SCAN
PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA
ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER 2008
M A G A Z I N E
MEET THE SWEDISH BARON IN SCOTLAND THE SASSY SISTERS FROM NORWAY A GLACIER ROLLS OVER THE UNITED KINGDOM
I am ice I am as cold as a Norwegian winter I travel my own way on a long journey through wilderness and Hardanger mountains until I melt ice clear to nothingness and pure water replaces my footsteps.
Isklar. Pure glacier Natural glacial mineral water from Norway www.isklar.no
Scan Magazine | Contents
Contents 6
Profile | Meet the Swedish Baron in Scotland – And the mystery of Rosslyn Chapel
14 Design | We Love This
14
– Scandinavian Design
6
Scan Business 21 Mossi Suss | The Sassy Sisters from Norway – They've got it sussed
25 Isklar | Ice Clear and Freshly Squeezed – Norway’s new bottle in the cooler
31 Tax | When it Pays to Take Advice 32 Sustainable Business | We Gotta Do Something! – Interview with Niels Eirik Nertun from Scandinavian Airlines
21
34 Consido | Relocation, Relocation, and Manage Expectation –Interview with Suzanne Bolinder
36 News from the Scandinavian Chambers of Commerce
41 Food | Bronte’s Crayfish Party – The traditional Swedish and Finnish summer tradition
46 Food | A Taste of Icelandic Passion – Texture | Restaurant of the month
49 Travel | Stavanger – European Capital of Culture 2008
34 48
54 Culture | Love London – An exhibition of photographs by Barbara Chandler at Habitat
56 Culture | Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!
64 Sport | Get involved in the Football League of the Year 65 Sport | A Blue & Yellow Tiger with Somalian Stripes – Interview with olympic long distance runner Mustafa Hassan Mohamed
66 Sport | For Finnish Togetherness – Join the LoPS! Issue 2 | September 2008 | 3
Scan Magazine | Editors Note
Dear Reader, Thank you for all the letters and for all the encouraging feedback to the first issue of Scan Magazine. When you start something it is all about the heart, guts and the desire to take a few risks. I feel that we share that aspiration with many of the Scandinavian entrepreneurs we write about. Two sisters who have the necessary courage to attack the UK market are Kjersti and Idun behind the Mossi Suss children’s clothes concept. It is often said that what differentiates Scandinavian business ventures in the market place is their highly regarded talent for design. Very true; the Mossi Suss design is fantastic. I am proud to have gathered a team of competent writers who are set to cover Scandinavian business, design, food, culture and much more. Writers such as Barbara Chandler, Bronte, Ian Welsh and Sarah Sidibé are not easy to find but we all deserve a bit of luck some time. I encourage you to use us in any way possible. We are here to write about your business and events so contact us with your ideas and suggestions
thing exists. Our journalist had the most exciting trip to his fairytale residence. Also, don’t forget to check out our new “We Gotta Do Something” feature. We are giving Scandinavian companies a column to boast about initiatives they take to conduct business in an environmentally sustainable way. We advance confidently in our dream of taking Brand Scandinavia to new heights. Watch us do it!
Thomas Winther
SCAN
The diversity of Scandinavian enterprise will be revealed in our brand new business section. There is so much new stuff that it would be easier if you just flipped your way down there. But before we talk business do visit Baron Bonde (page 6): he is not your typical Baron – if a such
Published by Scan Magazine Limited Design & Print Liquid Graphic Limited Editor Thomas Winther Art Direction Mads E. Petersen Copy-editor Mark Rogers
4 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Contributors Barbara Chandler Ian Welsh Sarah Sidibé Bronte Blomhoj Rikke Bruntse-Dahl Anna Maria Espsäter Lee-Ann Cameron Photos Magnus Arrevad Yiannis Katsaris Culture Calendar Marianne Thomsen
M A G A Z I N E
Scan Magazine 53A Clapham High Street London SW4 7TG Phone 0870 933 0423 info@scanmagazine.co.uk ISSN 1757-9589 Next issue 16 October Advertising adverts@scanmagazine.co.uk To receive our newsletter send an email to news@scanmagazine.co.uk
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Contributors Barbara Chandler is the design writer for
Rikke Bruntse-Dahl. Being a greenie at
Homes & Property, the weekly Wednesday supplement of the London Evening Standard. She has worked as a specialist writer on interiors and decoration for over 30 years, contributing to many leading UK and European publications. Books she has written include The Home Design Source Book, and Where to Get the Look. She is Journalist of the Year 2007 (as awarded by the National Home Improvement Council).
heart, Rikke has written extensively on eco issues for a variety of publications including The Observer, New Consumer and SmartPlanet. Ethical consumerism and green business behaviour are her main areas of interest.
Ian Welsh is a UK-based independent writer and editor with nearly 15 years experience in business publishing. With a background in corporate communications, he now specialises in corporate responsibility and supply chain issues.
Sarah SidibĂŠ Everas is an experienced print and broadcast journalist based in London. She has worked for Reuters, the BBC, Sveriges Television, and Expressen, among others.
Lee-Ann Cameron is a self-confessed Scandiphile who moved to London after finishing a postgraduate degree in History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. She currently works for one of the major auction houses and works in the contemporary art department.
Thomas Winther – Editor. Originally from Denmark, Thomas has a background in Economic consultancy and holds a BA and a Masters in Economics. Prior to becoming the Editor of Scan Magazine he worked in the City of London. He is now on a personal mission to take Brand Scandinavia to new heights. Thomas lives in Blackheath London with his beloved fiancÊe who is expecting their first son in September. Email thomas@scanmagazine.co.uk
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 5
“We haven’t met before but my name is Bonde – Baron Bonde” 6 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Scan Magazine | Profile
MEET THE SWEDISH BARON IN SCOTLAND By Sarah Sidibé | Photos: Magnus Arrevad
Jöns St.Clair Bonde sits down in one of the castle’s salons. He starts talking about his ancestors, how Sean Connery came to design the 13th hole on his golf course and why he receives threatening letters from fanatical Da Vinci Code fans. Scan Magazine meets the Swedish Baron in Scotland. As you drive through the massive iron gates of Charleton House you cannot help being impressed by the sheer size and imposing beauty of this Georgian castle. Situated an hour north of Edinburgh in the picturesque area of Fife, Charleton House is home to Swedish baron Jöns St.Clair Bonde and his Swedish wife Kristina. As you digest your impressions of the impressive estate it is hard not to wonder how somebody so seemingly Swedish ended up in a place so utterly Scottish. Baron Bonde explains: “My grandmother on my father’s side was the Scottish heiress to the estate. When her brother was sadly killed in the First World War, in 1914, she inherited Charleton. She went on to marry my grandfather who was a Swede called Knut Bonde. He was a diplomat on service in Great Britain. I am the third generation living here with a Swedish connection, although I’m the ninth generation living in the house.” “Do you consider yourself Swedish or Scottish?” I ask him. “I’m British; I grew up here and went to Eton College. But I have strong Swedish connections and I do spend quite a lot of time in Sweden .There is no question that when I’m
here, surrounded by my Scottish ancestors hanging on the walls, I feel very Scottish. But when I’m in Sweden I suppose the Swedish element comes forward” “What’s the biggest difference between Scottish and Swedish people?” “The Scots are more open and friendly, it’s quite distinct. If I go for a run with my dogs here and I meet somebody I say hello and how are you. That’s not the case in Sweden. If I’m out running and say hello to somebody they think I’m a rapist. Sweden is a fairly cool nation and the Swedes like to be run by strict laws.” Charleton House is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. The walls of the grand saloon are filled with large oil paintings of the Baron’s stoney-faced ancestors. The windows carry the traditional thick velvet curtains customary of the era and every piece of furniture has a history spanning centuries. A centre piece is the over 100 year-old chair which was made for Queen Victoria. In the middle of the Saloon lies the skin of a great white lioness, mouth wide open showing off her teeth. At this point, however, you are not so worried about the lioness or the numerous ghosts which are said to reside at Charleton House, but more about remembering etiquette rules. “Same procedure as last year,” says St.Clair Bonde pointing at the lioness’s head. The Baron’s reference to the TV classic ‘Dinner for One’ which is shown in most Scandinavian countries every New Year’s Eve immediately
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 7
Charleton House: The castle has over 40 rooms.
subdues concerns about strict adherence to proper etiquette at Charleton. In fact, the Baron is a man who likes to tell jokes and who does not take himself too seriously. “These are George Bush’s balls,” St.Clair Bonde says with a smile as he presents two golf balls which were a gift from the former US president George Bush senior. And he goes on to point out that the artists who painted his portrait gave him a far too big nose – although he concedes that it is probably larger than average in real life. Connery and the Golf Course Located in Fife and not far from St Andrew’s – known to many as the golfer’s Mecca – it seemed natural for St.Clair Bonde to transform some of the 1,000 acre estate
8 | Issue 2 | September 2008
into two golf courses. In 1992, the Baron opened Charleton Golf Club with one 18-hole course and one 9-hole course. Today large groups of golfers come here not only to play golf, but also to take the opportunity to stay at the beautiful Charleton House. The Club quickly became popular amongst Swedes from overseas for several reasons. “If you are living overseas and want to become a member at Charleton there is no entry fee at all and there is only an annual subscription of 950 Swedish Crowns, about £75. As a member you can play as much as you like, for free, but you also get a handicap card which means that members can play on any course in the world. If you are a UK resident you can get a country membership which is £195,” explains the Baron.
For the opening of the golf courses, the Baron needed someone famous – and he decided to go for local produce. “At the time I was playing in a tournament in St Andrews. Sean Connery is also a member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and he was playing that day too. After the game I went back to the club house and waited for him. He came in, looking rather tired and I went up to him and I sort of wanted to break the ice so I put my hand on his shoulder and said: ‘We haven’t met before but my name is Bonde – Baron Bonde.’ He didn’t think it was funny at all and looked at me like I was a complete idiot – which I certainly felt like. After a long silence he said: ‘Well, what do you want?’ I explained to him that I wondered if he would open my golf course. He told me to write to him and then walked off. I quickly wrote him a note, inviting him for dinner, and left it in the club house for him. Later that day he called saying he would love to come for dinner and he would be very happy to open my course. We played a round of golf and he helped design the 13th hole.” Unfortunately, filming commitments prevented Connery from attending the course opening, but the Baron quickly found a replacement. “At the time George Bush senior was about to be elected an honorary member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St.Andrews. I happened to know the person who was organising the whole thing and one thing led to another and George Bush came along. We played a game of golf and then he opened the course,” says St.Clair Bonde. This was right after the first Gulf War and since Saddam Hussein had threatened to kill Bush senior the opening ceremony took place with a massive security presence. These days, however, things are a bit quieter at Charleton. Each year the Baron has a club championship for three days, a sort of a Ryder Cup, between the club’s Scottish and Swedish members – so far the Swedes have never won. And every autumn the Baron opens the gates to Charleton for big shooting parties that last for days.
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 9
Rosslyn Chapel was built in 1446 by William Sinclair. Apart from all the attention it got from the ‘The Da Vinci Code’ it is also famous for its beautiful architecture.
The Mystery of Rosslyn Chapel The noble family of St.Clair Bonde has a strong connection to Dan Brown’s bestseller ‘The Da Vinci Code’. In the book, the heroine’s grandmother is the keeper of the medieval Rosslyn Chapel, but in reality it’s Jöns St.Clair Bonde who is one of the Chapel’s five trustees. “The Chapel was built in 1446 by William Sinclair, who was my great times 16 grandfather so I am his direct descendant,” he says. “What did you think about ‘The Da Vinci Code’?” “My son gave me the book and said you must read this because it is all about you. Before I read Dan Brown’s book I had read ‘The Holy Blood And The Holy Grail’ about the St.Clair family so I knew where Brown got his ideas from.
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I thought The Da Vinci Code was quite fun to read as it had a lot to do with my family and the chapel.” When the book was released visitors to Rosslyn Chapel increased ten-fold. But so did the pressure to start digging under the chapel to find out what really lies hidden beneath. Even before ‘The Da Vinci Code’, several theories suggested that historical objects, which could have a profound impact on how we view Christianity, are buried under the chapel – the most famous one being the Holy Grail. In his book Dan Brown claims that Jesus Christ was married to Mary Magdalene who carried his child and the Holy Grail is supposed to consist of the documents that testify to this bloodline. The majority of requests have been peaceful and made by curious people. But then there were the fanatics.
Several theories suggest that the Holy Grail is buried underneath the chapel.
“There were some odd people that turned up wanting to start digging under Rosslyn and we’ve had to call the police. Fanatics have a very strange way of seeing things so you have to be a little bit careful. We also receive very strange letters from people with some very odd ideas,” he explains. Although the Baron has always been in favour of finding out what is under Rosslyn chapel Historic Scotland, an authority which controls Scottish building heritage, prevents him from doing so. “Historic Scotland has made Rosslyn a scheduled monument, which means that nobody can cut even a blade of grass without their permission. So even we as
trustees can do nothing without getting the permission from Historic Scotland – I doubt they would ever give us permission to dig there.” “Why not?” “It may well be that they are a bit concerned that they might find something that they can’t handle. So the general consensus is to leave it.” “Do you think Rosslyn Chapel harbours something explosive?” “Yes I do. I think that the theory that the Knights Templar found some scrolls in 1100AD presented in the book ‘The Hiram Key’ is interesting. According to its authors, the original Knights Templar spent considerable time in the
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 11
The Swedish King and Queen have stayed at Charleton. The Clan Sinclair
temple of Jerusalem digging and they found something that was the beginning of the Knights Templar. Now, whatever they found was pretty dynamic. We don’t know what happened to it, but there is fairly conclusive evidence that it could well have been deposited under the Chapel. These scrolls are from the same period as the Dead Sea scrolls and it is quite possible that these scrolls would show what happened when Jesus Christ lived and died. They could be pretty explosive as it may not be the same as you read in the bible,” concludes Jöns St.Clair Bonde.
- The Sinclairs are a noble family which has its origins in Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, in Normandy, France . - The Sinclairs came to Scotland in 1068 where the family received a grant of the Barony of Roslin in exchange for a bride. - The clan has a violent history, notably the clan conflicts and the Anglo-Scottish war during the 16th century. - Baron Jöns St. Clair Bonde is the third generation living at Charleton with a Swedish connection. - Other prominent people from the Clan are Sir Clive Sinclair, entrepreneur and inventor, Trevor Sinclair, footballer and Harry F. Sinclair, an American oil industrialist.
www.charleton.co.uk Source: Scotclans.com, Wikipedia, ClanSinclair.org
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Fridge Carafe by Tools for Eva Solo
Thermocups by Verner Panton for MENU
Steel Vacuum Jug by Erik Magnussen for Stelton
FlowerPot pendant light by Verner Panton
Washing-up Bowl by Ole Jensen for Normann Copenhagen
DOT Cushions by Janne Wendt for Wendt Design
Lovebirds Wall Sticker by ferm LIVING
Canada mouth blown glasses by Per L체tken for Holmegaard
Cammeo bone china storage jars with 6 vibrant coloured bands by Louise Campbell for K채hler
AJ Cylinda Line Teapot by Arne Jacobsen for Stelton
Wild Flower wallpaper from ferm LIVING
Non slip laptray by Bosign
Chocolate Fondue Set by Jakob Wagner for MENU
Salad Bowl & Servers by Schmelling for EGO
Devine glass bowl by Peter Svarrer for Holmegaard
Glow table lamp by John Sebastian for Holmegaard
Bulb by Sofie Refer for Unique Copenhagen
Ribbed black - couch fashion from ferm LIVING
shop online or call FREE on 0800 085 9054
www.95Danish.com the UK home to Danish style
Scan Magazine | Design
We love this... There is so much cool Scandinavian design that we would like to show you. In fact we love this!
The Iittala Origo dinnerware Designed by Alfredo Häberli in 1999, is contemporary brightly-striped ceramic bowls, cups, and plates. The cups are available for £85 /set of 6. www.cloudberryliving.co.uk Pohjanmaa Designed by Maija Isola. Cushion sells for £45. www.marimekko.co.uk
Thermometer by Georg Jensen Designed by Henning Koppel. 10cm, steel frame with white face. Retails for £65.00 www.skandium.com
Skagen Ladies Steel Watch Slim design, unsurpassed quality and great fit describe the steel collection. Retails at £90 www.skagen.co.uk
14 | Issue 1 | Summer 2008
Topan Pendant Designed by Verner Panton and available in black, white, yellow, red, turquoise and orange Retails at £160.00 www.95percentdanish.co.uk
KONA Coffee maker Gold tone filter and short spout. retails for £38.00 Available at www.bodum.com
Scan Magazine | Design
Tree Stand By Swedese. Design Katrin Petursdottir & Michael Young. Large freestanding coat stand 194cm. Available in white, black or oak. From £422 www.skandium.com
Pipette By Camilla Kropp Use the pipette to measure out exactly how much of each condiment you want. Retails at £36.95 www.designhousestockholm.com
Scandinavian Country By Magnus Englund and Chrystina Schmidt. The houses featured in this book will inspire you to explore Scandinavian country furniture, textiles and other materials. Retails at £18.99 www.skandium.com
Babies love this...
Pink tree print and blue rainbow stripe Long sleeved body by Danefae. It's a babies favourite. Retails at £21.99 www.nordickids.co.uk
Mossi Suss Facecloth, pink. Made of 100% cotton, with velour finish. Size 30 cm x 30 cm. Price £3 www.mossisuss.com
Issue 1 | Summer 2008 | 15
We love this...
Scan Magazine | Design
Sola Swedish Kitchens is a small owner-run company based in Wimbledon, SW London. They specialise in affordable solid wood bespoke cabinets hand-crafted in Sweden. Please visit their website www.solakitchens.com to see their designs or call 0845 862 0297 for more information.
Välj. No one flies to more Scandinavian destinations. Check out all our destinations and timetables at flysas.co.uk. By the way, “Välj” means choose in Swedish – as in, Flying SAS makes your travel more flexible. Choose between Business, Economy Extra or Economy in our three class system – it’s your choice!
Stockholm Copenhagen Oslo Gothenburg Stavanger Bergen Ålesund flysas.co.uk
Advertorial Feature
BoConcept – urban design By Shaun Davies | Photos: BoConcept Danish company BoConcept is renowned World-wide as a leader in Urban Design. In London, Mireille Baumgart has established successful showrooms at Harrods and Selfridges.
Notting Hill Customers are varied, including property developers and architects. “Many return time after time – many whom we helped create a home style return for finishing touches such as rugs, cushions and vases.”
“We create design that is not only beautiful to look at but also helps solve Customers’ interior challenges,” says Mireille, who is very excited with BoConcept’s unique free design service. “It’s not where you live, more an attitude to living. Customers have the option to customise for furniture suiting their needs and expressing their true style!”
Mireille is busy preparing for the 2009 Catalogue launch, with a key event at Notting Hill on 6/7 September. It is a major event in interior design: journalists will be flocking to the launch. “The 2009 collection has exceeded even our expectations.”
Mireille’s newest store, in Notting Hill, is her Flagship store. Its Westbourne Grove location was chosen because it fits the BoConcept profile perfectly. “Our Notting Hill Customers are very style-conscious.” The design service has been an astounding success over the past two years. “Notting Hill has been incredible and has surprised us all. So many Customers come to us by word-of-mouth, proving how important excellent service is in an environment with a real sense of ‘community’, of which we love to be a part. Our service includes a free home visit which has been incredibly popular.”
18 | Issue 2 | September 2008
2009 has three moods – ‘Mystery Mood’, ‘Global Ground’ and ‘Dimension Delight’. Mystery Mood for sophistication and luxury; Global Ground is based on nature, comfort, fabrics and global cultures. Dimension Delight is a development of BoConcept’s famous minimal lifestyle, cool, clean, simple and functional. It is clear that Mireille’s team share her enthusiasm and passion for design. Walking out of her Notting Hill store I turn back to see everyone busy with customers, smiling and chatting enthusiastically, enjoying a coffee: here is a place that offers true Scandinavian hospitality!
Scandinavian Speakers Needed
Do you speak Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian or Icelandic? Check out the great job opportunities for speakers of Scandinavian Languages on www.scanjobs.co.uk Scandinavian Chefs, Waiters, kitchen Assistants | Scandinavian Translators Finnish Game Testers | Swedish Web & Customer Services Operator Scandinavian Telephone Interviewers | Swedish Credit Controller | Icelandic Customer Service | Finnish Translator | Scandinavian Sports Trader Scandinavian Client Relationship Executive | Norwegian Channel Account Manager | Finnish Credit Controller | Danish Customer Support | Scandinavian Telemarketers | Scandinavian Partnership Manager | Danish Key Account Manager
SCANjobs
an affiliate of Scan Magazine
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Scan Business | Profile
20 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Scan Business | Profile
“Sisters, sisters – There were never such devoted sisters…” Irving Berlin
Barbara Chandler meets
The Sassy Sisters from Norway – they've got it sussed Denmark, Sweden and Finland pretty much hog the design limelight here in the UK. Norway doesn't get much of a look in. But Norwegian sisters Kjersti and Idun Munkejord are out to change all that. They launched their design company, Mossi Suss, in August last year. It has already been a runaway success in their home country. And now they are bringing their products to Britain. So what does Mossi Suss mean? (You can tell I'm British). The sisters obligingly explain that Mossi was Kjersti's childhood nickname, "and Suss means kiss, in a childish sort of way." That figures, because what Mossi Suss make are eminently soft and huggable things for kissable kids, such as finely-textured bathrobes, towels, fleece jackets and blankets. But it's the colours and the distinctive Mossi Suss pattern that is so original and appealing. A marginally-mad menagerie, drawn in a child-like way, is amusing yet poetic. A first it seems like a friendly farmyard...but isn't that a giraffe? Oh, and a tortoise? "My influences are children" These great graphics are the work of Kjersti (whose full name is Kjersti Munkejord Lamb, thanks to a previous British marriage.) "My influences are children. I love the way they draw things. It's so simple and always beautiful."
Nevertheless, Kjersti has a formidable adult art training, first in Norway, and then at Nottingham Trent University, getting an MA in Fashion & Textiles. She has worked as a designer in New York and London, and, more recently, as design manager for a big Norway bed linen outfit. "But I just knew I'd have my own brand one day. I am very passionate, with strong design ideas. I don't like to compromise." "Take a risk" Idun, who is just 37, is the older by three years, has studied international business in the US and in Spain, and has an equally impressive track record in company development and administration. "But I am always looking for a new challenge. You've got to take a risk if you are going to do anything special." Kjersti is "the creative," Idun says. Then she adds: "But I've got the organising mind." So are they the perfect team? "Yes, we complement each other, as we have such strong skills in separate areas." To cap it all, this dynamic design duo are also delightfully pretty, in that assured, blonde, Scandinavian way. Just look at them, laughing out from their charming website, www.mossisuss.com. There are four beautiful children on there, too, with near-white hair, fooling around and making marvellous models. And, yes, you've guessed it.
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Scan Business | Profile
Idun is the mother of the two girls, Ida Kristine, aged seven, and Elise, aged four. And the boys are Kjersti's: Andrew, six, and Reidar, four. Idun's partner is a policeman, and Kjersti's a project manager in the oil industry.
Childhood home was Karmøy, a beautiful small island on the south west coast of Norway. Their father is an English teacher, mum a nurse. "We learnt to be creative very early on. And we travelled a lot with our parents and they told us that only the sky is the limit."
"Love changes you completely"
"Faith brought us together again"
Mossi Suss is built on family values, and a deep love of children permeates the design philosophy of this young company. Working from home brings the joy of a fuller family life. And their company slogan is deliberately uncommercial "We are offering a unique touch of love." A sincere dedication comes with all their products, as a little message/poem: "Precious Child: You are a wonderful creation, special in every way. You make our life happy and meaningful. We are so blessed to have you in our lives." In a modern often godless society, the sisters are unambiguous about their Christian beliefs. "When love enters your life, it changes you completely. Just imagine how a child loves. It's unconditional - just amazing."
Sisterhood, too, was nourished at that time. "We always hung out together." Later, when they were training, they were apart for ten years - "and we missed each other loads." Now they both live within walking distance in Kristiansand, in the south of Norway, where it's often quite hot. "Pure luck - and faith - brought us together again." They would never move apart now, they say. "Our children are the same age, and are virtually siblings." Mind you, the boys are getting a little bored now with Mossi Suss, but the girls are full of bright ideas - for hats, say, or umbrellas.�
Such morality goes back to their childhood, as indeed does their creativity and drive.
22 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Kjersti's and Idun's' parents are very proud of their daughters' new venture - "but they worry if we quarrel, which of course we do all the time... But that's a strength and not a threat. Running a business with your sister either hell or heaven."
Scan Business | Profile
“Those who've seen us Know that not a thing could come between us Many men have tried to split us up, but no one can Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister And lord help the sister, who comes between me and my man� Irving Berlin, again
Idun Munkejord and Kjersti Munkejord Lamb
Business methods can be unconventional. They found Chinese manufacturers at small trade fairs...and through chats at Chinese restaurants. "There is always somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody!" Wearing Mossi Suss fleece jackets and skirts is a simple and cheap form of advertising. "Some people smile and want a catalogue (which we always carry.) Others ask if we were paid to wear such a silly outfits." They've got a great sense of humour.
patriotic. But Norway is packed with inspiration, with all our beautiful fjords and the mountains. Traditional craftsmanship is strong. We're doing an adult collection to launch in February - and it's going to be very Norwegian." Kjersti devoted her MA to a study of Norway's art, design and folk heritage. "And actually, yes, we ourselves are very proud of being blonde Scandinavian stereotypes. Hi hi hi."
The past year has been a tough slog. "We've never worked this much in our lives. But we've only been going a year, and we're getting more efficient every day." They admit they were naive at the beginning. "It's been much harder than we ever imagined. We probably wouldn't have started had we realised the problems. But what we've achieved within a year makes us feel pretty good." "Blonde stereotypes?" And that business of being Norwegian? "Well, our country still has a long way to go, to get to Danish and Swedish design standards. And we still hardly have any higher design education. We're old-fashioned, perhaps, but very
Photos: Mossi Suss
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 23
24 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Scan Business | Profile
Ice Clear and Freshly Squeezed – Norway’s new bottle in the cooler By Ian Welsh | Photos: Yiannis Katsaris
With a distinctive ice crystal bottle design and backed by a £2.5 million advertising campaign, Norwegian mineral water brand Isklar has launched in a blaze of publicity in the UK. Speaking exclusively to Scan Magazine, company CEO Peter Krogh explains how premium glacial water can be delicious, pollution-free and carbon neutral. “We are able to produce a water of exceptional quality, sourced from the 6,000 year-old Folgefonna glacier. It’s not a recent discovery, as the locals have been drinking it since the 12th century,” says Isklar’s CEO, Peter Krogh. Indeed, the fact that the water that Isklar is bottling comes from ice created thousands of years ago means that it dates from pre-industrial times and was formed in an environment that was entirely without man-made pollutants – something very attractive to consumers. Krogh is aiming to position the brand as the market leader in terms of sustainability and environmental good practice. This process starts with the company’s factory and bottling plant, located at the foot of the Folgefonna glacier at the edge of Hardangerfjord. “We have a state of the art facility that has been created from converting an old mill building. We use only hydroelectric power and have incorporated the most up-to-date energy-efficient
equipment and practices. We use recycled materials across the business – including fixtures and fittings, and our office furniture. We also encourage – successfully – all our staff to walk, cycle or take public transport to work.” The fjord-side location means that Isklar can ship direct from the factory to foreign markets, including the UK. In keeping with the company’s eco-sensitive policies, Krogh’s team identified existing conveniently-located shipping routes that they could piggy-back onto and use up spare capacity rather than establish entirely new routes. Krogh explains: “As an example, we have teamed up with a company exporting zinc – it’s a good match as that is a high-mass, low-volume commodity meaning there is plenty of space available for our low-mass, high-volume water bottles.” Isklar has recently been approved as a carbon-neutral company and Krogh emphasises the company’s very strong commitment to being the most environmentally aware water brand in Europe. He doesn’t see it as something that is optional, however. “We all need to be sustainable,” he says. “Particularly in our business, where we extract something from the natural environment, we
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 25
Scan Business | Profile
need to be especially protective of our surroundings so that resources are preserved for the future. It’s not just about being kind to the environment, though. Sustainability is good for business, keeping costs down and also developing good brand image. Krogh is keen to dispel what he calls “misrepresentations” that have sprung up as part of the recent on-going debate in UK regarding the merits of tap and bottled water. “We’re carbon neutral, so on that basis we are more than a match for tap water. Even so, currently the UK average of 36 litres per head of bottle water contributes 0.06% of annual carbon footprint. If you drive your car 12,000 miles a year, that’s the equivalent of consuming 20,000 litres of bottled water.” Krogh’s point is that there are many significantly better ways to lower emissions and carbon footprints than stopping drinking bottled water, from any supplier. The market for bottled water in the UK already has many big well-known brands, and Isklar is breaking into a very competitive sector. So what is it about the company’s
26 | Issue 2 | September 2008
water that will get British consumers excited? Krogh says: “The fact our water comes from a glacier surrounded by very hard rocks means its absorbed mineral content is very low, giving it a remarkable crisp, clean, taste. Many other waters have spent some time filtering through softer rocks meaning their mineral content is higher – giving them a distinct aftertaste.” Isklar’s water comes from the glacier through the process of pressure melting – literally the weight of the ice causes melting at the base of the glacier, which is then collected and bottled at Isklar’s factory. “So we have the only freshly squeezed water on the market!” Krogh says. And in a time of concern about rising global temperatures, and retreating glaciers, the Folgefonna glacier is in fact growing. “In the past three years, the glacier has increased in size back where it was in 1942,” Krogh says. It is a truly sustainable resource that has been utilised for centuries – and not just by the locals. In 1823, during a
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“UK consumers have a wide range of French mineral waters to choose from – but we’re from Norway and sourced from a glacier. In other words, we’re different.” Peter Krogh
period of glacier calving – when pieces naturally were breaking off at the glacier’s edge – the ice was harvested and shipped to the UK. As the glacial ice is particularly dense, it was able to survive the journey intact. So Isklar’s launch in the UK is reviving a trading route established nearly two hundred years ago. Another big plus for Isklar, Krogh argues, is that they are not a French brand. “UK consumers have a wide range of French mineral waters to choose from – but we’re from Norway and sourced from a glacier. In other words, we’re different.” Krogh says that Norway’s “clean image” is a very positive part of Isklar’s attraction. “People in the UK appreciate Norwegians as loving the outdoor life, and being world leaders environmentally.” This good brand image has attracted three leading UK supermarket chains – Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons – to stock Isklar’s water on their shelves. And despite a slow trading environment – “Every business is finding it difficult,” Krogh says – he is confident of the brand’s success in the “very professional UK retail sector,
28 | Issue 2 | September 2008
which has shown a great ability to adapt to difficult circumstances”. While the UK product launch has been the principle recent focus for Isklar, the company plans to consolidate with further international expansion. “We want to become a leading international brand, and are looking initially at the Asian and Middle East markets, as well as continuing to expand in Europe,” Krogh says.
UK bottled water – number crunch • Market worth £1.5 billion in 2007 • 2.18 billion litres consumed in 2007, up from 1.76 billion litres in 2002 • Equivalent to 36 litres consumed per head in 2007; 29 litres per head in 2000 • Still water makes up 86% of market, 14% sparkling. Source: Zenith International/British Bottled Water Producers
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Helena Whitmore, a tax specialist from law firm Grundberg Mocatta Rakison LLP
30 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Scan Business | Tax
Tax | When it pays to take advice We all take relative freedom of movement and employment for granted, especially within the EU. But, as tax adviser and new Scan Magazine columnist Helena Whitmore points out, the taxman isn’t always as flexible By Ian Welsh | Photos: Yiannis Katsaris
The old adage about there being nothing surer than death and taxes couldn’t be more true for ex-pats living and working some of the time in one country and some in another. And when it comes to tax planning, it is most definitely not a case of “one size fits all”. Helena Whitmore, a tax specialist from law firm Grundberg Mocatta Rakison LLP, says: “Getting individual advice is very important. I find that every client is unique, whatever their circumstances. People often assume that tax matters work in a certain way, but sadly this is not the case.” It is perfectly usual now for someone to work three days a week in an office and then two days somewhere else entirely. “But where do you belong? What you regard as your residence may not be in agreement with the tax authorities,” Whitmore says. And even once you’ve worked out where you actually live, that’s not the end of the matter. “If you are in the UK for 183 days or more per year then you are classed as resident for tax purposes, but there are also many other situations which can mean that someone becomes resident. For example, there are people who make regular visits to the UK or people who normally live in the UK, but in fact are rarely in the country because of their employment, such as long-distance lorry drivers. These are not high net-worth individuals flitting between luxury homes all over the world, but they are still subject to the same, complicated, tax and residency rules. And as such can often benefit from some advice to make sure they are not falling foul of tax rules in the UK or abroad,” Whitmore suggests. In a manner similar to criminal investigators, the long arm of the taxman extends across borders so there is no
escape. “Tax offices do exchange information, so you can’t avoid paying tax by simply moving or having a secret bank account in another country,” Whitmore says. However the good news is that if you do get some tailored advice, you can end up saving money by prudent planning and making any cross-border transactions or asset movements in the most efficient manner. Whitmore cautions: “The UK tax laws can be so complex that even high-flyers can’t anticipate all the issues, particularly if they are resident but not domiciled – which are not necessarily the same thing – in the UK. People whose origin is not the UK, such as Scandinavians now working in London, are unlikely to be domiciled here. Often our advice can come down to where it is most tax efficient to retain assets and cash. If, for example, you are buying something, how you transact the payment can be very important. Money that is transferred via a UK bank account or law firm can easily become taxable, even if it’s only ‘passing through’.” So, while no-one likes paying it, getting the right advice means the pain of tax can at least be kept to a minimum.
A Swede by birth, Helena Whitmore is director of tax at Grundberg Mocatta Rakison based in London. She has been with the firm since 1990, and an associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation since 2002. She will be writing regularly for Scan Magazine, and over the coming months will examine issues relating to setting up business in the UK, relevant tax laws, how to deal with property purchases and inheritance matters.
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 31
Scan Business | Sustainable Business
We Gotta Do Something! – Interview with Niels Eirik Nertun from Scandinavian Airlines By Rikke Bruntse-Dahl
In the fight against climate change, commercial aviation is often seen as the number one villain. But for most Scandinavians, who live in the UK or come here on business, not flying is unrealistic. We talk to Niels Eirik Nertun, Environmental Director at SAS, about combining flying and sustainability and what SAS does to do its bit for the environment. For most people flying and sustainability don't go hand in hand. What is your opinion of that? Most human activities which include energy are a burden to the environment, so aviation is not special in that regard. For the moment, aviation accounts for 2-3% of man-made climate change gases and it is fair to say that yes, we pollute today and yes, we'll pollute tomorrow; but I think it's also important to take into account the huge
32 | Issue 2 | September 2008
benefits aviation brings to modern society. With Brussels being on average two hours flight from other European capitals, we couldn't have a European community without aviation. Also, with 60% of CO2 emissions being unrelated to transport, I think we need to take a holistic approach and look at all the other things we can do to minimise our impact on the environment, such as insulating our houses and using electricity in more efficient ways. So far, what has SAS done to be a more sustainable company? We have introduced an environmental efficiency index, where, among other things, we calculate our CO2 emissions. We've continuously lowered our index year after year. But we have recognised that's not enough.
“With Brussels being on average two hours flight from other European capitals, we couldn't have a European community without aviation.�
Solicitors and International Lawyers
Niels Eirik Nertun
Therefore we've also introduced a carbon offsetting scheme for our customers using a UK offsetting company, Carbon Neutral, which we also use ourselves for our duty travels. In fact, we are promoting environmental efficiency throughout the company. For example, all our 50 staff cars in SAS Sweden run on alternative fuels and we also look at reducing waste, the use of chemicals and so on. Is it true that SAS aims to fly with zero emissions by 2050? And how on earth could that be possible? Yes, that's our goal. In order to achieve it, three major things have to happen before 2020, when we aim to have reduced our emissions by 20%. Firstly, we need more efficient engine technology, which will probably happen around 2015. Secondly, we need better air traffic management -- for example by flying the straightest routes and minimising holding -- which could reduce our emissions by 10%. Thirdly, we absolutely believe in using alternative fuels, which are likely to be second generation biofuels like algae. We are already working with two Swedish companies to develop these fuels. If we can make all this happen, it is possible we'll be able to fly with zero emissions by 2050.
Solicitors and International Lawyers
If you were to give us one piece of advice on what we can do to reduce our negative impact on the environment when we fly to and from Scandinavia, what would it be? Use our carbon calculator on www.sas.com and offset your journeys.
“We Gotta Do Something!“ will be a regular feature in Scan Magazine. It gives Scandinavian companies the opportunity to tell about initiatives they take to conduct business in an environmentally sustainable way. Are you doing something? Email rikke@scanmagazine.co.uk
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Scan Business | Profile
Suzanne Bolinder – Consido
Relocation, Relocation, and Manage Expectation By Ian Welsh | Photos: Magnus Arrevad
Successfully relocating is all about managing expectations, and moving to London from Scandinavia is no exception, says Suzanne Bolinder, managing director of Consido, expatriate advice specialists. And she should know having set up Consido in London in 1999, having already established a relocation company in her native Sweden. “If you are lucky enough to live in London as an ex-pat, these years may turn out to be the best of your life, but you need to adjust to the new situation, seeing it in its own
34 | Issue 2 | September 2008
context and not comparing it with what you have left behind,” Bolinder advises. And it is crucial that expectations are neither too positive nor too negative, as both extremes can be equally dangerous. It’s also very important that newly-arrived ex-pats accept that UK culture is not as straightforward as they might think. “I’ve had clients who may have visited London 30 or 40 times before moving here to work, and then after three months they realise that they really didn’t know much about the UK at all. There are, for example, so many
The Radisson SAS Hotel Manchester Airport is the perfect location to hold residential conferences, exhibitions, dinner dances or a one to one interview. Our vast range of 32 meeting rooms all offer air conditioning and natural daylight and come equipped with the latest in technological facilities including comprehensive audiovisual, video conferencing equipment and high speed wireless internet access. The Radisson SAS Hotel Manchester Airport is the only hotel directly linked to the airports elevated passenger walkway, providing superb covered access to Manchester Airport, rail and coach stations. Manchester’s city centre is a mere 8 miles away and there are excellent road connections to all major motorway networks. For those arriving by car, the hotel offers on-site parking. Call us today for details on our day delegate packages and next time you have an event to plan contact us at the Radisson SAS Hotel Manchester Airport, where the sky’s the limit… Our team look forward to working with you. Call +44 161 490 5000 for details or email sales.manchester@radissonsas.com
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expressions and language codes that are not easy for foreigners to pick up on, but that are really quite important. It can be a case of not what you say, but how you say it. ”
few years before relocating somewhere else, or back home, it is important to get good advice about the type of property and location that make for a good investment.”
And so, to help pick up the cultural nuances that ex-pats need, Consido offers a crash course survival guide for new arrivals. “We can also help introduce our clients to others in similar situations, which can be especially helpful for ex-pats moving with families,” Bolinder says.
“I’ve had clients who may have visited London 30 or 40 times before moving here to work, and then after three months they realise that they really didn’t know much Suzanne Bolinder about the UK at all.“
When choosing somewhere to live, considering the daily commute is a vital factor in picking the right location. In London this is a particular issue for people who aren’t used to the city’s sometimes over-crowded transport networks. “When sourcing and locating potential new homes, we always take into account clients’ families, as proximity to the right schools is very important to help everyone settle in,” Bolinder says. “And as a London or UK property may only be required as a family residence for a
For more information on the services that Consido offers, including relocation and property investment advice, go to www.consido.net.
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 35
Scan Business | News from the Chambers of Commerce
Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce Fashion Reception at the Royal Danish Embassy London will soon be embracing Fashion Week during which designers, fashionistas, agents and the like will descend onto the streets of London to go from one show to the next. The Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce would like to cap this magnificent week by making a post-fashion week event at the Royal Danish Embassy. others London-based designer Louise Amstrup. On 24 September 2008 Members of the Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce and their guests are invited to a Champagne Reception and seminar on Danish Fashion in a Global Context, with the aim of supporting Danish fashion, designers and textile export to the United Kingdom.
The seminar is a great opportunity to be updated on the possibilities within the fashion industry in the company of fellow fashion-interested members and guests while enjoying canapés and drinks in tranquil surroundings.
Guest speakers will be invited to the seminar to make a presentation providing insights into their experiences on how best to export and promote Danish fashion – among
Should you be interested in the above mentioned event and wish to learn more about the chamber or any of our activities please do not hesitate to contact us.
Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7259 6795 | Email: info@ducc.co.uk | www.ducc.co.uk
Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce The autumn will give our members plenty of business networking opportunities Twice a year, in co-operation with the other Nordic Chambers, we host the ICT Forum. The date is 4th September. Representatives from the industry will give us an insight on “Advertising on your mobile – a welcome evil? Love it or loathe it, but it may pay the mobile bill”.
Mr. Eilert Giertsen Hanoa is founder and CEO of the Norwegian software company Mamut ASA. Mamut is today represented in 16 European countries and Mr Hanoa himself was elected Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005. This Members’ Forum will take place on the 16th September. The 2nd October will see this autumn’s Shipping & Energy Dinner. Bringing together the Anglo-Norse players and partners in the business we enjoy a formal dinner and a speech by a prominent speaker from the industry. Upcoming Events • Nordic ICT Forum – 4 September • Members’ Forum – 16 September • Shipping & Energy Dinner – 2 October
Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7930 0181 | Email: info@nbccuk.com | www.nbccuk.com
36 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Scan Business | Business Services
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LEGOÂŽ Company seeks Danish speaking customer service advisor
Key Account Manager 95% Danish is all about the best in home design from Scandinavia. Since our inception 4 years ago we have constantly sourced the most exciting products from the most exciting designers. Currently our range, exclusive to us in the UK, includes designs from the best Danish designers, covering a varied range of products - Lighting, Ceramics, Glassware, Soft Furnishing & Wallcoverings. We distribute well known and established Scandinavian design brands, as well as up-and-coming companies. We are now looking for the right person to join our team as a key account manager. In this role you will be responsible for presenting 95% Danish to our major retail clients including Liberty and Selfridges as well as continuing to develop our expanding presence in the contract market, where you can expect to work with hotels, restaurants, specifiers and architects. You will share our enthusiasm for design and our belief in customer care. You will be a great communicator, confident when meeting clients, determined to understand their individual circumstances and
comfortable selling a product range that is unique, exclusive and widely respected. These key skills may have been honed in a variety of previous roles such as sales, customer services or account management all we ask is that you are able to demonstrate them to us. We will provide full product training, a good range of accounts and ongoing leads and ensure that you have an excellent support team. We will expect you to organise and prioritise your working day and be proactive and creative in your approach to the job. You will naturally be able to respond reactively and think on your feet when the unexpected happens. As this is a key role we are able to offer a salary that is competitive within the industry along with a commission structure that will allow you to flourish and achieve great success as you demonstrate your ability in the role. Please respond in the first place by email to mike@95percentdanish.co.uk with full CV. No Agencies please.
LEGO Direct is an award winning contact centre, where fun and creativity play a part in every working day. We are looking to recruit a Danish speaking advisor to join our team in our European contact centre based in Slough (just 20 mins from London Paddington by train). Fluency in English is also a requirement for this role. This role is aimed at maximising sales for the LEGO Company by providing a premium customer service experience to consumers who contact us by telephone (60%) and email / letter (40%) during our busiest months of the year. This seasonal contract will start in September and we anticipate it will run through until the beginning of 2009. During the first months of the year we may be able to offer some permanent contracts to our seasonal staff. We offer a competitive hourly salary of ÂŁ8.71 plus benefits. To read more about our vacancy or to apply for the position please visit our website here: http://jobs.lego.com/en-gb/vacancies.aspx and click on the ‘UK Customer Service Vacancies’ link.
www.95Danish.com the UK home to Danish style
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Knob configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. Š2008 The LEGO Group
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 37
Scan Business | Business Services
Competition
Win a Klippan throw Scan Magazine and Northlight are giving 3 lucky readers a chance to win an new exclusive Nymphaea Klippan throw (retails at ÂŁ99). In which historic English town can you find the Northlight Homestore? A: Oxford B: Bristol C:Cambridge Email your answer to competition@scanmagazine.co.uk and Scan Magazine will draw 3 lucky winners. Scan Magazine must receive your answer before 6 October. The lucky winners will be contacted directly.
The summer competition winners of 3 Alvar Aalto vases from Iittala are David Bogg, Lila Vaenerberg, Kristiina Walker. Congratulations!
Grasped the nettle of doing business in Britain? Business begin-up or market expand? [Business start-up or market expansion?] Are you addressing your U.K. customers in English? Idiom? Grammar? Spelling? Whether you are just beginning in Britain or expanding your existing market, we can give you the necessary guidance. Textual and Advertisement Editing and Copywriting from PRECIS. Proof-Reading, Editing, Copy-editing, Indexes, Summaries Fees negotiable depending on the volume of work.
PRECIS Phone: 07954 691 375 Email: flags.holborn@yahoo.co.uk
38 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Scan Business | News from the Chambers of Commerce
Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK The current events agenda of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce is one of the most exciting for years. We kick off with the launch of the Chamber's new profile at Studio Valbonne on 10 September and end the year with our fabulous Christmas Luncheon at the Dorchester on 5 December 2008.
For further information on our Chamber, membership thereof, and all our planned events, please see our website at www.swedish-chamber.org.uk or call us on 020 7224 8001.
In between those two we have a fantastic mixture of topics, such as IT, Entrepreneurship with Dr Anders Wall, Lifestyle with Scandinavian Design (Georg Jensen, Carnegie Art Award and H&M), and a Crayfish cruise, to name but a few.
Upcoming Events • • • • • • • • • •
Chamber Re:invented - Launch Party – 10 September JCC Golf Cup – 13 September JCC Crayfish Party – 27 September Georg Jensen LINK-Up – 2 October Crayfish Cruise – 3 October Entrepreneurial Dinner – 7 October JCC Drinks Master Class at Hoxton Pony – 8 October JCC After Work at Cuckoo – 17 October IT Seminar at Nokia Regent Street – 21 October H&M Flagship Store event – 28 October
Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7224 8001 | Email: info@swedish-chamber.org.uk | www.swedish-chamber.org.uk
Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce FBCC Conference on Russia – Opportunities and challenges Russia's role in the changing global geopolitical and economical environment is the driver behind a one day conference being organized by the Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce on 17th September at the premises of the EBRD. The conference brings together a variety of experienced professionals and companies with an interest in Russia to share their views and experiences. The morning sessions of the conference will analyze the macro-economic situation and the investment climate in Russia. The afternoon sessions include presentations on the legal and tax aspects of business in and with Russia, a review of the
financial markets and financing of operations, industry views and practical examples of trade and investment. The program includes many high-profile speakers e.g. Mari Kiviniemi, Minister of Public Administration and Local Government of Finland; H.E Yury V. Fedotov, Ambassador for the Russian Federation; and H.E Jaakko Laajava, Ambassador of Finland to the UK. The main sponsor for the event is PricewaterhouseCoopers. More details and the conference programme can be found on our web site.
Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 8741 6352 | Email: fbccevents@fbcc.co.uk | www.fbcc.co.uk
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 39
40 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Photo: www.imagebank.sweden.se Š Henrik Trygg
Scan Magazine | Food
“The crayfish is served cold in a big bowl on the table, lovingly decorated with some more dill.”
Bronte’s Crayfish Party By Bronte Blomhoj
Picture this: a little, red wooden house set by a calm, blue lake that sparkles silver from the rays of the summer sun. Rolling green hills and never-ending meadows full of wild flowers and berries, surrounding everything and everyone in pure postcard bliss. Welcome to the picture perfect Swedish late summer evening and welcome to the Crayfish Season: it’s time for Kräftskiva (or if you’d rather: a somewhat messy event involving lots of crustaceans and hard liquor). Every year in August, Finnish and Swedish people all over the world get excited by the start of the crayfish season. The timing of the season is founded in local law which dictates that Scandinavian freshwater crayfish may only be caught in late summer and early autumn. Although in this time of easy imports when crayfish is available all year round, tradition is tenacious and the season is very
much part of the Swedish and Finnish calendar, third only to Midsummer and Eurovision. Crayfish is first mentioned by Aristotle back in the really old days but as a delicacy its big break came in the 1800s when Monsieur Napoleon developed a thing for the ‘écrevisses’ and got the whole of France hooked as a result. Initially crayfish were plentiful in rivers and lakes all across central and northern Europe, but as this gastronomic trend spread across the continent, the crayfish stock went into steep decline. A lethal pest almost wiped out the entire stock in the early 1900s and local laws were quickly introduced to limit the availability of the delicacy thus saving it from extinction. Today most crayfish in the world is farmed, although the ultimate delicacy for a crayfish party is still locally sourced
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 41
Photo: www.imagebank.sweden.se © Kent Backstrom
Swedish or Finnish beauties. These are seriously pricey, though, so most people settle for the almost-just-as-good imported, cooked and quickly frozen type, usually imported from China, Turkey or other fancy far-away places. Alternatively, if you happen to have your own Swedish lake handy, you can opt for some night-time fishing with wire traps – these buggers are nocturnal and will do much to avoid your dinner plate. The difference between the crayfish you buy at your local fishmonger outside Sweden and the Scandinavian kind is that the latter is cooked in a brine sauce of dill, then some dill and a bit more dill thrown in for good measure. Crayfish is, like lobster, cooked alive (sorry if you are vegetarian and reading this) which is why most people who do not have access to live crustaceans tend to buy the frozen kind – these have been cooked to the Scandinavian recipe already and all you need to do is remove from the freezer and wait awhile.
42 | Issue 2 | September 2008
So, how do you go about celebrating the humble crayfish, Scandinavian style? A traditional Kräftskiva, or Rapujuhlat as it is called in Finland, typically starts late afternoon or early evening. A long table, which is usually outside in the garden or park, is decorated with colourful tablecloths; there are silly special crayfish party hats and bibs available for guests to wear (surprisingly with pictures of crayfish on them), lanterns depicting the Man in the Moon as well as festive crayfish cut-out garlands. The crayfish is served cold in a big bowl on the table, lovingly decorated with some more dill. Eating crayfish is a long process: a crayfish party can last well into the night, so mountains of toasted white bread are also served to ensure the aquavit is soaked up along the way. It’s always preferable that the guests don’t end up too wobbly too quickly and get ideas about skinny dipping and sing-songs before time.
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Blocks of the infamous Vasterbotten cheese (a 12 months aged Swedish cheese from the Vasterbotten area, not unlike parmesan in consistency but without the smell of feet) is also served. Along with this is an abundance of cold beer and, of course, no Scandinavian party is complete without the presence of the old Aquavit – a grain-based, flavoured strong liquor that is served ice cold. Some people practice “one shot for every claw” but as you’ll eat your way through a good dozen crayfish during the course of an evening, pacing is recommended – at least until someone starts singing. Singing is a good sign that you may as well just give in and join the fun – and there’s no drinking without any singing, according to Swedish law (nor is there any singing without drinking, or any time for silence, according to most local ‘Crayfficionados’). A few of those aquavit and you’ll automatically be able to sing all the songs in fluent Swedish. Crayfish is eaten with the hands and it is a lovely, messy affair. If you are invited to one of these special parties
44 | Issue 2 | September 2008
during the season, do remember that it is absolutely a requirement to slurp noisily as you suck up the dill juices from the claws and belly of the “krafta” as well – a sign that you are truly initiated into this wonderful tradition. Before you know it, all the people around the table will be your best friends, you’ll be planning next year’s holidays with Björn and Agneta in Uppsala and maybe even having a cheeky footsy session with Lars under the table. Suddenly, after you’ve thrown in a swarm of evil mosquitoes, that little red house by the lake doesn’t feel that far away after all.
Bronte Blomhoj is the Danish owner of Scandinavian Kitchen on Great Titchfield Street in London, a cafe and deli that stocks great crayfish as well as silly hats and bibs. She has no plans to go to Uppsala for her next holiday, but is intending to sing a few too many Swedish songs this season.
Scan Magazine | Food
A taste of Icelandic Passion – Texture | Restaurant of the Month By Lee-Ann Cameron
Texture is a culinary gem located just northeast of Mayfair and is a perfect refuge for those who appreciate a meticulous décor, innovative food, and a spectacular wine selection. The one year old restaurant is the creation of Agnar Sverisson and Xavier Rousset, who met during their employment with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. Their aim is to provide light, modern cuisine that is balanced and complemented by exquisite wines. This successful philosophy will continue in a new private dining room, for corporate or special events, opening on September 8th. On arrival at Texture, you might be greeted by the dashing
46 | Issue 2 | September 2008
executive sommelier, Xavier, who is always happy to suggest a fun drink to begin the evening; in our case it was a champagne cocktail infused with lemongrass and ginger which was served with interesting nibbles such as crispy cod skin and popcorn with bacon flavouring. Situated in what was originally a private residence, Texture has a classy comfortable feeling. The restaurant still boasts beautiful period features, including stunning ornamental plasterwork and cornices on the ceiling. Furthermore, as homage to and reminder of head Chef Aggi Sverisson’s Scandinavian heritage, Texture’s cool, serene atmosphere is punctuated by vibrant paintings of mountainous landscapes by Icelandic artist Tolli. The ceramic plates
Scan Magazine | Food
“The wine was spicy but light and went beautifully with not only my Icelandic lamb sourced from Skagafjordur but also my plump Scottish scallops that I relished as a starter.“
were also painted by Tolli and are reminiscent of Picasso’s whimsical ceramics!
each course was highly creative and the flavours woven into each bite were pure genius.
With the scene set, our meal began with a sparky amuse bouche of mint, pea and watercress granita followed by another chef’s compliment of monkfish cheek with mushrooms and Jerusalem artichoke. Xavier chose the Sicilian red wine Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Planeta from 2006 that is a blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato grape varieties. The wine was spicy but light and went beautifully with not only my Icelandic lamb sourced from Skagafjordur but also my plump Scottish scallops that I relished as a starter. My guest indulged in a starter of chargrilled Anjou pigeon that was tender and moist followed by firm but tasty Icelandic Cod served with avocado, chorizo and sauce Vierge. Needless to say, dessert was as impressive as dinner, rhubarb mixed with Skyr yoghurt, an Icelandic specialty. The presentation of
No stone has been left unturned at Texture: each detail has been analysed and carefully chosen to give customers the ultimate experience. Texture has all the makings of a high-class establishment and is a perfect place for either a special occasion in the new dining room or simply a high quality meal in a stylish, contemporary atmosphere.
Texture Restaurant 34 Portman Street London W1H 7BY Tel. 020 7224 0028 Email: info@texture-restaurant.co.uk
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 47
Pulpit Rock and Lysefjord.
48 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Scan Magazine | Travel
Stavanger – European Capital of Culture 2008 Text and Photos by Anna Maria Espsäter | First UK Rights
My initial impression of Stavanger was that its inhabitants apparently had a strange fascination with body art – then I realised my visit was coinciding with an international tattoo convention, just one of many events taking place in the Norwegian city this year. Stavanger is Norway’s fourth largest city with some 120,000 inhabitants in and around the city itself and 390,000 in the entire county, Rogaland. Despite a long history and a high standard of living thanks to the discovery of oil back in 1969, Stavanger in summer used to be quite dull, my guide, the wonderfully named Danilo Paparazzo, tells me. Until, that is, some foresighted individuals began plotting a series of festivals 11 years ago. “Stavangerians” are known for their independent entrepreneurial spirit and the April to October programme has been a rip-roaring success, transforming the city’s landscape, with events such as “Gladmat”, a food festival
taking over the quaintly picturesque downtown harbour area for four days every summer. The city centre, surrounding the deep, natural harbour, is compact and easy to get around, wearing its history on its sleeve for the most part. Norway was united under King Harald Hårfagre at Harfsfjord back in 872 not far from the city limits; the cathedral dates from the 12th Century and the old town comprises 173 well-preserved wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, the oldest dating from 1760. “Wooden houses” are the key to why there are no older buildings – they’ve mostly perished in fires over the centuries and even the cathedral had to be rebuilt in 1272. When the Norwegian king declared a ban on building more houses out of wood, the people of Stavanger refused to comply. A watchtower was constructed to keep a look-out for any flames, but since this too was originally made of wood, it’s not hard to imagine what happened to
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 49
Scan Magazine | Travel
Stavanger harbour during the "Gladmat" food festival.
it... Finally in 1922 the city got its first fire brigade, but an old stone watchtower built on the spot of the wooden original is now open as a museum. Museums are a definite Stavanger strong point with all of 23 to choose from. Its history, first as the centre for the Norwegian canning industry and later as the heart of oil exploration, is portrayed in two excellent museums, the Hermetikk Museum and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. When visiting the latter you’re even able to experience something of life as lived on board a North Sea oil platform. Another quirky place worth a peek is the Emigration Museum, documenting the 900,000-odd Norwegians leaving for “the New World” in the hundredyear period from 1825 when the first ship sailed for New York, until 1925.
50 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Since Stavanger was named European Capital of Culture for 2008 the residents have gone all out to come up with the most innovative set of events. In the end the organisers had 700 bids from across the region to fill the 100 event slots assigned. For such a relatively small city, the repertoire is truly astounding, with art, dance, theatre and music taking on brand new forms. Many performances are taking place outdoors, culture and nature working together, particularly in summer, but also during the autumn months. On the small island of Bru, extensive farmland has been converted into a cultural landscape. A designated walk takes you around gardens, fields and woodlands where the trees have messages carved into their trunks. On the other side of town, Lundsneset will soon be home to the outdoor performance “Fairytales in Landscape” on a newly built
"You're gorgeous, but what's with the hair?", funky Stavanger hairdresser's.
amphitheatre right by the sea and different things are happening regionally right through to December. If all this culture gets a bit much, Norwegians also do the great outdoors like no one else and what’s even better – you’re never far from it. The sea, mountains and fjords are right there on your doorstep and the jewel of the crown is without a doubt Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, a short ferry ride and drive from town. Dropping 604 metres straight into Lysefjord below, Pulpit Rock juts majestically out across the deep dark waters and getting there is quite a challenge in itself. A two and a half hour hike from what’s known as “base camp” takes you up hushed wooded paths, past rushing streams and enticing lakes until you’re above the tree line and a splendiferous landscape spreads out before you – Lysefjord’s glittering waters far
down the valley on the one side, imposing granite peaks on the other. The trek is not for the faint-hearted or those with a tendency to vertigo. This is nature as it comes, with as little human intervention as possible and you can go right to the cliff’s edge. Lying on your stomach looking down the sheer drop is almost obligatory, so I couldn’t resist, having come this far. The sense of space and timelessness is magical. Nature and culture are coming together perfectly in the Stavanger region.
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 51
Scan Magazine | Travel
“‘Stavangerians’ are known for their independent entrepreneurial spirit and the April to October programme has been a rip-roaring success”
Anna Maria flew from Gatwick to Stavanger with Norwegian. Prices start from £55 one way including tax. www.norwegian.no. She stayed at the Rica Park Hotel, www.rica-hotels.com For more information about Stavanger: www.regionstavanger.com or to find out about the city’s European Capital of Culture plans: www.stavanger2008.com For more information on visiting Norway contact Innovation Norway: www.visitnorway.co.uk
52 | Issue 2 | September 2008
Stavanger
- waiting for you to explore! Spend a weekend in the European Capital of Culture 2008 and enjoy the exiting program featuring artists from all over the world. Choose to stay at one of the two excellent Radisson SAS hotels, both centrally located in the heart of the city with the old town, attractions and many of the FXOWXUDO HYHQWV DW \RXU À QJHUWLSV /HDUQ PRUH DW ZZZ UHJLRQVWDYDQJHU FRP Visit Stavanger this year, its closer than you think!
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Scan Magazine | Culture
LOVE LONDON – An exhibition of photographs by Barbara Chandler at Habitat Love London, a vivid exhibition of photographs by Barbara Chandler, will open on Wednesday 3rd September at the Habitat flagship store at 121-123 Regent Street, W1. And Love London celebrates this year's fantastic Regent Street Festival on Sunday 7th September – " A Great British Experience" – when the Street will be closed to traffic, with fun for all the family. Unusually for an art show, all pictures are ready to take away, as a potent evocation of London life. There are three sizes (24 by 30 cm; 40 by 50cm; and 60 by 80cm), including one small enough to pop in a bag. Or buy on line at www.habitat.co.uk Barbara Chandlers's pictures (38 in this show) span 20 years, in black-and-white, and colour. They are a personal take on London sights and scenes, including the great
54 | Issue 2 | September 2008
London landmarks. Shoppers, buskers, children, guards, commuters, revellers, market traders and simply passers-by – these have become photo tableaux at various times. From 3rd September 2008
Habitat, 121-123 Regent Street, W1 Tel 08444 991134 www.habitat.co.uk www.regentstreetonline.com www.barbarachandler.co.uk
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Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar
Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!
September
to make beautiful and poignant artworks. The exhibition draws attention to the impact humans have on the animal world and is a key part of London's bid to become a sustainable capital in time for the 2012 Olympics and aims to help the city's businesses, communities and individuals to make a difference. Norwegian sculptress Tone Holmen's near life size Polar Bear is part of the exhibition.
Norwegian realisation of Zola’s ‘Thérèse Raquin’ Until 7 September Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, London. The inspiration for Thérèse Raquin came from the following story: a married woman had an affair with her husband’s best friend and then plotted to murder her husband with the help of her lover. Once the murder had taken place, the lovers were free to marry but their love soon turned to hate as they blamed each other for their crime until they eventually killed themselves leaving a signed confession behind. The Norwegian Alexander Zwart is producing and acting in this new production www.riversidestudios.co.uk
Norwegian Polar Bear in Regent’s Park The Love London Recycled Sculpture Show, until 5 September London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London A team of inspired sculptors has been gathering and transforming rubbish
56 | Issue 1 | Summer 2008
Exhibition - Hammershøi at the RA Until 7 September The Royal Academy of Arts presents the first retrospective in the UK of one of the most celebrated Danish artists, the unique Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864–1916). ‘The Poetry of Silence’ features more than 60 paintings spanning Hammershøi’s entire career. His most compelling works are his quiet, haunting
interiors, their emptiness disturbed only occasionally by the presence of a solitary, graceful figure, often the artist's wife. In addition to the interiors, the exhibition also includes Hammershøi’s arresting portraits, landscapes and his evocative city views, notably the deserted streets of London on a misty winter morning. Royal Academy of Arts Sackler Wing of Galleries Burlington House, Piccadilly London W1J 0BD General enquiries: 020 7300 8000 Tickets: 0870 848 8484
Outdoor installation – Jeppe Hein Until 28 September The spectacular fountain ‘Appearing Rooms’ by Danish artist Jeppe Hein has returned to the Southbank Centre for the third summer running. The water sculpture invites visitors of all ages to join in and become part of this playful work of art.
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On our website - www.95Danish.com - you will find the very best in home design: iconic lighting, contemporary ceramics, mouth-blown glassware, soft furnishing, wallcoverings and other unique and innovative products. We are offering one lucky Scan Magazine reader the chance to indulge in their favourite Danish design and win £500 of products of their choice from the 95%Danish website. Plus all entrants get 15% off future purchases in this simple to enter competition. *See www.95Danish.com for details. All you need to do is correctly identify which of these 95%Danish brands is the oldest, ferm LIVING, Holmegaard or Kähler (clue - you will find the answer by looking in the brands section of the website) then simply click on the competition icon on the home page where you will find the simple entry form along with a copy of the rules.
The Question “Which is the oldest company Holmegaard, Kähler or ferm LIVING?”
www.95Danish.com the UK home to Danish style
Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar
Furniture - Kjærholm classics Until 27 September Vintage furniture by Danish modernist designer Poul Kjærholm (1929-1980) on exhibition at Rocket’s side-gallery. Poul Kjærholm was one of Denmark’s most important furniture designers. He managed to create his very own style which was very Danish and at the same time truly international. Central pieces by Kjærholm are presented along with photographs by Danish photographer Kjeld Helmer Petersen. Tues-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat noon-6pm Rocket Gallery, TEA Building 56 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6JJ www.rocketgallery.com
Exhibition - Alexandra, Princess and Queen
E4’s Skins meet Ibsen’s Hedda. Until 27 September Henrik Ibsen's twisted heroine Hedda Gabler is once again on a London stage, but this time in a new version by one of the writers behind E4’s hit series ‘Skins’. In this new adaptation of Ibsen’s masterpiece Hedda exists in a world of endless choices, where each person strives to create their own life-narrative. Yet she seems unable to create any meaningful purpose for her own existence. The Gate Theatre, 11 Pembridge Road, London, W11 3HQ Tickets: 020 7229 0706 or online www.gatetheatre.co.uk
58 | Issue 1 | Summer 2008
Until 30 September Alexandra was the oldest daughter of Denmark’s King Christian IX, and in 1863 she was married to Prince Edward, the oldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 1901, he became King Edward VII and Alexandra, the longest serving Princess of Wales, became Queen of England. She was known for her generosity and kindness as well as her charity work and deep interest in nursing and education. Mon-Tue / Thu-Fri: 11am-1pm, 2-5pm Sat-Sun / 10am-1pm, 2-5pm Powysland Museum, The Canal Wharf, Welshpool, Powys SY21 7AQ Tel. 01938 554656
Due North - Photography Exhibition Until 27 September An exhibition of modern Finnish Photography that has a ‘Northern’ analytical and conceptual approach to
photography. The Gallery, The Burren College of Arts, Ireland
Who Is Rhonda Harris? 2 Sept, 93 feet east, London 3 Sept, The Dublin Castle, London This man named Rhonda Harris is in fact the talented artist, producer and label-owner Nikolaj Norlund. He is the only surviving member of the original Rhonda Harris, since it was formed in 1995. Five releases and 7 years later on, the band now calls themselves THE RHONDA HARRIS; A five-piece indie band that produces original material. With splendid reviews they now take on a tour in London. www.myspace.com/therhondaharriscph
Photo: Jean-Baptiste Mandino
The fountain is once again installed on the Riverside terrace outside the Royal Festival Hall attracting visitors to walk into this aquatic pavilion, made of walls of water which rise and fall randomly. As the participants walk through the ‘rooms’, they must interact with the patterns of rising and falling water if they are to leave the space without getting wet. [Daily] Level 2, Riverside Terrace Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX
Bare Richness Of Music – Thomas Dybdahl Wednesday 3 September Well known throughout Scandinavia, Thomas Dybdahl, one of the most talented singer/songwriters to emerge from the Norwegian music scene, heads to London for a concert in Camden. Delicate guitars meet soulfilled vocals that keep the listener anticipating each gentle nuance. His
Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar
New to London? Want to join one of the best professional networking organisations in the city? European Young Professionals London promotes links between business professionals living in London. We welcome executives from across every industry, every nation and every age to attend our hugely popular, monthly networking events to make friends, establish valuable business contacts and to have fun. Join now for free today. Visit www.eyplondon.org to register
Nordic Bar’s Cocktail of The Month | The Longberry Method – SHAKE In a Boston (Cocktail shaking) glass.
• Top with Lingonberry or Cranberry juice • Crown with Crème de Mure
Muddle (mix and crush) • 3/4 Raspberries • 4 Blueberries • 3 Strawberry halves
Garnish with • 2 Strawberry halves • ¼ piece of lime • 2 Raspberries
Then add • Lapponia Blueberry liquor (1 ½ shots) • Finlandia Lime Vodka (1 ½ shots) • Lemon Juice (½ shot) • Dash of Gomme (Sugar syrup) Shake • Fill glass full of ice • Pour and strain/sieve
Dust with icing sugar and serve! You don’t have to do this at home This cocktail recipe was provided by the cocktail experts at Bar Nordic. They would love to make it and serve it for you. www.nordicbar.com
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 59
Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar
Alphabeat Here To Stay 5 Sept, Festival, Isle Of Wight Bursting with ten of the most irresistible and irrepressible tunes you're likely to hear this year and with NME saying that they are the best Scandinavian band since ABBA you are very likely to absolutely love listening to this band for some happy tunes you can sing along to. An absolute must to hear live. www.myspace.com/thisisalphabeat
Photo: Jon T. Merg
music is perhaps best enjoyed while you are open and able to absorb its many sounds, inflections and subtleties. Thomas Dybdahl writes songs that move in for extreme close-ups: his acoustic guitar, his breathy voice and his vows of love. www.thomasdybdahl.com Dingwalls, Middle Yard, Camden Lock, London NW1 8AB Tickets: £ 12.50 advance
is pop, there is plenty of Iggy Pop-style writhing and howling in her act. She has enlivened the atmosphere at gigs by biting other musicians' backsides. She is just like marmite. You either love her or hate her. In September you can see her at Isle of Wight and in Swindon. www.myspace.com/idamaria
Tom of Finland 16 Sept - 30 Nov (10:00 - 17:00 Mon-Fri) Contemporary Urban Centre, Greenland Street, Liverpool. Over 100 illustrations from 1944-1984 by legendary gay artist Tom of Finland who had an effect on global culture unmatched by that of virtually any other artist.
Ida Maria – Naked Too? 6 Sept, 2008 Bestival, Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight 07 Sep, 2008 Sugarhill Festival, Swindon, Wilts With her huge UK radio hit “I Like You Better When You’re Naked”, the missionary-educated Norwegian Ida has been hailed as "sectionable but sensational", which is as good a summary as any. She has spent the last month introducing British audiences to her very physical performance and still has more shows to come. Even though she
60 | Issue 1 | Summer 2008
Swedish Punk in Town Millencolin 23 Sep, Academy, Birmingham 24 Sep, Academy, Bristol 25 Sep, LA 2, London 26 Sep, Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
27 Sept Rock City, Nottingham 28 Sept, Academy 3, Manchester 29 Sept, Garage, Glasgow Millencolin, Sweden’s finest softcore punk outfit, is a perfect demonstration that America does not totally rule the punk music genre. Millencolin, hailing from Örebro, were first signed to Burning Heart Records in 1993 and have since been added to Epitaph’s list of superb artists, thus promoting them within the Punk ‘elite’. Their entire new album promotes liveliness through catchy ska-punk tunes and the Swedish accent on the vocals adds a touch of fascination and powerful assertion. www.millencolin.com
100% Norway 2008 100% Norway @ 100% Design, Earls Court, Stand G30; Thu 18 Sep - Sun 21 Sep 100% Norway @ Designers Block Covent Garden, ground floor; Thu 18 Sep - Sun 21 Sep 100% Norway is back and celebrating its 5th anniversary in 2008 with a double exhibition during the London Design Festival. Building on the success of previous years, 100% Norway 2008 will showcase the best new works of both established and up-andcoming designers. The latest furniture and home accessories to emerge from the cool north will be on display at a monumental stand at 100% Design, Earls Court, as well as at a little sister exhibition staged as part of Designers Block in Covent Garden. www.norway.org.uk/100percent/08.htm
Super Troupers – Thomas Denver Jonsson 18 Sept, Catweazle Club, Oxford 20 Sept, The Electric Dustbowl: Americana UK live! The Musician, Leicester
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Photo: Emma Månsson
Omnium Gatherum Metal Tour
21 Sept, The Golden Fleece, Nottingham 22 Sept, Vox @ The Vale, Glasgow Mentioned in The Times as one of the 6 most important acts for the Swedish pop movement since ABBA, together with The Hives, Cardigans, The Concretes, Robyn and Peter, Bjorn & John, Thomas Denver Jonsson is Sweden’s equivalent to Will Oldham, now on his third album of lovelorn meditations. www.thomasdenver.com
19 Sep - 23 Sep, London (Camden Underworld), Peterborough (The Park), Leeds (Rio’s), Wolverhampton (Wolves Civic), Birmingham (The Asylum) Originality and sincere attitude - Top quality Finnish steel! OG produce complex but accessible death metal that incorporates elements of thrash and tradl metal without ever sounding derivate. If you mix At The Gates, Katatonia, Death and Judas Priest there's the recipe for OMNIUM GATHERUM! www.myspace.com/omniumgatherum
Dj House Amigos Hits London 20 Sep, NyLon at Tabernacle Shoreditch, London 27 Sep, MEDITERRANEO at The Light Bar Shoreditch, London HouseAmigos DJ's are two professional DJ's from Scandinavia, whose career has developed fast after they began to organize parties together in 2004 in Finland. They moved to London in 2006 following their first joint release Passion Eterna/Sauna. The sound is a unique mixture of Mediterranean House/Electro spiced up with powerful Tribal and Techouse. www.myspace.com/houseamigos
Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra 23 Sept 19:30- 21:30 Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 A gala event celebrating Esa-Pekka Salonen's first concert as Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor to the Philharmonia Orchestra. He has chosen to open with a performance of Stravinsky's extraordinary neo-classical opera-oratorio based on Sophocles's most famous tragedy, Oedipus, the King.
Turisas Battles On 25 Sept -13 Oct, various locations around England, Scotland & Ireland Imagine a time when warriors strode the earth. A time when battle-painted warrior-poets sang of battles and heady feats of heroism, myth intermingled with fact, and romantic notions of adventure on the high seas sparked the imagination. TURISAS – named after their homeland's ancient god of war – are bringing back the old school. No surprise that the battle metal maestros TURISAS were voted 'Best New Band' in UK's Metal Hammer magazine Reader’s Poll in 2006. www.myspace.com/turisasofficial
The Church calls women and men Fifty years ago, on 27 September 1958, the General Synod of the Church of Sweden resolved that women could be ordained priest. The
62 | Issue 1 | Summer 2008
Church of Sweden worldwide will be celebrating this jubilee. Here in London we will hold a special Parish Communion service on Sunday 21 September at 11am, when, among others, Lena Granström, priest in Hägerstens parish, Stockholm and the first ordained woman in the Church of Sweden abroad, will take part.
October
Photo: Micke Borg
Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar
back in the 70’s will give you plenty of times throughout the night for your screaming air guitar. www.hellacopters.com
Jools Hollands Sweetheart 29 Sept The Plug, Sheffield 1 Oct, Scala, London 2 Oct, Concorde 2, Brighton 5 Oct, Glee Club, Birmingham 6 Oct, Thekla, Bristol 8 Oct, Academy 2, Liverpool 9 Oct, Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh 10 Oct, The Duchess, York The beautiful Swedish singer songwriter Lykke Li is back with a UK autumn tour. Her music combines wonderful pop hooks with a fragility that seeps into her vocals. The occasional use of atmospheric trumpet and sax suggests the influence of Norwegian nu jazzers like Nils Petter Molvaer. Crafted sugary sweet melodies and danceable pop tracks and with a live performance on Jools Holland’s Later TV show, she has captured the hearts of the Brits too.
Live Air Guitar With The Hellacopters 29 Sept, LA2, London With influences from Motorhead, KISS and Slayer, it is obvious you will have a serious night of high-fuelled infectious rock n' roll with the 'Copters. Not only are they talented musicians with fiddly-looking screeching guitar solos, they are also having fun on stage. Swedish Hellacopters, from
Exploring with Adèle 30 September, 7.00pm Jan-Eric Österlund will let us “travel with him” on his adventure on his yacht Adèle. The journey goes up to the pack ice and the polar bears in the north, round Cape Horn and to the Antarctic in the south. We will experience the animal life of the Galapagos, volcanic eruptions and ceremonial dances on Vanuatu and cruises among the coral reefs of the southern sea. This is an evening in association with the Anglo-Swedish Society of Great Britain. We gather at 7.00pm in the Swedish Hall. £5
Denmark Showcases Talent 1. Oct, Amersham Arms, New Cross, CHOIR OF YOUNG BELIEVERS I GOT YOU ON TAPE Two Danish bands, one with strong influences from the folk and singersongwriter scene and the other from the poprock. You have two bands which will offer your ears a light and blissful experience with some darker tones of a young Bowie. It’s music young people love listening to. If you like the NYC band Interpol, then it’s right up your alley. www.myspace.com/ choirofyoungbelievers www.myspace.com/igotyouontape
Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar
email to office@swedishchurch.com, or swealondonprogram@hotmail.com - or go to www.swea.org/London
Monica Groop
Swedish Guru in London - Be happy, strong and alert! 14 October at 7.00pm Dr Sanna Ehdin is considered the Swedish guru on holistic health and integrated medicine. She has written seven books that have sold more than half a million copies in ten countries. Dr. Sanna Ehdin, will speak on selfdevelopment, from her book “The Self-Healing Human”, the classic health book, in the Swedish Hall on 14 October at 7.00pm, Tickets £10, by
16 October 19:30-21:30 Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2BP Finnish Mezzo-Soprano joins other artists in pianist Stephen Kovacevic's residency, performing pieces by Bartók and Brahms.
Sweet Girls Vs Spice Girls 21 Oct, King’s College, London 23 Oct, Cardiff, Barfly When the rumour of Those Dancing Days mixture of pop, girl group and Northern Soul started to surface in Stockholm during the winter months of 2007 the five-piece act quickly became one of the most talked about new bands in eons. Their track "Hitten" (translation - The Hit) became just what the title says. It will have you singing along instantly. Here in London this October to show off their talent. Email your scandinavian events to events@scanmagazine.co.uk [30 word description in English + 300 dpi picture, no larger than 2mb.]
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 63
Scan Magazine | Sport
Get involved in
The Football League of the Year By Rikke Bruntse-Dahl
You've really made me wanna play a bit of ball. Is this league my only chance? No way. If you just want to have some fun playing a bit of football – or brush up on your skills before you play for your country – you can join Team Denmark FC by turning up at the Gloucester Gate entrance to Regent's Park, where they play every Saturday, all year round, between 12pm and 2pm. Is this a boys only club?
Sports Director for Team Denmark FC, Yasser Haddadi. talks about The International Mini League
Not at all. Girls are encouraged to join the football teams, too. If they're not football fans, but still fancy socialising and exercising they can go running with Team Denmark FC's Running Club and then meet with the footballers for a pint at the pub afterwards. Cheerleaders are obviously welcome as well.
What's the fuss? Team Denmark FC, a bunch of Danes who play football in London's Regent's Park every week, are arranging an International Mini League this Autumn.It's gonna be no ordinary football league. Team Denmark FC assure us it's going to be incredibly well organised with an FA judge on hand, a superb field and great 11-a-side teams from Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Finland already signed up. Come on Sweden, join in the fun! Why get involved? There's nothing like a bit of healthy competition among the Scandies – and the British if they fancy. Is there a reason why no Swedish teams have signed up yet? The existing Scandinavian teams have already played many a heated match together and they're generally nothing less than fantastic – especially for the Danes who normally win. Now Team Denmark FC wants to extend the fun and include as many teams as possible. When is the league kicking off? In September. It'll take place on London pitches on Saturdays or Sundays.
64 | Issue 2 | September 2008
How do we sign up our team? Email Yasser Haddadi, Sports Director for Team Denmark FC, on yasser_haddadi@mac.com or Jacob Nielsen, Director of London International League, on jacobfn@gmail.com. You can also call them on 07919372849 or 07917096484 respectively. Where to find out more? You can check out Team Denmark FC's website, www.teamdenmarkfc.com, or email the Sports Director on yasser_haddadi@mac.com.
Scan Magazine | Sport
A Blue & Yellow Tiger with Somalian Stripes By Pernilla Holmgren Larsson
Which part is winning? The ”tougher” me. I refuse to give up! Have you ever thought that you could have run for the Somalian national team rather then the Swedish team? No actually not. I just don’t think about it. I wouldn’t have become the runner that I am today if it hadn’t been for us moving here [Sweden, ed.] I was born in Somalia but I feel Swedish & it’s in Sweden where I became the runner “Musse”. You mentioned earlier that you have three mentors in your life. That’s your mother, Carro Kluft and Nelson Mandela. Why? My mum means so much to me. She has given my life & been so brave taking both my brother and me to a foreign country to give us a better & safer life. Carro is a wonderful person. She is always so giving both personally and in her performances. She’s got an amazing gift of bringing out the best in the team and in people. The 2008 Olympics in Peking has recently come to an end and Scan Magazine speaks to Swedish long distance runner, Mustafa Hassan Mohamed, “Musse”, who finished 10th in the 3,000m steeplechase final.
Nelson is one of the most fantastic people that I know. I just don’t understand how a person who has been put innocently in jail for most of his life can still be so forgiving and full of life, it’s just amazing.
Why long distance running?
For how long do you think you will remain a world class runner & where do you see yourself once you have given up?
It kind of felt so natural as I am not a very quick runner, but I have a lot of patience. Have you got a big ego chip transplanted into your brain or have you ever had any doubts about what you are actually doing during a marathon? [Laughs]… of course I have my doubts & when it gets really tough especially during competitions it’s like something is happening in my head where one side of my brain is telling me that it’s too hard work whilst the other side is telling me to keep on going and not to give up.
I am hoping that I can continue running for many years. I have actually not even thought of what my life would look like or what to do after I decide to quit running. But of course I see myself working closely with people & working for a better world as this lies close to my heart since my upbringing in Somalia.
Issue 2 | September 2008 | 65
Scan Magazine | Sport
For Finnish Togetherness - Join the LoPS! By Roope Musto
Every Sunday between 11:30 and 12noon, in a small patch in the middle of Southwark Park, South East London, gathers a diverse group of guys of varying age and race. They all have one thing in common and that is Finland. Some have Finnish wives or girlfriends, some have a keen interest in Finland and some even are from Finland. We are LoPS - Lontoon Palloseura (London FC). LoPS has been congregating every Sunday in Southwark Park for over 15 years. One of the founding members is Finnish photographer, Ilpo Musto. Ilpo has been living in London for nearly 40 years and in the early 90s, more and more Finnish people were moving to London and a group of Finnish guys was forming, wanting to play some football. And so LoPS was born and its idea lives on.
introduced on the Finnish Sunday roster. This is aimed at Finnish women and starts at 12noon at the place where LoPS gathers and they too can have a sauna at the Finnish Church at 1pm. Another sport that has been going for nearly 10 years and has recently received a new lease of life with new enthusiastic Finnish people is the game Pesäpallo which is Finnish Baseball. For this event they gather at the Finnish Church and then walk to the park at 3pm.
After sweating it on the football pitch for a couple of hours, the players have the added luxury of taking a sauna at the Finnish Church in Rotherhithe from 2pm.
Sport is an important part of Finnish culture, whether watching or taking part. It is very close to people’s hearts and gives a sense of belonging. In London, our weekly Sunday sport activities are more about bringing Finns and people with Finnish interests together. Life long friendships are born and it’s a place where we are all equal. The sport played is only a small part of the fun. The Finns are always open to new people joining their activities and hope they will see you soon!
With even more Finns now moving to London, there has been a growing interest in Finnish social sport sessions. This summer, Yoga and general exercise has been
www.finnishchurch.org.uk www.ilpomusto.com Facebook Group – Finnish People living in London
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