Scan Magazine | Issue 9 | June 2009 by Scan Client Publishing

SCAN

SANDI TOKSVIG: THE COMEDIENNE WHO WOULD RATHER BE A HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER SCAN DESIGN GUIDE SUMMER 2009 GRAM PALACE: A HISTORIC HOLIDAY STOLT-NIELSEN: 50 YEARS IN SHIPPING

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 9

JUNE 2009

M A G A Z I N E

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE

10 Sandi Toksvig | Comedienne by a Twist of Faith

DESIGN

14 Scan Design Guide Summer 2009 28 We Love This | Design that Matters 29 Danish fashion | Hits the web

SCAN TRAVEL 32 Gram Palace | Experience the Nature and History of Jutland First Hand

SCAN FOOD 34 Midsummer Magic | The Night when Magic Comes to Life

COLUMN 37 Is it Just Me | Mette Lisby on Babies

SCAN BUSINESS 14 BUSINESS FEATURES 38 40 42 44

Northern Bank | Danske Bank’s New Ambition Bridgehead | Giving New Companies a Fair Chance Forex | Money for Sale Stolt-Nielsen | Keeping a Steady Course

REGULARS

46 47 48 50 52 53

SCAN NEWS 56 How did they do it? | Scan Magazine Hits One! 58 Scandinavian Newsflash

CULTURE 63 Scandinavian Music | Latest from the Scandinavian Music Scene 65 Culture Calendar | Your Scandinavian Cultural Events

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 3

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, We have just entered the first summer month and as we all know this has many connotations. On the bright side we have beach trips, flowery parks and bank holidays, but with them also follow sunburned noses, hay-fever and increased credit-card bills. Just as it is with summer so it is with anniversaries; they are always enjoyable but also bring something else with them like the need to revise, improve and take up more responsibility. At Scan Magazine we have done exactly that and as we celebrate our one-year birthday, it is my pleasure, as the magazine’s new editor, to present to you what we believe to be one of the best editions yet. We hope you will agree with us as soon as you open the magazine to read the funny, yet thoughtful, interview with Danish Comedienne Sandi Toksvig, a well-know personality on British TV. Further into the magazine you will see that we have chosen to dedicate a major part of this anniversary issue to one of the Scandinavian’s biggest passions: design. In a 12 page special our award-winning design writer Barbara Chandler gives you a comprehensive guide to Scandinavian design: a must-read for all design enthusiasts. But we have, of course, not forgotten the many other thriving parts of Scandinavian business here in the UK. Since the Vikings, we Scandinavians have been famous for our skills on the sea. The

business profile of the Norwegian, family-owned shipping company Stolt-Nielsen on page 44 proves that we still have them. On the business pages you can also find out why new entrepreneurs should seek the help of Danish founded Bridgehead and how the Swedish exchange business FOREX is doing as a newcomer on the UK market. Of course we also have contributions from all our valued columnists, who have stayed faithfully with us through the year, and here diversity is the key. On page 37 you can have a good laugh with Mette Lisby, who struggles to find the right superlatives for newborn babies, while Bronte Blomhoj reveals the secret of making your own cured salmon. It has to do with digging, but if you want to know more, you will have to turn to page 34. Last, of course, not even Scan Magazine’s anniversary edition can avoid taking notice of the MP’s expense scandal, on which you can find a humorous twist in Malcolm’s column at the back of the magazine. Luckily, he can tell us that they are not all bad, which we choose to believe because on birthdays everyone should have the benefit of the doubt. I hope you enjoy the issue and look forward to another year in company with you and Scan Magazine.

Signe Hansen Editor

Scan Magazine Issue 9 | June 2009

Copy-editor Mark Rogers

Sales Director Ture Damtoft

Published 08.06.2009 ISSN 1757-9589

Contributors Barbara Chandler Ian Welsh Bronte Blomhoj Rikke Bruntse-Dahl Emelie Krugly Mette Lisby Malcolm Campbell Helena Whitmore Karl Batterbee

Marketing Manager Helene Oxfeldt Lauridsen

Published by Scan Magazine Limited Design & Print Liquid Graphic Limited Executive Editor Thomas Winther Editor Signe Hansen Art Direction Mads E. Petersen

4 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Cover Photo PA Photos

Advertising marketing@scanmagazine.co.uk To receive our newsletter send an email to news@scanmagazine.co.uk To Subscribe subscription@scanmagazine.co.uk Next issue 6 July 2009

Photos Yiannis Katsaris

SCAN M A G A Z I N E Scan Magazine Limited 53A Clapham High Street London SW4 7TG Phone 0870 933 0423 info@scanmagazine.co.uk www.scanmagazine.co.uk All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Magazine Ltd.

Välj. Or choose as you say in English. It’s one word you’ll hear often when you fly with us. That’s because we offer more options than any other airline when it comes to flying to Scandinavia and Finland. You can choose from more destinations, more flights and more classes of travel. So choose wisely and fly SAS.

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Copenhagen Stockholm Oslo Helsinki Gothenburg Bergen Stavanger flysas.co.uk All example fares from London Heathrow one-way including taxes, correct at time of printing and subject to availability.

Scan Magazine | Contributors

Contributors Barbara Chandler has worked as a specialist writer on interiors and decoration for over 30 years, contributing to many leading UK and European publications. She has also written several books and was awarded Journalist of the Year by the National Home Improvement office in 2007.

Rikke Bruntse-Dahl. Being a greenie at 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.

Signe Hansen (Editor) has an MA in Journalism and has been working as a freelance reporter in London. She is now the editor of Scan Magazine. Having previously worked with television, radio, web and local news, the good story is always her priority.

Emelie Krugly has worked on a number of Swedish newspapers. After travelling extensively, she is now based in London and is responsible for Scan's news section. She can be contacted any time regarding an event or story: emelie@scanmagazine.co.uk

Ian Welsh is a UKbased independent writer and editor with nearly 15 years experience in business publishing. With a background in corporate communications, Ian now specialises in corporate responsibility and supply chain issues.

Mette Lisby is Denmark’s leading female comedian. She invites you to laugh along with her monthly humour columns. Since her stand-up debut in 1992, Mette has hosted the Danish versions of “Have I Got News For You” and “Room 101”. Mette currently lives in London.

Bronte Blomhoj runs Scandi Kitchen in London, a Scandinavian deli/cafe. Bronte, who has studied in Edinburgh and has a background in investment banking, has lived in London for 7 years. She writes Scan Magazine’s monthly food column.

6 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Malcolm Campbell began his career in Research, moving after some years into the Human Resource function. In 1991 he was invited to found an Executive Search Company as a joint venture with a major firm of

Actuaries. The business is now independent, being owned by Malcolm. Malcolm writes a regular column for Scan Magazine. Helena Whitmore is director of tax at McGuireWoods London LLP based in London. She has been with the firm since 1990, and has been an associate of the Chartered Institute since 2002. She writes regularly for Scan magazine with good advice on personal and corporate tax issues. Karl Batterbee is devoted to Scandinavian music and knows exactly what is coming up in the UK. Apart from writing a monthly music update for Scan Magazine Karl has also started the Scandipop Club Night and its corresponding website: www.scandipop.co.uk Thomas Winther (Executive Editor). Originally from Denmark, Thomas has a background in Economic consultancy. He is now on a personal mission to take Brand Scandinavia to new heights. Thomas lives in Blackheath with his much better half and 8 month old son.

C O R R E N T RO E N Corren Troen is an English law firm, based in London, with a special knowledge of the AngloNordic market, and an extensive international network of like-minded professionals. We combine the experience and qualities of a top city law firm with the time, and attention to detail of a family office. We provide advice to many English and Nordic families, attending to all their private and business needs across generations Our law firm is built on 4 main areas of expertise:

• CT Wealth Management • CT Corporate and Commercial • CT Commercial Property • CT Credit Crunch

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Elizabeth Kristensen t: +44 (0)207 592 8938 ek@correntroen.com

Scan Magazine | Letters of The Month

Dear Scan Magazine... Letters of the Month We receive many lovely letters from our readers. As we’re fond of saying, your feedback helps to make all of the time and effort worthwhile. We’ve decided to select a few Letters of the Month – letters that for whatever reason tickled our fancy.

Dear Editors, We are a Swedish theatre company named Scandimaniacs. I (Emil Lager) and Sara Lewerth met in Paris at the Jacques Lecoq international theatre school in 2005. We developed a cabaret show in French and had a successful residency at the Chat Noir before we took the show on tour to Sweden, Barcelona, back to Paris and now in London. Our show is a fresh take on Cabaret mixed with absurd humour and diverse musical influences. We represent new Swedish theatre! We would love to tell you more about this project and get given the opportunity to reach out to Scandinavian people in the UK, as well as British people (the sense of humour is very similar!). Kind Regards, Emil Lager and Sara Lewerth

Dear Emil and Sarah I have been told that this is quite a wonderful show and that it will make you laugh until you cry. I therefore warmly recommend our readers to go and experience some Scandinavian humour at its best. It’s not only our design and business entrepreneurship which are successful exports! You can read the full report on Scandimaniacs in our news section. All the best, Thomas

Letters may be edited. Letters are only published with the consent of the sender. Write to thomas@scanmagazine.co.uk

8 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Dear Editors, I would like to introduce to you NICE-Festival. NICE (Nordic Intercultural Creative Events) is a combined arts festival celebrating Nordic arts and culture. It will take place 19 November- 3 December 2009. Our primary focus is to showcase contemporary Nordic arts and culture within the North West region. NICE provides a platform for linking arts, business and educational institutions in the North West and the Nordic states (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland). NICE works closely with all the Nordic Embassies and the respective Institutes, Tourist Boards and Chambers of Commerce to attract and enhance business opportunities through cultural initiatives. Some of the highlights of this year’s festival are ‘Scandimania’ taking place at the oldest Art Centre in the UK, The Bluecoat Liverpool, where Nordic Literature-Music-Food will be introduced to the public in the surroundings of Nordic Design. Nordic Films – Short Films – Documentaries will be at FACT Liverpool and Novas CUC. BBC Radio will play hits with Radio Helsinki, Nordic Circus will be performing and an Icelandic Children’s play will be performed at the Unity Theatre Liverpool. H2Dance, a NorwegianSwedish dance group will celebrate their 10th anniversary at the Festival, and Nordic Composers will be celebrated at the Lady Lever Gallery. Various Nordic Music events will also take place at different venues in the North West. We also welcome any ideas for submissions for both this year and 2010, and most definitely welcome visitors to our Festival. Hope to see you there, Best wishes, Ingi Thor Jonsson

Dear Ingi, It’s all a bit “Scandimaniac” at the moment I think! Good luck with this exciting event. You can be sure that we will cover this in Scan in more depth nearer the time and I am glad we have now featured this little taster. Kind Regards, Signe

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*Source: According to a survey done by EPSI Rating in 2009, customer satisfaction with Handelsbanken is significantly higher than the industry average.

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sandi Toksvig

Sandi Toksvig – Comedienne by a twist of faith By Bronte Blomhoj I Photo: PA Photos

It’s hard to label Sandi Toksvig. Presenter of radio and TV, author of many books, comedienne, explorer across Africa in a canoe and round Britain in a boat: her CV stretches far and wide and reeks of someone who has taken life by the horns and enjoyed it to the full. As Scan Magazine meets the woman herself at Scandinavian Kitchen in Central London, though, it is more like meeting up with a pal and having a chit-chat about what it means to be an ex-pat Scandinavian: no hints of airs and graces at all. Sandi Toksvig was born in Copenhagen in 1958, right next door to the Carlsberg Brewery. One of three siblings, she’s the daughter of Claus Toksvig, the very well known Danish

10 | Issue 9 | June 2009

foreign correspondent for Danish Radio. “They could only afford one correspondent back then,” Sandi laughs, “so that’s why everyone still remembers him today – he covered any event outside Denmark for many years. They sent him to New York and he was stationed at the UN there – and the family moved with him.” Sandi’s affair with America wasn’t a long one, however: “Mostly because I didn’t like the rule that said you had to be at school every day, how boring is that?” she says with a smile. “But seriously, they’d ask you to read a book, like Catcher in the Rye, and I’d go home and read it that evening – not realising that they meant we were to read the same book for a whole year, finger under each line

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sandi Toksvig

“I’m only fifty, I might still go to law school...” Sandi Toksvig

and everything... it was boring.” Thus, after a few failed attempts at settling in America, Sandi was sent to boarding school in Britain and has stayed here ever since. “I could easily have applied to be a British citizen,” she says. “My grandparents and mother are British and I have lived here most of my life. But something in my core is so very Danish. I might live here, but I keep kind of telling myself that I’m not planning on staying, but until now, I just sort of have…” So, will she ever go back permanently? “My kids are at school here but I do see myself living on one of the small Danish islands one day, writing many more books.” Life in the spotlight Planning a career in the spotlight was never a conscious decision for Sandi. She read Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge, followed by Law, and won awards for outstanding intellectual achievements during her time at university. “I wanted to be a lawyer,” she says. So, was a route into comedy never planned? “Not at all. I was in a play at Cambridge, the director saw me and offered me a job for a year at the Playhouse. Someone else saw me there and offered me another job and here I am, thirty years later, still meaning to go to law school.” Asked if she’d take the same route again, given the chance, she says resolutely: “No. I’d become a human rights lawyer. There’s so much work to be done out there – it is silly to waste time only to do jokes.” Does she not think that humour builds bridges? “I hope so, or else it has all been a terrible waste,” she laughs, “but I’m only fifty, I might still go to law school...” One of few Sandi’s career has taken her from early days in comedy to presenting and co-presenting some of the biggest shows

in Britain, such as Have I got News for You and Whose Line is it Anyway. Since 2006, she’s been hosting the BBC Radio 4 topical News Quiz: “We still struggle finding female comedians for the News Quiz,” Sandi comments, “maybe because it requires them to take a stand and have an opinion as well.” Does she feel that there is still a lack of women in comedy today? “Absolutely. I had hoped that by now there’d be a flock of them behind me, knocking on the door, but I don’t see it. There are some women doing it out there, but most are not doing political material. Are women anxious about stating an opinion as well as making a joke? Men have never had a problem telling us what they think.” What about Scandinavia, then? Does she feel that the view about women’s equality in the Nordic countries is justified and that women have a better deal there? “I hope it is right, but it is hard to be sure as I don’t live there full time. What I do know is that there are different ways of approaching problems. Denmark has the lowest rate of infant mortality, Finland has only three kids under 14 locked up, where as Britain has hundreds. And in Norway, all the money from the oil, well, the government decided to give not to the next generation, but to the generation after that so they’ll be the only place not to have to worry about their pensions later on. I really like the idea of thinking about the generation after the next one.” Janteloven, Denmark and feeling Danish What about Janteloven*, has she ever encountered it in Denmark? “Yes, but I think it probably has its place in society in some ways. The only thing I worry about is if the arts sometimes suffer because of the lack of struggle in daily life. The arts tend to flourish in times of struggle – just look at all the great art that came out of Ireland during times of social and political struggle: you need a

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 11

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Sandi Toksvig

Sandi Toksvig has lived in London since she was a teenager but enjoys spending her holidays in Scandinavia. Photo: Debbie Toksvig.

government to make fun of to make good political theatre. Think about it: it’s really hard to make fun of Barack Obama because everyone thinks he’s a nice guy. If everyone in Scandinavia is happy and healthy, it could potentially be more difficult to produce great art. Actually, this is a really strange thing for a socialist to worry about...” she laughs. “I do hope it is not the case, though.”

come along to our summer house in Jutland for long breaks. We go there, we don’t have a phone, no TV, no internet. I’m still not really sure what we do all day: we swim, we read, we talk, stuff like that. They can run free and just be. I love going there – as soon as I step off the plane, my shoulders sink six inches and I can really breathe... It’s home.”

What keeps Sandi feeling Danish? “My father was so Danish, Danish to the core,” she smiles, “things like Danish Christmas, candles on the tree, the roast pork – all the tribal things that tie you to a country. The food is very important and I also suspect that what ties you to a country is something to do with attitude – things like work not being the core things in their lives: it’s about family, being together. That time you have with your family is more important than anything you might achieve in your career.” And what of her own family here? Do her children feel Danish? “They refer to themselves as half-Danish and

Sandi Toksvig is back on the News Quiz on BBC Radio 4 later this year.

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*’Janteloven’ is a concept written about by Norwegian/Danish writer Axel Sandemose about a fictional Danish small town. The ‘Laws of Jante’ describe the mentality of “don’t think you are better than us” and “don’t think you can teach us anything”, often referred to as being commonly used to preserve social stability and uniformity.

June 5-28 | Aarhus, Denmark

p International International sculpture e event vent in Aarhus Aarhus,, Denmar Denmarkk

p Sculptures from more than 10 nations represented

p Under Danish Ro Royal yal patronage

p More than 60 sculptures

p 1 hour dr drive ive from Billund or Aarhus inter international national air airport por t

p No entr entrance ance ffee ee

p First time in Europe

www.sculpturebythesea.dk www.sculpturebythesea.dk

A NL

Photo: Marimekko

I DF N YA ts WA Ligh R O n , N ther K m r R No Fro MA ws DEN hose e , N T UK EDEN Love SW ritain â&#x20AC;&#x201C;B

14 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

SCAN DESIGN GUIDE SUMMER 2009 By Barbara Chandler, Design Editor

Design and Scandinavia go hand in hand. Indeed much of what we view today as modern, from the mobile phone to self-assembly furniture, has come from those four creative countries in the North of Europe, which are so cool in every sense of the word.

century design success of the countries that are the bedrock of our magazine. So we initiated (a little ambitiously perhaps) our first overview of Scandinavian design in London and the UK today, and I have had much interest, and fun, writing it.

And in particular, here in Britain, from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;mid-century modernâ&#x20AC;? classics of the 50s and 60s to the Ikea revolution, Scandinavia has fuelled contemporary design. But, and here's the exciting bit, the fire is burning as brightly as ever.

Now for a little confession: I myself am not Scandinavian â&#x20AC;&#x201C; well, regular readers have probably guessed. But I am a Londoner, and am passionate about design, about which I have been a specialist writer in leading British papers and magazines for a very long time (which is why I know about the last century). I represent the British followers of Scan magazine, a growing readership who simply love Scandinavia, and in particular Scandinavian design. Which is roughly where we came in.

For a whole new design wave is surging out of 21st century Scandinavia. We saw it in January in the Stockholm Furniture Fair, and then this April at the famous international Furniture Fair in Milan, set out in stunning shows such as Danish Crafts and Swedish Love Stories. And we are seeing it now in our capital, where we are looking forward to a strong Scandinavian presence at the London Design Festival in September. Big brands are unveiling new design, materials and technology, and a crop of smaller enterprises (including some dynamic websites) are hard on their heels. From audio excellence and computer-generated lamps to wellworked wood and edgy glass, currently Scandinavia rocks. At the same time, advanced ideas are underpinned by a unique craft heritage and a sensitivity to nature and the environment. And, of course, those enduring contemporary classics retain their appeal.

It has been an honour, therefore, to be invited to write this guide, and truly thrilling to get an update on those I knew already, and an introduction to those I did not. It is an eclectic selection that even includes an interior designer and a florist: the Scandinavians really do do a lot of very different things rather well. And if you yourself have any business in the UK that is linked with Scandinavian design that we do not know about, do please tell us. Because this Scan Design Guide Summer 2009 is just the first in a regular series. So see you next time, and best wishes Barbara

Here at Scan Magazine we wanted to celebrate the 21st

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 15

Iittala

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

Glass Act the range, and fashionable graphic designer Klaus Haapeniemi is putting his charming folk-based patterns, with imagery of animals and trees, onto plates, mugs and cups-and-saucers. Iittala's endearing motto is "lasting design against throwawayism." So something from their wedding list service should last a lifetime. Iittala: 126 Regent Street, W1; 020 7287 5600; www.iittala.com

Swinging Sweden

Furniture at BoConcept is uniquely flexible ("bo" in Danish means "life" - or living, if you like). Ranges have a huge choice of components which can be combined into any number of individual pieces. Overall style is in the best traditions of Danish modern design, being simple, elegant, well-made and unlikely to date. Products include sofas, dining/coffee tables, chairs, beds and storage. A free interior design service includes home visits by appointment.

Design House Stockholm, on London's famously fashionable King's Road, Chelsea, brings a fresh new attitude to Swedish design, with its quirky motto of "fantasy and function." Thus useful everyday items such as furniture, tableware, vases and other home and fashion accessories get a modern touch of design magic. Newly arrived are Bjork rugs and interior cushions by Lena Bergstrom and Silver Light Candle holders by Magnus Lofgren. Don't miss the wonderful fabrics printed onto heavy cotton at a traditional Swedish mill.

BoConcept: 158 Tottenham Court Road, W1 and at 18 to 24 Westbourne Grove, W2. It is also in Harrods, SW1, and Selfridges, W1; 0845 605 0565; www.boconcept.co.uk

Design House Stockholm: 205 Kings Road, SW3; 020 7352 8403; Also in Selfridges Oxford Street (lower ground floor) 0207 318 377; www.designhousestockholm.com

Life-Enhancing

16 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Designhouse Stockholm

value because they are so difficult to produce. Find also contemporary ceramics and long-lasting, quality kitchenware. Iittala's glass factory was founded in Southern Finland in1881, in the little village that bears its name. It is best known for modernism, and the perfect pared-down shapes of Alvar Aalto, his wife Aino, and Kaj Franck (produced from the thirties onwards). More recently, however, Aleksi Perala has added stacking glasses in five rich colours to

BoConcept

Clearly visible from London's Regent Street is the stunning back wall "picture" of the Iittala glass shop. This "pixilated" design on closer inspection turns out to be a meticulous assembly of tea lights, called 'Kivis'. For Iittala is Finland's iconic brand for glass and ceramics, and this cool enclave of Scandinavian design is in markedly modernist contrast to the capital's imposing classical terraces outside. Shelves are filled with glass in a rainbow of colours, the red and purple colours commanding a higher

Bodum

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

Coffee, Anyone? Without BODUM many a London dinner party would maybe grind to a halt as it nears its end. Because the classic Chambord "press" is largely the capital's coffee-making method of choice. Ground coffee goes in the jug, hot water is poured on top, the coffee brews, then down goes a plunger. A filter catches the grounds as the coffee is poured. Rapid, quiet, effective and simple: "really, the best way to make coffee is to get out of the way as quickly as possible," says Jorgen Bodum, the Danish CEO, whose father founded the company in Copenhagen in 1944. Everybody knows this simple jug, but maybe not its history and robust design

details. The Chambord started as an Italian invention in the 1930s, and was subsequently perfected in France. The jug is actually made of a tough, light borosilicate glass which sits inside a well-engineered frame of chromeplated steel. A robust handle is in heatresistant Bakelite so it is never too hot to hold. A new model is double walled to keep the coffee hotter for longer. Bodum make a teapot as well, a beautiful glass one with a built-in filter to beat the Brits at their own game.

quality home accessories and gifts from Finland, Denmark and Sweden, all reflecting "our unique Scandinavian design heritage." Design treasures include the classic tableware of Kaj Frank, lighting by Louise Campbell and Verner Panton, glassware by Aino and Alvar Aalto, and, a recent arrival, patterned trays by Sandra Isaksson. Plus cosy felt slippers and blankets, quirky wall-stickers and wallpaper, and marvellous Moomin merchandise, starting with the famous

books by Tove Jansson. Many items are international design icons, but can be hard to track down in the UK. "More and more Brits are getting to know and love Scandinavian design," reports Anne. "It's because of its beautiful yet functional shapes and colours, and high quality. And we are always adding new designers and new products."

Cloudberry Living

Bodum has an on-line shop: www.bodum.com

Moomin Marvellous Cloudberry Living, a successful on-line boutique for Scandinavian design, is a happy collaboration between two enthusiastic Finnish women now living in Thames Valley. Anne (accent on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;eâ&#x20AC;?) Tiainen-Harris comes from "the middle of nowhere in freezing temperatures by the Russian border", whilst Sirpa Arovaara had a "fresh, warm and stylish home" in Helsinki. "But we share our Finnish roots and love for Scandinavian style." You can see this from their webwares, an exhilarating mix of high-

www.cloudberryliving.co.uk

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 17

Staffan Tolgard and RedThread

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

Sweden Entertains Japan Brought up in Stockholm, and trained here in London at the prestigious Inchbald School of Design, Staffan Tollgard, committed and charismatic, is rapidly making a name for himself in the world of interior design. Based in Notting Hill, in a dynamic studio in a modern complex built literally under the Westway, the Staffan Tollgard Design Group works closely together on a wide range of projects, offering a bespoke interior design to an exclusive international clientele. "Every client has a unique story. We use the language of design to tell it." Tollgard was billed recently as "one to watch" in a leading UK professional magazine. His residential and commercial projects tend to be at the high end of the market, yet his studio has a friendly atmosphere, and is not too grand for small commissions. A particular skill is product sourcing, and the

18 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Tollgard team has a passion for tracking down unusual materials, furniture, artefacts, and the original works of art that feature so effectively in many of their schemes. Tollgard has an interesting slant on style, seeing his own as a fusion between Scandinavia and Japan. "Scandinavian design effortlessly combines beauty and function," he says. "It's clean-lined and modernist, but also sensual." And Japan shares many similar qualities, he feels. "Our landscape is much the same, with tranquil trees and water, affecting everything we do. We both love order, and natural materials such as wood. It is as though our two countries have an unspoken affinity." Running alongside his interior design practice, Tollgard has a new venture with the intriguing name of RedThread (from the Swedish "RĂśd trĂĽd", the guiding principle of good design). Tollgard's business partner is

Richard Newling Ward, a successful hotel and restaurant owner, who has worked with Terence Conran, Raymond Blanc and other respected names. Together, they are offering "a holistic approach to hospitality design." This is a complete and cohesive service for hotels and restaurants. Obviously interior design is their forte. "But we also advise on branding, menu style, price point, location and even staff uniforms, anything relevant to our client's image and success." Despite the current financial climate, the hotel and restaurant industry is still active, taking advantage of the sudden availability of premium sites. "We are currently helping new clients with a range of services, from low budget make-overs to more ambitious full fit outs." Staffan Tolgard and RedThread: 020 7575 3185; www.tollgard.co.uk

Within4Walls

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

Light Years Ahead laser sintering, and 3D printing. This is hi-sci stuff where artifacts are "grown" all in one piece, layer by layer, in a tank of polymer by a computer-controlled laser. Janne's company Freedom of Creation (FOC), founded in Helsinki but now based in Amsterdam, excels in this technique. They produce a series of lamps and tables whose incredibly intricate sculptured patterns are truly designs of the 21st century. Within4Walls offer the best selection of these in the UK.

By contrast, Tom Rossau's lighting is entirely hand-made from delicate strips of birch veneer. He is based in Copenhagen. And Danish Søren Rose Kjær has created the marvellous Milk desk in a high gloss white lacquer to match your Mac. Advanced features include electronic height adjustment and – look! – no cables. Within4Walls: 019 2677 2217; www.within4Walls.co.uk

Bang & Olufsen

Within4Walls is an intriguing website for advanced design set up around four years ago by Dutch-born Claudia Langstone, herself a designer. Designers and products come from all over the world, with a significant number from Scandinavia. A prominent protege is Janne Kyttänen, born in Finland in 1974, who has pioneered an advanced way of making things, which, confusingly, has various names, including rapid prototyping,

A League of its Own When it comes to television and audio, Bang & Olufsen is in a league of its own, combining sleek Danish design with superb picture and sound quality. Their exclusive range includes televisions, audio systems, loudspeakers, telephones, and multimedia. Founded in 1925 in Struer, Denmark, the company employs over 2,550 people, and is justly famous all over the world. A unique feature is the stand-alone Bang & Olufsen stores, instantly recog-

nisable with their distinctive logo and cool interiors. Bang & Olufsen have around 1,200 outlets in more than 100 countries and around 65 per cent of these are "B1" stores selling exclusively the Bang & Olufsen product portfolio. There are 12 in the London area. Here specialist sales staff are devoted entirely to demonstrating the company's products, providing customers with the ultimate Bang & Olufsen experience. But Bang & Olufsen never rest on their

laurels, constantly updating their range to embrace the latest technology. For example, the already impressive BeoVision 7-40 LCD television now boasts an integrated Blu-ray player, 100 Hz picture quality and a DVB-HD module. For further details of the products or to find your nearest store to arrange your personal product demonstration, visit www.bang-olufsen.com

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 19

Linum

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

The Brand that Cares A quintessential Scandinavian brand is Linum, committed to the environment, and making high-quality textiles in lovely colours in natural cotton and linen. There are those beautiful Scandinavian blues, of course, plus soft greens, clear reds and masses of natural white and cream. Patterns range from fresh florals to classic ticking. Linum is a household word in Sweden, where it's been around for 40 years. But it only came seriously to the UK in 2003. This was thanks to an enterprising and imaginative Swedish girl, Sanna Hedman, here since 1988. "My son Oscar was born in 1997, and now I finally feel settled, and may well retire to Cornwall!"

This is a family business, which believes the best way to help people in poorer countries is to help them to help themselves. So textiles designed in Sweden are made by another family business in Tiripur in Southern India. "The very basis of Linum is the well-being of our workers and the protection of the environment," says Sanne. Fabrics by the metre, bed/table linen, cushions, rugs and so on sell in around 150 shops in Britain. Or visit their showroom in a listed building in Henley-on-Thames, relax, and choose quietly in peace.

upholstery and interior design. Other merchandise is intriguingly varied, from beautifully patterned birch wood trays to quirky crochet kits. New products arrive all the while, some from very small outfits, which make them extra special. Slojd, the Swedish Handcraft Association, sends over some very special items, such as patterned wrist-warmers and scarves, and traditional "ragg" socks in vibrant colours. Very popular are children's fab-

rics, furniture, blankets and toys. And Finnish hot water bottles are comfortingly versatile - with covers in cotton for spring and wool for winter (or even that British summer...) "Good design is simply a part of everyday life in Scandinavia," adds Pamela. "And please come back at Christmas - it's very special for us." Northlight Scandinavian Homestore: 36 High Street, Oxford OX1 4AN; 01865 248850; www.northlightdesign.co.uk (online store).

Northlight

Linum: 01491 571 880; www.linum.se

Scandi Fan "I've always loved everything about Scandinavian design," confides Pamela Spurling, who founded her company Northlight six years ago, selling mostly textiles from small Swedish companies. Things went so well that she now has a substantial shop in a Georgian building on Oxford High Street. Fabrics are still a speciality, including lovely linens still screen-printed in the old way in Sweden. Curtains and blinds can be expertly made to order, with a service also for

20 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Stressless

Ikea

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

Blue and Yellow

Ekornes of Norway is Scandinavia's biggest furniture manufacturer, selling in the UK under the Stressless brand. Actually, the name says it all, as their key design is their famously-relaxing reclining chair, which they pioneered over 35 years ago. It's a seemingly-simple mechanism: settle in, feet on footstool, lie back, and get correct neck and lumbar support in every position, thanks to a patented "glide" system that follows your slightest movement. Stressless chairs are made of fine materials to meticulous standards, with coverings of top quality leather in many colours, or of plain modern fabric. Stressless UK: 0800 652 0800 (UK); www.stressless.co.uk

No London guide to Scandinavian design would be complete without Ikea. I'll keep it brief because obviously you know them already. But just a little update: newly arrived is the latest special PS collection of cutting-edge design. And it's the best since the PS programme was launched in 1992, featuring exclusive design from some big-gun names. Four years ago Ikea opened their largest UK store at Edmonton in North London: now that's a good Ikea, along with the multi-million pound refits of their stores at Wembley and Croydon. Ikea Wembley: 255 North Circular Road, NW1; 0845 355 1141. Ikea Croydon: Valley Park, Purley Way, Croydon; 0845 355 1144. Ikea Edmonton: Glover Drive, N18; 0845 355 2255; or shop on line at www.ikea.co.uk

A Guarantee You Can Trust Unbelievable, isn't it, that a product should have a 25-year guarantee? But that’s what you get with a Hästens bed. And it's a guarantee you can trust, because Hästens is a family firm with an impeccable reputation, now in its fifth generation and purveyors to the Swedish Royal Court.

However, most customers, who range from your average professional to celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Simon Cowell and Donatella Versace, are buying not for longevity but for perfect sleep. Hästens, who have made beds in Sweden since 1852, are unfailingly committed to their goal of

creating "the world's most comfortable beds." They achieve it with a mix of natural materials - solid pine, horsehair, flax, pure new wool, and hand-tempered steel springs - all put together meticulously in a time-honoured way by hand. Besides the quality, comfort and guarantee, there's another distinctive Hästens feature. It's that expansive, delightful covering of large blue check, a statement trademark. This pattern is registered with the Swedish patent office – and who knew there are actually 20 other colours to choose from? Hästens West End: 99 Crawford Street, London, W1, 020 7723 2925. Hästens King’s Road: 579-581 King’s Road, London, SW6: 020 7384 2020. Hästens Surrey: Auckland House, New Zealand Avenue, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 1PL, 01932 260 034. www.hastenswestend.com

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 21

Hästens

Lie Back and Enjoy It

Wharfside

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

A Very Special Quality Danish modern furniture has an enduring appeal, and it fills the huge showrooms of Wharfside, which has been in business for over 40 years. Director Jonathan Stewart, son of the original founder, believes he knows why his furniture has been so consistently in demand: "It's got this very special quality," he said. "The style is markedly modern yet it's not going to date. There's also the high quality materials and construction, and the superior finish." Indeed, Danish furniture has had a reputation for advanced design for nearly 100 years, Jonathan adds. In the 1920s, manufacturers and architects worked together to create a new Danish furniture aesthetic. It spawned many innovative manufacturing techniques, including steamed bent wood, bent tubular metal, and a widespread use of glass, metal and upholstery. "Since then, Danish furniture has consistently excelled in design and quality."

22 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Stock at Wharfside includes dining tables and chairs, sideboards, upholstery, sofas, coffee tables, recliners, wall units and bookcases, and furniture for bedrooms. Wharfside can also kit out the home office. Most of these products are in wood or upholstery. Timber is sustainable, and the company uses only natural glue and wooden hinges, and has eliminated the use of metal, particularly from its bedroom furniture. This friendly company is still very much a family business. Jonathan's grandfather was an apprentice cabinet maker in Hackney in London's East End in the very early 1900s. He taught Jonathan's father everything he knew, then apprenticed him to an upholsterer in Shoreditch in the 1930s. Mr Stewart senior started his own upholstery company after he was demobbed from the army in 1946. In 1965, the showroom arrived at its present site in Buttesland Street, N1. The company

also has a showroom in Leatherhead "I am proud to continue in so fine a tradition," remarks Jonathan. "Factories we work with still exercise the same time-honoured craft skills they had way back when. The result is furniture you can be proud to own, made to order just for you." Many of the staff at Wharfside also still have the old skills they learned from their own fathers, such as polishing, cabinet making and upholstery. "I take delight in using these craft workers to adapt, re-model or repair furniture for customers," Jonathan says. He has had many callers at the showroom tell him about the furniture they bought from his father back in the 1960s. Apparently, it is still in daily use and looks as good as when they took delivery over 45 years ago. Wharfside: 66 Buttesland Street, London N1 6BY; 020 7253 3206; www.wharfside.co.uk

Tivoli lamps Poul Henningsen: Tivoli lamps, 1949. A total of 100 pieces were produced. These are now to be sold one by one on weekly basis through 2009 at the online auctions of Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers. Estimate: DKK 8,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12,000.

Poul Henningsen

Tivoli in Copenhagen

The world-renowned Danish architect and light-maker Poul Henningsen (1894-1967) served as architect for the Tivoli Gardens in the 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and the results of his work include the Tivoli lamps that for almost six decades illuminated the famous garden. When you buy a Tivoli lamp, you acquire more than a piece of cultural history, you become the owner of an extremely rare lamp that is bound to grace any garden, patio or entrance hall with its unique idiom and soft, antidazzle light. It is truly Danish cultural history that comes under the hammer, as the more than 60 years old and highly illustrious Copenhagen auction house of Bruun Rasmussen presents 100 of these original spiral-shaped Tivoli lamps. Please visit bruun-rasmussen.dk for further information.

Bredgade 33 DK-1260 Copenhagen K Tel +45 8818 1111 www.bruun-rasmussen.dk

Scandi Living

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

At the Click of a Mouse Swedish Linda Swarbrick is married to an Englishman and has lived in the UK for 12 years. But when she was made redundant from her job in the City, and fell pregnant round about the same time, it was the impetus to start her own business. Thus Scandi Living was launched in January 2007 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and her daughter Thea is now three years old. Linda has always loved the fresh clean look of Scandinavian interiors, and had secret dreams of running her own shop. A website was ideal, because it could be combined with baby care. "We're an online boutique selling high quality, stylish and trendy Scandinavian home interiors," says Linda. "We sell everything from table linen and soft furnishing to glassware, lighting and wallpaper." A lively portfolio of brands includes Linum, Kosta Boda, Orrefors, Normann Copenhagen and Ferm Living, but new ones arrive the whole time, the latest being Pappelina from Sweden. Linda is launching a wedding gift service shortly, and will soon add furniture to her site. Scandi Living can take orders by phone, and discuss special colours, sizes and so on. Deliveries are usually between one to two days. "We offer a relaxing, enjoyable and secure shopping experience."

Vrogum

Scandi Living: 01428 681474; www.scandiliving.com

A Breath of Fresh Air With eco- and environmental-issues right at the top of the current building agenda, architects and home-owners alike are seeking good quality windows with high insulation values. And increasingly popular on the UK market is Vrogum, founded in Denmark in 1957, and makers of high-performance windows and doors, using north Scandinavian pine, oak and aluminiumclad wood. Indeed Vrogum has a strong following in Britain: exports to the UK account for around 25 per cent of total turnover. "It is the high quality of our products that appeals to the British," says John JĂ¸rgensen of Vrogum. "We stand up very well to comparisons with other Scandinavian and UK manufacturers.

24 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Yet we are not the most expensive windows on the market, so we offer good value for money." Vrogum make more or less everything for the outside of a building, in a host of colours, sizes and designs, including all types of window (casements, sash and so on), and French, patio, sliding, folding and stable doors. The new Vrogum Glaslux window, with its beautiful and innovative design, meets high technical and aesthetic demands. It has a long life span, and extremely high insulation values, whether for wind, water, weather or sound. It also scores highly for security features. Vrogum: +45 76541111 to locate your nearest UK dealer; www.vrogum.dk

Photo: Magnus Arrevad

I Hear What You Say Designer Kari Hoseth Peters has a keen eye â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a sympathetic ear. Interior design is first of all about listening, says Kari Hoseth Peters, who has been a designer for around 20 years. "At the outset, clients may not even know what they want, and you have to arrive at the ideas together," she adds. Talking with Kari, you realise that she does indeed have a natural empathy with people, which obviously stands her in good stead, as she is always busy, with most jobs coming on recommendation. Her clients become friends, and their projects ongoing, as they come back time and again for more help and advice. Kari was born and brought up in Norway, and first came to the UK as an au pair. She always loved design, but "when I was younger, my sense of adventure took priority." So she worked as a stew-

ardess/purser for Pan Am ("a little unusual for a Norwegian girl") and at the same time did a correspondence course in interior design at Berkeley University. Later, finding herself once more in the UK, she qualified at the City and Guilds Institute, and then was invited to set up an interior design service/showroom for a distinguished oriental carpet and flooring specialist where she lives, in Kent. Last summer, she took over the interior design side of the business, which became her own entirely. Now she can offer a complete interior design service, based on some formidable experience. A recent client was the former owner of Costcutter supermarkets, with a huge detached property. On the contract side, Kari has worked for The Royal Society and The Wellcome Trust. And for Lehman Brothers: she is still wondering where all her blinds went to... She has a wonderful lo-

cal workforce from ace curtain-makers to first-rate decorators and carpenters. "A scheme is only as good as the people that implement it." She can also provide flooring, including bespoke carpets. Some people say Kari's home has "a touch of Scandinavia." But at work she feels her style is classic. British Victorian interiors are an inspiration, and Kari adores trimmings. A sophisticated international touch comes from traveling to and living in so many different countries. "And I do love mixing old and new." Kari is constantly out and about, visiting the design showrooms of Chelsea Harbour, the latest trade shows, big antique fairs and local dealers. "It's a job you do with your feet, as much as your eye and your mind." Kari Hoseth Peters Interior Design: 01732 700427; 07788 664320; hosethpeters@btinternet.com

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 25

Kari Hoseth Peters Interior Design

Photo: Magnus Arrevad

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

Marimekko

Skandium

Scan Magazine | Design | Scan Design guide Summer 2009

Great classics, plusâ&#x20AC;Ś Bags for summer! For lovers of Scandinavia, Marimekko means fabrics. That sounds simple, but the textile archive of this famous Finnish brand is rich and complex. It ranges from the early stylised flowers of founder Maija Isola (still best sellers) to stunning graphics from the new textile avant garde, sold by the metre, or as panels, and on cushions, tableware, linens and so on. Oh, and this is absolutely the 2009 place to buy a summer bag.

Skandium: 85/86 Marylebone High Street, W1; 020 7935 2077; also at 247 Brompton Road, SW3; 020 7584 2066; www.skandium.com

Floral Symphonies

Marimekko: 16/17A St Christopher's Place, W1; 020 7224 0818; www.marimekko.co.uk

Skandium is London's first port of call for Scandinavian design. The two shops stock all the great classics by Wegner, Jacobsen, Aalto et al, and have introduced them to a new generation. Plus textiles treasures by Marimekko, Jobs Handtryck and Woodnotes. Then there are the smaller items by Eva Solo and Normann Copenhagen and tableware and glass by Rosendahl, Iittala and Royal Copenhagen; plus gifts, children's books and toys.

A Gift From Mother Nature Royal Florist Nichlas Vilsmark sees all flowers as a "gift from mother nature", and this successful florist from Denmark now has his own distinctive London Floral Symphonies studio. The capital loves his beautiful, fresh and above all naturalistic bouquets, garlands and so on, backed by an impeccable environmental policy. Nichlas personally chooses the most ravishing blooms in season and oversees arrangements for

26 | Issue 9 | June 2009

gifts, homes, offices and, of course, weddings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he was the Head Florist at the floral extravaganza for the Royal Wedding of the Danish Crown Prince in Copenhagen Cathedral in 2004. For more details, call 020 8964 1168 (studio) or 0844 561 7670 (customer service) or visit www.floralsymphonies.co.uk

THE

KNIGHTSBRIDGE GREEN HOTEL Lobby

Originally built in 1890, The Knightsbridge Green Hotel is centrally located in the heart of London’s fashionable Knightsbridge shopping district between Harrods and Harvey Nichols, within easy reach of all that the city has to offer. We are moments away from excellent transport links, making us the ideal base for your time in London. Perfect for business, pleasure, shopping and sight seeing.

All rooms and suites are spacious with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and wireless broadband free of charge, offering you a comfortable stay in style. We look forward to meeting you. Special price £99.00 + VAT in superior room. Please quote Scan when booking. Valid until the 31.12.2009* *(With exception of 19-23/5 and 9-11/11 2009. Subject to availability.)

+44 207584 6274 NBS Windows Ad:Layout 1

Superior

Suite

www.thekghotel.com 2/2/09

11:35

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Scandinavian Timber / Timber - Aluminium Composite Windows and Doors

For those who demand quality and design • Casement windows • Tilt and turn windows • Sliding sash windows • Entrance doors • Patio doors • French doors • Sliding doors • Folding doors

Tel/fax: 01376 585533 Email: enquiries@nbswindows.co.uk www.nbswindows.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this... There is so much hot stuff that we would like to show you. In fact we love this!

Love or Nothing The name says it all. Love or Nothing is a swimwear brand for women who truly know what they want and have a strong fashion image, but don’t take it too seriously – much like the brand creator herself, Danish Eva Nabi. The swimwear comes in many different styles and colours. From £169 to £239. www.loveornothing.com

Laughlin Designs – A Good Night’s Sleep Luxury, elegance and a good night’s sleep are at the heart of American Sandra Laughlin’s business, Laughlin Designs, which sells first class linen for the bed, bath and table. Most Scandinavians are fans of good quality, especially when it comes to our duvets and bed linen because we know the pleasure of snuggling down in a soft, welcoming bed on one of those cold Nordic nights. Luckily we are not the only ones. From a log house in Kentucky, USA, Sandra Laughlin, another quality and comfort fan, has turned her passion for linen into a world spanning internet business: Laughlin Designs. The products on her website, which is very appropriately called www.snuggledown.com, cover everything from tablecloths to duvets, or as they fittingly call them in America: comforters. But the bottom-line is always the same. “The fabric is always the most important thing, but I also look for products

28 | Issue 9 | June 2009

with delightful colours and designs,” Laughlin says. “The bed should be really inviting and once you are snuggled in you should be happy to be there. I want it to be a visual experience as well as a cosy and comforting one.” Among the different materials used for the products are high quality down, hypoallergenic down, Egyptian cotton, organic cotton, cashmere and silk. Laughlin Designs was established 14 years ago when Laughlin started selling quality linens from her home, then located in California. “I have always loved luxurious sheets. My mother-in-law had the most wonderful sheets, they just got softer and better over time,” she says. Through one of her friends Laughlin made contact with some of the companies producing the high quality linen and started purchasing and selling them herself. Since then, the high quality products have been enjoyed by both men and women from all over the world, who or-

der from her website. “They always come back,” Laughlin says, and continues to reveal that there are even some royals among her regular customers, although she will not reveal whom; our guess is that they are the ones who always miss the ceremonies because they get out of bed too late! For more details visit: www.snuggledown.com

Danish fashion hits the web By Barbara Chandler

Sofie Theresa Lysgaard, self-confessed “trendsetter and globetrotter”, is a girl with a mission at only 26. “I just want to get Danish fashion out there,” she says, “and to make sure that no-one can miss it ever again.” Fashion? Denmark? Really? Yes, really. And people like me, and possibly you, who thought that fashion and Denmark was a contradiction in terms are possibly not very fashionable themselves. Because Sofie and her international team have assembled an elite corps of exclusive Danish fashion brands, and put them onto a sexy new website, which went live in March. It operates within Scandinavia of course, but is also bringing Danish fashion to the UK and beyond. Selling on line are exclusive and unique clothing, jewellery and accessories. Sofie believes everyone is an individual who wants to stand out from the crowd, “so our site lets you put together a style which is well and truly your very own.” Brands featured include Bllack Noir, Rikkemai,

Noir, Hanne Bloch and Day Birger et Mikkelsen. There is also exquisite jewellery from Marlene Juhl Jørgensen. “As you can see, we are only selling the very best,” says Sofie. This ebullient young woman is based in Herning in Denmark, where she lives with her partner Daniel, a professional ice-hockey player who is on the national team. They are expecting their first child in August: “we can't wait to meet the little miracle.” Previously Sofie spent four years in international shipping, and lived variously in France, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Sweden. But there was no single internet site that let her keep up with Danish fashion, and its contemporary brands. “The world needed a one-stop shop for Danish fashion and that's why I've started Danish Bazar only for the hottest and most original brands. Every single item is very special, and some are very hard to come by anywhere else.” Danish Bazar: +45 51 15 20 62; www.danishbazar.com

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 29

Scan Magazine | Design | Advertorial

EXPEDIT TV storage unit

106

ÂŁ

.68*

LACK side tables/each

ÂŁ .82* *Prices valid until 27th July 2009

30 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Scan Magazine | Design | Advertorial

Wood is good! By IKEA

Wood is one of the most important raw materials for IKEA. It is an excellent material from a quality and environmental perspective, as long as it is legally produced and comes from responsibly managed forests.

towards using as many renewable and recyclable materials as possible in our products.

IKEA does not except wood that is illegally logged or that comes from intact natural forests. Our long term goal is to source all wood for IKEA products from forests certified as responsibly managed. We have our own forest specialists who work in the field, close to both suppliers and forests. We have developed a code of conduct for our suppliers called ‘IWAY’ - the IKEA Way on Purchasing Home Furnishing Products. This code of conduct puts minimum requirements on suppliers including the sourcing of the wood. We have also initiated several forestry projects working together with organisations specialising in forestry management, conservation and education including WWF, The Rainforest Alliance, State Forestry Administration of China, World Resources Institute/Global Forest Watch, The Sow a Seed Foundation, and the Swedish Agricultural University. IKEA believes in using the fewest resources to make the best possible products, without having a negative impact on their appearance or functionality. When we use wood, the principle is always to make as much use of the material as possible to get the best return from the whole tree. This means that along with using wood sourced from sustainable sources, we are also clever in how we use the raw material itself. In addition IKEA is working proactively

The LACK and EXPEDIT range at IKEA uses a production technique known as ‘board on frame’. Board on frame is a lightweight sandwich construction consisting of a particle board frame with a recycled cardboard honeycomb structure in its centre and thin hardboard surfaces. Using this process, we have created entire ranges of furniture such as LACK and EXPEDIT. They require a minimum amount of raw material and every transport load can be maximised because the products are flat packed and light weight. Economising on resources is part and parcel of the IKEA approach to product development. Working with new production techniques helps us not only use less raw materials, meaning less trees from forests, but it also means we minimise the costs involved in the production of our products.

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 31

Scan Magazine | Travel | Gram Palace

Gram Palace seen from the park.

Top: The ballot box from 1920, Bottom: Gram Palace’s park.

Gram Palace – Experience the nature and history of Jutland first hand By Signe Hansen | Photos: Gram Palace

Built in the 14th century Gram Palace (Gram Slot) offers a unique insight into the history and culture of South Jutland. In its beautiful setting, it creates a unique location for a holiday where organic farming, nature and luxury all go hand-in-hand. Spending your holiday at an original 14th century palace may sound like something you would only dream about, but actually it does not have to stay at that. In Denmark’s scenic South Jutland, Gram Palace, one of the only palaces to have survived in the region, invites you to take part in its historic and yet modern everyday palace life. The castle and its residents The main building of the red-bricked palace is beautifully placed in the middle of the palace lake, south of which the big palace garden is spread out and continued by a natural

32 | Issue 9 | June 2009

grove. The palace consists of three wings, one of which is the home of the castle’s owners Svend and Sanne Brodersen and their four kids. The other two wings, which have four ballrooms, each with room for about 70 persons, are used for conferences, weddings and much more. “We have various kinds of activities here at the palace: conferences, parties, concerts and talks. We always have some kind of event going on and that, too, makes it a unique place to live,” explains Svend Brodersen. On the other side of the lake is the main building of the palace’s estate which has been completely restored and converted into four very exclusive holiday apartments, all with a direct view of the lake and castle. When staying in one of the four 130-150m2 apartments, you will be welcomed by one of the castle’s owners or employees who will give a historic tour around the palace and its grounds,

Scan Magazine | Travel | Gram Palace

ending with a glass of wine in the wine cellar. “Gram Palace is unique in this part of the country because the rest disappeared back in 1500. This means that Gram Palace has a very special position in the area and communicating its history, nature and culture is something we put a lot of effort into. We want to vitalise all the qualities around here,” says Svend Brodersen.

The apartments are often shared by two or more couples or by families who come to give themselves and their children a special experience. “A lot of people appreciate it when they look through their windows and see their children just outside in the garden with a fishing rod having a great time,” says Brodersen. Organic farming and sustainability

All of the apartments have their own kitchen, 3-4 bedrooms and, of course, their own spa; they can be rented on a weekly or daily basis. Experiencing the area Living at the castle not only gives you the possibility to relax and dream yourself back in time, it also gives you an opportunity to explore the different attractions of today’s Jutland. Within a short driving distance you will find the North Sea with its white, dune-covered sand beaches; small town city-life; and not least Denmark’s famous Legoland. However just a short walk provides you with different options; the palace is just on the border of the beautiful village, Gram, in which you can enjoy activities like a trip to the local cinema or bowling centre. The area also has its own inn “The Old Inn” (Den Gamle Kro), located just a hundred metres from the estate, where a wide variety of traditional inn dishes are served. For those who want to stay in their historic countryside bobble and just enjoy the palace, its history and nature offers a rich opportunity to do so. “We have some of Denmark’s best potential for fishing in the palace lake and close surroundings. Many also come to hunt in the area. They live at the palace and go hunting in the morning and evening,” Brodersen explains.

The most unusual thing about Gram Palace is maybe that it does not just give you a stay at a historic palace but also a view into the buzzing life of a modern, organic farm. The farm, which is partly situated on the palace grounds, is run by the Brodersen couple and their 20 employees. “It is a very alive business where we have plenty of animals: cows and calves which you can experience at close hand. A lot of people really value that they can get inside the farm and they can even help milk or feed the cows in the morning,” Brodersen says. Most of the farm is organically run and the palace also has a hydroelectric power station. The history of the dam, which is used for the power station today, is believed to go as far back as 1554. Back then, the first dam at the location was used to power water mills, as it is today for the power station, something which shows how modern day life and history exist side by side at the palace. “If you want an unforgettable, all-round experience where a lot of things supplement each other like the tours that we make for our guests, the house you live in, the area and the garden you can pick your vegetables in, you will love Gram Palace,” says Brodersen. “It is the complete experience where history, quality, cultural heritage, organic farming and sustainability go hand in hand!”

Many events and parties take place at Gram Palace throughout the year.

Apartments are priced from 4,785 DKK to 8,750 DKK per week (Approximately £562-£1029) For more information: 0045 74 82 00 40; www.gramslot.dk

Photo: Pekka Luukkola

Scan Magazine | Food | Midsummer Magic

34 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Scan Magazine | Food | Midsummer Magic

MIDSUMMER MAGIC One of the most celebrated and treasured times of year in the Scandinavian calendar is Midsummer. All over the Nordics, each country celebrates the longest days of the year in its own special way, whether it’s jumping around a pole pretending to be a frog, burning witches at the stake or running around a rye field with your bum out. Back in the days of the Viking forefathers, the power of nature on 22nd June, the longest day of the year, was highly respected and was one of the most important days of the pagan calendar. Midsummer, also known as Summer Solstice, was the day and night where magic came to life and medicinal plants were at their most powerful.

By Bronte Blomhoj

evil spirits on the light night while during the 16th and 17th century witch hunts, St Hans also became the night when witches were burnt at the stake, sending them off to a place called Bloksberg in Germany to dance with the devil for all eternity. Today, straw figures depicting old witches are made to go on the fire, their bodies stuffed with fire crackers, as a remembrance of those times. Also in Finland, the tradition of bonfires is still going strong; the event used to be called Ukon juhla after the Finnish God Ukko, but after the Christianisation of the event it is now largely referred to as Juhannus (after St John). In Finland, many old rituals are rooted in Midsummer, for example running around a rye field naked, trying to ward off the Devil’s spirit.

Little frogs and evil witches Sweden’s celebration of Midsummer is probably one of the most prominent, the festival being only second in importance to Christmas time. The Swedish Midsummer has strong links to pagan fertility rituals, which explain the use of the Maypole (‘Majstång’), an old Northern European fertility symbol. People gather at large parties, feast and drink and then dance around the pole, pretending to be a little frog with no ears. Nobody really knows the origin of the tradition of jumping around like frogs, although after a few sips of aquavit, not many care and just join in.

Midsummer smorgasbord

In Denmark and Norway, Midsummer is usually referred to as St Hans (St John) and although Midsummer has been celebrated since the Vikings, its name stems from the times when Denmark and Norway were Christianised. Back in those days, people lit large bonfires to ward off

One of the nicest things you may encounter on the smorgasbord is the traditionally cured salmon, referred to as “Gravadlax” or “Gravlax” – cured in dill and served on its own or with soft bread and a lovely, tangy mustard and dill sauce. Gravadlax used to be cured by fishermen during

Despite regional variations of Midsummer celebrations across Scandinavia, one thing is certain no matter where you celebrate it: there’ll be food, drink and merry people. It is all about celebrating the gifts that Mother Nature brings. June is a fruitful month even in Scandinavia: the first new potatoes appear, the berries ripen and the Scandinavian smorgasbord, with all its regional variations, is at its absolute best (usually helped along by a few sips of traditional aquavit and a few cold, crisp bottles of beer).

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 35

Photo: Jesper Wanting

Scan Magazine | Food | Midsummer Magic

100ml water (this is optional, but helps the mixture to get in everywhere and we find this method works well) This is how you do it Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Rub half of the mixture into the fleshy side of the salmon and put the whole thing in a plastic bag and then pour the remaining mixture over it. Give it a good shake. Leave the bag in the fridge for a minimum of 2 days and make sure to turn it over at regular intervals (at least once a day).

the middle ages, who used to bury the fish above the high tide line. From there stems the name, “grav” literally meaning “grave”, to dig, and lax meaning salmon: Gravlax is basically buried salmon, although today no fermentation is used in the process and the “grav” refers to burying the fish in dill, sugar and salt. It’s a joy to eat and not that difficult to make. Serve your Gravadlax on a smorgasbord buffet full of summery dishes, from pickled herring to Scandinavian new potatoes tossed in dill or parsley butter. Don’t forget the meatballs, the dark rye or crisp bread and a good selection of cheeses, with perhaps a layer cake, made with deliciously succulent wild strawberries, to finish off the meal. To complete your Scandinavian smorgasbord and Midsummer event, we recommend sampling some nice Aquavit with some close friends and jump around a pole, pretending to be little frogs until the wee hours of the morning. Before you know it, you’ll be a convert and maybe even consider changing your name to Björn.

Recipe of the month: Dill Cured Salmon (Gravlax) – serves 15-20 people 1 side of salmon, bone-free (or for a super piece, use the central part only). App 1.2-1.5kg 250ml – 300ml sugar 125 – 150ml sea salt 2-3 bunches of dill 1-2 tablespoons freshly crushed white pepper

36 | Issue 9 | June 2009

When you can’t wait any longer, open the bag and take out the salmon. Discard the mixture and pat the fish dry with a paper towel, although make sure you go easy on whatever is remaining of the mixture on top of the fish as this both adds flavour and helps with the presentation. Cut the flesh off the skin and slice the fish very, very thinly. Serve with Hovmastarsas – a dill and mustard sauce (or with a light mustard/dill vinaigrette). Hovmastarsas (Dill and Mustard sauce) 2 tbs Swedish mustard (sweet mustard) 1 tbs dark Dijon mustard 3 tbs sugar Juice from ½ lemon 1 tbs red wine vinegar 1 tbs dark soy sauce ½ teaspoon freshly ground white pepper 1 tbs water 350ml rapeseed oil (substitute 50ml oil with water for a lighter version) 1-1.5 bunch of finely chopped dill Worchestershire sauce or Tabasco sauce (for the nonpurists) can be added to taste, but is optional. Whisk all ingredients except oil and dill together till the sugar has dissolved properly. Add the oil slowly – just as when making mayonnaise or aioli – while whisking. Use water to dilute if the sauce is too thick (should be the consistency of a creamy dressing).

Bronte Blomhoj is Danish and is part founder of Scandinavian Kitchen in London www.scandikitchen.co.uk, a nice place that stocks plenty of salmon, herring and all the things you need for Midsummer. Except little frogs, you need to pretend to be one of those yourself.

Scan Magazine | Column | Is it Just Me...

IS IT JUST ME... Who feels huge pressure when going to see other people’s babies for the first time? Last week I went to see one of my girlfriend’s newborn, and it wasn’t without a lot of nervous fidgeting and anxiety. You see, were I to follow my instincts I would look at any baby and go “Oh, he’s sweet” or “Blimey! He’s tiny” – and that’s just not good enough. Parents expect way more than that. Words like “Magnificent”, “Adorable” and “Beautiful” are what usually greet their baby’s bald head, so clearly “sweet” and “tiny” doesn’t really do it. I personally find that the baby in itself is a miracle and therefore I really don’t see the need for further superlatives. And to be honest, “beautiful” is just not the first word that hits me when I see a newborn. “Wrinkly” is often more correct.

By Mette Lisby I only once saw a truly beautiful baby and that got me into trouble as well. I coincidentally met an old acquaintance and his wife who proudly strutted along with a shining new pram and immediately I cringed, foreseeing the embarrassing silence that would occur when the parents introduced me to their newly born girl. Especially since this couple is genetically challenged with mutual protruding front teeth and alarmingly bristly ears. So I gave a short, fearful glance down into the pram and saw an unbelievably pretty baby girl. I had to look twice, before I, almost yelling, exclaimed “But… She’s … She’s beautiful” with way too obvious surprise. This is why last week, I had prepared myself carefully. I had specifically rehearsed the word “sweet” so as to give it a notch up, giving it a lot more positive ring, and all the warmth of a “beautiful”. Luckily my preparations were made redundant.

My friend was lying with her baby boy in her arms. When she saw me she erupted in a big, radiant smile and said: “Don’t worry. I know he’s ugly – but look… isn’t he just amazing?” Finally I could let out a sigh of relief, saying, relaxed and honest: “Yes. THAT he is”

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Northern Bank had a successful London launch at 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) in 2008.

Henrik Skriver, Head of Private Banking.

NORTHERN BANK – Danske Bank’s New Ambition By Signe Hansen | Photos: Northern Bank

Danske Bank Group has been present in the UK since 1983, and now, following the acquisition of Northern Ireland based Northern Bank in 2005, it is expanding further into the UK market by offering both private banking and corporate banking for small and medium UK businesses (SME) through the newly established London branch. Private Banking is headed by Danish Henrik Skriver and the SME team by local Ian Stockdale and together Northern Bank is now ready to spread its reach in London. The blue and white logo of Danske Bank is recognised everywhere in Scandinavia, and since last year it has also been more visible in the UK where Danske Bank Group has bought Northern Bank with its 95 branches in Northern Ireland. Northern Bank’s logo now carries the same characteristic colours as Danske Bank and the

38 | Issue 9 | June 2009

ambition is that the new addition to the Group will help make the logo familiar throughout the UK. Doing it the other way round The offices of Northern Bank’s newly opened Private Banking section in London are located at the same address in King William Street in the City as Danske Bank Group’s corporate banking and capital market teams. However, Northern Bank aims to bring some completely new business to the place. Henrik Skriver explains: “Up till now Danske Bank has only been taking care of Scandinavian corporate clients with activities in the UK market. Now we would in addition like to service UK based companies, especially those with Scandinavian interests.” Henrik himself has worked for Danske Bank for 18 years. Last year he came to London, leaving his position in Luxem-

Scan Business | Business Profile | Northern Bank

burg where the Danske Bank Group services Private Banking clients living in more than 100 countries. “I was brought in from Luxemburg to set up the new proposition here in London, as I knew the Group’s products and services,” says Henrik Skriver adding: “We now share many very wealthy clients with offshore accounts in Luxemburg, but the idea is that we would like to grow as a UK bank servicing wealthy individuals living in London regardless of their origin.” A special service for special clients Generally, Northern Bank’s private clients are high earners mostly working as CEOs or in the financial industry. These clients get a personalised service with allocated advisors in investment management, housing loans, funds, bonds, equities and tax optimising. Allocating personal advisors, who know the client’s circumstances, is part of the bank’s Private Banking approach, says Henrik Skriver. “But there are differences between the way banking is done here and in Scandinavia. Some of it lies in the regulation of the system, which seems to be much tougher in the UK. In Denmark you will have one adviser to deal with more areas, but here advisors must have authorisation to advise in each specific area and that sometimes makes things more complicated.” At the moment, the bank’s private client base is made up of British nationals and Scandinavians who will be familiar with the bank through their company and thereafter be invited to become a private client or who are already doing their banking activities with other parts of the Danske Bank Group . But the Nordic composition of the bank’s team is attractive for the non-domiciled, who can, says Henrik Skriver, benefit from the fact that their advisors are aware of their special status in the UK. “As an example we can help clients optimizing their pensions or savings via Danske Bank in Luxembourg by bringing that off-shore. We always take the tax-status of our clients into consideration; not all UK banks would do that automatically. We try to differentiate ourselves by thinking in line with our target clients.”

Group platform means that, if you have activities in other countries, you can make transfers cross borders without loss of value dates and without any cost. A lot of people living here still have activities in other countries and it is very easy and quick to do it online,” says Henrik Skriver. For clients of Danske Bank Group moving to the UK, Northern Bank can also spare them the often very troublesome credit check that have given UK banks a bad reputation among foreigners. “A lot of people complain that getting a bank account or a credit card in England is almost impossible. We will transfer people’s credit history and save them all the trouble,” says Henrik Skriver. But the aim is not only to grow the Scandinavian sector but also to use Northern Bank’s solid position on the UK market. “The idea is to grow both the Scandinavian team and our UK team to fully exploit the experience from both the Group and the local market.” The growth has, of course, been stalled a bit by the current economic climate, which has meant that some clients have lost jobs or wealth and thus cut down their banking activities. Although the timing may be a bit difficult, it is not enough to bring down the mood of Henrik Skriver. He is completely reassured that there will continue to be growth areas for the bank. “There are of course still people earning money and who need help managing their wealth, but they are now more cautious so we try to focus on low risk investments and tax optimizing. We are one of the few banks who still lend out money for purchase of both residential and investment properties here in London, so I believe that we have many areas to grow our business.” It may be a hard time to be testing new waters, but it seems that if anyone can survive in the current climate that test should confirm hope for even more success when the economic storm clears off. • •

A local and international platform

• •

Northern Bank’s clients also benefit from the Group’s setup in other ways, which are especially valuable to persons with cross-border interests or newcomers in the UK. One of the benefits is the Group’s IT platform. “The Danske Bank

•

• •

Northern Bank was established in Belfast in 1809 Northern Bank has over 1,800 employees In 2005 Northern Bank was acquired by Danske Bank Group Danske Bank is the largest Bank in Denmark Danske Bank is the only Danish Bank doing private and personal banking in the UK Danske Bank Group employs about 23,000 staff worldwide. Danske Bank was established in 1871

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 39

BRIDGEHEAD Giving new companies a fair chance By Signe Hansen

“I don’t know why on earth anyone in their right mind would start up a business;” these are the words of Danish Jeppe Leth Hansen who, maybe a bit surprisingly, runs his own business which helps people set up new businesses. Still Hansen has a CV that proves that he knows what he is talking about. Just a kid when he started up his first business selling Christmas trees at his local home on Thurø, he later supported his university studies by setting up and managing his own real estate agency. After the Danish gymnasium (secondary school) Hansen went to the USA where he set up another business and that inspired him to do what he does today. “When we were taking the company public in the USA, the 90s crash came. We struggled, but still raised the money for the company, and it made me think how inefficient the system is and how little control you have.” Avoiding the common mistakes Ten years ago Hansen decided to do something about the problems he had experienced and started his own company, Bridgehead, to counsel new entrepreneurs. He began organizing the process of setting up a business and began building a system to make starting a business less painful, more efficient and less risky. “Initially it seemed very complicated and at first glance it is, but when you get to the details you start discovering how simple most things can be,” he says adding: “It does not mean it doesn’t take a lot of effort and coordination however.” He should know because not only has he run his own business for years, he has also grown up in a family with a long tradition of entrepreneurship. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather were entrepreneurs, and he therefore experienced the stress and challenges that setting up a new business can put on the family. “It

40 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Scan Business | Business Profile | Bridgehead

concerns me to think about how many new companies fail. The human tragedies first of all make me sad, particularly when I believe most can be avoided,” he says. Many of the problems new businesses experience occur because most entrepreneurs do not have any experience when it comes to hiring people, accounting, tax consequences, marketing and branding. “We have strategic partnerships with all the right players, who know what they are doing; the best patent lawyers and best accountants for instance,” Hansen says. “They have done it over and over again and are not going to fail, whereas the new entrepreneur is likely to make costly mistakes, or could even fail.” When somebody seeks out Bridgehead for help with a new product, idea or technology, the first step Hansen and his core team of 12 experienced entrepreneurs take is to evaluate the business concept. After that it is, says Hansen, actually quite simple. “If we like the business concept, then building the company is a matter of functions and different pieces. It is like a puzzle, you have to have all the pieces of the puzzle to become successful.” It may sound too good to be true, but Hansen has some strong credentials to prove that his ideas are valid. In the USA he has been, and still is, advising the Government on a number of different programmes to help entrepreneurs. His government work was also the reason he, a year ago, decided to move part-time to the UK, where he was summoned by David Miliband to help the Government with its Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP) aimed at attracting businesses of exceptional interest. A new system to sort out the mess At the end of this year Bridgehead, will be ready to launch the result of many years of research and hands-on experience; a complete system covering all areas of setting up a new business. But the work behind the system actually goes back even further, says Hansen: “Before setting up Bridgehead, I worked for Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch and other big companies where I helped finance and structure companies on all kinds of levels for many years. Every time I was doing that, I took notes and now it is all being incorporated into the system that we are rolling out.”

Jeppe Hansen has helped the American government with it’s entrepreneurial programmes and through his work met Bill Clinton.

The system will help provide ways for early investors to sell their shares and exit without having their funds locked up until the company is floated or sold, and improve methods for them to analyse businesses before investing. It will also free the entrepreneurs for all the routine functions that, if not handled properly, can mean the end of a company. Besides, it will help develop cost effective and scalable growth models and will include everything related to starting you own company like computer systems, investors, functions and strategic partners. “As it is now, there is not one place you can go to when you are starting up a company. You have to talk to a lot of different people and maybe they will invest and maybe not. The whole process of starting a company is very complicated,” Hansen says. The complete scale of the new system makes Hansen define it as a holistic and hands-on approach. When the last details have been completed, it will be ready for testing in the UK and USA and after that, the hope is that it will be used world wide. “We are refining the concept in the US and UK and are building it in a way so that it is easy to roll out on a global plan. Hopefully we will have a global system within a decade.” For more details visit: www.bhgltd.com

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 41

Scan Business | Business Profile | Forex

Branch Manager Per Middelboe and Country Manager Oskar Svensson in front

All FOREX’s young employees are from

of FOREX’s new branch in Baker Street.

Scandinavia.

FOREX – Money for sale The Swedish currency exchange company FOREX has moved across the Channel and opened its first office in the UK. Scan Magazine went on a visit to see how the business has been welcomed. With more than 100 branches spread throughout Scandinavia, FOREX has gone a long way since its humble beginning in 1927. Back then, the first exchange office was opened at Stockholm’s Central Station by the Swedish barber Gyllenspets as a response to his customers’ need to exchange money. Today Forex has around 1,000 employees, a turnover of 42 billion Swedish kronor and has just opened its first office outside the North, more accurately in Baker Street, London. Here a team of young and dedicated Scandinavians are ready to show Londoners why FOREX is so popular in

42 | Issue 9 | June 2009

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Yiannis Katsaris

Scandinavia. One of them is Swedish Oskar Svensson who is the country manager for the UK and Iceland. He believes UK customers deserve to experience the Scandinavian way of doing currency exchange. “The Scandinavian approach to customer service is very different from the English. In Oxford Street many of the exchange services are just a hole in the wall and that is not comfortable or safe for the customers,” he says, adding “We do not aim to make as much profit on the customers the one time they come in but aim to make them come back.” One of the reasons for customers to come back is that FOREX, contrary to many other exchange services, does not charge any fee for the exchange. But do people really use an exchange office more than once? Maybe not the tourists, but they are not the only potential clients in the UK, explains Svensson’s Danish Colleague, Branch Manager Per Middelboe.

Scan Business | Business Profile | Forex

“Many people exchange their money outside the UK because it is more expensive to do it here. We want to change that and thus aim for both the UK market and the tourist market. Many people also exchange in the airport before travelling, but they can save 10-15 per cent if they exchange with us instead, so everybody gains if they exchange at FOREX, before they leave,” he says. This may sound almost too good to be true, but actually it is the other way round, says Svensson; it is the English competition that is too poor to be true. “In England people are used to paying a high spread. In Scandinavia there is no more than a couple of per cent difference between the buying and selling prices whereas in the UK it can reach as high as 20-30 per cent. In that way the competition in Scandinavia is fairer to the customers.” But while competitors may have reason to worry, the outlook is bright for the two Scandinavians and FOREX, which plans to open 6-8 branches in London before the Olympics in 2012. France_Loire Valley_Half Page:Layout 2

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Scan Business | Business Profile | Stolt Nielsen

Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen

Sneland | Photo: Harald M. Valderhaug

Jan Chr. Engelhardtsen

STOLT-NIELSEN – Keeping a Steady Course By Signe Hansen

With a yearly turnover of US$2 billion and more than 5,000 employees, Stolt-Nielsen S.A.’s CEO and Director Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen, 44, is a very busy man. Nevertheless, he recently took time off to show Scan Magazine around the company’s corporate office in London and to have a chat about the significance of being a family-operated publicly listed business and the opportunities and challenges facing the successful company. When Mr. Stolt-Nielsen’s father Jacob founded the company in 1959, it was with just one time-chartered parcel tanker. In the 50 years that have since passed, Stolt-Nielsen has become the world’s leading provider of bulk liquid chemicals logistics services, with a global fleet of more than 140 deep-sea, coastal and inland tankers. Along the way they expanded the business beyond tankers and into terminals, tank containers and even fish farming. Throughout the last half century, SNSA has been steered

44 | Issue 9 | June 2009

by the steady hand of Jacob Stolt-Nielsen and his family who still control the majority of the company, which is today listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. SNSA’s corporate office is in London, where CEO Niels Stolt-Nielsen is based. “We are a family controlled business with Norwegian roots, but at the operational level Stolt-Nielsen S.A. is very much an international business. London has a strong banking community and it is an excellent location for the head office of a global business like ours,” he says. Because of its worldwide activities, the office in London is busy throughout the day. In the morning it follows the operations in the Asian markets, in the middle of the day the European and in the evening the American markets. “We offer our customers a global transportation solution, combining deep-sea tankers, smaller regional transports and a worldwide network of storage terminals and tank

Scan Business | Business Profile | Stolt Nielsen

container services,” says Mr. Stolt-Nielsen. “That is our core business. In addition to that, we have Stolt Sea Farm, where we have pioneered much of the sophisticated technology required to successfully farm such species as turbot and sole, as well as sturgeon and caviar.” Facing challenging times While the diversity and global scale of the business have always demanded long working hours, the challenges of the current economic crisis have substantially ratcheted up the pressures on management. “Our parcel tanker division has been hit the hardest, because of the dramatic decline in volumes of chemicals being shipped world wide as inventory levels were drastically reduced during the initial months of this year.” Stolt-Nielsen’s extensive industry experience has already proved its value in dealing with the crisis. Though the next couple of years are expected to be very tough, the downturn did not come as a surprise to Niels Stolt-Nielsen. “On the contrary, we were surprised that the strong market in shipping lasted as long as it did,” he says. “Shipping is a cyclical business. We typically have two to three good years followed by three to four weak years. During the last up market, we saw five strong years, with enormous world trade fuelled by growth in Asian markets, strong consumer demand and low-cost credit. Yet, despite the strength of the market, we started to hold back a bit toward the end.” While the company continued to expand, it did so at a more modest rate and began to take steps to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Stolt-Nielsen’s Chief Financial Officer, Jan Chr. Engelhardtsen, explained the company’s strategy: “From a financial perspective, our major accomplishment was that we obtained financing for all of our capital expenditures just before the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September of 2008. After that, the door to obtain financing slammed shut. Granted, it took a while to formally conclude some of those arrangements. But all of our financing is now secured, which is very significant given the current situation in global credit markets.” Stolt also accelerated its timetable for the recycling of older ships, in order to reduce the size of its fleet in an-

ticipation of the expected decline in demand. Though the pain will be mitigated, the effects of the downturn cannot be wholly avoided. When asked, Engelhardtsen anticipates a 20 per cent decline in the company’s yearly turnover from 2008 to 2009. And a sustained recovery, he adds, will be slow to materialize. “We provide transportation and storage services to the world’s leading chemical companies. For the recovery to start, we will need to see the credit crunch resolved and renewed growth in consumption, not only in Europe and the US, but in the Middle East and Asia as well.” Keeping it in the family The company has weathered significant challenges before, and Niels Stolt-Nielsen has already proven his abilities as CEO. After he became a Director in 1996 and was appointed CEO in 2000, he led the company through a financial crisis in 2003, followed by a victorious landmark battle against the U.S. Department of Justice. Although Jacob Stolt-Nielsen has handed over the reins to his son, he continues as Chairman of the SNSA Board of Directors. Niels’ brother, Jacob B. Stolt-Nielsen, is also a Director and has held a number of senior management positions in the company. According to the CEO, being a family operated business has both its advantages and disadvantages. “With a family owned or operated company, there are no doubts about the leadership’s commitment, not when the company bears your name. But, of course, it is a challenge for any family. You know what they say: the first generation builds it up, the second generation maintains it and the third generation throws it away. ”But he is optimistic and believes that the company will continue to benefit from being in the Stolt-Nielsen family’s hands. “I do hope that one of the children from the next generation will find the interest to take over. But they are still young, the oldest one is 20 and the youngest just one, so I still have to work for some time before retiring,” he smiles. With his father’s impressive, classically furnished office just around the corner from the CEO’s more modern quarters, it is hard to imagine anything but a smooth transition when the 44-year-old is ready to retire. For more information visit: www.stolt-nielsen.com

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 45

Scan Business | Recruitment | Campbell’s Column

Campbell’s Column By Malcolm Campbell | Photo: Magnus Arrevad Historically the British have always talked about the weather. This is because the UK does not have a climate, just weather.

Appointments

Currently however the topic has changed. Now we speak only about expenses and in particular the expenses of our parliamentarians, be they Peers or Members of Parliament. Trying to find something positive about this shameful episode, all I can say is that it demonstrates that British creativity is still alive and well. If anyone is thinking about engaging a Head Hunter, I would suggest they too look at the “small print” in the Head Hunter’s Contract to see how they deal with expenses. There are also some in this profession who see “expenses” as a “legitimate” way of padding out the fee to enhance profitability. So make sure you are comfortable with the way expenses are charged.

Returning to the topic of parliamentarian expenses I must not tar them all with the same brush for I recently benefited from the kindness of a noble Peer. Counting out my change at the Interval in a theatre to see if I could afford a coffee, I was approached by a complete stranger who offered me a coffee, explaining that he had purchased too many. He brushed aside my attempt to pay him suggesting instead a donation to charity. I recognised him from his TV appearances as Lord Baker, who as Minister for Information Technology introduced computers into British schools which led to the current high degree of computer literacy in the UK. I am quite confident that coffee will not figure in any expenses claim –a pleasant man. I am obviously perceived as a deserving cause as on arrival at the theatre I was offered a partially used car park ticket by a departing motorist. My colleagues tell me it is a sign that I need a new suit.

Administrator with Norwegian Reference: SCAN127

The same colleagues tell me I should explain the phrase “tarred with the same brush”. I believe it is derived from the practice of “tarring and feathering” miscreants centuries ago, and is the sort of punishment our MPs might have had meted out to them if times had not changed.

Malcolm Campbell is Managing Director of Executive Search and Selection company STC Partners Limited, 33 St James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JS Email: mdc@stcp.co.uk Web: www.stcp.co.uk

Translator with Scandinavian Languages Reference: SCAN125

Our client, a leading American company is currently recruiting for an Administrator with Norwegian to join their office in North London. The ideal candidate for this role also has an understanding of Swedish and Danish and is able to demonstrate an ability to successfully manage a busy and demanding workload. Starting salary is £19500.

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Proof-Reader – Finnish Speaking Reference: SCAN130

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Our client, a leading international company, is currently recruiting a Proof-Reader with fluent Finnish language to work in their offices in East Sussex. The role will involve proof reading computer text to verify that the grammar and spelling is correct and modify and errors accordingly. Salary: £6.04 plus £0.73 pence holiday pay.

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46 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Scan Business | International Services | Tax

HMRC seeking information By Tax Columnist Helena Whitmore | Photo: Yiannis Katsaris The UK tax system can sometimes seem overwhelmingly complicated, particularly when overseas aspects are involved. As a result, taxpayers may be tempted to ignore various aspects of their tax affairs, perhaps thinking “how would HMRC ever find out”? The answer to that is that HMRC can fairly easily find out a wealth of information if they care to look for it. A follow up question is therefore often “but why would they be interested in me?” It is of course true that HMRC do not have the resources to audit everyone. They do, however, have a number of methods by which they can obtain information in order to risk-assess individuals, to help them pick cases for enquiry. Overseas assets can be such a risk factor. The new remittance basis rules applicable from tax year 2008/09 will also assist HMRC in its search for information relating to non-domiciled UK residents. As referred to in previous columns, unless their unremitted overseas income and gains are below £2,000, from 2008/09 non-domiciled UK residents will have to pay tax in the UK on the worldwide arising basis unless they make a formal claim to be taxed on the remittance basis. Therefore, assuming that a tax return is filed, HMRC will either receive actual details of income and gains which they can then look into, or if the remittance basis is claimed they will be aware that overseas income and gains exist and are sufficient to justify suffering the cost of using the remittance basis. This can increase the risk of being picked for enquiry. The tax returns of expats and remittance basis users will also be handled by specific tax offices, which are well equipped to understand the risk factors and planning methods used by people in these categories. HMRC are also going directly to banks and financial institutions in their search for the details of UK residents who have accounts in overseas banks. Some years ago, the “big five” British High Street banks were forced to provide HMRC with details of the UK-based customers of their off-

shore subsidiaries. HMRC have now widened this approach to building societies and foreign-owned banks with UK operations, and it is understood that several hundred institutions will be contacted, starting with the largest. The first wave of information requests to the UK banks resulted in an “offshore disclosure facility” being launched in 2007, which was designed to enable account holders of the banks concerned to disclose their undeclared offshore income to HMRC in return for a reduced penalty of 10%. It has been confirmed that a new disclosure opportunity will be offered in the autumn of 2009, although the fixed penalty on offer is likely to be higher than the 2007 opportunity. After this initiative, HMRC are likely to take a hard stance against any taxpayers who are subsequently found to have undisclosed offshore income. Those who are still tempted to ignore the need to look over their tax status should also be aware that the penalty system has now been changed, and unless the taxpayer can show that he or she has taken reasonable care to get things right (including seeking help where there is something they do not understand), the resulting penalty may in many situations be higher than what would previously have been the case. Information on this is available on HMRC’s website under www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/newpenalties. A tax adviser will be able to assist in making sure that everything is up to date.

Email: helenaw@gmrlaw.com Web: www.mcguirewoods.com or www.gmrlaw.com

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 47

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Clarion Cellection Hotel Twentyseven

Chill out at

Clarion Collection Hotel Twentyseven By Signe Hansen | Photos: Clarion Collection Hotel Twentyseven

Even on the hottest day of midsummer you can be absolutely sure of being served an ice cold drink at Clarion Collection Hotel Twentyseven in Copenhagen. The hotel has its own ICEBAR CPH, the only one in Copenhagen, and that is not the only special treat you will be offered when staying at this newly reopened, unique life style hotel in Løngangstræde. With its magnificent location the hotel offers you access to all the best parts of Copenhagen; just around the corner is Rådhuspladsen (the main square in Copenhagen) with the beautiful old town hall. Take a turn to the other side and you will find yourselves strolling along the romantic canals while viewing the Danish Parliament building Christiansborg. For those interested in history and art the surrounding area also offers a wide variety of museums in-

48 | Issue 9 | June 2009

cluding the National Museum and the famous Danish sculptor Thorvaldsen’s Museum. If some of this or maybe the many shops of Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian shopping street, Strøget, tempts you to stay out and on your feet all day, you can be sure that the relaxed atmosphere of the hotel will help bring back the zest. “The hotel is very different compared to other hotels, it has a very relaxed atmosphere and an uncomplicated setting,” says Jette Schjøtt, Sales Manager at the hotel, which reopened in April 2007 after a complete refurbishment. One of the things which you do not have to worry much about when staying at the hotel is where to eat. The hotel has breakfast included, complimentary afternoon tea,

Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Clarion Cellection Hotel Twentyseven

coffee and fruit, and a light dinner buffet. This can be enjoyed in the hotel’s restaurant, The Wine Room, which also has 40 different wines displayed on one of its walls. The wines are all served by glass, giving the guests the possibility to explore new names and do a little tasting. After dinner, those who want to kick back can have a drink in either the restaurant or laid back in the Honey Ryder Cocktail Lounge which is open every day from four in the afternoon to one in the morning. During the summer days you can also choose to enjoy your drinks in the hotel’s small Rhum:ble Courtyard where you can chill in one of the huge, comfy basket chairs. That is, of course, if the unpredictable Danish summer weather allows it; if not, you may as well put on your warmest clothes and venture into the famous and mysterious ICEBAR CPH. The ICEBAR is made up by pure ice bricks from the Swedish Torne River which have been decorated with the river’s original inhabitants: fish. The theme for these eyecatching decorations is purity with a Twist, but there is no need to worry, as like everything else, the fish are completely frozen.

At ICEBAR you can enjoy everything from sparkling drinks served in solid ice glasses to the bar’s own Arctic snacks with meat, fish or sweets – on the rocks of course. No wonder that the bar, which is open to everybody, has attracted a lot of positive attention. “Everybody comes to visit ICEBAR, both tourists and Danes. We have everything from bachelor parties to team building events here,” says Jette Schjøtt adding: “Right now it is the cruise ship guests who stop by here when they are in port to see Copenhagen.” Adding everything up, the Clarion Collection Hotel Twentyseven in Wonderful Copenhagen definitely offers a good deal for everybody looking for a chilled getaway this summer. Clarion Collection Hotel Twentyseven Løngangstræde 27 DK-1468 København K. Contact: +45 7027 5627 or More details: www.hotel27.dk Room prices from DKK 895 to DKK 2.995

Scan Business | Regular | We Gotta Do Something

We Gotta Do Something!

WIPING THE SLATE GREEN By Rikke Bruntse-Dahl | Photos: SCA

Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget, or SCA, might not seem like a household name to you at first glance, but millions of us use the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal care products, tissues or packaging every day. Patrik Isaksson, Vice President of Environmental Affairs at SCA tells us how SCA, through its environmental policy and its size, is making the world a great deal greener.

SCA is a huge company. Can you give me some examples of your most successful brands? SCA has two global brands with sales of more than 1 billion Euros annually respectively, Tork soft tissue and

50 | Issue 9 | June 2009

Tena incontinence care. Tena is world leader with 27% of the global incontinence market. Regionally we have many very strong brands. In the Nordic countries, for example, we have Libero nappies, which has over 60% market share, Libresse and Edet. The nature of many of your products is that they are disposable, for example nappies, sanitary towels and paper towels. This doesn't seem very sustainable. In what ways is SCA sustainable with regard to your products? The raw material is renewable and could be recycled many times. The fibres in a paper towel may have been used in several other paper products before. Being the owner of

Scan Business | Regular | We Gotta Do Something

2.6 million hectares of forested land we can also do much when it comes to responsible forestry. For nappies and sanitary towels, a lifecycle analysis is a practical tool to determine how a product affects the environment from production to waste. It can help in choosing the right materials or to motivate weight reduction. What do you do within the company to be greener? We have three environmental targets, which include most of what we do to be greener. The goals include a decrease in CO2 emissions, control of raw materials and improved water usage. To take a concrete example of what we do, at the moment we're working with Norwegian power company Statkraft in a SEK 16 billion investment in wind power. Where do you get your raw materials from? About half of our production is based on recovered fibre, which we gather ourselves or buy on the market. When it comes to so-called "virgin fibre", SCA is the world's second largest private forest owner and we cover about 50% Patrik Isaksson of our needs from our own FSC certified forests. When we buy externally we make sure it comes from non-controversial sources. Are the production processes particularly sustainable? We do work in an energy intensive business, so there is always much to be done. But there has been a very positive development in recent years with investments in recovery boilers and combustion plants for production waste or rubbish, making many plants self-sufficient when it comes to energy and in some cases even producing an energy surplus. SCA also works hard to save energy in all processes, to reduce waste going to landfill, etc. SCA has been recognised as one of the world's 100 most sustainable companies by Innovest and Canadian Corporate Knights for the fifth consecutive year, which is a great achievement. Why did you as a company decide that being more sustainable is important? We believe that being sustainable is necessary to be successful. We believe that it makes us more competitive,

more attractive to investors, helps us recruit the best employees and strengthens the SCA brand. SCA exports to many countries in the world. Are there any countries in which the sustainability of your products is more important than in others? Sustainability is a global trend - especially environmental concerns - and there is interest from all regions. Some countries may stand out in this respect, e.g. UK, US, Australasia and the Nordic countries. We believe the trend will continue with increased focus on these issues ahead, one example is the new regulations within EU, stipulating 50% of public procurement should be "green" beginning 2010. What is the company's biggest environmental achievement to date? It is hard to say, often great achievements are made up by many small steps. But looking back to our first Environmental Report from 1998, it is very good to see that we identified and chose to focus on the right issues, like carbon dioxide, water and sourcing of raw materials early on. As early as the first Environmental Report we identified climate change as the major issue during the years ahead. Our wind power project with Statkraft is a big thing, but it's still just a part of a bigger achievement, the long-term commitment to reduce CO2 emissions. Do you have any plans to become more sustainable in the future? Continual improvement is the only way forward. If you could give our readers one piece of advice on how they could become greener, what would it be? An important principle within SCA is to make the effort to improve minor things that may seem petty. Applying that thinking to oneself would be my advice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Gotta Do Something!â&#x20AC;? is 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

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 51

Scan Business | Column | How was your day?

Marjo Sanderson is the Managing Director of Guild Travel Isn’t it amazing how we Londoners travel to work without knowing what is happening around us? We do not see or hear anything whilst sitting in the tube, thinking our own thoughts, reading a book or in my case often even sleeping. For one hour every morning I can have “me time”: nobody speaks to me, the phones are not ringing, I just sit there totally on my own, even if I am surrounded by hundreds of other commuters. This morning I did not go straight to my office. I had, once again, the pleasure of guiding a group of Finnish tourists. It is great to be able to show the visitors this wonderful city, its architecture, its historical sights, the parks: you couldn’t wish for a better place to work as a guide. I have been guiding in London for over 30 years, and still I am not tired of London or life.

I snatch a quick lunch before I get back to my office to work on the tours Travel Team is planning. Our Agatha Christie tour has been sold out; we need to organise another to accommodate everybody. The tour takes visitors first to Torquay where the writer was born and then back to London, the home town of Poirot. This year, Travel Team will organise more than 20 different Finnish-speaking tours covering Scotland, Yorkshire, the Cotswolds, Cornwall and of course London. The rest of my day is devoted to Guild Travel, our outgoing travel services. We are in the process of improving our website and changing our logo. There are a lot of discussions before the final decisions are made. The travel industry has changed dramatically in recent years. Instead of selling just cut price flights, we offer the best knowledge of Finland and we offer packaged tours not only to Finland but also to its neighbours. In today’s meeting we are concentrating on development of

Photo: Ossi Laurila

How was your day?

new products for business travellers, because we know that an action-packed visit to rural Finland will have a lasting impression on any visitor. Tonight I will attend a reception organised by the Finn-Guild at the Finnish Ambassador’s Kensington residence. The Finn-Guild is a charitable organisation which looks after Finnish culture in the UK. If you can see a halo over my head in the enclosed photo, it is because all the profit we make at Guild Travel supports the work of the Finn-Guild! These are our busy lives! We ask a Scandinavian businessman or business woman the question: How was your day? The answer is never that straightforward.

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Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce Summer Cocktail Party “Despite our Nordic heritage, we do thrive best in the warmth of summer.” Summer brings that energy and light we have all been missing during the winter. We, as northern Europeans, tend to take extra joy in spending every bright hour of the day outside, in our gardens, in cafés or wherever there is life and good company. DUCC and H.E. the Ambassador of Denmark, Mr. Birger Riis-Jørgensen thus take great pleasure in inviting our members and guests to the DUCC SUMMER COCKTAIL PARTY AT THE AMBASSADOR’S RESIDENCE on 8 July 2009 The Summer Cocktail Party is one of the highlights of our social calendar and it provides the opportunity to meet with fellow members in beautiful surroundings and enjoy the view from the roof terrace. Although in the centre of Knightsbridge, you will have a rare and unique opportunity to overlook one of the greenest spots in London, Cadogan Place. Come and enjoy when summer finally hits our part of the globe and take a well deserved break from the long and cold winter.

The Summer Cocktail Party begins at 6.30 pm and you can sign up on info@ducc.co.uk

UPCOMING EVENTS Joint Nordic Event at the London Stock Exchange: "Green Shoots? Raising capital in a challenging market." – 22 June 2009 Networking Event for Danish business professionals at Brasserie Blanc in Leeds – 25 June 2009 DUCC Summer Cocktail Party – 8 July 2009

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 ered by nature”. In the quest to put the message into practice, plenty of activities are in the pipeline creating numerous business opportunities. The Embassy wishes to engage businesses as active partners, and to collaborate beyond traditional sponsorships. At its core, the NBCC is about connecting business people and businesses. Through the Aberdeen chapter, NBCC hosts Wednesday drinks for the Norwegian-British business community in and around Aberdeen. We welcome both members and non-members to take part on 10 June at KPMG.

The 103rd Annual General Meeting was held on 14 May. It was followed by a presentation by Stein Iversen, Minister Counsellor for Press & Cultural Affairs at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London. The UK has been selected as the pilot country in a Norwegian Public Diplomacy initiative. The common challenge is how to put Norway on the map, how to create an image and brand the nation, and the role of Norwegian UK based companies. Research suggests sustainability as a core theme: “Norway – Pow-

The annual Thames River Cruise will be held on 18 June. We plan for sunny weather - but have booked a fantastic double-decker boat just to be safe. This is the perfect occasion to entertain guests!

UPCOMING EVENTS Aberdeen Wednesday Drinks – 10 June Thames River Cruise – 18 June Nordic Thursday Drinks – 25 June

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK The Swedish Chamber is looking back on a busy and very interesting Spring. We had the pleasure of welcoming many new Members and look forward to welcoming many more in the coming months. Not a single chair was empty when Patron company McGuireWoods (formerly Grundberg Mocatta Rakison) invited all Members for a briefing on common challenges in the new business environment on 14 May. On 5 June many Members gathered for the One Hundred And Second Annual General Meeting at The Dorchester with guest of honour and keynote speaker Roland Rudd, Chairman, Business New Europe. Before the summer break we look forward to the Midsummer Golf and Dinner with the Royal Swedish Golfing Society, Midsummer Celebrations and Picnic in the Park on Hampstead Heath. Save the dates in the calendar below and go to our website to read more and sign up. The Chamber also looks forward to an exciting autumn with several Swedish EU Presidency related activities. Keep an eye on the website as we will soon post more info.

UPCOMING EVENTS Midsummer Golf and Dinner – 12 June JCC Midsummer Celebrations – 20 June Picnic in the Park on Hampstead Heath – 4 July Go to www.scc.org.uk to read more and sign up.

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7224 8001 | Email: info@scc.org.uk | www.scc.org.uk

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce An Economic Update seminar was organised by the FinnishBritish Chamber of Commerce at J-M Capital on 14 May. The seminar programme gave an insight into the current economic climate in the UK, Finland and Scandinavia. The event brought together an audience from different industry sectors to hear the latest news and forecasts; it was the third event of this kind that the Chamber has organised.

Sampo Bank’s Senior Economist Pasi Kuoppamaki summed up the outlook as weak, but it is expected to stabilise in the near future; in 2010 the global outlook should be improving. In Finland consumer confidence marginally improved in early 2009, but remains the weakest since the depression of the early 1990s. However, industrial confidence has fallen fast and every major export industry has faced a shrinking order book. The seminar programme also provided some useful tips on how to survive the down turning economy. Management Consultant Terry Irwin from Tcii Strategic and Management consultants reminded us that many companies hadn’t prepared to face the challenges. In this kind of situation it is remains important to analyse the businesses: what is truly important and essential.

UPCOMING EVENTS Nordic Networking Drinks at Deep Restaurant – 25 June

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Page 1

Scan Magazine’s Management Team. From left to right: Emelie Krugly, Mads E. Petersen, Thomas Winther, Ture Damtoft, Helene Oxfeldt Lauridsen and Signe Hansen.

How did they do it? Scan Magazine hits ONE! By Ian Welsh | Photo: Yiannis Katsaris

The first 12 months of promoting brand Scandinavia have been a steep but exciting learning curve for the Scan Magazine team. It might be hard to believe, but it’s a whole year since your favourite magazine about all things Scandinavian first appeared. Scan Magazine founders Thomas Winther and Mads E. Petersen took time out from putting together the June issue to highlight some of the fun and games in the Scan Magazine office over the past 12 months. In fact, the Scan Magazine story begins about a couple of years ago. As a Danish ex-pat living in London, Winther realised there were many UK-based Scandinavians hungry for their own publication. “There are 300,000 of us in the UK – and we need a magazine,” he says. And beyond that, there is a great deal of connection between the Brits and their north-eastern neighbours. Winther says: “A huge segment of the UK consumers have an interest in Scandinavian travel or design.” And so the idea for Scan Magazine was born. Accepting

56 | Issue 9 | June 2009

that he had no experience in starting up a magazine, Winther approached seasoned publishing veteran Mads E. Petersen for some help, who jumped on board immediately. “I thought it was a great idea. As a six-year ex-pat myself, I realised I wanted to read what Thomas was proposing, and with 15 years in the industry I could see how the magazine would take off.” The early days were not easy for Scan Magazine’s dynamic duo. Winther explains: “I promised my better half that I would leave my ‘real’ job only when the magazine was a success. This meant I had to arrange the first advertising and set up the distribution network from the toilets of a top City accounting firm, where I was working as an economist.” Things have moved on, happily, and Winther now is able to make calls from a proper desk, in Scan Magazine’s smart offices surrounded by six colleagues, and without a hand dryer in sight. Petersen also had to juggle work for his own graphic design company – Liquid Graphic – with helping get Scan Magazine up and running. “As with starting any business

Scan Magazine | Scan Magazine hits ONE

we needed to be very focused on our targets. Also we were certain from the start that it was crucial we set top-quality standards in editorial content, design and photography and get in the right team to do this,” he says. Unlike many start-ups, Scan Magazine has grown organically with no external financing or demanding shareholders for the management team to worry about. In a tough economic climate, this lean model is one that many other businesses should take note of. An indicator of the pace of success is that the initial plan was to produce a quarterly magazine – but sustained demand allowed this to move first to six issues a year and then rapidly to every month. Winther says: “While we are very pleased with the way things have gone, we know we need to keep our feet on the ground. There is always room for improvement and we are hungry to keep achieving the success we know is vital for the magazine.” Over the past year, Scan Magazine has benefited from the support of many top Scandinavian brands and companies.

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Winther says: “We owe everything to our advertisers and we need to make sure they are getting the right exposure.” While setting up the London distribution was straightforward for Winther and the team, it was having the magazine available in the only Swedish café in Hull, for example, or in the staff canteens of Scandinavian companies with UK sites that has made the difference. “We hope we bring unique value to our advertisers,” Winther says. So what’s next for the all-conquering Scan Magazine? As a taster, Winther reveals that he has a couple of sporting megastars lined up to appear on upcoming covers, including Danish football hero Peter Schmeichel. Another top name he has his eye on and hopes to profile soon is Formula One’s Heikki Kovalainen. But it’s not just about getting the biggest names and brands. “We’re going to keep listening to our readers. We’ve been amazed at the number of comments and the feedback we keep getting – and we’ll try to keep giving our readership what they want.”

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Scan Magazine | Scan News

SCAN NEWS

Edited by Emelie Krugly

If you have a news story for Scan Magazine you can contact Emelie on: emelie@scanmagazine.co.uk

Clas Ohlson – giving Manchester a treat Having opened their first shop in the UK just six months ago in Croydon, the Swedish retail giant Clas Ohlson is ready to expand further into the country. A new shop has just been opened in The Arndale Shopping Centre in Manchester and judging by the queue on the opening day, Manchester and Clas Ohlson will get along just fine. “We were in the local newspapers on Wednesday night and had a special offer for the first 500 customers: a portable DVD player for £19.99, which meant that we had over 500 people waiting outside the store on Thursday morning and sold all of the DVD players in no time,” commented Mark Gregory, UK Managing Director of Clas Ohlson. The customers were invited inside the store, which covers 2,500m2 over three floors, at 10.00am, after an internal ceremony for team members and invited guests. Inside the shop, the new customers enjoyed browsing around Clas Ohlson’s huge and varied assort-

58 | Issue 9 | June 2009

ment of goods. “When people visit the store there is always a lot of interest. They enjoy finding their way around and find the mix of range and products very interesting,” says Gregory. Clas Ohlson’s products are divided into five categories: hardware, home, electrical, multimedia and leisure. It is almost guaranteed that customers will find at least one thing, among over 10,000 different Clas Ohlson products, which they never knew existed but definitely need. Amongst the more unusual products are scrubbing gloves for potatoes and the traditional Swedish painted Dalecarlian horses in various sizes. The new store has around 40 employees, 12 of whom are full time and have completed Clas Ohlon’s traditional training programme. New employees are flown to Clas Ohlson’s headquarters in Insjön in Dalarna, Sweden. Here they are trained in the company’s history, culture, products and service to ensure that they carry on the famous

Clas Ohlson customer service spirit. “Another thing that is quite nice to think about is that we have been able to recruit staff from some of the stores that have had to shut down recently in Manchester, such as ILVA and Woolworth’s. That means we have been able to take on some really good quality staff from the local area and provide them with a new job and excellent career prospects,” says Gregory. Apart from the great offers, the opening of the Manchester store also gave guests a little glimpse of Swedish culture as a team of traditional Swedish folk dancers from Dalarna was brought in to entertain customers throughout the day. This is a treat that many more around the UK can look forward to as Clas Ohlson continue their mission to spread the Clas Ohlson spirit. In 2009/10 Clas Ohlson plan to open four to eight new stores. Fore more details visit: www.clasohlson.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Scan News

Sweden turns EU green On 1 July 2009, Sweden will take over the Presidency of the EU for the next six months. The Embassy of Sweden in London has joined forces with the City of London Festival to celebrate. The inaugural week of festivities will include a concert at the Guildhall by the Nordic Chamber Orchestra featuring the world renowned trombonist and conductor Christian Lindberg. At Hampstead Heath there will be a concert featuring amongst others ‘The Benny Andersson Band’ (of ABBA fame), whilst the Barbican will screen an extensive season of Ingmar Bergman films. As global climate change is high on the agenda of the Swedish EU Presidency, 2009 will bring a number of

Christian Lindberg. Photo: Mats Bäcker, www.tarrodi.se/cl

“green” features promoting environmental sustainability. Sustainability is also the topic for debate which is held as the opening event of the Presidency at the Swedish Ambassador’s Residence. A Swedish/Czech Jazz-evening will

celebrate the end of the Czech Presidency and the beginning of the Swedish one, on a ship appropriately named HMS President. Source: The Swedish Embassy

Childcare Scandinavian style Two life-long friends, Minna Korjonen and Minna Angiolini, have set up a Scandinavian inspired childcare service, Nordic Child Care, in the UK. The service has quickly expanded in both clients and employees. The two Finns felt the time was right to set up on their own when, after having worked for many years in childcare, they noticed a gap in the market. “After working as a Nursery Nurse and an Early Years Practitioner for many years, the idea of working on a more one to one basis with children appealed to me,” says Minna Korjonen. She also has a background in politics in Finland and has worked as a teacher for children with special needs. Minna Angiolini is a youth counsellor with an ongoing Doctorate degree in Psychology and is also a registered Childminder. “I had already had the same idea for a long time and was running a similar business with my sister. She is now

based in Finland and is recruiting staff for us from there,” she says. “Our main focus is on the children, they are our customers. We aim to provide a highly professional, timely and effective service aimed specifically at families coping with a busy city lifestyle.” The business started in 2007 with a flyer distributed at The Finnish Church and took off very quickly. Today the company has 6 nannies and 15 baby sitters onboard in the UK and offers nannying, au pair and temporary baby sitting services and light domestic work. Sixty per cent of the staff is Scandinavian and the Scandinavian aspect is the key when new staff is hired. “We’re interviewing people every week but I’m very selective. The introduction period is very essential, and we teach our non-Scandinavian staff about Scandinavian culture and traditions,” says Minna Korjonen. “We like looking after our staff and are organizing weekly trips and evenings with special cultural themes for all our nannies. We want

everyone to feel welcome. London is not an easy city to live in and one can easily feel lonely”. Future plans for Nordic Child Care are to set up a maternity service offering support during pregnancy and after birth. Nordic Child Care is based in south west London but is offering services in the whole of the greater London area. www.nordic-childcare.co.uk

Issue 9 | June 2009 | 59

Scan Magazine | Scan News

Småland Coffee sets up new business venture The duo behind the Swedish-inspired coffee shop, Småland Coffee, are about to launch their new business venture, Småland Photography. Swedish Eva Regin-Johnston and Kevin Johnston from South Africa are partners in business and life. The entrepreneurs have successfully run a Coffee shop situated near London’s Waterloo Station for five years, where they have also been displaying their photographic work. Now they feel the time is right to set up something new. The main focus of Småland Photography will be on weddings, but also portraits, nature and

documentary photography. “This is something we’ve been dreaming of doing for a long time. We are very passionate about photography and have been documenting the world around us for the last ten years. We have plans to work in Sweden and South Africa as well as the UK as all these countries are homes for us.” Eva’s background is in Photography while Kevin is self taught. “I have always held a fascination for Documentary and Wildlife photography; growing up in a rural area of South Africa afforded me a lot of opportunities to pursue my favourite pastimes. I still

tend to follow a more photo journalistic approach to my photography.” Eva’s photographs are more intimate and personal. “I like to describe people in their daily life.” Kevin and Eva work as a team, assisting each other where they can. “I think that our two styles complement each other, creating a fantastic end result. Even if we sometimes photograph from the same angle, the pictures will come out totally differently. That’s what makes our service unique.” http://photography.smaland.co.uk

Danish UK Chamber of Commerce Celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2009

Per Troen at the Annual Dinner. Photo: Magnus Arrevad

The Danish UK Chamber of Commerce (DUCC) celebrated its 20th anniversary with an Annual Dinner at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall. More than 100 members and guests joined the celebrations and the Danish Ambassador Birger Riis-Jørgensen was the guest speaker. Per Troen, one of the founders of the DUCC and the current Chairman explains:

60 | Issue 9 | June 2009

“The DUCC was set up in 1989 by a small group of influential business people with support from the then Danish Ambassador Peter Dyvig with the purpose of creating a place where businesses and professionals could network and debate issues promoting investment between Denmark and the UK.” During the 20 years the membership base has tripled and in its anniversary year the finances of the Chamber are better than ever. The DUCC’s position as an independent source for reliable information regarding trade between Denmark and England has been established. The DUCC council is predominately focused on creating stronger links with the City of London which is reflected in the composition of the council. This is

primarily in recognition of the importance of the capital markets for the Anglo-Danish business community. The DUCC puts a strong focus on the Nordic chambers and the AngloNordic business community at large. “We would like to thank the much older Nordic chambers for their support over our first 20 years of growing up and our aim in the immediate future is continue strengthening our links with Nordic chambers to the benefit of our respective businesses,” says Per Troen. The DUCC also took the initiative to create Nordic events in London, of which the flagship is the joint Nordic event at the London Stock Exchange which this year takes place on 22 June 2009.

Scan Magazine | Scan News

Scandimaniacs play the UK Emil Lager and Sara Lewerth are an extraordinary performing duo. They have been unofficially crowned the “best Swedish duo in Paris” and after a successful tour in Spain and Sweden, they arrived in the UK. Having recently completed their show dates at The Blue Elephant Theatre, Camberwell, Scandimaniacs, as the duo is named, is now planning to carry on spreading love and humour nationwide. The two vibrant performers first got together four years ago in Paris when they were studying physical theatre, mu2.0_Swedecare_advert:Layout 3

sic and improvisation at the renowned International Theatre School Lecoq. In their student flat they both composed songs and jokes whilst Emil played the guitar. They soon became popular entertainers among their friends and at parties, and even had fans listening outside their window on the street. The pair’s antics soon turned into a cabaret show performed in French with a successful residency at the Chat Noir. “It was humour and a sense of madness that brought us together,” Emil Lager explains. “A genuine friendship was born through endless conversations

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about life. This is the reason why we work so well together, not only do we laugh at the same jokes but we are serious people too.” Scandimaniacs’ show, Take me to Hollywood, is a fresh take on Cabaret mixed with absurd humour and a diverse and eclectic array of influences such as Bob Dylan, Outkast, Shakespeare and Ingmar Bergman to name a few. “We are criticizing society, but in a loving way and most people seem to recognize themselves. We are two down to earth Swedes travelling the big wide world and would like to say that we represent a new type of Swedish Theatre,” says Sara Lewerth. Excited about being in the UK, they look forward to meeting a new audience and are confident that their social realism will warm many new hearts. “We share a similar sense of humour. There is a reason why The Office worked so well in Sweden and not in France. We share the same cynical and sarcastic sense of humour. What makes Swedish Theatre stand out is probably its seriousness. You could say that the Spanish and French are extrovert and the English are ironical and we Swedes are dead serious. I think that’s what makes us interesting. We hope we are here to stay for some time.” scandimaniacs.googlepages.com www.myspace.com/scandimaniacs

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Issue 9 | June 2009 | 61

Scan Magazine | Scan News

Attention! Royal Danish Lifeguards parade Windsor Tattoo mitted to act for the Queen.“ The Tattoo takes place in an arena erected in the park behind Windsor Castle, and is attended by various members of the British royal family. On the opening night it was the Danish-born Duchess of Gloucester, who represented the royal house. She invited Colonel Lasse Harkjær and his aide to a VIP dinner before the show, which they viewed from the Royal Gallery.

The Royal Danish Lifeguards debuted at a prestigious Tattoo at Windsor on 15 May with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth as the guest of honour. The 67 guards were introduced with the words: “Take good against the regiment, which operate at our side in Helmand province in Afghanistan,” which prompted great rejoicing and applause from the 7,000 spectators waving their British flags. The Royal Danish Lifeguards is the Danish equivalent of the British Foot Soldiers. The Lifeguards chose to parade in a simple style, an exercise accompanied by music from the Tambourkorps.

“It was a very conscious choice. We intended to make a classic, traditional contribution to the tattoo, “explained Major Korsholm, head of the Guard Company. While A. Garder Kjærsgaard added: “It is a great honour to be per-

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Per Kirkeby – a private viewing The Danish Club is organizing a private, out of hours viewing of the Danish artist Per Kirkeby’s survey exhibition at the Tate Modern on 19 June.

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The exhibition spans the past four decades, exploring the exceptional diversity of Kirkeby’s work by focusing on key moments in his career. Having first risen to international prominence in the 1980s with largescale semi-abstract paintings, Kirkeby has persistently resisted the notion of being tied down to any one medium or style, working instead as a painter, sculptor, architect, print-maker, draughtsman, film-maker and writer. The exhibition includes his pop-inspired sculptures of the 1960s, a series of lesser-known blackboard works, as well as the

monumental canvases he is best known for. Per Kirkeby is a household name in his native Denmark, and remains one of its best known contemporary artists. His lush, huge paintings, full of colour and movement, draw you into mystical surroundings and an abstract world. The event, which takes place between 9.00-10.00 am, is free and if you are interested you will need to book before 10 June; the maximum number of guests is 20. The exhibition is open from 17 June until 6 September 2009. Website: www.tate.org.uk and www.thedanishclub.com.uk. To make a reservation, email: lizette@danishclub.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Music

Scandinavian Music

By Karl Batterbee

charming piece of work that sounds like it could have been lifted from one of ABBA's earlier albums. You can find the video on Youtube by searching under 'Rival Hotel'. Here's hoping that it will be the first of many new pop gems to be written by the duo in the near future!

What's new in the Nordic region of the musical world? Let Scandipop tell you! Guess which legendary song-writing duo have come out of retirement to pen another collaboration…Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson of ABBA! They've written a song called Second Best To None, made a video for it, and released it as a download: all as a promotional campaign for Benny's boutique hotel in Stockholm, Rival. The song is sung by the hotel staff, and the video sees each of them trill cheerfully to the camera. It's a thoroughly

The Girl & The Killer Track The reigning queen of scandipop in the UK, Robyn, is making a return to these shores in mid-June. Her mind-blowing collaboration with Royksopp, The Girl & The Robot is released on 15 June. The stunning work of electronic wizardry hears a demented sounding Robyn berating her boyfriend for leaving her at home alone and comparing him and his affections to that of a robot. It's a rarity in a dance track where the lyrics are just as powerful as the melody and backing track. Sweden comes to London via Chicago

2.0_eco2print_Scanmag_ad:Layout Benny Andersson. Photo: Wikimedia Commons3

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heading to London's West End at the end of the year to take on the role of Billy Flynn in the musical Chicago. Favourite with 'the ladies', Mans first found fame in Sweden a few years ago on the Idol television show. He didn't win, but has since gone on to release two well-received albums over there. His latest album MZW was released the month before last and is well worth checking out. September in July Finally, September has announced that she'll be releasing her first UK album at the end of July. After having a mammoth hit over here last year with Cry For You, and another smash earlier this year with Can't Get Over, we'll be getting an album of new songs, as well as some of the best tracks cherry picked from the three albums that she's already released in Scandinavia. www.scandipop.co.uk Email: scandipop@googlemail.com

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Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar

Scandinavian Culture Calendar – Where to go, what to see? It’s all happening here!

Equinox festival featuring Arktau Eos (12 June) The Equinox Festival provides a cross cultural platform for the exhibition of creative and innovative approaches to spiritual discovery. The festival presents, produces and commissions art and media focused on theoretical and practical approaches to new forms of spiritual selfexpression. Finland's Arktau Eos utilize electroacoustic musical instrumentation and other media; the vision woven together is unsettling and ultimately beautiful. Conway Hall and Camden Centre, London. www.EquinoxFestival.org

Scandipop (18 June) Live DJs play Scandinavian pop music to a dance floor of friendly revellers on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Lots of pop, dance, and schlager, with cheap alcohol flowing all night! Dance to music you won't have heard anywhere else in the UK! Zen Bar, Denmark St, WC2H 8LP 8.30pm3am. £3 entry or free for students. www.scandipop.co.uk

based Norwegian artist Natalie Holland has been picked to showcase her paint-

BP Portrait Award Exhibition 2009 (18 June – 20 September) The Portrait Award, now in its thirtieth year at the National Portrait Gallery, is the most prestigious portrait competition in the world, highlighting the very best in contemporary portrait painting. London-

‘Agnes’ by Natalie Holland. Photo: Natalie Holland

JUNE/JULY

Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar

ings that tackle controversial issues such as self-mutilation, religious extremism and plastic surgery. Traditional Swedish Midsummer Celebration (20 June) Midsummer Celebrations in Southwark Park. Meet in the park near the Seamen’s Church to dress the midsummer pole and dance. Celebrations starts at 3.00 pm and are expected to end 6.00pm. www.swedishchurch.org.uk

their original Danish hotdog stand will be open and there will also be a large salad buffet. The event will be held in their spacious garden where a large bonfire will be lit at approx. 10pm to the tones of the Danish “Midsommervise” and the traditional bonfire speech. Although the speech and song will be in Danish all nationalities are of course welcome. The price for the evening is £6 per person. The evening starts at 8pm. Beverages can be purchased but not brought along. For bookings please visit www.kfuk.co.uk. Jan Garbarek at St Paul’s Cathedral (23 June) Renowned Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek once again joins forces with one of the world’s finest vocal groups, the allmale British quartet the Hilliard Ensemble, for a concert in St Paul’s Cathedral as part of the City of London Festival. St Paul’s Cathedral, Ludgate Hill, London EC4. Book online at www.colf.org

Ingmar Bergman Film Season (21 June – 12 July) Enjoy a series of films by Sweden’s greatest director, including The Magic Flute, Bergman´s historic production of Mozart’s masterpiece. Barbican Cinemas Barbican Centre Silk Street London EC2Y 8DS For bookings please visit www.colf.org/book-now.cfm Traditional Finnish Midsummer celebrations (22 June) Tasty midsummer food and drinks and live music by the Finnish band Midsummer Magic. Men's midsummer sauna from 15.00 - 16.30 and women 16.3018.00. Celebrations will start at 18.00. 33 Albion Street, SE16 7HZ www.finnishchurch.org.uk

Conductor Susanna Mälkki (25 June) Susanna Mälkki conducts the Mahler Chamber Orchestra with Pierre-Laurent Armand on violin.The Programme: Haydn: Symphony no.60 'Il Distratto'; Symphony no.101 'The Clock'. Ligeti: Ramifications; Birtwistle: Slow Frieze for Piano and Ensemble. Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Snape, Suffolk IP17 Telephone no: 01728 687 110

Midsummer Party at the Danish YWCA (23 June) The Danish YWCA will be hosting their annual Midsummer party. As per tradition

Presidential Jazz (30 June) A groovy Swedish/Czech jazz-evening with a spectacular view over the river Thames. The evening will celebrate the end of the

Czech EU Presidency and the beginning of the Swedish one. For bookings please visit www.colf.org/book-now.cfm Gala Opening and Concert (1 July) The grand official London opening of the Swedish EU Presidency at the historic Guildhall in London. Enjoy a world-class musical experience with the Nordic Chamber Orchestra featuring renowned trombonist and conductor Christian Lindberg. For bookings please visit www.colf.org/book-now.cfm Sweden on Stage (4 July) A unique Family Fun Day with an environmental theme on Hampstead Heath. Sample some of the best on offer from Sweden including The Benny Andersson Band. Try some Swedish ecological food and take part in a variety of innovative activities for all ages. The Danish Club presents: A programme of events for June/July Out of hour viewing of Artist Per Kirkeby’s work at Tate Modern, 19 June, free entry book early. Charles Dickens, A talk and Q&A with Robert Slater, Monday 8 June, free entry but book early. Father’s Day Club open for Roast Beef Lunch and Danish Buffet, 21 June, traditional fare, children welcome. Jazz Evening, Swing Time with Angus Murray, 17 June, Jazz in the restaurant! Stambord DABGO -Danes Abroad Business Group Online, online meeting, 1 July and first Wed of every month thereafter, join a great network of Danes worldwide. Venue: The Danish Club 40 Dover street London W1S 4NP Contact: Lizette Bang, lizette@danishclub.co.uk, 07545 11 9339 Website: www.danishclub.co.uk

Angus Murray. Photo: www.jazzswing.co.uk

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