the country are non-Luxembourgers. But Meisch was also keen to point out that the government was responding to demands from the business community to provide more schooling in English. More at: www.delano.lu/news/international-school-plans-unveiled

BOYD VAN HOEIJ The Luxembourg-based freelance film critic and journalist has been named a member of the jury of the 54th Semaine de la Critique in Cannes.

May 2015

GEORGE RR MARTIN The Song of Ice and Fire author waded into the controversy surrounding the Hugo Awards, named after Luxembourger Hugo Gernsback, the “father of science-fiction”.

The Grand Duchy’s native-born and foreign-national populations have reached record highs. Statec, the national statistics bureau, reported a net gain of 13,278 last year, bringing the total population to 562,958 as of 1 January. International residents represented 46% of that population. The largest foreign national communities were the Portuguese (16.4% of the total population), French (7%), Italian and Belgian (3.5% each) and German (2.3%). Other notable EU nationalities were the British (1% of all Luxembourg residents), Dutch (0.7%), Polish and Romanian (0.6% each), Danish (0.4%), Swedish (0.3%) and Irish (0.2%). Montenegrins (0.7%), Bosnian-Herzegovinians (0.4%), Kosovars (0.3%) and Russians (0.2%) were among the biggest groups of residents from European countries outside the EU28. Non-European nationals comprise 6.5% of the total population. This included Cape Verdeans (0.5% of all residents), Chinese and Americans (0.4% each), Brazilians (0.3%) and Indians (0.2%). For comparison, in 2006 non-Luxembourgers made up 41% of the total population of 469,100.

Fabrizio Maltese > David Laurent > Creative Commons > Bruck + Weckerle

RECORD POPULATION

ASYLUM GRANTED

A total of 65 refugees were granted asylum status in the Grand Duchy in the first three months of 2015, figures from the foreign ministry’s immigration service have revealed. A total of 199 asylum seekers have returned to their country of origin, 178 voluntarily. Applications for asylum are steady with the 275 requests so far submitted in 2015 reflecting broadly the same number as in the first quarter of 2014 (252), as opposed to 563 in 2012. The majority of asylum seekers come from Balkan countries, notably Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. A total of 41 asylum seekers have so far been transferred to a third EU country under the terms of the Dublin agreement, while Luxembourg has received 23 refugees from other EU members.

Olivier Minaire

SWATCH SALE

Luxembourg insurance broker Paul Dunkel sold his collection of roughly 5,800 Swatches for €5.5m during a sale at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong to an anonymous buyer at the beginning of April. Dunkel, who was featured in Delano’s My Other Life column in December 2013, took some 25 years to build the collection.

ANDRÉ VON DER MARCK The general director of Luxtram says the capital city’s new transport system is meeting delivery targets as it begins to take concrete shape.

CATCHING UP WITH…

It has been a long time coming, but the signature last year of a convention between the tram operator, the City of Luxembourg and the government laid to rest much of the debate surrounding the Luxtram project. The naysayers have finally been silenced when work got underway on constructing Luxtram’s maintenance and engine sheds on Kirchberg. André von der Marck, the general director of the transport system operator, says that a decision will be announced in the “next few weeks” on which manufacturer will get to build the tram vehicles. “Delivery is planned for early 2017.” With traffic build-up in and around the capital city becoming increasingly frustrating for drivers, the advantages of the tram are becoming more and more evident. With each train holding up to 450 passengers, the system will have the capability to transport 10,000 people per hour in each direction when it is operating at maximum capacity--that is to say a tram every three minutes. That is far better than the bus network, which can handle just 2,500 passengers per hour. “Our tram trains are 45 metres long and 2.65 metres wide, with eight double doors on each side, which makes them four times as efficient as buses,” says von der Marck. “And as they have their own dedicated lane, the trams will be given priority over other vehicles.” The tram is also cleaner than other public transport systems, says von der Marck. It runs on electricity and does not produce any particle emissions. “The tram is the urban transport system with the lowest energy consumption per kilometre and per passenger.” And smart design means that the tram is not an eyesore, either. It will run without resorting to overhead cables in the inner city, thus preserving the historical aesthetic of the old town, and on Kirchberg grass will be laid between the tracks. “If we consider Luxembourg’s demographic growth, its gravitational pull in the region and traffic saturation at rush hours, there is no getting around a sustainable mobility concept for the next few decades. With this in mind, the tram will be the urban spine of a global transport package that comprises train, bus, Park and Ride, bicycle and pedestrians.” www.luxtram.lu Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS Photography by LUC DEFLORENNE May 2015

CURRENT AFFAIRS

SNAPSHOTS

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by STEVE EASTWOOD

VIBRANT IRISH

hey gathered in droves to celebrate Ireland’s national day at the Cercle Cité on 17 March--Irish and non-Irish alike. But nationality mattered not one jot, as ambassador Peadar Carpenter reminded his guests of the old saying, there are two types of people, those that are Irish and those that wish they were Irish. On St. Patrick’s Day, however, even the latter have special dispensation and everyone is Irish, the ambassador said. He was proud to highlight the road to economic recovery that Ireland was undergoing, pointing out that Irish exports were now at levels higher than in 2007 before the crisis hit. Carpenter also cited the number of prestigious multinational companies that had recently moved business to Ireland, and explained that Ireland’s population was young and dynamic and educated to a high level. Plus Ireland is leading the way in sustainable development, especially in the field of agricultural production thanks to government initiatives such as Origin Green. www.origingreen.ie

EVERYBODY’S IRISH A. Irish ambassador Peadar Carpenter cited groups like the Luxembourg Rose of Tralee, Irish Club and Irish stand at the International Bazaar as helping make the international community in the Grand Duchy so vibrant B. Ambassador Peadar Carpenter, Carol Carpenter and Father Eamonn Breslin C. Connor Sweeney, Geraldine Cassells, Angela McCann and Siobahn Roche D. Diana Rutledge and Joe Huggard E. Marie-Hélène Ehrke-Haff, Kurt Ehrke, Japanese ambassador Atsuko Nishimura and Nives Johnson F. Jacques Santer (centre), Simone Beissel (right) G. Thérèse Collins, Sam Steen and Aishling O’Leary H. Tom Cranfield, Aedammair Ní Chiardha, Susan McDonnell and Liam Egan

MORE ST. PATRICK’S: WWW.DELANO.LU/ VIBRANTIRISH

May 2015

A c q u i s i t i o n s I s A l e s I r e n t A l s I e v A l u At i o n s I i n s u r A n c e I r e A l e s t At e c o n s u lt i n g

we set stAndArds in residentiAl reAl estAte. because we love what we do and we know how to do It the rIght way. “and so do our clIents – promoters And developers, privAte sellers And buyers, lAndlords And tenAnts – who we thAnk for their continued trust in the wAy we represent their best interests.” let us meet to dIscuss your specIfIc needs and challenges. paul fabeck m A n A g i n g pA rt n e r

e x c e l l e n c e I n r e a l e s tat e

2, place de nancy I l-2212 luxembourg I t : + 352 26 44 11 61 I Info@brIcks.lu I www.brIcks.lu

CURRENT AFFAIRS

COMMUNITY

Text by AARON GRUNWALD

WHY JOIN UP?

Photography by JULIEN BECKER

University alumni associations are sometimes seen as fundraising cash machines, although such groups usually tout themselves as professional and personal networking forums. There are dozens of local alumni clubs in Luxembourg. But what are the real benefits?

nce a Spartan, always a Spartan. Spartans, in this particular case, are current and former students of Michigan State University in America’s mid-west. This term the 160 year old institution reports having 50,000 students and “approximately 532,000” living graduates worldwide, with roughly 65,000 of them paid up members of its official alumni association. The US is widely considered (at least by The Economist) to have the most developed network of alumni clubs, mainly because private funding is key to many American university finances. US universities raised $37.45 billion last year, reports the Council for Aid to Education. UK institutions received “an all-time high of £660 million in 2012-13,” according to last year’s RossCASE survey. Universities in Continental Europe, less reliant on private donations, have plenty of alumni groups too, albeit with different priorities. JOB MARKET Money is certainly not the only reason most universities make such a big deal out of alumni groups. “When you join the MSU Alumni Association you join a worldwide network of Spartans helping Spartans,” its website declares. “Whether you go around the corner or across the globe, Spartans are there to help you launch a career, get settled, save money, learn something new, reinvent yourself, retire or find a friend.” Alas, its nearest clubs are located in Brussels and Paris. So what about here?

May 2015

“For the university, the employability of our students is a key issue,” says Jenny Hällen Hedberg, head of the international relations department at the University of Luxembourg. It “works very closely” with local companies and European institutions, whose employees make up many of the school’s part-time lecturers. In turn these staffers are exposed to the university’s bright minds even before the students start searching for a job. “We are very spoiled that we have these connections,” she says. “But of course we want to improve it all the time.” Hällen Hedberg and her small team were already in charge of the institution’s student exchange programmes when late last year they were given the task of building its network among graduates. “We have regrouped the alumni [function] into the international relations office because we think a lot of our alumni will not stay in Luxembourg, but they will go abroad and work in other countries and it could be very interesting for them [if we can] arrange meetings in London or New York or Beijing with university alumni.” Later on, it will consider fundraising possibilities. But that is definitely for the future, when the institution, which only got started in 2003, has a bigger base of ex-students. “I visited the [602 year old] University of St. Andrews. They have 56 people working with alumni and they raise really a lot of money,” she says. “Of course we are not there yet.” Indeed, St. Andrew’s alumni network has raised £54.1m over the past seven

years, and has local clubs in international cities from Barcelona to Washington, according to its website. But despite the Scottish institution’s global alumni juggernaut, it has no branch running in the Grand Duchy. LOCAL CHALLENGE “Several years ago a friend who also studied at St. Andrews tried establishing an alumni society, but it never really took off,” says Cordula Schnuer, a journalist who graduated with a master’s in English and film studies. “I think one of the main challenges is finding the alumni and getting in touch with them. I know of around a dozen fellow St. Andrews graduates in Luxembourg, but I haven’t met more than three. Luxembourg can be a bit like a train station, with a lot of coming and going. It’s difficult to keep track of people and find enough members to get something permanent going.” Nevertheless Schnuer has signed on to revive the chapter. “It would be nice to have an alumni society. Unlike bigger clubs in cities such as London or New York, I’m not sure we could do serious fundraising.” The main advantages, in her view, are more personal, since a club “would give alumni the chance to connect,” she says. “I graduated barely four years ago, but there’s already quite a bit of nostalgia.”

CONNECTING WITH OTHER GRADS SEE PAGE 12

" I MISS THOSE LIVELY DEBATES ABOUT POLITICS... I MISS THAT CAMARADERIE" JESSICA WHYTEHORN

She is not the only one with that feeling. “I miss those lively debates about politics, social situations, inquiring minds, and I would go further, I miss that camaraderie,” says Jessica Whytehorn, who completed her MBA from the University of Warwick in 2008 and for the past four years has worked as a training advisor at a well

known consultancy in Luxembourg. “Surrounded by French speakers,” she realised that “my sense of humour is British and I would like to share that kind of socialising that I had in the UK” sometimes. The nearest Warwick chapters were in Brussels and Frankfurt, too far away to be practical, “so I thought I’d start my

JESSICA WHYTEHORN Behind a new alumni association in Luxembourg for former Warwick students, debuting with a mid-April after-work mixer

own.” In her “purely selfish mind I just wanted to have more friends,” Whytehorn adds with a laugh. Although her main motivation is personal, she does not discount the networking opportunities. Lots of high powered professionals went to her school, Whytehorn notes, including some potential clients and big brass at her own firm. MELTING POT There definitely is “both a social and professional” element to the Sacred Heart University Luxembourg Alumni Association too, reckons one of its board members, Gérald Vinter. He earned his MBA in 2013 and presently May 2015

CURRENT AFFAIRS

COMMUNITY

is head of middle office at Banque Privée Edmond de Rothschild Europe. The club hosts informal get-togethers, usually on the last Tuesday of the month. In a way, it is a continuation of one of things Vinter appreciated most about his SHU course. He studied with 13 different nationalities, who came from fields as diverse as engineering, finance and law, and he benefitted from “the melting pot of different backgrounds, different cultures, different experiences.” “One part of the value of a diploma, that’s the networking, the network you will have access to,” he says. “If you have a wide network that you can use professionally speaking, it’s really valuable. The idea behind every alumni association is to promote the university but also to have access to former students and develop your professional network. It’s a win-win situation.” Local alumni groups do also support their mother institutions finances and image. “I think all the Luxembourgers who went to the US came back with a positive experience,” says Antoine Scholer, who graduated in 1984 from Miami University, in Ohio. Today he is president of the Luxembourg chapter of the Miami University Alumni Association, in addition to being CEO of Happy Snacks, the company that runs Pizza Hut restaurants in Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy chapter got started in the 1970s and has a social event every other month or so, but its 140 members also have a serious purpose. Luxembourg state subsidies simply do not cover the cost of attending an American university, an opportunity Scholer does not want local students to miss. The group’s previous fundraising drives have helped support Miami University students taking courses at the Luxembourg campus, but “we want to do another fundraiser now for the 50th anniversary of Miami University” in the Grand Duchy that will finance a scholarship to cover full tuition for a semester or half tuition for a year in America. Another objective, more broadly, is to “get Miami better known. It is difficult to go into business when they all think it’s Miami in Florida.” May 2015

CONTINUED

UNIVERSITY ALUMNI GROUPS IN LUXEMBOURG BOCCONI UNIVERSITY arealussemburgo@ alumnibocconi.it BOOTH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS (UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO) www.chicagobooth.edu/alumni/ clubs/luxembourg UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS “Join a network of over 160 UC Davis alumni and friends of the university living in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.” www.alumni.ucdavis.edu CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY The Cambridge Society of Luxembourg organises informational and social events throughout the year. www.cambridge.lu COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI CLUB OF LUXEMBOURG Search for “Columbia University Alumni Club of Luxembourg” on LinkedIn DUKE LAW SCHOOL Search for “Duke Law Luxembourg Alumni Association” on LinkedIn COLLEGE OF EUROPE Search for “College of Europe Alumni Luxembourg” on Facebook EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL alumni.euruni.edu HAAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS (UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY) Click on “Alumni” at haas.berkeley.edu HARVARD UNIVERSITY hcluxembourg@post.harvard.edu

HEC MANAGEMENT SCHOOL (UNIVERSITY OF LIÈGE) www.luxembourgforhec.com UNIVERSITY OF HEIDELBERG www.halu.uni-hd.de IESE BUSINESS SCHOOL (UNIVERSITY OF NAVARRA) Click on “Alumni” at www.iese.edu INSEAD iconnect.insead.edu LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL portal.london.edu LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS alumni.lse.ac.uk UNIVERSITY OF LUXEMBOURG Alumni of (and students nearing graduation in) the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance meet up 19 May (Weicker Building in Kirchberg). www.uni.lu/alumni LUXEMBOURG BUSINESS ACADEMY (UNIVERSITY OF LUXEMBOURG) Search for “LBA Alumni” on LinkedIn

MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE alumnae.mtholyoke.edu NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY alumni.northwestern.edu OXFORD UNIVERSITY The Oxford University Society of Luxembourg hosts debates, fundraisers and networking events. www.oxford.lu SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY Search for “Sacred Heart University Luxembourg Alumni Association” on Facebook UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS Search for “University of St Andrews Alumni Society in Luxembourg” on Facebook EM STRASBOURG BUSINESS SCHOOL Search for “EM Strasbourg Alumni” on Facebook UNIVERSITY OF TRIER Search for “Alumni International Universität Trier” on Facebook UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK www.warwick.ac.uk/alumni ETH ZURICH www.gep.lu

LUXEMBOURG SCHOOL OF FINANCE (UNIVERSITY OF LUXEMBOURG) lsfa.uni.lu MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY Click on “Alumni” at www.maastrichtuniversity.nl MIAMI UNIVERSITY Search for “Miami University Alumni Association Luxembourg” on LinkedIn

SOCIETY OF LUXEMBOURG STUDENTS IN BRITAIN Umbrella group for all students from the Grand Duchy attending schools in the UK. Members include Anne Faber, the food writer and TV presenter, who attended City University London. www.slsb.lu

Putting our best foot forward for Ile aux Clowns Clifford Chance is celebrating 15 years in Luxembourg. We mark this special occasion with a charity auction of rugby memorabilia to raise funds for Ile aux Clowns. The proceeds will help this fantastic charity put even more smiles on the faces of people young and old. The association â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ile aux Clownsâ&#x20AC;? helps to contribute to the quality of life and wellbeing of children and the elderly in hospitals or in care centres.

Clifford Chance is the Official Law Firm of Rugby World Cup 2015.

w w w. i leau xc low ns . l u

CURRENT AFFAIRS

HEALTH

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

FOOD IS INFORMATION The growth in overweight and obesity rates among adults is a major public health concern, says the OECD. Where does responsibility lie and what can be done to combat the trend?

t seems to be a paradox that as more and more information about nutrition and healthy diet becomes available, so more and more people are being classified as overweight or even obese. And the Grand Duchy is among the most obese in Europe, ranking third in a 2014 OECD report on the continent’s Health at a Glance. Some 58.1% of Luxembourg’s population is overweight or obese, according to the OECD figures. Indeed, Luxembourg is cited alongside France, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and the Czech Republic as one of the countries where obesity has grown fairly quickly over the past ten years. And it is Luxembourg’s men who are the worst offenders, with some 66.3% classified as overweight compared to women at 48.1%, even though there is little difference in obesity rates among men and women on average across EU countries. HARDSHIP The OECD report suggests that as well as the increasingly widespread availability of energy dense foods and more time spent being physically inactive, economic factors also play a significant role in the rise in obesity levels. “The economic crisis is also likely to have contributed to further growth in obesity,” the report states. “Evidence from Germany, Finland and the United Kingdom shows a link between financial distress and obesity. Regardless of their income or wealth, people who experience periods of financial hardship are at an increased risk of obesity, and the increase is greater for more severe and recurrent hardship.” Camilla Sardelli, a Luxembourg-based nutritional therapist who graduated May 2015

DETACHED

from the University of West London last summer, says that while there is plenty of information out there, it can often be confusing if not downright contradictory. In the 1970s, for example, American scientists were convinced that fat was the cause of heart disease, whereas British scientist John Yudkin argued in his now revered book Pure, White and Deadly, that it was refined sugar that was the problem. The fat argument won the day; especially as the food industry saw an opportunity to create a new market for low-fat yogurts, spreads and other products. Such was their success that on a recent trip to the States Sardelli claims it was difficult to find full fat yoghurts in any supermarkets. “And so I think a lot of people ended up with a diet that was high in carbohydrates but too low in protein and healthy fats,” she says.

"NUTRITION IS THE VERY BASIS OF OUR WELL BEING." CAMILLA SARDELLI

But social conditions also play a role in poor diet. Sardelli argues that life became more stressful in the 1980s and

people “realised that something had to give.” For many it was the easy choice to plump for convenience food, which was more often than not processed. “White bread, pasta… a lot of things with added sugar, because when you take fat out than you add sugar or salt to make things more palatable.” Policies to prevent the spread of obesity include everything from public awareness campaigns, to raising taxes and even bans on certain types of foods or drink. “Better informed consumers, making healthy food options available, encouraging physical activity and focussing on vulnerable groups are some of the fields for action which have seen progress,” says the European Commission. Sardelli, who gave up work at the EIB to raise her family before changing career to her current passion, agrees that there is an urgent need for education about food and nutrition. “Ideally this would come from a mix of parents and the schools. What I would like to get across to people is that food is information. With each choice we make, we either add something good to our body or we take

Sardelli, who also happens to be the vice president of Slow Food Luxembourg, loves the plethora of farmers markets in the United States and the UK, promoting freshness and supporting local producers and their low carbon footprint. Taking children food shopping and discussing food is an important part of education. As is the promotion of biodiversity--she is surprised, for example, that kale or Jerusalem artichokes are not so prevalent in Luxembourg, whereas they are common in the UK. “Ask quite a lot of people what a topinambour [another name for Jerusalem artichokes] is and they will not be sure and won’t know how to use it.” Indeed, she thinks that too many people in western societies do not have even basic cooking skills, although the popularity in the last decade or so for television cookery programmes has reignited an interest for getting back into the kitchen. But even so, most people are unaware of the intricacies of industrial agriculture--as she admits she was herself, before she removed her rose-tinted glasses. “We have become detached from food production,” says Sardelli. “We have outsourced that to others to free up time for ourselves to do other things. But nutrition is the very basis of our well being. Even without a roof over your head, you can manage if need be. But without food and drink you won’t survive that long.”

HEALTH INFO:

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ CSNUTRITION.EU

HEALTH AT A GLANCE OECD report on Europe in 2014 The majority of adults (53%) are overweight or obese in EU countries. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults exceeds 50% in no less than 17 of EU member states. WHO classifies adults over age 18 with a Body Mass Index greater than or equal to 25 as overweight, and those with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 as obese. Top five obesity rates – % of adult population 28.5% Hungary 24.7% UK 23%

Luxembourg

23%

Ireland

22.9% Malta

FOOD FOR THOUGHT A. Food nutritionist Camilla Sardelli says that education is the key to making informed choices about food B. Too many empty carbs in modern diets May 2015

Will Bakker (CC BY-SA 2.0)

away something. I know our parents said ‘we are what we eat’, but it is very important to realise that food has an influence.” That is not to say that we cannot make choices that are not necessarily healthy, she adds. “There should be room for a piece of cake or a glass of wine. You shouldn’t become a fanatic otherwise life becomes dull.”

CURRENT AFFAIRS

FAMILY & HEALTH

Text by AARON GRUNWALD

PARENTING CONNECTIONS A parent-to-parent support group for English speakers has launched a new website that provides advice and resources for children at each step of development. Two year old Passage helps with the “challenges of modern day parenting.” c ation, health and children’s social development in Luxembourg.” The group discovered those professionals “felt quite isolated because they were working in their cabinet or school, but actually they weren’t aware of other English speaking practitioners, where to refer people to,” explains Frank, who was a helpline manager in Britain before moving to the Grand Duchy eight years ago. And “they didn’t have something that brought them together so they could exchange information.” Although the group’s lingua franca is English, not all of the families hail from the UK. “It’s a huge mix. There are Russians, Chinese, Americans,” she says. “We’re finding more and more people want to access this information in English because they’re struggling with the French, German and Luxembourgish.”

Luxembourg City scored dead last in a survey of how European cities are fighting air pollution. Particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels have worsened over the past seven years, according to Friends of the Earth Germany and the European Environmental Bureau’s European City Ranking 2015: best practices for clean air in urban transport report. With a 53% score, Luxembourg City earned an “F”, the organisations said, for addressing “air pollution in only a half-hearted manner.” Luxembourg City Hall said the study is flawed and used inaccurate and incomplete data. The green groups did credit the capital for upgrading its bus fleet and advancing the tram system.

SUPPORT IN ENGLISH: WWW.PASSAGE.LU

"COUNTERFEIT TOBACCO PRODUCTS DO NOT MEET ANY HEALTH STANDARD!" Alain Bellot, director of Luxembourg’s customs and excise administration, on the signing of an anti-counterfeiting agreement with British American Tobacco.

May 2015

Administration des douanes et accises Sang yun Lee (CC BY-SA 2.0) Lala La Photo

assage originally got started when several parents of children with additional educational needs “realised there was a group of us that could come together and we could support each other; not only exchange information about where to go but give each other emotional and spiritual support,” says Lynn Frank, a co-founder of the group and a mother of two. Those parents decided to open up the group to all English speaking families because “there was a need for parents to have some ‘village’ support” in Luxembourg. The group’s new website features a “Rites of Passage” section that provides guidance for parents as their child pass through different stages of development, “from babe in arms to toddler tantrums and teenage tears.” It also offers information on English-language schools in Luxembourg and resources for parents facing specific challenges such as bullying and drugs. Passage runs a separate forum for “practitioners within the field of edu-

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

SNAPSHOTS

Text by WENDY WINN

Photography by STEVE EASTWOOD

GROUP SHOWS THEIR TRUE COLOURS

othing prevents the Indian Association Luxembourg from throwing colourful events, not even a ban on colours. Even though they weren’t allowed to use (non-permanent) paint as is traditional in this spring festival, the 100 or so participants had a great afternoon all the same, with lots of dancing, singing, eating, drinking and simply enjoying each other’s company. Nonetheless, “we’d love to find a place where we could use colours, maybe an outdoor venue,” said IAL president Selvaraj Alagumalai. Holi is “not the same kind of religious holiday as Diwali,” explained Ali Ashghar Sherwani, the group’s former president. “It’s really just fun.”

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May 2015

WWW.DELANO.LU/ HOLI2015

SPRING FESTIVITIES

SEE PHOTOS IN COLOUR:

A. Kanchini Sadasivan and Ambi Venkataraman, India’s honorary consul general to Luxembourg B. Raju Sati and Ali Sherwani C. Sunita Trivedi and Anjana Bailleux D. Uma Kandpal, Devki Sati, Astha and Aaryav Bali, and Amita Sharma E. Surya and Swathi Selvaraj, Sangeetha Venkataraman, Atulya Pattabiramen, Swetha Selvaraj and Aaditya Pattabiramen F. One of the dancing groups during the IAL’s Holi celebrations at the Capellen cultural centre G. Rishaan, Rohit and Shweta Kumar H. Vasanth Rajan, Alagumalai Selvaraj, Meike Kern, Christoph Pennig and Philip Sahlin I. Madhwesh and Praveen Kuruvalli

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UPFRONT

BUSINESS

BREXIT UNTHINKABLE FOR CITY OF LONDON

A UK exit from the European Union is unthinkable for the City of London, the British capital’s financial hub. So says the man who represents the City’s interest, Alan Yarrow. As the lord mayor of the City of London, Yarrow was in Luxembourg recently to meet ministers, key officials and business leaders about the Grand Duchy’s forthcoming presidency of the EU council, which it takes up on 1 July. Asked what impact a so-called Brexit might have on the City, Yarrow was forthright. “Can’t think about it. Anyone can speculate about what might or might not happen.” If, after the general election on 7 May, the UK has a Conservative led government, “we will have to contend with the possibility of a referendum” on leaving the EU, he said during a press conference at the British embassy. “What we can do is make it very clear that it is in the interests of the City and financial service that we have access to 500 million consumers, effectively, in Europe.” The lord mayor is non-political position, with an official but largely symbolic role in UK diplomacy. What he said about Luxembourg’s financial sector: www.delano.lu/news/brexit-unthinkable-city-london

" TOLERANCE HAS

REACHED ROCK-BOTTOM FOR COMPANIES THAT AVOID PAYING THEIR FAIR SHARE OF TAXES. " Pierre Moscovici, European finance commissioner, announcing the “Tax Transparency Package”, which was proposed in the wake of the LuxLeaks scandal. May 2015

The Chamber of Employees formally opposed the “1-1-1” initiative to make it easier to open a firm in Luxembourg, saying it could be used to force workers out of permanent contracts and into sham consultancies. >>> Cargolux reportedly will move a second 747 air freighter to its lower cost Cargolux Italia subsidiary; the LCGB trade union called it “social dumping”. >>> Satellite firm SES declared a 2014 dividend of €1.18 per traded share, nearly double what it paid out for 2010. >>> China Merchants Bank became the 6th major Chinese bank to set up shop the Grand Duchy; its official inauguration ceremony included an auspicious red dragon dance, diplomatically renamed a red lion dance for the occasion. >>> Despite LuxLeaks and rising costs, Standard & Poor’s has confirmed the Luxembourg government’s top notch credit score. >>> The Grand Duchy became the first non-Asian nation to be accepted to the future Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, beating out a bid from Britain. >>> The CEO of agricultural trading firm Sodrugestvo, Stéphane Frappat, made a surprise resignation announcement. >>> The European Court of Justice heard arguments against the EU-US “Safe Harbour” data sharing deal; the case was originally brought by an Austrian against Facebook in Ireland following Edward Snowden’s revelations. >>> The Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry launched www.understandinginvesting.org, an educational website for consumers.

Steve Eastwood Jessica Theis European Commission

TICKER

STOJAN RUDAN The CEO and co-founder of Wondermags is planning

DELIVERING ON BIG DATA

How can the worlds of logistics and IT, and even finance, cooperate to be cleverer and create new opportunities in Luxembourg? Full report: delano.lu/BigData2015

Jessica Theis

SMART INFO A. Étienne Schneider, Luxembourg’s deputy prime minister, speaking at the “big data” conference organised by KPMG, the Luxembourg-Poland Business Club and Poland’s embassy to the Grand Duchy B. Polish ambassador Bartosz Jałowiecki, Agnieszka Zajac and LPBC president Artur Sosna C. Maciej Jaroszuk-Rozycki and Rafał Markiewicz D. Pascal Denis (speaking)

CATCHING UP WITH…

on making the company a worldwide success.

Things are off to a good start for Stojan Rudan. Wondermags recently won €50,000 and a six month package of Nyuko Luxembourg services in the “Pitch Your Startup” competition--a dream result for any entrepreneur launching a startup business. But then Rudan is no ordinary entrepreneur and Wondermags is an inspired concept filling a gap in the ICT ecosystem. “It’s the first free, e-magazine self-publishing platform that enables people to download their content onto beautifully designed templates.” Once created, the magazine can be published on the Wondermags kiosk and downloaded for the iPad or read on the web. So who conjured up this innovative concept? Rudan downloaded a copy of Men’s Health for his iPad back in 2012 and felt cheated when he realised it was a simple PDF. After a brainstorming session with his colleague Dennis Hering, the Wondermags seeds were sown and fully backed by co-founder and then boss, Sascha Brandhorst. They’ve grown from three staff in 2013 to the present twelve and have just been chosen from more than 5,000 applicants to participate in the “Alpha programme” at the Web Summit in Dublin--one of the biggest startup fairs in the world. Winning Pitch Your Startup is clearly another momentous high in which Wondermags was deemed to have most successfully captured the “spirit of innovation, creativity and passion”. “I love that quote,” he enthuses. So how are they going to spend the €50,000 prize money? “Party!” he exclaims. “Actually, we will have a party as it’s important for the team and the team is always paramount. The rest will be spent on marketing and PR.” And what of the future? “I see us launching in the US next year and making this a worldwide success. I believe we can prove that true innovation does not only come from Silicon Valley but can emerge from beautiful Luxembourg.” The Pitch Your Startup competition was organised by the digital media firm Docler Holding and tech promotion agency Luxinnovation. Seventeen companies delivered a 3 minute 33 second pitch of their business concepts before a panel of Docler Holding experts at Utopolis. If you missed it, you’ll have an opportunity to participate next year, so get creative! www.wondermags.com Text by WENDY CASEY Photography by ANNABELLE DENHAM May 2015

BUSINESS

SNAPSHOTS

Text by NEEL CHRILLESEN

Photography by STEVE EASTWOOD

NORDIC WOMEN ROCK-AND THEY KNOW IT!

here are a surprisingly large number of Nordic female entrepreneurs in Luxembourg and while their activities are extremely varied, they often face similar issues and need more opportunities to make their businesses known. This is why Gigja Birgisdóttir and Kristel Weinreich, board members of the Nordic Women’s Club of Luxembourg, decided to organise the “Nordic Women in Business” forum. “We wanted to bring these business owners together, so they could get to know each other and promote their services or products at the same time,” explained Weinreich. “It’s been a great experience,” added Birgisdóttir. “When we started planning the event last October, we found around 60 Nordic female entrepreneurs here, but along the way we’ve discovered many more. At the moment, our list counts more than 80. We feel it’s important for them to network with likeminded women.” An added bonus is that the initiative has also brought new and younger members to the 40 year old club. www.facebook.com/NWClub

NORTHERN TOUCH, LOCAL EXPO A. Gigja Birgisdóttir and Kristel Weinreich, who organised the “Nordic Women in Business” expo held at the Centre sociétaire in Cents B. Marianne, Mila and Bente Skovsgaard C. Marie Rasmussen, Larke Holst and Nicola Flaga D. Katrine Olsen and Filipa Felner E. Zita Palsen and Stine Bülow F. Björg Gunnsteinsdottir and Bea LudovicyBlom G. Catarina Biver, Ashleen Ödman and Amanda Biver H. Jérôme Wigny and Viktoria Valdimarsdóttir I. Julie Schiff and Jane Kristensen

MORE FROM THE FAIR: WWW.DELANO.LU/ NWCEXPO15

May 2015

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BUSINESS

REAL ESTATE

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

SPECTACULAR HOME PRICE INCREASES Housing costs are rising faster than inflation. But is there a bubble brewing?

verage house prices rose 5.2% last year, with apartment prices up by a bracing 12.1%, said the Habitat Observatory, part of the housing ministry. When you consider that general price inflation over this period was 0.3% this amounts to a hefty real increase. In the autumn of last year, the total price for the average house was just under €700,000. This ranged from €495,663 for a two bedroom house (a 2.7% increase on the year), €695,313 for four bedrooms (+7.23%) and €989,600 for six or more bedrooms (-3.1%). Average prices for flats were €455,870. The range was €270,873 for a studio (+9.6%), €334,851 for one bedroom places (+11.7%), €444,477 for two bedrooms (+12.3%) and €599,567 for three (+15.4%). Although house price increases were steady throughout the year, for flats there was a surge in the last quarter. Could this be influenced by the advent of high rate VAT on second properties? CAPITAL 42% MORE PRICEY Obviously there are regional variations, with the capital being the priciest with houses and apartments being no less than 42% more expensive, on average than the national figures. There are few houses available but those on the market are valued at an average price of just under one million euros, with the midpoint for flats being €611,100. As for the rest of the country, the north and northwest are the least expensive, with apartment prices being about a quarter less than the national average, while in the centre-north, east and south the standard flat is about 10%-15% cheaper. The gap is increasing too, with apartment prices generally rising by more in the city than the regions. May 2015

CONSIDERING THE MARKET A. Kelly Forster: housing costs higher than California but not shocking B. Kevin Colgan: just launched home price comparison site houser.lu

These figures are calculated using for-sale prices in agencies, on websites and in the press. Figures from the Habitat Observatory suggest these offer prices are about 5%-10% higher than the prices actually paid. Nevertheless, the direction of travel for prices is probably broadly correct. As for rent, there was an 11.9% increase for apartments (similar to purchase prices) but a drop of 0.8 for houses. Again, both figures are much higher than inflation. The “average house” cost €2,454 per month to rent, ranging from €2,040 for a three bedroomed property to €3,087 for five bedrooms. The “average flat” had rent of €1,346 per month, going

from €926 for a studio to €1,152 for a one bedroomed place to nearly €2,000 for three bedroomed apartments. Average house rents were almost double the national average in the capital, with flats nearly one-third higher. Despite this, the Luxembourg Central Bank (BCL) estimated there was no housing bubble in Luxembourg last year, according to its Revue de stabilité financière 2014 report. Purchase prices are not completely out of phase with incomes and rental values, suggesting the boom is not fuelled by exuberant, speculative price increases. Also, despite these strong increases, figures suggest that people are no less likely than

PERSONAL BUSINESS

previously to be considering buying a place. A BCL survey suggested that the numbers of people saying they were or were not considering a purchase of the next 12 months has been at about the same level since 2007. A start-up firm is trying to help make sense of what is going on. “This is very much a sellers’ market and we wanted to try to address this imbalance,” noted Kevin Colgan of the recently launched website houser.lu. Together with fellow IT professional Matti Heikkila they have developed a tool that searches all of Luxembourg’s main property websites. The results are then posted online, giving a roundup of the state of the

market now and in the past to provide buyers a broad overview. “We show how prices for a given property have moved and how long it is taking to sell,” said Colgan. There is also historical data to enable the comparison between current on-sale prices with recent deals. The site will tell you by how much each property is under- or over-priced compared to the average, and whether the house has been on the market longer than normal for that area and price range. The site has just gone live and can be used without charge during the launch phase. When the fine-tuning process is completed there will be a fee to access the more sophisticated tools, including price tracking. PLEASED NEW ARRIVALS So although longer term residents might feel somewhat aggrieved at current housing prices, maybe things are not that out of line with international trends. We spoke to two recent arrivals from the US, and both give a reality check, even if their view is probably influenced by the weak euro making prices look cheap in dollar terms. “Housing costs here are what I expected they would be and are slightly higher than where we

lived in the San Francisco Bay Area,” noted Kelly Forster, who only moved here from California a few months ago. A similar story was from Cynthia Sjoberg, whose family moved from Michigan in the middle of last year. They also spent a couple of years in Zurich recently. “Housing costs are in alignment, if not lower than what we would experience in an international city,” she said. As well, living standards are good. “We live 4km from the city in a lovely community that feels like the country. To live in this environment outside of any other international city would be cost prohibitive for us.” They were also happy enough with the services they received from estate agents. “We found our house in a couple of days using an agent,” said Kelly. Cynthia was equally happy: “We had less than a week for our house hunting trip to Luxembourg last May. In the end we spent two days looking at homes and the last home we were shown was nearly perfect for our family.” She is also a fan of Luxembourgish hospitality: “Our agent was super friendly and helpful. We found, and still find, that almost everyone we work with in Luxembourg from our landlady to government officials, have been welcoming and friendly.”

WHY ARE PRICES RISING ABOVE THE LONG TERM TREND? Recent property price increases are above the long term trend. Home prices increased, on average by around 4.5% above inflation since 2000, compared to the 6%-8% rises seen most recently. There are good reasons for this price spike. Long term interest rates at a record low, new building land is not becoming available as quickly as is needed, the population keeps on growing and the size of households is falling. The population rose by 50% in the last three decades and the pace of increase in rising, with the number of residents rising by about 2% since 2008, twice the pre-crisis level. Also, according to the national statistics office, higher rates of divorce and more older people living alone means households are getting smaller. But despite this, new houses and flats are getting bigger. The government reckons 3,400 new homes need to be built each year to match demand, but this was achieved only three times since 1990. There is ample land to build the homes that are needed, but landowners are often reluctant to sell and many communes don’t want the disruption of too much, quick development on their territory. May 2015

BUSINESS

SNAPSHOTS

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by STEVE EASTWOOD

CHINA OPENS THE DOOR SOME MORE

nthusiasm by China to open its economy has never been stronger, revealed a panel at the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry’s spring conference. In fact, the new government in Beijing has signalled its desire to make the currency fully convertible and open the way further for investment in and out of the country. It is taking a range of steps to make this happen, moving carefully as it is does so. The hottest news came from Li Bing, head of asset management at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Europe. He pointed out how the authorities were pleased with the way the Shanghai-Hong Kong China Connect system is working, allowing easier trading between the stock exchanges in these cities. Launched only last November, it is already helping investors outside China benefit from the country’s economic miracle, adding to the possibilities offered by the “QFII” and “RQFII” schemes. “I think the Chinese regulator will open the door fully in time,” Li remarked. Already nine Luxembourg-based UCITS funds are using the China Connect facility, with many others in the pipeline. www.alfi.lu

INVESTMENT FUNDS A. Patrick Wallerand and Josée Denis at ALFI’s 2015 spring conference B. Irish ambassador Peadar Carpenter, Rory Herbert and Markus Breidbach C. Nicolas Mackel (speaking), Yvan de Laurentis, Geoffrey Lunt and Li Bing D. Anna M. Foster and Ilias Georgopoulos E. Géraldine Mascelli and Emmanuelle Miette F. Keith Burman, Kavitha Ramachandran and Giovanni Amendola G. Shaun Lee, Justine Couderc, Sandra Cortese and James Tran H. Stefano Pileri, Claudine Lorber, Fatha Charti and Paulo Guia

WWW.DELANO.LU/ ALFISPRING15

May 2015

MORE HIGHLIGHTS:

BUSINESS

FUNDS

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by STEVE EASTWOOD

RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP The Grand Duchy’s fund sector is trying to cut through “greenwashing” with a new report.

RESPONSIBLE FUND CONFERENCE: WWW.ALFI.LU

uxembourg is the European leader in “responsible investment funds”. Good news, because this market appears to be growing strongly and has substantial untapped potential. But what exactly is responsible investment? Judging a good from a bad fund is normally relatively straightforward: good ones make more money than the bad ones. Determining if the fund goes beyond this to produce wider benefits is tricky for a number of reasons. What makes an investment more or less “responsible”? Who will judge whether this is so and who will check that promises are being kept? Does pursuing these ends lead to lower financial returns? The third edition of the European Responsible Investing Fund Survey was commissioned by the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry to add greater precision. The results were presented at their spring conference by Jane Wilkinson of KPMG Luxembourg, the consulting firm which conducted the survey. CUTTING THROUGH JARGON “Some see this as a wishy-washy idea, lacking real substance and designed to apply ‘greenwash’ to an investment strategy,” she told the conference. She believes that this is unfair, and that the false impression is partly due to the broad range of possibilities and complex jargon attached to this area of activity. Hence, the report began by giving structure to the concept.Under the banner of “responsible investing” (RI) are five categories which favour different priorities: environment, social, governance, ethical and cross-sectoral funds. So an environmental fund might target climate change technologies or sustainable forestry. Microfinance funds typically help families in the developing May 2015

JANE WILKINSON Download the 3rd “European Responsible Investing Fund Survey” at www.alfi.lu

world access loans of a few hundred euros, and they are classed as “social” funds. Then, faith-based funds (most notably Islamic funds) are what is meant by “ethical” funds. It becomes more complicated still. It might seem obvious to exclude investments in firms with a track record of using child labour. However, what if that firm also has schools and other social programmes that improve the lives of their staff? Energy companies pump oil and this leads to climate change, but what if they also invest billions in researching green fuels? The solution is that funds must be as open about their strategies as possible so that investors can make an informed decision. These grey areas make it difficult to arrive at clear statistics, but nevertheless, the report shows that the Grand Duchy is in a clear lead in a growing market. European RI fund assets have almost doubled since 2010, reaching €372bn

in 2014. Of this, about one third are based in Luxembourg--twice the figure of the next largest centre (France) and more than three times third-placed Norway. Wilkinson pointed out that responsible investing could be considered the third pillar of the Luxembourg industry, behind UCITS (retail) and alternative funds. At the moment, this sector accounts for about 4% of all regulated assets based here, but continued strong growth could increase this share. Increased popularity of these products would be good news for this country, which has substantial expertise in running complicated fund structures. Plus being the centre for responsible investment funds would help the Luxembourg brand image. These issues and more will be examined at the Impact Investing and Microfinance Conference organised by ALFI on 29 April.

BUSINESS

WORKSPACE

Text by WENDY CASEY

A VIABLE OPTION? Every entrepreneur faces a multitude of decisions when launching a business. Not least is whether or not to work from home.

here’s no doubt it affords a number of distinct advantages including a significant financial saving. Lisa Francis-Jennings of StratAffect has been working from home for twenty-five years. “I worked from home when nobody knew what that was,” she muses. She and her husband considered renting an office space a couple of years ago but decided against it. “We chose to convert around 50% of our home into useable workspace. Designing the layout ourselves means it’s physically and mentally comfortable to work in.” Martiene van Dijken of MvD Immobilière meets her clients in their homes and has no need for meeting or conference rooms. “I thought it would be nice to rent a small unit and work alongside other business people for some social interaction. But I really don’t need more than four square metres to house my cupboard, desk and phone.” She appreciates the freedom that working from home provides. Francis-Jennings concurs: “I tend to wake at 3.30 a.m. and working from home means I can sit at my computer in darkness and write creatively. It would never happen if I had to get dressed and travel to another building.” Dot Becker of The Dot Effect has been working from a home office space for eight years. “Over time I’ve become better at managing the challenges. You need to get up and get on without being distracted by the dishes. You also need to cut-off from work in order to avoid burn-out.” It seems no entrepreneur can walk away from work entirely. Francis-Jennings recommends you ask yourself, “Do you really need to be answering business calls after 8 p.m.?” Van Dijken says: “My clients call at around 6 p.m. after they’ve finished May 2015

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

work and at weekends to talk about an apartment they’d like to visit. I’m always working, especially if I’m on the verge of closing a deal.” Loneliness is another challenge that home workers struggle to overcome. “You are by yourself, you’re on your own,” she reflects. “The remedy is to get out of the house; make a point of seeing someone every day.” Additionally, be ruthless with your filing and try to adopt a paperless approach to avoid being overwhelmed by files and archive boxes.

"THE REMEDY IS TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE; MAKE A POINT OF SEEING SOMEONE EVERY DAY." MARTIENE VAN DIJKEN

In terms of expansion, Becker would take on someone she could employ virtually. “Technology facilitates so much and often wipes out the need to rent a traditional office.” If renting is indeed your preferred route, Janice Allgrove of Buros offers tailor-made office packages to suit every client. Offices range in size from ten square metres to a stand-alone, two-office complex of forty-four square metres. Basic furniture is provided while printers, photocopiers and telephones are available upon request. “A receptionist is on-hand to answer calls and details can be emailed or texted during your absence. Equally, post can be opened and scanned copies can be emailed to you while you are away. We take care of everything so that you don’t have to worry,” Allgrove explains. Facilities include meeting rooms, an in-house IT department, kitchen and a fully equipped gym with fitness classes upon request. Two multi-lingual secretaries man the reception desk and clients have 24x7 access to their individual offices. There is no minimum or maximum rental term, “clients can rent an office one day a week or even by the hour,” she laughs.

SMALL BUSINESS OPTIONS A. Janice Allgrove: a rented office can eliminate headaches B. Lisa FrancisJennings: working at home offers more flexibility

So what of the tax implications? Karl Horsburgh of A&T Consulting explains that: “If your home office makes up 10% of your total living space, you can deduct 10% of your rent or mortgage interest from your taxable income. In addition, 10% of all common costs and 100% of anything spent in that office space are tax deductible.” If you own your home, you can amortise the workspace at a rate of 1.5% per annum as Gaëtan Hertz of Galux explains. “In the case of a flat valued at €200,000 where 10% is used as a home office, you can amortise 1.5% of €20,000 per year. Should you cease business activity or sell your home however, the tax office will look at the current market value of your home office compared to the amortised booking value and consider any positive difference as taxable profit.” PLUSSES AND MINUSES Horsburgh points out a further disadvantage. “A huissier de justice (court-appointed debt collector) can visit your home with

a member of the police and take away items of office furniture in the event of creditor non-payment. The onus is on you to prove whether the furniture is your personal property. It can get very messy,” he explains. In terms of a serviced office however, the furniture belongs to the office centre and cannot be confiscated and as Hertz indicates, all costs charged by the centre are fully tax deductible. In general, new businesses are set up from home and transfer to office centres with professional reception areas and secretarial support as they become more established. Once the business begins recruiting and outgrows the centre, then traditional office space becomes appropriate to support the transition. “Understand that the nature of your work will also change as your business grows,” recommends Francis-Jennings, “and think about real work space requirements by mentally working through your week, day by day, hour by hour.” The wrong route will dramatically impact the fate of a business, so taking time-out to reach a fully informed decision is critical. May 2015

BUSINESS

ENTREPRENEURS

Text by AARON GRUNWALD

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

STITCHING UP A NEW SPHERE

NEW VENTURES

Christine Statucki has started her second company, but the switch in sectors is surprising.

t age 46, “I thought it’s now or never.” So says Christine Statucki, who founded LuxCreative Lingerie one year ago. The firm specialises in bespoke lingerie for cancer survivors. Which is quite a change from what she did for the previous 17 years. Statucki had been manager of Betavi, a noise and vibration mitigation consultancy. She met with clients, made proposals and got projects started, while her brother, an engineer, handled the technical reports. “I love what I did at Betavi, I love it, but it was not creative [for me] and I wanted something else.” So she decided to pursue her passion for fashion. Statucki had been touched by women who had cancer and decided to check what options they had in lingerie. “I found nothing, nothing very nice.” Putting herself in their place she thought, “I’m a woman and I love lingerie… if you have this illness, that’s the first shock, then the operation and chemotherapy, that’s another shock, and then you can’t have nice lingerie anymore? It’s finished. So I wanted to do something for these women.” THE RIGHT TOUCH She started contacting French firms because she wanted products with a certain je ne sais pas from “French companies that work in France, not in China or Turkey, but in France. One hundred percent made in France.” That was important because she wanted to offer something “particulière” to her customers. Statucki ended up signing Luxembourg-wide exclusive contracts with two French outfits. Her lines are “tailor made” and she presents design ideas and samples of materials from the silk to the embroidery, “and the woman chooses what she wants.” (She also May 2015

represents a Spanish line, as well as a men’s underwear and a Belgian Cologne brand.) She briefly thought of selling online “but I realised in lingerie, it’s not possible. I pre fer to have contact with customers” faceto-face. For the moment, Statucki has not set up a showroom, for two reasons. First her products are all made-to-order. “As it’s personnalisable, customisable, there is no stock. The companies don’t have stock and they don’t want to make stock. So I don’t have a shop.” Instead she has a small studio in her home and holds cosy sales events across the country (like one held at the Campanile Hotel in Senningerberg the weekend before Delano went press). She tries to make the events more socialable with tastings of artisanal chocolates and Luxembourg crémant. Secondly, “I don’t know if I’ve got the right products and the right concepts” for the long run and “nobody knows my brand” yet. “But I’m very excited because I love what I do.” Statucki is not afraid the market is too niche. The challenge is one of communications, she says (in her first press interview about the new venture). The women searching for this type of lingerie are there, she insists.

CHRISTINE STATUCKI After running an acoustic engineering firm, she is now giving the French touch to women cancer survivors

Nevertheless, “it’s not easy. It’s difficult to start a new company again. It’s a new sector and there are a lot of brands in Luxembourg and there are a lot of habits” to get consumers to change. “It’s very difficult, but I’m quite sure that if I didn’t” make a go of it then she would regret it. “I’m like that.” Search for “LuxCreative Lingerie” on Facebook

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BUSINESS

COVER STORY

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS and AARON GRUNWALD

Photography by JULIEN BECKER

inding fulfilment at work is not easy it seems. A cursory glance at Facebook on a Monday morning reveals scores of users bemoaning the fact that they are back at work, while Friday afternoon’s status updates are full of cheer and multiple exclamation mark celebrations of “yay, it’s the weekend!!!!” A recent survey by the University of Phoenix School of Business, cited in Time magazine, found that 45 percent of US adults were still searching for the right career. And although that figure declines with age, the survey revealed that 35 percent of workers in their 40s and 25 percent of those in their 50s were planning to change career in the next two years. Here in the Grand Duchy dramatic changes in career, if no longer frowned upon, are still uncommon--especially among Luxembourgers. But a shift in attitudes is perceptible as the country experiences a growth in entrepreneurship and international employees adapt to the new job market environment resulting from the financial crisis. Some victims of the crisis decided that they would use their redundancy package pay offs to start their own business and pursue a dream. However, the number of people who are taking proactive steps to change career is not negligible. People like Tom O’Dea, an electronics engineer by training--he spent six years at the BBC-who has willingly swapped the world of satellite feeds to managing business strategy for a group of very successful crèches. It is now close to 18 months since O’Dea left his position as VP of global access serMay 2015

vices at SES to become a full-time managing director at Sunflower Montessori Crèche, and he does not regret the move one iota. “I haven’t thought about satellites since I left SES,” he confides. He had risen through the ranks at SES since joining the company in 1994, and was not at all unhappy. “Career wise it had been a really interesting few years. I wasn’t sitting there thinking I was hating the job.” He had founded Sunflower some 14 years ago along with his wife Sam and partner Helen Clarke. The two women were running the crèches on a day-to-day basis while O’Dea was involved in many aspects of its back office administration and business development. “It became increasingly unfeasible to keep doing that in my spare time as Sunflower became a big business. So finally, with the encouragement of Helen and Sam, I took the decision in September 2013 and made the move in January 2014.”

PERSPECTIVE

TOM O’DEA

Almost unthinkable for their parent’s generation, a dramatic shift in career holds little fear for today’s workforce. Even 40-somethings are embracing the idea of making a break and pursuing a dream or vocation rather than endure a job that fails to provide fulfilment.

"WHEN YOU COME TO MAKING A BIG DECISION, YOU SEARCH FOR A MOMENT IN TIME WHEN IT IS ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN… BUT ACTUALLY YOU WILL NEVER FIND THAT MOMENT."

CHANGING CAREER--NEVER TOO LATE

As well as speaking with his two business partners, O’Dea also sought advice from colleagues within the satellite industry. Some were wary, a few even said he was mad, but to Tom’s surprise many of his workmates--especially those around the same age--told him they wished they had the same opportunity. “A lot of people were content with what they had, but were not particularly looking forward to the next 10 or 15 years. I remember saying to Sam, if I think about the present I will never make this decision. But when I took the ten-year perspective, I wanted to invest myself in my own business rather than SES. I have this reflection on life that when you come to making a big decision, you search for a moment in time when it is absolutely certain that it is the right decision. But actually you will never find that moment in time. It was the same when I decided to

GENERATION GAME Tom Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dea says that several colleagues around the same age told him they wished they had the same opportunity to change career

May 2015

BUSINESS

COVER STORY

CONTINUED

PIGEONHOLED Patrizia Luchetta reckons “people put you in buckets. It is difficult to move on sometimes”

leave Ireland and move to the UK; the same when I decided to move to Luxembourg and leave the BBC. But so far, I have never looked back and regretted the decision.”

IDENTITY

Having seen the business grow, and having worked with Sam and Helen for 12 years, O’Dea was not concerned about leaving the secure salary or stepping off the corporate ladder after climbing so far. “But your identity is significantly tied up in your job and your industry, and if I have missed anything it has been the engagement on the industry-specific stuff, the people, the history… and to many people in your circle that is who you are, you interact with people on that basis. And throwing that away was what had me scared, casting away part of my identity.” What O’Dea has won is the freedom to work as it suits him, even though he reckons he is working as many, if not more, hours than before. No longer having to make compromises on holiday time and the sense that he can take a day off if needed is a definite plus. May 2015

As for working with his wife, he and Sam already had ground rules in place, such as not talking about work if they go out for dinner on a weekend night. In any case, the husband and wife team don’t physically work in the same office, as Sam moves around Sunflower’s different locations. “We have managed over the years to separate our marriage from our professional working relationships, and that has been important.” Balancing work and family is a challenge many face. Tara Donnell, for instance, says that embarking on a career in the film industry has required adjustments to the family structure to allow her some degree of flexibility. “To train as an actor when you have children is so much more complicated than doing it out of high school, when you can share a flat with five other people and live off ramen noodles and have the flexibility of going to those last minute auditions that I now would have to plan for.”

EXPLORE HAPPINESS

Previously Donnell had worked as a nurse in ER, trauma and intensive care departments,

then latterly as a midwife caring for high-risk pregnancies. It was work she loved but eventually found to be very hard. “It was wonderful saving lives, horrible losing lives.” Now she is acting, organising workshops and is in the midst of post-production for her first short film, Oleander, as a director. It has been a steep learning curve. “When you are an actor, you are marketing yourself in a way that most other careers don’t require of you. As a nurse, I presented my nursing degree and license along with a CV and those things largely spoke for themselves. In acting, it is an ongoing series of auditioning and proving yourself if you want to make it. When I was a nurse, I got a job and that was it.” A firm believer in living life to the full, Donnell says that the change has had a fundamentally positive effect. “If you are unhappy in your career, don’t remain stuck in it. Be brave and explore what would really make you happy. Even just changing employers within the same industry can have a profound effect on your state of mind sometimes.” But even though she sometimes wishes she had been “brave enough” to start her acting

ideas and tips. The rewards are manifold, he says. “But ultimately it is that spark of enthusiasm one feels in the class when they start to question you that is the greatest reward.” Up until January Patrizia Luchetta was the director at Luxembourg’s economy ministry in charge of promoting the country’s biohealth sector. But after eight years, “I needed a break.” And after years of talking with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists about taking a leap to Luxembourg, she is making a jump herself.

career earlier, Donnell does not regret the years she spent in nursing, nor the decision to raise a family. “Those years shaped me into who I am today, and I wouldn’t change it. I believe that I entered it at exactly the right time for me. Thankfully I have a very supportive husband.”

FEAR OF FAILURE

The commitment is long-term for Campion, who is currently completing his qualification as a teaching assistant but aims to then pursue one of the teaching qualifications. He has already come to the realisation that teaching is more than just a job. “You have to have a vocation for teaching,” he says. And he is pleased to be removed from the internal competitiveness and pressure of banking. “One works more in a community where the focus is to create a learning environment, and that is great.” There is still pressure to get results--improvement in literacy and numeracy, among other subjects, is expected year on year in primary school-but he says that the job attracts like-minded passionate people in general who share their

TARA DONNELL

REWARDS

CAREER MAKEOVER

"IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY IN YOUR CAREER, DON’T REMAIN STUCK IN IT. BE BRAVE AND EXPLORE WHAT WOULD REALLY MAKE YOU HAPPY."

If Donnell’s career change requires the support of her family, then Martin Campion’s was brought about, in many ways, because he had a family. The teaching assistant at St. George’s International School had been completing a master’s in account and information systems, but took time out to look after his newborn son when his wife returned to work. It was during this time that the slow realisation became a reality that, after eight years, banking was not for him. “Somehow life in Luxembourg and my son has given me a less closeted perspective of life,” he says. Indeed, leaving his native Ireland gave him the courage to try new things, such as joining Toastmasters, a scuba diving club and acting in local theatre productions. “Moving away helped remove my fear of failure and worry of what others would say or think of me. I believe this is important because it holds so many people back in their career choices.” It was in the theatre that he met two teachers from St. George’s who gave him advice and encouraged him to apply for the assistant teacher position. Campion also sought advice from a friend, who had also started his career as a primary school teacher relatively late in life. “Speaking to someone who really knows you and what is necessary for the job and the commitment required was great.”

She has “always had an interest in fashion and in Israel,” as the country’s lack of tradition means creatives are “free to experiment.” So Luchetta is currently in the process, with a partner in Tel Aviv, of launching an e-commerce portal that will allow young Israeli designers to set up their own snazzy digital boutique without the time and expense of starting from scratch. In addition to sorting out the technology, the firm will help with everything from logistics to marketing, so the designers can focus on their creations. Initially it will focus on sales to two of Israel’s biggest international markets, France and the US. Luchetta wouldn’t say her move is courageous, just that she’s liked to switch vocations at least once a decade. She’s previously worked for Ferrero’s marketing department, the Luxembourg Socialist Worker Party’s parliamentary bloc (twice), a public affairs consultancy in California’s state capital, and as the personal assistant to the Luxembourg Stock Exchange’s CEO. When she started her previous role at the ministry, “I didn’t know anything about biotech” but Luchetta came to realise that her “core competencies could apply” to new sectors. So much so that she is often seen as a staple of the industry. “Even though I only worked in biotech for only eight years,” most professional contacts have been surprised about her fashion startup. “People put you in buckets. It is difficult to move on sometimes.” In contrast she appreciates “the startup environment in Israel or the US where you can change careers without being judged.” While admitting there is “a potential conflict of interest when you move,” she would like to see more professionals switch between the business world and civil service. “The public sector could learn from people with private sector experience coming into it” and vice versa. Luchetta’s leap of faith also comes with a safety net. Technically she is on an 18 month sabbatical. May 2015

BUSINESS

COVER STORY

CONTINUED

May 2015

individual] safety net that you have and jump in cruelly cold water and start over without knowing if it will work or not. I decided I was just going to try. Even if I fail, it’s better than not trying at all.”

GIVING IT A SQUEEZE

Coming up on her firm’s one year anniversary, Savova says raw juice is “a niche product. We were nervous about how people would react to it. But we received a lot of positive feedback and started selling in Cactus” supermarkets earlier this year. “You put much more passion into it,” she says of being an entrepreneur. “It’s a different attitude than when you have a paid job.”

VESELA SAVOVA

If her startup is going well next spring, she could stick with it. Or not. Another form of safety net is if one member of a couple keeps their day job. Last June Vesela Savova and her husband started Go Gusto, which makes organic cold-pressed juices that are delivered direct to homes and offices in Luxembourg. Savova says her husband “is still working,” in the banking sector, because they decided “if we started a company, one would take 100% of the risk and the other person still has a job. So it’s not so risky.” Making the move “took a lot of time to be honest,” she says. After years of working in the marketing field, most recently in the financial sector, “I didn’t see myself doing that for a long time; it was not give me the satisfaction I wanted.” Thinking about each potential endeavour started with “questioning, is this what you’re good at?” Along the way “I discovered I was getting more healthy at home” and decided to translate her personal passion into a new professional path. “It was a difficult decision,” despite the deal with her husband. “You have to give up [your

"I DECIDED I WAS JUST GOING TO TRY. EVEN IF I FAIL, IT’S BETTER THAN NOT TRYING AT ALL."

COURAGE TO TRY Martin Campion believes fear of failure holds many people back in their career choices

WHERE THEY WORK Tom O’Dea – www.sunflower.lu Martin Campion – www.st-georges.lu Tara Donnell – on Facebook and www.gfcalux.com Patrizia Luchetta – on LinkedIn Vesela Savova – www.gogusto.lu

formerly known as

BUSINESS

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by SVEN BECKER

HOW TO CHANGE DIRECTION If you want to switch into an entirely new type of job, get serious about your prospects and get prepared to sell yourself.

ho doesn’t dream of setting out on a completely new career direction? After many years doing the same thing it is natural to get itchy feet. The advice of Julie Noirhomme, director of the HR consultancy Adecco Group Luxembourg, is that you should be realistic and have more than one plan. Dreams are fine, but when those thoughts harden into desire and ambition it is time to get serious. “It is very important to have a clear idea of your skills and objectives, and whether they match what is available on the job market,” was Noirhomme’s clear guidance. There is a major difference between having a reasonable desire to move one’s career forward, and a more vague notion of a restless desire to change. Prospective employers are more likely to respect the former as a sign of entrepreneurship, while the later trait is something of a turn-off. PREPARATION IS KEY “Often we find that people seeking to change might lack confidence in themselves because they are having a difficult time in their job,” noted Noirhomme. She thinks making good preparations for the move will reaffirm self-belief as well inciting trust in a potential new boss. Make sure your experience is clearly conveyed in your CV, LinkedIn profile and cover letter. Networking is very important, and this works best if you have a clear but

“soft-sell” message about what you can offer. Use this experience during interviews. To succeed, Noirhomme recommends treating this as a project, requiring the use of change management techniques. “People must be realistic and have a strategy to fit,” she added. “This should include having a main plan, but also at least one backup.” She reckons that around two-thirds of people find a job quite quickly when they decide to change, mainly because they will have done this preparatory work. Most changes are to a similar type of job, but occasionally, people do set off in completely different directions. “I have seen people leave banks to become a nurse or work in an old-folk’s home,” noted Noirhomme. Less dramatically, people can shift from, say, the financial sector to manufacturing. But in every case there needs to be a realistic assessment of the affect this will have on salaries, as well as the new training that will be needed. Increasingly senior executives are losing their jobs as companies restructure after the crisis. “This is much more the case now than five years ago and again, it is important to be realistic and manage ones own expectations,” Noirhomme said. To remain at a similar level, one must either be patient, or look abroad. With the latter option, she recommends targeting only a handful of possible destinations. Again, it’s all about executing a realistic plan.

" IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE A CLEAR IDEA OF YOUR SKILLS AND OBJECTIVES." JULIE NOIRHOMME May 2015

CAREER ADVICE

WHAT YOU NEED The four skill-sets for experienced candidates: Learning-focus & curiosity: even after years on the job, you will have sought to learn new ways to understand details and the big picture. Interpersonal skills: you will know how teams work and how you work best. 360 vision: you will understand how organisations work and how your actions can facilitate the best outcomes. Agility and resilience: you will understand the process of how to deal with problems and change in an organisation.

JULIE NOIRHOMME Finding a new career path: be realistic and have a “plan A” and a “plan B”

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BUSINESS

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TEN EVENTS

Delano presents a selection of upcoming business and networking events for Luxembourg’s international community. Advance registration or fees may be required, so consult the website indicated for full details. All events are held in English unless otherwise noted. “SÀRL SIMPLIFIÉE”

TECH TRANSFER TALK www.list.lu

Amcham

www.amcham.lu

Felix Braz, the justice minister, is among the speakers during this seminar on the “1-1-1” initiative to make setting up a new business in Luxembourg easier. Chamber of Commerce, Luxembourg-Kirchberg, 18:00

Mon 4 May

Luxembourg hosts the combined annual conferences of the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations and of the European Industrial Research Management Association. Alvisse Parc Hotel, Luxembourg-Dommeldange

www.amcham.lu

Patrizia Luchetta (see cover story) speaks on her experience moving from the private to public sector and back, and why such mobility is good for the economy, during the May ABAL luncheon. Légère Hotel, Munsbach, 12:00

REGULATION PRIMER Wed 6 May

ALFI

www.alfi.lu

The trade group’s 16th “Leading edge conference” covers how the “New rules of the game for global distribution” are changing the fund industry. RBC building, Esch-Belval, all day

Tue 28 April

www.tigfi.org

Urs Hammer, Switzerland’s ambassador to Luxembourg, speaks on the “Challenges for the Swiss financial sector--the gap between perception and reality” to the financial ethics club. Cercle Munster, Luxembourg-Grund, 11:30

DATA WORKSHOP

www.clusterforlogistics.lu

The trade promotion group’s 4th “Logistics Day” conference tackles the airfreight sector; keynote speech by Francine Closener, secretary of state for the economy. Advanced registration required. Chamber of Commerce, Luxembourg-Kirchberg, 18:00

Tue 12 May

The fund sector group and Luxembourg Association for Risk Management host their 6th European Risk Management Conference. Speakers include Olivier Carré of PwC. Chamber of Commerce, Luxembourg-Kirchberg, all day

SMART NETWORKING Thu 21 - Fri 22 May

Luxinnovation

“Business Meets Research” features presentations and organised matchmaking to bring public research bodies and private firms together. Plus visit new facilities in the Belval research zone. City of Science, Esch-Belval, all day

GLOBAL COVERAGE Wed 27 May

www.paperjam.club

Catherine Di Lorenzo (pictured) and Gary Cywie of the law firm Allen & Overy present the “New EU data protection regulation--what does it mean for your business?”. Advanced registration required. Neimënster, Luxembourg-Grund, 09:00-12:15

Insurance Europe

conference.insuranceeurope.eu

The 7th International Insurance Conference eyes up the impact of globalisation. About 400 executives from Europe and elsewhere expected. Speakers include the finance minister, Pierre Gramegna. Conference Centre, Luxembourg-Kirchberg, all day

HAVE A SUGGESTION? If your organisation is holding a business or networking event of interest to the international community, send details to: news@delano.lu

sales · rentals · commercial · residential www.FARE.LU · t. 26 897 897

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The IDEA Foundation is a Luxembourg based Think Tank focusing on socio-economic topics. Supported by the Chamber of Commerce, IDEA endeavours to work as an autonomous, versatile and open entity and strives to lead reflections in terms of sustainable development in Luxembourg by pursuing the general economic interests of the country, and to contribute to the improvement of the socio-economic debate. The objective of IDEA Foundation is to improve the quality of socio-economic policy, notably through fact-based economic analyses and the development of innovative ideas presented and discussed in public with various audiences. Curious ? To find out more about the IDEA Foundation please visit our homepage: www.fondation-idea.lu or contact us by email info@fondation-idea.lu

BUSINESS

Text by TONYA STONEMAN

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

INTO THE GROOVES European Commission translator Daniel Marcus dishes on vinyl.

aniel Marcus remembers the first vinyl record he bought: The Smiths’ debut eponymous album. Back in Camden Town, where he grew up, the kids used to take the bus into central London to visit The Record and Tape Exchange in pursuit of anything a couple of pounds worth of lunch money could buy. The shop is a basic storefront that is as generic as its name: sliding glass doors topped by a huge black and white sign. Think discount food mart or, better yet, laundromat. But the interior is a different story. Album sleeves, posters, CDs and the associated paraphernalia from Rock & Roll’s glory days adorn the walls from floor to ceiling. This is where Marcus fell in love for the first time. “The record shop was near school,” he recalls. “I would go with friends. Spend my lunch money or sell old records and tapes to get new ones. I was into pop, reggae, and ska. Echo and the Bunnymen, Simple Minds, U2. Records were cheap. I bought a lot of 45s. I loved being on the bus and opening up the shrink wrap on the record and looking at this pristine thing with its grooves glistening in the sunlight. There was a buzz of anticipation.” Marcus started buying vinyl in the early 80s just as the cassette tape was becoming popular. But tapes never really satisfied. “I’ve always liked record shops,” he says. “Dusty old places with a positive atmosphere.” He wasn’t into the classics, aside from The Doors and Led Zeppelin. Generation X was in the throes of counter rebellion against the 60s and 70s that had been extolled by too many self-righteous hippies, so he rode the “second wave” of The Specials, The Beat, Bad Manners and Madness all the way to reggae and dub. Along the way, he dabbled in British bands like The Cure, The Undertones May 2015

and Buzzcocks, which led him to ska, and eventually bossa nova, a genre he remains faithful to nearly three decades later. Marcus’ fondness for record stores has meandered through life with him. When he visited Tokyo, he discovered Zest Records, where shopkeepers were local celebrities. “There was a cultic personality around them,” he says. “They were setting taste agendas.” When he returned to London, his devotion was rekindled by his old record collection. And when he settled in Luxembourg, his home became a gallery of music and art: there’s a gold embossed Arcade Fire, the Talking Heads sleeve designed by an MIT Media Lab team, a serene David Bowie with lightning on his face, The Mighty Lemon Drops, Sonic Youth, Scritti Politti... you could stay all day, experiencing what you don’t with Spotify and Pandora. In Marcus’ living room, you can physically hold the music. You can touch it. Marcus doesn’t have a favourite, but right now he’s into Ibibio Sound Machine. “If they ever come to Luxembourg,” he says, “I’m going to dance my ass off.”

GIVE IT A SPIN The Rockhal hosts its 10th International Record Fair on Sunday 26 April from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thousands of rare and classic records plus CDs and DVDs will be on sale. Entry €5. Rockhal, Esch-Belval www.rockhal.lu

MY OTHER LIFE

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SOURCE OF

INSPIRATION

Deadline to register: May 31st

Want to know more about the contest? Info on rosportlife.com

UPFRONT

LIFESTYLE

New openings

a popular styles , the revamping of erican wines ing ast ntr co in rs ba tel Am mium Two new ho uration of a venue for pre nightspot and the inaugnkers this month . is all good news for dri

SPRING FAIR STRATEGIES

THE INTERNATIONAL Sean McInerney and Jamie Clarke, with the help of some friends, have completely revamped the former Soul Kitchen venue. Cool but welcoming, it is now aimed at a distinctly adult crowd but still hosts regular DJ nights and the occasional live gig. Where: 48 rue de Hollerich, Luxembourg-Gare Info: The International Luxembourg on Facebook

KRITZEL The new temporary bar at the Hotel Le Royal features décor by Jacques Schneider. It serves classic and exclusive cocktails as well as the usual selection of drinks, but patrons can also enjoy a brasserie style menu all day long. Where: Hotel Le Royal, boulevard Royal, Luxembourg-Centre Info: www.leroyal.com/luxembourg

BAR SIXTYFOUR� The name refers to the temperature at which whisky is at its optimum, reflecting the speciality of the new venue at the Sofitel Luxembourg Europe. But fans of other drinks are also welcome in the swish new bar. Where: Sofitel Luxembourg Europe, 4 rue du Fort Niedergrunewald, Luxembourg-Kirchberg Info: www.sofitel.com

POP-UP ROOF TERRACE Rob-Carrérouge has opened a pop-up roof terrace showcasing outdoor furniture and lighting from designers like Montana, Fast, Arper and Moroso. The terrace is accessible via the Rob Vintage showroom and is open until 1 September, Tuesday through Saturday. Where: 119 rue de Hollerich, Luxembourg-Hollerich Info: www.carrerouge.lu

May 2015

GRAND DUCHY FILES

ou may think that the Foire de Printemps, or Fréijoers Foire (as we are going native in this column), is a pleasant way to spend a mild May afternoon with the family. Little do you know that entering the doors of LuxExpo during this most popular event is akin to being thrown to the lions. Don’t be fooled by the sweet old couple down for the day from Kiischpelt who are dressed unseasonably in matching beige trenchcoats. See those canvas shopping bags they are unfurling from their coat pockets? Those are swag bags designed to hold as many free pens, bags of political party branded gummibears, flashdrives bearing bank logos, baseball caps and yes, maybe even canvas shopping bags, as they can grab from the stands at the fair. Nothing can stop the swag baggers from their mission to grab as much free stuff as possible during their visit. They are masters of the smart elbow jab to the ribs or the sneaky kick to the shins as they push their way towards the cute, logo emblazoned, permasmile hostesses handing out the giveaways. So, having avoided the Kiischpelt desperados, you work your way to the “wine universe”--the Holy Grail at the Spring Fair. This is it, a chance to taste last year’s vintage from the Moselle’s best winemakers, as well as a good selection of wines from abroad. You manage to find a local producer willing to take you on the seven steps to heaven, pouring you tasting glasses in succession from Rivaner to Gewürztraminer via Elbling, Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Now you have a nice glow about you, the elderly swag collectors have long ago headed home and you might feel safe. But now you are left with that most awkward of situations--you have just drunk the equivalent of a bottle of wine and have taken up a good 45 minutes of the winemaker’s time… and all you are going to order is half a case of Auxerrois? You sneak away red faced, and make a grab for a rather fetching looking gnome from the garden section. Where: Foire de Printemps, LuxExpo, Luxembourg-Kirchberg When: 9-15 May Info: www.luxexpo.lu

Perfect weekensd for hip couple

ch some early sun in the. families set ting off to cat s see ay lid at they could do ho st co He nte The Pe e run of the city. re’s wh fre the s ple cou g un yo south, leaving hip

FRIDAY 22.05 – 8 P.M.

SEE SCHRÖDINGER DRAMA… … a “cunning, comic and resonant show” by UK-Belgium theatre company Reckless Sleepers. It tackles Schröder’s famous theory about the cat in the box being both alive and dead at the same time. The Times called the show “absurd, even dangerous, but vital.” Where: Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg Info: www.theatres.lu

Cream Projects Andrés Lejona Sven Becker

Diary FLAMENCO FESTIVAL This festival also celebrates its 10th anniversary with some big names on the Flamenco scene--Leonor Leal (photo), Vincente Gelo, Fran Espinosa, Andrés Peña, Jalal Chekara--performing live as well as an exhibition and documentary screenings at the Cinémathèque. Where: Kulturfabrik & Théâtre Municipal, Esch-sur-Alzette (3 to 16 May) Info: www.kulturfabrik.lu

JÉRÔME KONEN The 27-year old has been named the successor to Sylvie Martin as director of the Kinneksbond cultural centre in Mamer. Konen has been in charge of productions at dance venue Trois C-L and Mudam as well as the Monodrama theatre festival. Where: Kinneksbond, Mamer Info: www.kinneksbond.lu

FARMING STORIES Photographer Andrés Lejona’s latest exhibition, Mémoires en transitions, features images of Luxembourg farms. Conceived with Maguy Conzémius together with storyteller Betsy Dentzer, the project hopes to preserve the history of these farms. Where: neimënster, LuxembourgGrund (until 21 June) Info: www.neimenster.lu

SALSALUX15 Salsa is hot in Luxembourg right now. This annual celebration of Salsa celebrates its 10th anniversary with a programme of workshops featuring world renowned teachers such as Fadi Fusion and a party. Where: Hotel Double Tree by Hilton (8-10 May) Info: www.salsalux.com

SATURDAY 23.05 – 2 P.M.

GET TATTOOS... … at The Storm international tattoo convention. Featuring some 350 tattoo artists, 50 shops, live music and tattoo shows, the convention should be teaming with ink addicts and novices alike. So why not get some his’n’hers tattoos to seal that bond? Where: LuxExpo, Luxembourg-Kirchberg Info: www.thestorm.lu

SUNDAY 24.05 – 8 P.M.

TEST YOUR TRIVIA… … at Konrad’s weekly quiz. The café and bar hosts a general knowledge quiz every Sunday evening that attracts regular combatants and casual quizzers, answering a variety of questions. Teams of four can enter, and the winners take the prize money and glory. Where: Konrad Café, Luxembourg-Centre Info: Konrad Café on Facebook

May 2015

LIFESTYLE

SNAPSHOTS

Text by WENDY WINN

Photography by STEVE EASTWOOD

Rain didn’t dampen spirits

MORE BUNNY SIGHTINGS: WWW.DELANO.LU/ EASTEREGGS15

oggy weather didn’t spoil the British Ladies Club’s annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Bambesch forest. Beaming from ear to ear was four and a half year old Konstantin Ignatenko, who was scampering about early and had collected three bags full of eggs. “It’s his first Easter egg hunt and he’s amazed,” said his mum Anna, who hails from Belarus and hasn’t been long in Luxembourg. “It’s very nice to be involved in life here, and you can come with only English in your bag to start A with. There are so many foreigners here you don’t necessarily feel like one!” “See right there?” asked the club’s Miriam Scargall, pointing to the end of the bench by the art table. “That’s where my son John was sitting, that mud patch. He was absolutely encrusted from head to toe,” she laughed. www.blc.lu

May 2015

BAMBINOS IN BAMBESCH A. Tom Herbert, one of nearly 60 young children to pull on their rain boots and their rain jackets and hats for Easter egg hunting, face painting and arts & crafts B. Anna and Andrew Ignatenko C. Arhani, Aqsa and Salik Ansari D. Jusuf and Kiki Zakiah E. Rafael Russell and Line Ejlersen F. Niki, Rafael, Gabriela and Daniela Shillinglaw G. Elliott, Alessandro and Peter Esposito H. Claire Brownlie and Miriam Scargall of the BLC I. Juliet and Felix Gartside

‘Loving care and early education‘

LIFESTYLE

GETTING INVOLVED

Text by ALIX RASSEL

Photography by SVEN BECKER

The Caritas Challenge A

s a member of the InterNations Luxembourg Volunteer Group, Ruud Kruis is no stranger to fundraising. The InterNations initiative is a worldwide effort where members of the expat networking forum donate their time and talents to help those in their local community who are most in need. It was through the programme that Ruud, a Dutch financial IT consultant who moved to the Grand Duchy 16 years ago, first connected with Caritas Luxembourg. “Caritas has a breakfast for the homeless initiative in Luxembourg and it was as part of this group that I learnt about the organisation.” Following this initial experience, Ruud saw an opportunity for the Luxembourg members to support Caritas with other local projects. Caritas Luxembourg works on many projects both locally and abroad in fields including poverty, affordable housing and asylum. The Caritas Challenge is a fundraising campaign to assist those children in the Grand Duchy who are most vulnerable to poverty. Donations are used in a variety of ways: to fund Caritas Buttek food banks; provide opportunities throughout the year for children to attend holiday camps; and provide educational classes known as “Passerelles” (meaning walkways or links) for young people, mostly of non-Luxembourg origin. In 2014, 107 young people participated in

educational classes and there were more than 15,284 transactions at the NGO’s food banks throughout the country. “There is a growing gap between the well off and those who are left behind,” Robert Urbé of Caritas recently said. “Austerity measures, a decrease in social benefits and the recent rise in VAT continue to widen the gap even further.” “The Caritas Challenge is an opportunity for volunteers to use their different skill sets within a community setting and raise much needed funds,” said Ruud. There are approximately 15 people currently involved in the group and new recruits are most welcome. “Language skills are not necessarily important for this type of fundraising,” Ruud emphasised. “We are looking for motivated individuals who can suggest ideas on how to raise funds and commit to giving some of their free time to the project.” “Some of the suggested potential fundraising ideas have included garage sales, sports events and car washing. However we hope to get further input directly from the group.” All the fundraising events will be announced by Caritas via its website. Currently most of the volunteers have come from the InterNations network (the site had 2,000 active members last month) and other expat groups that Ruud is a member of. However, as the date of the drive draws closer, he hopes more people will want to get involved. The Caritas Challenge officially starts on 1 May. Tentative plans are already afoot to partner with a bar for an evening event where food and

CARITAS LUXEMBOURG:

drink will be served. Ruud is confident that the Caritas Challenge will lead to future collaborations between InterNations volunteers and the charity. “The Caritas Challenge will allow volunteers to find out more about the organisation in Luxembourg and how their skills and talents can be utilised within the different projects they support.”

WWW.CARITAS.LU

If you would like to volunteer for the Caritas Challenge, contact Ruud via InterNations (go to www.internations.org, click on “Groups” and then search for “InterNations Luxembourg Volunteer Group”) or Facebook (search for “Expats de Lux”) or by email: ruud.kruis@pt.lu.

Community noteboo

RELAIS RAISINGS

MEEKRANZ MEETUP

BIRDWATCHING TRIP

CONSTITUTION DAY

FRISKIS & SVETTIS The fitness club’s team, one of many groups to raise cash during the annual Relais pour la vie, donated €385 to the Fondation Cancer. Info: www.friskis.lu

LUX MEET GREET Make a traditional “May crown of leaves” and lunch together with native Luxembourgers and expats in Rollingergrund, 26 April. Info: www.luxmeetgreet.com

NATUR & ËMWELT The group hopes to spot birds like the bee-eater (pictured), hoopoe and turtle dove in the Kaiserstuhl area of Germany, 8-10 May. Info: www.naturemwelt.lu

NORWEGIAN ASSOCIATION Celebrate Norway’s national holiday featuring a popular children’s parade and Norwegian songs at Parc Merveilleux near Bettembourg, 17 May. Info: www.delano.lu/Norwegians

May 2015

L. Deflorenne A. Miltgen P. Dalous (CC BY-SA 3.0) A.-K. Øvreeide & F. Schmit

With one in five children at risk of slipping into poverty in Luxembourg, how can you help to support families in need here in the Grand Duchy?

Norbert BRAKONIER S.A. 20, place du Parc L-2313 Luxembourg Tel +352 27 36 53 43 Fax +352 27 36 53 46 Mail info@nbr.lu Web www.nbr.lu kaell architecte / photo: Patty Neu

LIFESTYLE

KITCHENS

Text by NEEL CHRILLESEN

Photography by GAËL LESURE

e h t g n i d a r g Up e m o h r u o y heart of Spring is here, boosting the mind and the soul. To bring the same invigorating breath of new life inside, specialists recommend redoing your kitchen, aka the heart of your home. It’s a big investment and it calls for many decisions along the way, but remodelling is worth it. From trends to tips, here’s what to look out for before getting started.

nless you build your own house, it’s rare to move into a new home and find your dream kitchen. Someone else has decided the layout and size, chosen the colours and the cupboard fronts. If you’re unlucky, the kitchen you’re taking over may even have been installed when the overuse of floral tiles was fashionable. The solution is a total renovation. All specialists--be they real estate agents, architects, family therapists or feng shui experts--will tell you the kitchen is the most important room in the home. It’s where decisions and childhood memories are made, where families and friends come together. Watch any TV series, from Friends to The Sopranos, and you’ll see it: the kitchen is central. “It’s no longer just a place where you cook, it has become an important living space,” says Przemek Jablonowski, owner of Batipol, which specialised in reconstructions, transformations and modernisations. “That’s why we rarely make closed kitchens anymore. Most people want open kitchens with islands to enhance interaction and togetherness. Plus cooking has become a social event. It’s viewed more as a hobby or an expression of creativity than a chore nowadays.” Neil Brown, owner of a handyman and renovations company marketed towards the English-speaking community in and around Luxembourg, has observed the same trend. “A lot of our clients ask if we can knock down walls to their kitchen,” he says. “If you want an open kitchen you should definitely do this. If you ever need to close the kitchen again later on, putting up a new wall is easy.” Because today’s homes are more “kitchen-centric” than ever before and many kitchens are part of a larger space, design has become increasingly May 2015

important. The current trends seen at kitchen fairs around the world include a lot of monochromatic colours, sophisticated feature lightning, apparent shelving systems, bigger islands that also work as dining tables, integrated technology and structures, push or touch open cupboards and drawers (instead of handles), and an ingenious blend of textures and materials. “A lot of new, practical functions are making their way into the kitchen, including many ‘hide away’ features,” explains Jablonowski. “You can now get extractor hoods that come out from behind your cooker when needed instead of hanging over your cooker, for example. Another growing trend is the use of glass fronts on cupboards, wooden floors instead of tiles, and the smart use of colour, for example only on top cupboards. Having said that, white kitchens remain the absolute most popular. They offer flexibility and you don’t grow tired of them so easily. Basically, what people seek today is to create a personalised space, and with everything that is available on the market and all the customisation you can have done, it’s easy to obtain that unique kitchen.” However, redoing a kitchen remains one of the most expensive investments in a house and it can quickly become an overwhelming project. You’re not just choosing what the walls and the floor should look like. You have to investigate cupboard fronts (50% of the budget according to industry statistics), shelves, drawers, appliances,

countertops, sinks, lighting, plumbing, etc., all whilst thinking about function, efficiency, style and longevity. “Before anything else, understand what you are buying and what quality you are getting,” says Jablonowski. “Do you want cupboard fronts made of plastified chipboard or painted veneered ones? Do you want granite working surfaces or laminated? Do you want your kitchen to last 20 years or will you remodel it every 10 years?” “Clarity is key,” agrees Brown. “Know what you want but also be prepared to take advice. No matter if you’re installing the kitchen yourself or getting someone else to do it, be ready to go over budget and over time. One small snag can delay everything else.” Visit stores and showrooms to narrow down what you like and ask about materials and designs. An obvious money-saving option is of course a trip to Ikea. A third of all kitchens in France and Sweden are from Ikea, and about a quarter of those in Britain are (in Norway it’s half!). Ikea has recently stopped producing their most successful system Faktum (7.7 million cupboards sold since 1995) but have replaced it by a new one: Metod, designed to allow even more personalisation of layout and style. Using Ikea’s downloadable 3D planner also comes in handy when designing your future kitchen. Of course, you’ll need a good dose of patience and spatial intelligence too. Putting a flatpacked Ikea bookcase together might offer an afternoon of family fun, but assembling a kitchen is another story.

" KNOW WHAT YOU WANT BUT ALSO BE PREPARED TO TAKE ADVICE." NEIL BROWN

FIND INSPIRATION SPRING FAIR

When: 9-15 May Where: LuxExpo, Luxembourg-Kirchberg Info: www.printemps.lu

FIND KITCHENS Conforama

www.conforama.lu Ikea

www.ikea.be Le Couturier de la Cuisine

www.lecouturierdelacuisine.lu Harmonie Cuisines

www.harmonie-cuisines.lu Home Interiors

www.homeinteriors.lu Leroy Merlin

www.leroymerlin.fr Kitchen Store

www.kitchenstoreluxembourg.com Cuisines Schmidt

www.cuisines-schmidt.com Wolf Moritz Cuisines

www.wolf-moritz.lu Mowo

www.mowo.lu

FIND HELP Batipol

www.batipol.lu Neil Brown Handyman & Renovations

www.neilbrown.de

Mowo > Leroy Merlin > Ikea

PRZEMEK JABLONOWSKI AT A CLIENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME

May 2015

LIFESTYLE

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Text by NEEL CHRILLESEN

Photography by SVEN BECKER

Energy-savvy home improvements t planet-friendly home, bu in an energy-efficient, of fish. With good advice live to like uld wo us of tle ket Most y doable. renovations is a different initiating the necessar y government subsidies--it is however perfectl lus --p ing nn pla art and sm

WHERE TO FIND HELP

FREE BASIC COUNSELLING

Myenergy Hotline: 8002 11 90 Online: www.myenergyinfopoint.lu Ministry of Housing www.ml.public.lu > Aides au logement National Monuments Service www.ssmn.public.lu > Aides au logement © Prenom Nom

ENERGY COUNSELLING

Myenergy certified counsellors certified.myenergy.lu > Téléchargements > Liste de conseillers Experts certified by the Ministry of Economy www.guichet.public.lu > Citoyens > Logement > Rénovation/ Transformation Energy Advisors and Certifiers Federation www.fcce.lu

een on reducing their energy bills and tackling draught problems, Ruth and André recently put up an extra door in their hallway and had triple windows installed on the ground floor of their house. A costly venture for the two pensioners, but they counted on government subsidies to sweeten the pill. Imagine their dismay when they learned that the financial aid should have been applied for prior to doing the home improvements and that the new windows caused humidity problems in their living room. “To benefit from financial assistance when making your home more energy efficient, you have to apply before doing the May 2015

work,” explains Christel de Freitas, energy counsellor at myenergy, a government-supported outfit that offers free technical, practical and financial assistance-related counselling. “And even if you chose to carry out the work yourself, getting advice beforehand is really important. In that way, you can for example find out if it’s necessary to insulate the walls in your house too when installing triple windows or if you’re better off opting for another solution.” Homeowners can reduce their energy costs from 10% to 70% through renovations and it doesn’t necessarily have to be as costly as say installing new windows or putting solar panels

on the roof. “Something like insulating the ceiling or walls of your cellar, or the floor of your attic, can make a big difference, and it’s something that’s fairly easy,” says de Freitas. An energy counsellor will be able to tell you what is necessary, what will work best in your home and which financial aid you can ask for. Several subsidies are available in Luxembourg, both nationally and locally. However, to apply you will need an onsite inspection and a follow-up report and an “energy passport” (cost: at least €1,500), all of which will of course come in handy when deciding upon works and asking different craftsmen and/or architects for estimates.

ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS

Architects and Engineers Organisation www.oai.lu

CERTIFIED PASSIVE HOUSE PLANNERS www.passivhausplaner.eu

FORMS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS Environment Administration www.emwelt.lu > Guichet virtuel > Énergie Ministry of Housing www.ml.public.lu > Aides au logement National Monuments Service www.ssmn.public.lu > Formulaires

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Parquet Böhm S.à r.l. | L - 6871 Z.A. Wecker | 10, Op Huefdréisch | Tél. 347 115 | www.parquetboehm.lu

LIFESTYLE

INTERVIEW

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by GAËL LESURE

e g a u g n a l Give a chance

arn ronto, has launched Le nger, now resident in To wanting to pick up the local We Liz r tho au rg ou mb es on Luxe the market. book aimed at Angloph Luxembourgish, a new her motivation and how the book fills a gap in language. She explains

hen Liz Wenger met her future husband, a Canadian, she says he immediately wanted to learn Luxembourgish. “He realised he couldn’t speak to half of my family, and he felt strange not knowing what people around him were saying,” she explains. Wenger thought she could easily teach him the language by using one of the French or German based textbooks available on the market, but soon ran into a difficulty. “I couldn’t answer any of his questions about grammar, because I never learned my own language at school.” The information available was mostly in the form of course books, but they weren’t really suitable for learning at home. Private language schools were prohibitively priced for the young couple, and at the time publicly funded classes just weren’t available or didn’t suit their schedules. Liz becoming pregnant was an “additional motivation” for her husband to learn the language and, being a proactive type, Wenger enrolled for a one-year course to become a certified Luxembourgish teacher at the Institut National des Langues. The couple also had plenty of Englishspeaking friends who expressed an interest in gaining some knowledge of the local language. “I realized a lot of people wanted to learn Luxembourgish but didn’t have the means.” That realization sparked the idea for the book, titled simply Learn Luxembourgish. Ironically, it was right around that time that the couple decided to leave Luxembourg to move to Toronto for professional reasons. “But I’m stubborn, so I stuck with it,” she says with a broad smile. The book took around 18 months to write and was based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. “It is a proven method and very practical, asking what a beginner in a foreign country needs immediately.” Wenger is not only helping non-Luxembourgers to learn the language, she is also trying to encourage locals to give those learning Luxembourgish a chance. To this end she has launched a series of t-shirts and other LIZ WENGER SLOGANEERING FOR accessories bearing the slogan “Schwätzt Lëtzebuergesch mat mir, Ech léieren!”-LUXEMBOURGISH “Speak Luxembourgish with me, I’m learning!” www.learnluxembourgish.com May 2015

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LIFESTYLE

QUICK GUIDE

Text by WENDY CASEY

Cut up your skinnys, flares are back!

FASHION WEEK MANIA I dream of visiting France during Paris fashion week and experiencing the leading fashion shows live. Thanks to forums such as YouTube, we can view the collections on screen, but there’s nothing quite like being there in person--breathing in the atmosphere, witnessing the extravagance of the sets first-hand, swooning over the jaw-dropping beauty of the models and lusting after the fabrics, colours and cuts. The main shows are hosted in Paris, London, Milan and New York. The spring/summer shows finish exhibiting in October while the autumn/ winter collections conclude in March. This gives buyers time to place their orders and the fashion journalists time to research and identify key trends for the coming season. While certain high street stores have the capacity to replicate trends within weeks, I’ve been waiting several years for the flare to transfer from catwalk to store--though I have to admit it’s been well worth the wait.

May 2015

COLOURS There’s nothing like zingy orange to add fizz to a fatigued wardrobe and this spring, orange is hot (as this Sportmax Resort outfit shows). Not enthused? Then mull over mustard yellows, vibrant reds, shades of brown --from creamy beige and delicious caramel to rich dark chocolate--quintessential black and white, elegant nude, nuances of grey, powdery blue and blush pink.

PRINTS There’s a deluge of prints hitting the shops, from beautifully detailed red florals to 70s tie-dyes, gorgeous gingham and retro deckchair stripes, in graphic white and colour combos--so very welcome after the boring block colours of winter.

FLARES All women with bottoms, hips and thighs (isn’t that all women?) can now embrace the flare (as seen here by Coach). Best worn high on the waist, slim to the knee and then softly flared, they will balance a curvy figure beautifully and you won’t need a shoe horn to get them on each morning.

PALAZZO PANTS These ultra-wide, loose trousers are a cool, practical option in the summer months and look great worn with slimmer T’s and tops. Avoid headto-toe volume and look for variations in cool natural fibres such as silk, cotton and linen.

BERMUDA SHORTS This elegant take on traditional summer shorts is extremely wearable and rather more forgiving on those with fuller thighs. Worn mid-hip to knee-length and all points in between, it is most flattering cut slim on the leg.

WHITE SHIRTS No longer stiff and unforgiving, the traditional man’s shirt has evolved into a beautifully feminine staple (like the Chanel version pictured). Wear cropped to the waist or with an immaculately pleated peplum, a funnel or shirt collar neckline and a layered, lace-edged shoulder cape. Agonizing over how to feminize that pair of pinstriped office trousers? Agonize no more.

DENIM Teamed with a bright white cotton T and softly bronzed skin, it’s always a winning combination. Dungarees (pictured by Zara) are hot this summer and the highly distressed, ripped versions with holes are flying off the shelves at break-neck speed. This really is a trend for the young and so I’m happy to report that only the young are fast enough to secure them!

MAXI DRESSES This is all about awakening your inner “goddess”--only flowing, voluminous and very, very sophisticated will do. Invest in pleated silk chiffon, romantic lace, white embroidered tulle or buttery suede. Pair with Grecian leather flats by day and golden heels for a complete nighttime transformation.

JACKETS The latest jackets are cropped short and worn with plenty of attitude. It’s a length that flatters most women as it stops short of the wider hip area--great paired with flares. My favourites are the cropped biker worn fitted (not boxy) with sleeves pushed up and the ultra-short, Chanel bouclé version (pictured), worn cropped at the bust and layered over a T--so very hip!

MCARTHURGLEN LUXEMBOURG Only a 20 minute drive from Luxembourg, McArthurGlen boasts more than 48 stores offering discounts on a large array of designer brands including Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Fossil, Guess, Gant and Superdry. Where: 199 route d’Arlon, Messancy, Belgium Info: www.mcarthurglen.com

TALANGE MARQUES AVENUE Marques Avenue is located to the north of Metz and houses 66 different shops. Discounts of up to 70% are available on a large selection of popular labels including Mango, Ventilo, Sud Express, Teddy Smith and Balmain. Where: Z.I. de Talange Hauconcourt, Talange, France Info: www.marquesavenue.com/ Talange

ZWEIBRÜCKEN THE STYLE OUTLETS Germany’s largest outlet centre is under a two-hour drive away. It boasts more than 130 “must-have” brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Escada, Marc O’Polo, Timberland, Diesel and The Kooples. Where: Londoner Bogen, Zweibrücken, Germany Info: zweibrucken.thestyleoutlets. de/en/

Fashion Week photo by Eva Renaldi/Creative Commons Outlet photos from store websites

ers has been red or straight-leg trousnd, crochet, fla ftly so for g pin op sh men with hips “hippy chic” tre For fashion conscious wol now! Thanks to the current 1970s bohemian nti --u ble ssi almost impo res are back. fringing, flowers and fla

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LIFESTYLE

ON STAGE

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

14 shows e you must se

MORE EVENTS: WWW.DELANO.LU

24 HEURES ELECTRONIQUES The Rockhal’s annual electronic music fest features a great line-up for its evening show. Acts include Berlin’s Mouse on Mars (photo), Cotton Claw, Cleveland and a showcase featuring local artists Sun Glitters and Lisa Berg. This year’s event is part of the city of Esch’s Nuit de la Culture and includes a tour of the venue and a children’s exhibition. Where: Rockhal, Esch-Belval When: 2 May Tickets: www.rockhal.lu May 2015

MOUNT STEALTH Local band Mount Stealth has been labelled “math rock” by some, while the quartet itself describes its approach to music as “surgical”, which sounds cold and calculating. But the music they make is warm and uniquely engaging, and new release EP2 is worth checking out. Belgian indie band Frank Shinobi support and Aperotom plays a DJ set. Where: Exit07, Luxembourg-Hollerich When: 30 April Tickets: www.rotondes.lu

NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER The innovative troupe, well known for its virtuosity, performs a brand new programme featuring Hans van Manen’s 1996 work Kleines Requiem, and new works by award-winning Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite (whose own company Kidd Pivot came to Luxembourg with Dark Matters in 2012) and critically acclaimed Israeli duo Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar. Where: Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg When: 29 & 30 April Tickets: www.theatres.lu

GREGORY PORTER Grammy award-winning New York based jazz singer Gregory Porter performed at Rockhal in 2014 and comes to den Atelier next year. But in 2015 he is the guest vocalist at the Pops concert conducted by local composer and musician Gast Waltzing. Porter, who is huge in the UK right now, has a gift for “earthy refinement”, says the New York Times. Where: Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg When: 30 April Tickets: www.philharmonie.lu

RODRIGUEZ Legendary musical recluse Rodriguez found fame some two decades after making his last record thanks to 2012 Oscar award-winning documentary, Searching for Sugar Man. Rodriguez’s counter-culture soulful folk is sincere and beautifully honest and deserves this belated recognition. The show is sold out, but it is worth seeking out ticket exchanges. Where: den Atelier, Luxembourg-Gare When: 9 May Tickets: www.atelier.lu

VILLAGERS With 2010’s Becoming a Jackal and 2013’s {Awayland} both nominated for a Mercury Prize, Dublin-based folk-popsters Villagers are clearly critic’s favourites. The Telegraph called the second album “a masterful work of poetic dexterity and musical invention.” New album Darling Arithmetic was recorded in band leader Conor O’Brien’s converted farmhouse home. Where: Rockhal, Esch-Belval When: 9 May Tickets: www.rockhal.lu

DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER Alexander Schulin’s adaptation of Wagner’s opera stars Alfred Walker, whose “inky bass-baritone and clear projection” says Opera News “seemed ideally suited to the role.” The first of what might be termed Wagner’s romantic operas, The Flying Dutchman, was written in 1843. The conductor is François-Xavier Roth and Swedish soprano Ingela Brimberg plays Senta. Where: Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg When: 9 & 11 May Tickets: www.theatres.lu

Sven Becker Gunar Streu Gregory Batardon Joris Jan Bos Jean-Baptiste Millot Jean Radel Rich Gilligan Shawn Peters Szary

next end our preview of the Local music artists bookts. In between there is brilliant dance, four week s of live even eted, jazz and electronica a classic opera reinterpr nce of cult musician Rodriguez. festivals and the appeara

LUCILIN Local contemporary music ensemble United Instruments of Lucilin performs the Luxembourg premier of Fausto Romitelli’s 2003 video opera An Index of Metals. Written a year before his premature death, the work combines electronica elements with contemporary ensemble music. They are joined by soprano Donatienne Michel-Dansac (photo) and conductor Julien Leroy. Where: Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg When: 13 May Tickets: www.philharmonie.lu

LIKE A JAZZ MACHINE Dudelange’s annual 4-day jazz festival features a great line-up as usual. Some 17 performers in total take to the stage. Among local favourites are Pascal Schumacher, Pol Belardi, Pit Dahm and Jeff Herr, while Kyle Eastwood (photo; yes, the son of Clint), Wayne Krantz & Franco Ambrosetti and the legendary Maceo Parker lead the international artists. Where: opderschmelz, Dudelange When: 14-17 May Tickets: www.opderschmelz.lu

BEETHOVEN LIVE Renowned pianist and composer of film music Gerold Huber plays his scores to accompany three short films based on the life and works of Ludwig van Beethoven. These include Thomas Edison’s 1909 theatrical drama The Origin of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata starring CJ Williams and Emil Justitz’s 1918 film Der Märtyrer seines Herzens. Where: Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg When: 19 May Tickets: www.philharmonie.lu

WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT Jules Werner performs in English this version of writer Nassim Soleimanpour’s “wild, utterly original play” about life in contemporary Iran. Different actors have performed the text in different languages, the only common theme being that they all turn up on stage to read the script for the very first time, which brings a sense of frisson to the work. Where: Théâtre National, Luxembourg-Merl When: 20 May Tickets: www.tnl.lu

SEUN KUTI AND EGYPT 80 The son of the late great afrobeat pioneer Fela, Seun Kuti leads Egypt 80 on his latest album A Long Way to the Beginning. Indeed, he took over the legacy of his father at the tender age of 14 and many band members stuck with him. The record has received critical acclaim for carrying on his father’s legacy, blending afrobeat funk with contemporary rap. Where: den Atelier, Luxembourg-Gare When: 19 May Tickets: www.printempsmusical.lu

GAUTHIER DANCE Éric Gauthier’s Stuttgart Theaterhaus dance ensemble performs Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti’s Alice. The show plays on the hallucinatory atmosphere of Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland, with the beautiful Anna Süheyla Harms in the title role. The production is epic for such a small company and features projections by Carlo Cerris. Where: Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg When: 19 & 20 May Tickets: www.theatres.lu

PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra over two evenings at the Phil. The first features soloist Lisa Batiashvili (photo) playing Shostakovich’s first concerto for violin. The following evening, pianist Emanuel Ax plays Beethoven’s 3rd piano concerto, with works also including Brahms’s 3rd Symphony and Strauss’s suite from Der Rosenkavalier. Where: Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg When: 21 & 22 May Tickets: www.philharmonie.lu May 2015

LIFESTYLE

KIDS

Text by WENDY WINN

Photography by STUDION PHOTOGRAPHY

Spring fun ut indoors & o

FAMILY DAY Family Guide launched with an expo at CarréRotondes, with stands hosted by outfits listed in the book and activities like a play gym and photo booth. More photos: www.delano.lu/ FamilyDay2015 BAMBESCH Natural wood playground equipment in a natural setting--in a forest in fact, but close to the city! Great paths through the woods for strolls after the swings and slides. Info: Search for “Aires de jeux” on www.vdl.lu GREVENMACHER BUTTERFLY GARDEN Butterflies are signs of spring, even indoors, because this garden is closed in winter. Fun and family-friendly, just 20 minutes drive from the kiddy golf and other attractions in Remich for a full day’s outing. Info: www.papillons.lu

EVERY FAMILY NEEDS A GREAT GUIDE! Wouldn’t it be great to have a really well-informed local to give you insider tips on cool places to go and interesting things to do with your family? And to be able to tell you about schools and other things too? Well, guess what? You can get a guide like this quickly, and one that is super affordable, doesn’t take holidays off, and speaks English, French and German! The 5th edition of Maison Moderne’s Family Guide has just been launched and includes more than 700 listings for activities and places to go from kids ages 0 to 16. This new edition of the guide, May 2015

which is published every other year, was written by three Maison Moderne editors, all of them seasoned parents as well as writers who know what it’s like to try to make the most of precious family time and have tried and tested many of these venues themselves. Céline Coubray, France Clarinval and Duncan Roberts (Delano’s editor-in-chief) include some long-time favourites like the Parc Merveilleux in Bettembourg and some gems perhaps a little less known like the Parc Gaalgebierg in Esch and the Pedalo & Golf in Mondorf--as well as some new discoveries. There is

something for everyone, whether they’ve lived here for a few decades or a few weeks, whether they’ve got visiting grandchildren, one 12-year-old at home or a full house of kids from diaper-age to adolescent. The photographs by Lala La Photo give readers a glimpse of many of the sites, and there are handy maps of key places as well. Get your copy for €21.90 on newsstands or via Maison Moderne’s website, and feel even better about your practical purchase, knowing that a donation goes to SOS Children’s Villages for each copy sold. Info: www.maisonmoderne.lu

JUMP FOR JOY Don’t bounce off the walls in bad weather: bounce on some great trampolines in nearby Merzig, Germany. There’s a cool net tube near the ceiling to climb through and more fun too! Info: www.trampolini.de INDOORS AT INDYLAND Spring showers? Don’t stay cooped up at home: let the little ones get physical and have fun at this inside play park in Foetz. Info: www.indyland-park.com

Les Jardins de la musique S.a.r.l.

Budding musicians crèche, for children 0-6 years

5 minutes from Kirchberg Daily violin and cello lessons Educational and play activities Starting at 3 half-days per week Large, well equipped garden

Les Jardins de la musique 163, rue de Cents L-1319 LUXEMBOURG Tél. (352) 422985 E-mail:lesjardins.delamusique@pt.lu

www.lesjardinsdelamusique.com

Vers Kirchberg

rue de Neudorf

vers aéroport

Les Jardins de la musique

r. de Cents N1

Irrgarten Val de Hamm

Rte de Remich

LIFESTYLE

Text by AARON GRUNWALD

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

Go for a ride

o and works at s two and a half years ag d biking culture nd rla the Ne the m fro terrain, roads an Jasper Aerts moved says the Grand Duchy’s t “being a motivated--my wife would Bu a European institution. He n”. ave he munity” like those one big cycling make Luxembourg “just t I couldn’t find an online organised cycling com nched CyclistForum he lau sed tha bourgers alike, in January list, I was therefore surpri say ‘fanatical’--hobby cyc. Looking to link up with expats and native Luxemup rides. It already has more than 200 members in neighbouring countriestforum.lu), which is a digital hub and organises grofavourite types of rides in the Grand Duchy. Luxembourg (www.cyclis thlete Dirk Bockel). Here Jasper shares his three (including champion tria

MY FAVOURITES

THE DAILY ROUND TRIP Jasper likes “simple ‘commuting’ on my bike” to and from work, “which is pretty normal in the Netherlands.” He often races into work in the morning (having left work clothes at the office beforehand). He takes the PC2 path from Senningerberg to Kirchberg, “which is a beautiful and relaxed beginning of the day” and “I can tell you, I am even quicker than those cars” stuck on the motorway. “Another great road to do is the rue Jules Wilhelm up and out of Clausen. A cobblestoned steep climb. Nice to wake you up in the morning!” Jasper uses “the evening ride back home for a small detour and some extra training just to test the legs and see more of Luxembourg City and its surroundings.” Info in French (click on “Pistes cyclables”): www.pch.public.lu May 2015

ORGANISED RIDES “There is nothing better than doing an organised bike ride. It adds the element of competition to your bike ride… You see all the other riders, the organisation, the bikes, the crowds, the professional attitude, etc. and for a tiny little moment you feel as if you are a pro rider,” he says, until “you start riding and face the first uphill climb,” that is. “I have noticed that the rides in Luxembourg are very well organised” and he suggests checking out the Jean Nelissen Classic in Vianden, La Charly Gaul in Echternach, the Lull Gillen in Bertrange and Chem-Bikers in Kayl, “just to name a few.” Info: www.cyclistforum.lu/events

SCENIC JOURNEYS When he first arrived in the Grand Duchy, Jasper would set out on solo Sunday morning rides through “picture perfect” territory, which “connects you with nature and the country.” Favourite areas include the Mullerthal region (“Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland”), “but also Grevenmacher, Schengen, Wasserbillig and all the spots parallel to the Moselle river when you want to work on your average speed or time-trial skills,” he says. “Another great spot in Luxembourg is of course the area around the Sûre river… between Esch-Sauer and the Bourscheid Castle with the amazing Feischterbierg, for instance.” Info: www.visitluxembourg.com

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