Scan Magazine | Issue 11 | September 2009

SCAN

PETER SCHMEICHEL – WITHOUT THE NET ROOM FOR THOUGHT: FINLAND GETS IT JUST RIGHT FIND THE PERFECT HEALTHCARE SOLUTION GREEN THEME: PREPARING FOR THE COP15

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 11

SEPTEMBER 2009

M A G A Z I N E

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Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents COVER FEATURE 8

12

Peter Schmeichel | Without the Net

DESIGN

8

12 We Love This | Design that Matters 13 Keep the Home Fires Burning | Morsø Stoves

THEME: CONFERENCES IN FINLAND 16 Room For Thought | Finland Gets it Just Right 20 Tranquil, Thrilling Tampere | The Perfect Place to Hold Conventions 24 An Island Utopia Materialises | The Island of Strömsö

THEME: PRIVATE HEALTHCARE 26 Casa Klein | 27 Scandinavian Healthcare in London 28 St. Anthony’s Hospital | 29 “Expat-centric” Medical Insurance

SCAN FOOD 30 Berry Nice | Bronte on the Scandinavian Autumn and Cloudberries 33 Herrings in the Mail | Danish Food Direct

20

SCAN BUSINESS GREEN THEME: COP15 IN COPENHAGEN 36 38 39 42 43

36

Introduction by Connie Hedegaard | Danish Minister for Climate and Energy Copenhagen | A Scandinavian Cleantech Hub ClimateCircle | Breaking Down Barriers to Create a Greener World Green Diversity | Nordic Unity Danish Ecological Council | Is it Good Business to Invest in Energy Efficiency?

46 H&M and IKEA | Scandinavian Brands Top Best Brands List 48 Tuborg | Rounding Off a Musical Summer 50 Samtext | Helps You Become Word-Perfect

REGULARS 52 Hotel of the Month | The Dormy House Hotel 54 Tax | Anything to Disclose?

52 Chamber News | Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish Chambers of Commerce for the UK 60 Scan News | Scandinavian Newsflash 62 Scandinavian Music and Culture 65 Culture Calendar | Your Scandinavian Cultural Events

Issue 11 | September | 3

43

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, After a reinvigorating summer holiday Scan Magazine is back – and what a return.

It only takes a glance at the magazine to see that this issue is very special. Firstly, on the cover we have the “Great Dane” Peter Schmeichel, probably the most famous Danish man in the UK. Having grown up with just a normal girlish interest in football, I only ever had one football idol, and naturally it had to be the tall, blonde guy in front of the Danish goal. Therefore it was not without a little rattling of the nerves, that I met my childhood hero.

However, Schmeichel turned out to be one of the most relaxed and down-to-earth persons I’ve ever met and, as none of the catastrophes I had foreseen took place, I went home with a big smile and a great interview in the bag. Hopefully you will enjoy our talks on his new life and his passion – football, too!

Secondly, we are also very proud to be able to present the Danish Minister for Climate and Energy, Connie Hedegaard. On page 36 she opens this issue’s Green Theme by giving her views on the upcoming COP15 meeting in Copenhagen. The following pages present a diverse selection of Scandinavian projects aimed at combining environmental concerns with business acumen to create viable solutions to the energy and climate issue.

Snus has, on the other hand, absolutely nothing to do with our other theme this month: a review of private healthcare options.

Presenting everything from a Swedish gynaecologist to a Scandinavian pensioner’s home in Spain, these pages offers a helping hand to anyone worried about health issues.

From Spain to Finland: Scan Magazine set off to discover if it really is true that Finland is the perfect conference destination – it turns out that it is. Beautiful landscape, high tech transport and communication facilities, and efficiency are just some of the merits we found.

Back home in the UK one of our reporters went to try out a new, fashionable, Scandinavian hair salon in Notting Hill – see the result on page 62.

Well, meeting famous footballers, discussing climate change with ministers and top researchers, and visiting fashionable hair salons – just another month at Scan Magazine. We hope you enjoy reading the magazine just as much as we enjoyed making it!

Signe Hansen, Editor

Chewing “snus” instead of smoking cigarettes may well be one way of cutting down emissions, but our new “Swinglish” stand up comedian Ben Kersley is not too keen on it anyway. Take a look at his new humour column on page 34!

Scan Magazine Issue 11 | Sep. 2009

Creative Director Mads E. Petersen

Marketing Manager Helene Oxfeldt Lauridsen

Published 07.09.2009 ISSN 1757-9589

Copy-editor Mark Rogers

Advertising marketing@scanmagazine.co.uk

Contributors Barbara Chandler Bronte Blomhoj Emelie Krugly Helena Whitmore Mette Lisby Karolina Oestlin Karl Batterbee Ben Kersley Päivi Ylänen Ture Damtoft Andrew Mellor

To receive our newsletter send an email to news@scanmagazine.co.uk

Published by Scan Magazine Limited Design & Print Liquid Graphic Limited Executive Editor Thomas Winther Editor Signe Hansen

4 | Issue 11 | September 2009

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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.

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Scan Magazine | Contributors

Regular 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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”.

6 | Issue 11 | September 2009

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 11 month old son.

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Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Peter Schmeichel

8 | Issue 11 | September 2009

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Peter Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel – Without The Net

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Courtesy of TV3 Denmark

Peter Schmeichel is a man with no regrets, so he says, and as if that is not extraordinary enough he also happens to have been voted the world’s best goalkeeper – twice. The way to get there? According to the man himself, you have to let the safety net go; risking everything is the only way you will, as he practically did, win everything. With the European Championship one of his big triumphs and the Champions League another, Schmeichel seemed every inch a contented man when Scan Magazine met up with him outside London.

achieved all he had dreamt of and thought “what now?”, Schmeichel answers with a resolved “yes I did” and leans forward a bit to continue. “A year before I stopped in United, I told the club that the upcoming season was going to be my last for the club. I was away all the time, so the pressure on me and my private life had become something I did not enjoy. That, added to the fact that when I put my football boots on, the stakes were always a matter of life and death, which is something you can live with, but only for a certain period of time.”

Although the 45-year-old retired almost six years ago, many still refer to him as the world’s best goalkeeper, and not just in Denmark. Schmeichel’s eight years with Manchester United probably made him even more popular in the UK than in his home country, where he played his career’s first ten years and 129 games for the national team, and the affection is mutual.

Schmeichel ended his career after two years in Portugal with Sporting CP, but after only a week of retirement an old-boys’ game changed his mind. “In that game I realised that I was not ready to retire or play old-boys’ football at all. So I called my agent, still in full match kit, and told him: listen I can’t do this, can you find me something in England?”

“For me it has always been English football and I don’t think that will ever change. You will not find the same intensity, the pace and commitment anywhere else,” Schmeichel enthuses. “When I was a little boy, every night I dreamt about playing an FA Cup final for Manchester United at Wembley.” His dream was fulfilled by United’s manager Alex Ferguson who spotted Schmeichel when playing for Brøndby in the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1991.

In the UK, Schmeichel quickly became renowned for his ability to start quick counter-attacks, his loud manners and his impressive 1.91m blonde figure with which he vigorously guarded the goal.

After two more years in English football playing for Aston Villa and Manchester City, 40-year-old Schmeichel was finally ready to retire. Last year, he and his wife Bente moved back to Denmark with their daughter, while their 22-year-old son Kasper stayed in the UK to pursue his career as a goalkeeper with Notts County.

By then Schmeichel had already taken the first steps in his new career on TV, hosting shows such as Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel and the Champions League show on Danish TV3.

Was it your plan all along to go into TV?

The fame and number of titles grew simultaneously.

Asked if he had ever reached a point when he felt he had

Well, the last two years I was playing, I started preparing myself to stay in football through managing courses and

Issue 11 | September | 9

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Peter Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel together with his co-host Camilla Ottesen on his newest TV show, Fangerne på Fortet, showing on TV3 Denmark right now.

so on. But when I was at Aston Villa, I was asked to be an expert on the BBC’s football panel. At first I declined, but when they asked me again and promised to take good care of me, I tried it. They liked me and I was asked back for the rest of their FA Cup matches, including the final, and other things and then it just kind of slowly went that way. The thought of staying in football just became more and more distant to me. After a year I was asked to host the Champions League show in Denmark and that was one of my personal incitements to move back. Now I just keep going, I don’t think too much about being in football anymore but, of course, never say never.

Would you recommend young sportspeople to take an education to fall back on?

Well, if you have a special talent, I would say just go for it.

You have nothing to lose. When you are just 17, you could

10 | Issue 11 | September 2009

actually be playing in a Premier League team, and if you give it five years, you will then still only be 22 years old, young enough to start getting an education. And trust me, by the age of 22 you’ll have known for a long time if you will make it or not.

What does it take to become a top athlete?

To become a sports star at the highest level, you MUST be100 per cent committed, and I don’t believe that you can study and have a professional career in any sort of top sport at the same time. This is also one of the contributing factors why we, in Denmark, only have a handful of top class athletes who really rock the sports world. Our mentality says that you must have a safety net and I don’t think that is good for a top athlete. The effort you put into the moment in sport has to be the most important thing in your life and if you have a safety net, you also have an ex-

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Peter Schmeichel

cuse, and at the very top level of sports, there can be no excuses. Some people will read this as a very hard and cynical statement, but I truly believe that that’s the way it is!

How big a loss is it to Manchester United that Ronaldo left for Real Madrid?

It is a big loss. You take all his goals away, you have to replace them. You take his presence away, you have to replace that. How do you replace the quality of the best player in the world? Well, any other club would struggle, but United has recovered so many times after losing great players, and I am sure that they will recover from loosing the best of them all as well.

Was it just a matter of time before he went?

I think deep down Sir Alex Ferguson knew he was going to lose Ronaldo sooner rather than later. Having 80 million pounds to invest in his team over the next three to four years, I’m sure he would take the money at this point, rather than fight what is essentially an uphill battle. I would have loved having Cristiano staying with United, but he always was going to join Real Madrid at some point, and it’s going to be interesting to see how he will do in the Spanish capital.

Was there more loyalty towards the club in your playing days?

Loyalty is slowly disappearing from the game. The top clubs can, in most cases, keep their players because they are the top clubs. But most players will seek the challenge and therefore they will move from club to club to play in better teams. But the money in the game these days also plays a major part, one move can set a player up for life, so in view of that, loyalty then becomes a non-issue.

Do you have any episodes in your career that you regret?

I have nothing, nothing at all that I regret. I have been lucky enough to play for Manchester United and other bigger clubs, played 129 matches for Denmark, and really, except for the World Cup, I have won virtually everything there is to win for a football player. And more important, I have been lucky enough to play with some of the best players in the world, and that all the way until I was 40. I have had 20 fantastic years as a professional football player, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

So it seems that even though Schmeichel decided to let go of his safety net to spend a whole career in front of another net, he is not downhearted by the absence of any of them at this stage of his life. And while his current laidback contentment stands in stark contrast to his loud and energetic character on the football pitch, it did not seem out of place at all at the idyllic golf and country club where we said goodbye to him.

Five quick football facts Who will win the Premier League this year?

Manchester United! I am sure they will win again. United has the best team and the best squad, and that is what you need to win the Premier League. I do think, though, that Chelsea will push us all the way.

From the current Premier League line up, your favourite back four?

No doubt that it is Ferdinand and Vidic in the centre, Evra on the left and staying true to my United heart, I’ll pick Rafael on the right…!

Who is the best striker you have played against?

The most poisonous was Robbie Fowler, he is the one who scored the most goals against us – unfortunately.

Does Denmark have a chance at the World Cup next summer?

First we need to qualify, but we are well placed in our group. But we still have four very tough games left, three of them at home, so it is very much in our own hands. So far we have done well and I am sure we will be in South Africa next summer, and once we get there, well you know Denmark, anything can happen!

Will a Danish team ever make it to the knock out phase in the Champions League?

Well, last year Aab did really well and this year I have seen FCK play and it is like they have raised their game to a higher international level. But then it also depends on what the draw will bring. With both Aab last year and FCK two years ago, we saw that when they make it to the group stage, they do get the points.

Issue 11 | September | 11

Scan Magazine | Design | We Love This

We love this...

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

Glow oil lamp Glow is a traditional oil lamp redefined for modern living, designed by Swedish architect Thomas Sandell.

The classic hourglass silhouette of Glow brings to mind the passage of time. Glow generates a soft warm light when lit, inviting you to take a moment out of time to reflect. Retails at £47.74 www.iittala.com

The cushions shown are old Swedish folklore designs, felted by hand. Retails at £37.50. www.northlightdesign.co.uk

We fell in love! Simple shapes closed in very solid stoneware which can be converted from a beautiful candle holder into small trays for all purposes. By Lisa Hilland - available in white or black (13 cm height). Retails at £54 www.designhousestockholm.com

PS Lömsk Swivel armchair at IKEA. Kids can lower the armchair for a private hideaway or spin around in it and have some fun.

Retails at £39.99 at www.ikea.co.uk

12 | Issue 11 | September 2009

Ferm Living Mushroom Wall Stickers.

A sweet set of 3 adjustable and removable wall stickers. They are a creative, easy, and affordable way to add inspiration and fun to your child’s living space. Retails at £31 at www.cloudberryliving.co.uk

Innovative and funky design!

IKEA Actually! Mammut bedside table, (£15.99) and Mammut children's chair. Retails at £10.99 at www.ikea.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Design | Morsø Stoves

Keep the Home Fires Burning Barbara Chandler discovers why Danish Morsø stoves are more popular in

By Barbara Chandler | Photos: Courtesy of Morsø Stoves London than ever before.

The feminine aesthetic of a modern Danish artist meets the robust engineering of an old-established Danish manufacturer. It may be a marriage of opposites, but the result is a beautiful new stove, which is opportunely arriving in London as the summer draws to its close.

The artist is Monica Ritterband, who has been awarded the prestigious Danish title of Artist of the Year four times.

She lives in Copenhagen, and her work spans sculpture, textiles, porcelain, paintings and mosaics. And the manufacturer is Morsø, who has been making fires on the island of Mors in Northern Jutland for 156 years.

It has taken Monica over four years to develop and perfect her designs for Morsø, working closely with the company's

technical and creative team to express the features that were important to her. "I wanted to use the cast iron to the very best of its ability," she says, entranced by the malleability of a material which at first seems so static and stolid. The result is three new stoves with softly curved shapes and elegant handles, more like an attractive piece of furniture than a heating appliance. Each has a unique oversized glass window - the largest in the history of Morsø - designed to display the innate beauty of the flickering flames, with their powerful associations of warmth, comfort and domesticity. Monica has also created an accompanying range of fireside accessories, which include a tool set, log holder and trivet. They have quirky cast-iron "feet" and add a touch of humour. Morsø joins a select clutch of famous Danish companies for whom

Scan Magazine | Design | Morsø Stoves

The Morsø stoves designed by Monica Ritterband have a beautiful and at the same time highly practical design.

Monica has carried out commissions. The others include Royal Copenhagen (porcelain), Georg Jensen (silverware), and Ege (carpets).

As for Morsø, its history dates back to 1853, when a young man, NA Christensen, opened a small iron foundry in Nykobing Mors, on the island of Mors. Today, there are still two members of the original family on the company's main board. Back then, cast iron was in its infancy, and soon became immensely popular due to its strength. It was used for cooking pots, hardware, machinery and even memorial crosses – and, of course, stoves, for which it is an ideal material. Cast iron emits a constant and even heat, using both radiant and convection principles. And it is extremely durable – so much so that Morsø offers a ten year guarantee against casting and production defects.

But if necessary, parts are easily replaced, and the company guarantees to supply spare parts for at least ten years after a model is discontinued.

14 | Issue 11 | September 2009

Today the company still uses the same type of tools that they did at the beginning, and all parts are assembled by hand. However they are successful as much for simple elegant Scandinavian design as for high quality metalwork. Styles range from the urban and stream-lined that fits in with city life, or to the more decorative and classic for traditional settings. The celebrated British designer Robin Levien has also designed for the company.

Morsø's range contains all sizes of stove and there are options for a top or a rear flue. If you do not have a chimney or flue, then your installer can create one. And stoves can stand safely on most types of floor.

"Morsø is the brand leader in Britain for cast-iron stoves," says Declan Walsh, general manager, adding that his company's products are more popular now than ever before. "The rise in conventional fuel prices has driven people to find alternative sources of heat, and they are realising that wood can be up to 50 per cent cheaper than gas or electricity."

Scan Magazine | Design | Morsø Stoves

Right: The Morsø Owl seen above, is a super efficient multifuel, cleanburning stove meaning it can be used in smokeless zones. Left: Log Holder by Monica Ritterband.

Of the 160 dealers throughout the UK, six are within the M25, with attractive showrooms, some with installed fires lit to show the beauty of the flames.

strictest environmental regulations in the world, the majority meeting the requirements of the stringent Scandinavian Swan Eco-label

Eco issues are increasingly high on the consumer agenda, and here Morsø also finds favour. Unlike the fossil fuels of coal, oil and gas, burning wood is considered "carbon neutral" because the same amount of CO2 is released into the atmosphere as if the wood had decayed naturally. And whilst supplies of fossils fuels are finite, wood is a truly renewable energy resource, because new trees are being planted for every tree cut down.

"Husbands are like fires - they go out when unattended," is a famous remark attributed to Zsa Zsa Gabor, who has indeed been married nine times. It's as important carefully to attend to your Morsø stove in the right way. Let your stockist guide you through the installation process, and use only an approved installer. Check that you have the right size of flue for your stove model. Make sure you only burn clean dry wood - with a moisture content of no more than 20 per cent. Again, your stockist can point you in the right direction. Don't overfill your stove with wood, and avoid burning rubbish.

But what about Britain's smoke-control regulations, which extend right across London?

Happily here too Morsø gets the go-ahead, with a good choice of designs approved by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to burn wood in smoke-controlled areas throughout England and Wales.

Indeed, Morsø wood-burning stoves conform to the

For more information: Morsø UK. Tel 017 88 554 410 Email: salesuk@morsoe.com

www.morsoe.co.uk

Issue 11 | September | 15

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16 | Issue 11 | September 2009

Scan Magazine | Theme | Conferences in Finland

ROOM FOR THOUGHT: Finland gets it just right

By Päivi Ylänen

Choosing the right location for a convention can be essential to the outcome for both host and participants.

Of course, one wants the experience to be out of the ordinary, but it is also necessary to ensure that the quality of facilities and equipment allows for top efficient arrangements. One place that can provide both long lasting impressions and highly professional arrangements is Finland. Scan Magazine has looked into some of the country’s many different possibilities.

Safe, efficient, punctual and very high quality. These are just some of the flattering adjectives used by conference and incentive travellers who have been to Finland. Unique, unspoilt, friendly and tranquil are other descriptions.

Helsinki is still a favoured destination for international conference and incentive travellers. Almost half of the 150,000 attendees each year at corporate events in Finland stay in Helsinki or nearby. But there is more to Finland than this jewel of the Baltic cities, and a third of visitors these days head for Finnish Lapland.

dards, safety or efficiency. It seems that Finnish Lapland fits the bill. “Large hotel chains in big cities tend to offer much of the same everywhere and you would hardly know where you were most of the time. Lapland is not far away and it is easy to get to. It is the only true wilderness left in Europe with unspoilt nature. Our destinations in Levi are only 10 minutes from Kittilä airport, so you can be in your hotel room within 30 minutes of landing.”

Polar Meetings Ltd works with Finland’s leading congress organiser Blue & White Conferences. The companies have a long experience in organising every kind of meeting from high profile EU summits to intimate gatherings of a few like-minded folk in a Lapp tepee.

Leaving the ordinary behind

A new addition to an already good selection of venues in Levi is the state-of-the-art conference centre, Levi Summit, perched high on a fell with awesome panoramic views. The centre can accommodate up to several hundred visitors and, as always in Finland, it has the latest conference equipment and high speed communication access to ensure that meetings run smoothly.

Helena Syvänen, MD of Polar Meetings Ltd, says there is a clear trend in travellers seeking more exotic destinations and new experiences but without compromises in stan-

“We organise all kinds of tailor-made programmes under the breathtaking skies of Lapland, including exciting outdoor

Issue 11 | September | 17

Scan Magazine | Theme | Conferences in Finland

Vanajanlinna (Vanaja Castle). With one of the best golf courses in

The beautiful Vanajanlinna dining room seats 52 guests, who can

Europe this historic manor house is a dream for golf enthusiasts

enjoy the restaurant’s classic Nordic flavours.

and an exclusive conference destination as well.

activities in the fells of Levi and Kätkä,” Syvänen explains.

Levi is a popular destination for incentive trips, and Syvänen says that these are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a way to motivate as well as thank staff. “These trips are often a considerable investment for a company, and we are here to make sure that they will get a good return on their investment. We know the area well. Our reputation has been built on providing a friendly and reliable service.”

Hole in one London-based Guild Travel is an expert on Finland and things Finnish too. The company works closely with event and conference venues throughout Finland and neighbouring countries. Marjo Sanderson, MD of Guild Travel, says that the choice of venues and extracurricular activities is mind-boggling. “But any group with golfing enthusiasts in it should head to Vanajanlinna (Vanaja Castle), a great historic manor house by a beautiful lake and frequented by Finnish presidents – as well as golfers.”

Linna Golf is one of Europe’s best golf courses and is only 100km north of Helsinki. The course, laid out over 122 hectares by Tim Lobb, is favoured by top players. Mikko Ikonen, top Finnish professional golfer and the first Finn to win a European Tour Event, is seen there regularly. Even the Swedes are impressed. Golf Digest Sweden has rated Linna Golf as the best golf resort in northern Europe stating: “This is the most luxurious golf resort in northern Europe. In fact there seem to be very few places like it in the whole of Europe.”

18 | Issue 11 | September 2009

SK Golf Challenge 2009, a European Challenge Tour event, was held in Vanajanlinna in August. “The event was hugely successful with wonderful weather, top players and some 20,000 spectators over four days,” says Mika Walkamo, who is the Lord of the Castle and its Marketing Director. But he says that meetings and conferences are their bread and butter.

“Vanajanlinna is a historic, high quality destination, and we cater for all companies of any size.” Walkamo does not name names but Vanajanlinna is also popular for high society weddings. Formula 1 champion Kimi Räikkönen had his wedding reception there a few years ago. The estate is certainly suitable for those who are used only to the best. The exquisite former hunting lodge was built in the early 1920s by a wealthy industrialist to entertain Finland’s leading politicians and social figures. There are luxurious rooms in the lodge, sumptuous suites in the golf club building as well as comfortable cottages, all surrounded by beautiful Finnish countryside.

High speed meetings If you want to hold a meeting while travelling, Finland with its modern, comfortable high-speed train connections also has the perfect settings for this. A Pendolino working compartment accommodates seven people comfortably and you can work while the train shoots through the Finnish countryside at speeds of up to 220km/h.

Larger groups can reserve a whole coach for the journey, and on intercity trains you can choose among day cars,

Top: the Finnish Pendolino trains transports passengers at high speed and comfort between cities and countries. Bottom: restaurant and lounge cars.

sleeping cars and special purpose cars for business and pleasure. A conference car, for example, has room for 24 people with modern office equipment and a saloon compartment for working and recreation. A train attendant takes care of the catering arrangements and looks after office equipment.

If you want to travel in style, there is the former presidential car for conference and PR use, now refurbished and with all the latest office equipment you may need. But for total freedom you should book a private train with a combination of different meeting or exhibition facilities, quality catering services and even your own pub, with a time table and routes to suit you.

Finnish intercity trains are modern, comfortable and punctual, thanks to VR, the state-owned rail company. The rail network in Finland is comprehensive. And you need not even remain within Finnish borders. Trains from Helsinki leave regularly for St Petersburg and Moscow.

The most popular train for business travellers is called the Sibelius, which departs Helsinki in the morning and arrives in St Petersburg six hours later.

Best place to sleep, meet, dine and relax FinlandŠs leading hotel 2008* The Crowne Plaza Helsinki offers the discerning business traveller first-class facilities and personalized service. Whether visiting Helsinki for business or pleasure, the Crowne Plaza Helsinki offers the best in service and value.

All our rooms are designed with your comfort in mind and come with a bathtub, airconditioning, luxury beds, free ADSL and WLAN highspeed internet and a full range of contemporary amenities you expect to find in an upscale hotel.

Visit www.crowneplaza-helsinki.fi and enjoy our virtual tour presenting guest rooms and other facilities of our hotel.

Book your next stay in Helsinki at www.crowneplaza.com and take advantage of our Lowest Internet Rate Guarantee.

For more information visit: Guild Travel; www.guildtravel.com Polar Meetings; www.polarmeetings.com

Crowne Plaza Helsinki Mannerheimintie 50, FIN-00260 Helsinki. Tel. +358 9 2521 0000, fax +358 9 2521 3999, email: helsinki.cph@restel.fi * Chosen by World Travel Awards 2008

Scan Magazine | Theme | Conferences in Finland

Opposite left: Tampere city centre by night – as seen from the air. Top right: Diners at a conference dinner held at Tampere Hall.

Bottom right: Tampere was founded on the banks of the Tammerkoski rapids and water played an enormous role in the town’s industrialisation in the 19th century.

Tranquil, Thrilling Tampere

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Courtesy of Tampere Convention Bureau

With Scandinavia’s largest congress and concert centre and numerous smaller facilities surrounded by Finland’s beautiful nature, Tampere is the perfect place to hold any international convention. The town’s own airport has low-price connections to many major European cities, including London and Stockholm. Besides Tampere is located just a 25 minute flight or under two hours’ drive from Helsinki airport, which has connections to virtually all parts of the world.

Luckily Tampere’s 210,000 inhabitants realised the potential of the town a long time ago and the town has been adding to its natural advantages for many years.

Tampere Hall, Finland’s leading congress centre, will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. The building can accommodate congresses with up to 2,000 delegates and has hosted hundreds of international and thousands of national meetings over the years.

Modern facilities in historic wrappings One of the people dedicated to developing the town as a convention destination is Ella Kuula. She is Convention Direc-

20 | Issue 11 | September 2009

tor at the non-profit organisation Tampere Convention Bureau, which assists potential visitors with finding the right accommodation, meeting facility and social programmes.

“Tampere is a big small town. By that I mean that it has a small-town atmosphere, really tranquil with lakes and a lot of nature around, but it also has a lively city centre with a lot of things happening,” Kuula says adding, “but the best thing about it is, of course, that you have a lot of conference services. This means that you can have a high quality conference with the latest technology without being in a busy, crowded city.”

A jewel between two lakes Tampere is located in the southern-central part of Finland just 170 km north of Helsinki and placed between two big lakes. The Tammerkoski rapids run through the town and it was on its banks that the city was originally founded, with the rapids as a base for energy. Many of the original 19th century red-brick buildings are still a part of the townscape.

“Nowadays Tampere is really more of a high technology city; it is not an old-fashioned industrial town anymore. Most

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Left: Tampere Old Town Hall dating back to 1890 was magnificently restored in 2004. It is today the venue where the Mayor invites his guests. Right: Tampere Hall is the largest purpose-built concert and congress centre in Scandinavia.

of the red brick industrial buildings are transformed into modern facilities such as offices, cinemas, museums and restaurants. But they are nicely preserved so different details are left and the old atmosphere is still there,” says Kuula.

Enjoy fresh air and water Close to the heart of the town is a natural park located on Pyynikki ridge. This makes it very easy to combine a conference stay with outdoor activities such as the popular Nordic walking or a bicycle ride. “Nordic walking is special for Finland in that a lot of people are really into it. They walk with walking poles as if they were skiing and in that way exercise the whole body. We have guides who can take visitors to try it out at the end of the day or even between lectures,” says Kuula. “In the middle of the park there is an old observation tower with a nice little café where one can buy delicious doughnuts and enjoy the view.”

is also an attractive destination during winter. “This spring, the largest conference we had was the Annual Congress of the European Accounting Association with 1,100 delegates. We can easily host conferences with 1,000 -2,000 delegates. Most of the conferences in Tampere have around 200-300 delegates,” says Kuula adding: “We have fewer congresses in winter although the town is always easily accessible and it is very beautiful in winter with its lights and the snow.”

The town’s two universities and one polytechnic, together with numerous scientific research institutes, maintain a high standard of research and are internationally very active. This in turn attracts many congresses to Tampere.

Tampere Convention Bureau offers free assistance to organisations and companies of all fields considering the town as their next conference destination.

A swim in one of the surrounding clean lakes is also a refreshing option at the end of a long day. This, combined with a warm Finnish sauna, will definitely make your day!

Easy access all year round Although the majority of Tampere’s visitors come during the summer for major international congresses, the town

22 | Issue 11 | September 2009

For more information visit: www.tampereconventionbureau.fi or call +358 3 243 4900

Flying direct from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Copenhagen.

ADVENTURES IN GREENLAND.

Greenland is all about experiences for life – start exploring at:

Scan Magazine | Travel | Strรถmsรถ

24 | Issue 11 | September 2009

Scan Magazine | Travel | Strömsö

An Island Utopia Materialises

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Courtesy of Strömsö Property Development

Many visitors are taken aback by Finland’s astonishing nature and, just like Finnish expats, feel downhearted to leave after what they often experience as way too short a visit. But while getting their very own haven in the middle of it may seem like utopia to most, it is actually exactly what the Island of Strömsö offers.

Just an hour’s drive and ten minutes boat ride away from Helsinki, the 320 hectares island constitutes the perfect getaway for busy professionals and their families. Known for its virgin nature, the island offers plenty of opportunities to go fishing, hunting or berry and mushroom picking among the forests’ ospreys and deer.

“The main attraction here is of course the location; it is one of the most sought after and beautiful island communities in Finland,” says Jyrki Salminen, Sales and Marketing Director at Strömsö Property Development.

“We are constructing 50 luxurious villas on the island over the next couple of years. The first 15 marina villas are finished and have been sold, and this summer we are completing the beach villas.”

The company also has 80 building plots sized around 8,000m2 for sale. When buying a plot, you are sure to get a uniquely beautiful holiday place. As all are different, you can choose just the type that pleases you most: rocky or grassy, on a slope or even ground and then build your dream holiday house. Some of the lots even include a fine beach and every lot has its own water area the length of the shoreline and 30 metres out to sea.

“The building sites are mainly placed directly on the shore, whereas the villas are placed more centrally on the island where all the restaurants and other facilities are, but they still have a sea view,” says Salminen.

Strömsö has been inhabited since the 15th century and has kept its original island culture, which is soon to be combined with modern leisure facilities such as golf ranges and tennis courts. Besides, every buyer of a plot or villa will also get a pier place in Strömsö’s home habour, Möviken, just as you can get your own pier at the island.

For more details visit: www.stromso.fi

Issue 11 | September | 25

Scan Magazine | International Services | Private Healthcare

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE Most people have high expectations for their healthcare and many may find the NHS too bureaucratic, slow or simply inconvenient. Luckily, there is a wide range of private healthcare options available. Scan Magazine had a look at a few of the options: a private hospital, a Swedish gynaecologist, an alternative elderly people’s home and an insurance company specialising in expatriate medical insurance.

Private hospital St Anthony’s in Surrey offers excellent treatment by specialist consultants for almost any illness.

Furthermore the hospital has been tested by thousands of Scandinavians who have travelled to St Anthony’s for treatment. Meanwhile. for those who live in London and wish an even closer by option Swedish specialist in

By Karolina Oestlin

gynaecology Dr Hellberg can offer her expertise at the private clinic London Medical.

For senior citizens, the Casa Klein home offers a little piece of Scandinavia in Spain. Casa Klein provides its guests with the comfort and pleasures of a hotel and the safety of a hospital. Last, the insurance company Expatriate Healthcare is devoted to making private medical insurance practical and easy to deal with for expatriates. The portability of the insurance makes its offer an interesting option for expatriates.

Find out more about what these private healthcare options offer in the next few pages.

Casa Klein When thinking about growing older, privately owned Casa Klein in Spain could be an interesting alternative. It’s unique in its offer of combining hotel or home and medical care.

Scandinavia is the clear theme at Casa Klein. The guests have various professional backgrounds, but they are all Scandinavians. So are half the staff and the rest speak English. “And we have a Danish chef who cooks fantastic food,” says the Danish owner Joan Klein Rosén.

Holiday option Casa Klein is run like a hotel with all its comforts. Five of its 17 rooms are available for short term stays. “One couple that came to stay said that they had almost given up on going on holiday now that they were getting older. But that changed when they found Casa Klein.

Here they have all the comfort – with the

26 | Issue 11 | September 2009

reassuring knowledge that there is always medically trained staff around if you need it,” Rosén says; because of this many doctors recommend Casa Klein as a place for convalescence, she explains.

Rosén says. And there is always something to do. Entertainment and excursions are regularly organised. “Because of the climate, people spend most of their time outdoors,” Rosén says and concludes: “Casa Klein is an oasis.”

A new home

Casa Klein is located 35 kilometres from Malaga, Spain. The cost for a stay is 2,400 Euros per month.

12 people have decided to make Casa Klein their permanent home. Many of them came to stay for a short time and never left. “People have said that one of the best things is that you have your privacy, but you never have to be alone,”

Website: www.casaklein.com

Scan Magazine | International Services | Private Healthcare

Left: London Medical on Marylebone High Street. Right: Swedish specialist in gynaecology Dr Ewa Hellberg.

Scandinavian Healthcare in London: Gynaecology Being unwell is never pleasant, but it can be made much easier if you have a specialist to talk to in your own language. After many years abroad, Swedish specialist in gynaecology Dr Ewa Hellberg knows from personal experience how important that can be.

Scan Magazine spoke to her about gynaecological healthcare in London.

Since 2004 Dr Hellberg has split her time between her native Sweden and London, where she spends a few days of every month. Currently, she is one of the specialist consultants at the private clinic London Medical on Marylebone High Street. “Just near Madame Tussauds,” Hellberg clarifies.

Hellberg first started her work in London at the Scandinavian Medical Centre on Harley Street. When the clinic closed down, she was offered a position at London Medical.

“It is a fantastic place to work,” Hellberg says. “The clinic is newly refurbished and very light, modern and clean. And the permanent staff is very friendly.”

Direct access Working in two countries has never been an issue for Hellberg - or her patients.

The permanent staff at London Medical manages Hellberg’s bookings and know in advance when she is in London. And whilst in Sweden, Hellberg is available to all patients on e-mail. “I give my e-mail address to my patients, so that they will be able to contact me if they have any questions.” But more often than not, Hellberg finds that patients don’t think that is necessary. “I always write a letter to my patients following a visit, in which I summarise the appointment and what was agreed. If there are any test results expected, I will include them, too.”

Patients don’t need a referral from a GP to see Hellberg. Anyone can make an appointment and meet with her when they feel the need to. “If you have a gynaecological problem – and most women know when they do – you want to see an experienced specialist straight away,” Hellberg says.

One visit As far as possible, Hellberg always aims to solve any issue in one visit.

“Examination. Investigation. Treatment.”

Thus she summarises the average appointment. This is the case in all her areas of expertise, which include bleeding

disorders, the menopause, genital infections, infertility investigations, incontinence, cervical dysplasias, vulvar diseases and birth control.

Looking ahead Currently, Hellberg has many Scandinavian patients, but also several other nationalities. “I look forward to growing the clinic in London and to spending more time there every month,” Hellberg says.

To book an appointment with Dr Hellberg, visit London Medical’s website: www.londonmedical.co.uk

Hellberg has worked as a consultant in Sweden, UK and Oman. She regularly lectures on a variety of subjects, including gynaecological ultra sound, menopause treatment and HPV virus to CPD and health and healthcare economics.

In Sweden she is actively involved with pharmaceutical issues.

Issue 11 | September | 27

Scan Magazine | International Services | Private Healthcare

St Anthony’s s one of few private hospitals to have an Intensive Care Unit as seen above.

St. Anthony’s Hospital A private hospital may be the solution to many of your healthcare worries and if you are concerned that a private hospital’s economic approach to health may not be to your advantage there is a solution to this too. Owned by the religious order The Daughters of the Cross, St. Anthony’s Hospital in Surrey is one of the UK’s few remaining charitable hospitals in England.

from four nights to one with considerably fewer side effects,” says Cook. Another recent development is a Foot & Ankle Unit. “Surgery on feet and ankles is an important sub-specialty in orthopaedics and St. Anthony’s is fortunate in having three specialist foot and ankle surgeons.

They are supported in their practice by the excellent in-house physiotherapists and a visiting team of podiatrists.”

Philip Cook, Marketing Manager at St. Anthony’s, explains: “The hospital has to work on a commercial basis, it charges fees. But there are no shareholders to pay and the profit that is not reinvested in new technology helps to support the nuns’ charitable activities such as St. Raphael’s Hospice which is completely free to all patients referred to it.”

In total, St. Anthony’s has more than 250 consultants connected to the hospital and they can help with everything from weight reducing surgery to joint replacements.

During the treatment all patients are installed in comfortable private rooms with their own bathroom, TV, internet connection and view of the garden. Both quality and comfort standards can be confirmed by thousands of Scandinavians who have been treated at St. Anthony’s through cooperation between the hospital and the Norwegian Heart and Lung Association in the 1980s. “We received about 350 heart patients each year for a period of ten years for cardiac work. They came here with

Among the hospital’s newest purchases are two lasers for urology, one for treating patients with kidney stones and one for treating patients with an enlarged prostate. “The latter, the Greenlight laser, reduces the length of stay for patients

28 | Issue 11 | September 2009

their families, who also stayed at the hospital, so Scandinavians are well-known to us,” says Cook.

The hospital still specialises in cardiac work and is one of only a few private hospitals that have an intensive care unit, a great benefit not just for the hospital’s own patients. “We are currently in discussion with managers from all the local NHS hospitals about the possibility of making some of our critical care beds available to NHS patients if NHS beds are swamped with swine flu admissions,” says Cook.

But of course the main benefit of the critical unit is that the hospital can undertake more complex surgery and if serious complications occur, the patient does not have to be transferred to an NHS unit. All in all, there can be no doubt that you and your health are in safe hands at St. Anthony’s Hospital.

For more details visit: www.stanthonys.org.uk

Scan Magazine | International Services | Private Healthcare

“Expat-centric” Medical Insurance Finding suitable insurance is not an easy part of expat life. Scan Magazine had a chat with Lee Gerry, founder of Expatriate Healthcare, who has dedicated his professional life to creating flexible insurance solutions for expatriates.

In 2004, Lee Gerry, Underwriting Manager at Expatriate Healthcare, and business partner David Bond left their then positions in insurance to create a better deal for expats. “We wanted to give expats a fair option to get good medical insurance without the hassle moving around and travelling a lot often causes,” Lee says.

The company started with medical insurance, but has since then expanded the offer to include term life insurance, travel and personal accident/disability insurance, all designed specifically with ex-pats in mind. Through their main partner AXA, which underwrites the healthcare, they have a presence all over the world.

Portable insurance “The company is purely dedicated to expats, so all our policies are developed to be as portable as possible,” Lee explains.

The policies are portable in two senses of the word. Firstly, you can take your policy with you when you move to a new country (although its terms may have to change slightly depending on the region you are moving to). Secondly, the medical insurance covers treatment at any hospital of your choice, anywhere within your chosen region of cover, which could be anywhere in the world. For example, if you are a UK resident, but the best treatment for you is in Belgium, or if you prefer to get treatment near your family, who live in another country, the insurance will cover that too. “It’s real portable insurance – not to be compared with a domestic style product that only allows you private care if the NHS won’t guarantee treatment within six weeks,” Lee says.

“Expatriates are at the heart of everything we do,” Lee says. “We will continue to add products and services to our portfolio that support expats living and working overseas, with products that are appropriate specifically to the expat lifestyle.”

Guaranteed acceptance “Subject to a minimum age at inception, we guarantee acceptance, but we don’t

cover anything that you have suffered from in the 2 years prior to joining. And once you are on cover, you can continue to be insured for life,” Lee says.

Expatriate Healthcare has customers in the four corners of the world, although a majority are still European. Many are companies that want to offer their employees solid insurance. But individuals and families are also a significant number of policy holders. Expatriate Healthcare also work with ‘affiliate groups’, people that have something in common through, for example, an online community to give them, as Lee summarises the offer: “effective, affordable expatriate healthcare.”

Website: www.expatriatehealthcare.com

Exclusive promotion for Scan Magazine readers Use the Promotion Code “SCAN2009” online and get a 10% discount on your premium.

Issue 11 | September | 29

Photo: www.imagebank.sweden.se © Ove Källström

Scan Magazine | Food | Berry Nice

BERRY NICE When most people think of the Scandinavian seasons, they either think of the bitter cold and round the clock dark winter days – or the vibrantly colourful summer season with its rolling green hills and sparkling silvery lakes (although, some, admittedly, think only of blonde women, Ace of Base and meatballs, but these have little to do with this article). However, the often forgotten thing about autumn in Scandinavia is that it is certainly also a time to cherish and a time of exceptional beauty – as well as being full of some of the most amazing foodie treasures known to man.

With all the hoo-haa of Midsummer Parties and dancing around maypoles well and truly over, summer in the Nordic countries comes along in fleeting bursts and before we know it, the days are once again getting shorter

30 | Issue 11 | September 2009

By Bronte Blomhoj

and the nights colder. By the middle of September, the whole of Scandinavia has changed its green summer coat for the rustling, golden comforting blanket of fallen leaves, and it is time for long walks in the forest, for slowing down and fattening up for winter time.

Back in the Viking times, autumn signalled the time for preparing for the days when hardly any daylight at all shone through. From the summer with its abundance of fruit and vegetables, winter proved always to be a testing time and our forefathers hunted and gathered everything they could for easy storage. In the Northern countries they hunted for game which they salted and dried. In the south they fished, preserving what they could by drying and curing – as well as slaughtering a good proportion of their farmed animals. Everywhere, the Vikings harvested and

Scan Magazine | Food | Berry Nice

Autumn nowadays in Scandinavia is first signalled by the arrival of the crayfish season in August, which carries on well into September. Mainly in Sweden and Finland is this season a big celebration, with most people spending many a weekend enjoying the fruits of the sea along with the jolly company of some amazing aquavit and some good friends (whilst being attacked by the last hungry mosquitoes of the year). Plenty of “snapsvisor” – aquavit songs – are sung during the crayfish season and many a horrific hangover endured.

The game hunting season is another big autumn signal in Scandinavia. In all of the northern countries, the moose hunting season starts and eager hunters stalk out in the forest, hoping to get the catch of the season – and that all important moose-head to stuff and display on the wall at home. Roe deer, wild ducks and red grouse, to name but a few, are also hunted. Game in Scandinavia today is not intensively farmed at all and is of the highest quality in the world, giving it a seriously hefty price tag – but well worth a taste if you’re ever lucky enough to be offered it. Lately, the much publicised Nordic Diet has claimed that wild game is the meat we should all be eating for health reasons, likely ensuring even heftier price tags in years to come.

Scandinavia also harbours a vast amount of incredible treasures when it comes to late summer berries. From wild raspberries, the plumpest, juiciest blackberries and blueberries imaginable, you can find them all here. Of course, not forgetting the all important lingonberry either, an essential jam served with Swedish and Norwegian meatballs.

Towards the end of July to beginning of August, the much sought after cloudberry blooms across the colder areas.

The cloudberry is an orange berry that looks a bit like a plump, overgrown fat raspberry but which grows on stalks instead of bushes – and the plant itself can withstand temperatures of down to -40 C. It is very difficult to cultivate and is most often found only in the wild; it is very hard to pick as the fragile berries burst instantly in the hands of unseasoned pickers. Most cloudberry is therefore made into jam and sold across the world, but nowhere is it more popular than in Sweden, where this jam is often heated and served with vanilla ice cream. Cloudberry is expensive – even during harvest season locally, prices often top £12 a litre – but the tart, unusual taste of this wonderful berry is certainly worth splashing out for.

In Finland, cloudberry is often made into an exceptional liquor called Lakkalikööri – and you can also find cloudberry yoghurt and cakes in certain shops. Lately, the humble cloudberry has also enjoyed quite a bit of press attention from the Nordic Diet, which has hailed it as one of the best berries to eat if you want to follow a Nordic Diet because of its high vitamin content. In the UK, cloudberry jam is available in a few different brands, the best, and the one that has the highest fruit content, is the Tillmann version – which is also less sugary than others. Fresh cloudberries or even frozen ones are pretty much impossible to get hold of outside Scandinavia.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

milled – and stored grain and oats for the long months.

Yep, it was porridge for everyone, all year long, even back then.

But even if you can’t make it to the Nordic countries to collect your own fresh berries this autumn, it is easy to sample some of the other the treasured goods from the comfort of London. Arrange a bit of a crayfish and aquavit party for a fantastic, traditional Scandinavian feast. Get hold of some of the amazing autumn berries on offer – either in fresh or jam form – and get cooking and inventing for both savoury and sweet dishes. All you need then is a good bunch of mates and an autumn evening and you’re all set. Hold off on the moose hunting, though, even after the 4th glass of aquavit when it all seems like such a good idea (even in Hackney): it’s usually not.

Issue 11 | September | 31

Scan Magazine | Food | Berry Nice

Three easy-peasy ways with Cloudberry

crushed meringue and whipped cream and gently fold in – a sort of “Swedish Mess” (inspired by the British dessert “Eton Mess”).

Cloudberry layer cake

Photo: www.imagebank.sweden.se © Björn Lindberg

Three sponge layer cakes (we recommend Karen Wolf “Lagkage”, which comes in three pre-made thin layers, easy to assemble, or make your own Victoria style sponge and split into three). Pop a layer on the serving tray, add a thin layer of cloudberry jam, add a thick layer of patisserie cream. Add sponge layer 2, repeat over. Cover cake with a nice layer of whipped cream all round and on top and decorate with a light dusting of chocolate shavings. Leave to set for a bit in the fridge before serving.

Cloudberry baked cheesecake

Cloudberry Jam and Vanilla ice cream The ultimate Swedish dessert. Get hold of some good quality vanilla ice cream and heat a few spoonfuls of cloudberry jam – pour over the ice cream just before serving. Alternatively, make it a bit more exciting by adding some

200g ‘NICE’ biscuits or other plain biscuits – most can be used, even plain Hobnobs.

75 g melted butter 800g full fat cream cheese 180 g Caster sugar 4 eggs plus 3 egg yolks 3 tsp vanilla sugar 2 tsp lemon juice 300 ml sour cream 1 jar of cloudberry jam (use as much as you need/like to – most likely just over half a jar)

Pre-heat the oven to 180 C degrees. Grease a 23cm spring form tin. Sit the tin in foil – and wrap the foil all around the side to prevent water from seeping in (the best way to bake a cheese cake is to bake it in a bain marie).

Crush the biscuits and combine with the melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the tin.

In a mixer, put the cream cheese, 160g of the sugar, the eggs, yolks and 2 tsp vanilla sugar as well as lemon juice and mix really well. When smooth, pour over the biscuit base.

Put the cake tin, which is tightly wrapped in the foil, in a larger tin or roasting tin and pour boiling water all around it, till about half way.

Bake for 1 hour exactly.

Beat the sour cream, the rest of the sugar and vanilla, pour over the cake and return to the oven for a further 10 minutes. Remove from oven and roasting tin (discard water). Heat the jam gently and very carefully pour/smooth it over the top of the cake. Leave the cake alone for at least 4 hours – ideally longer – to set properly, before opening the spring form (or else the cake may well crack).

© All recipes by Scandinavian Kitchen 2009

Scan Magazine | Food | Herrings in the Mail

Herrings in the mail Have you ever tried frenzying through your local shop to find the obligatory New Year kransekage (a Danish cake made mainly from marzipan) only to realise that, unbelievably, an otherwise civilised country such as England does not have it?

Well, here’s good news for you: through Danish Food Direct the cake and all the other indispensable Danish food items such as herring, remoulade and salt liquorice can be delivered straight to your door here in the UK. But the rest of England’s many expat Scandinavians also have something to look forward to; Managing Director Stephen Briggs tells Scan Magazine that the company behind www.danishfooddirect.co.uk, The Good Food & Gift Company, is hoping to extend the business. “We now have two people,

By Signe Hansen | Photo: Danish Food Direct

Sophie and Ema dedicated to Danish Food in the office. Originally, we thought one person would be able to handle the sales, but they are so much greater than expected we are already planning to take on more staff and look at extending our range of Scandinavian products.”

The selection of Danish food consists of 170 products including Briggs’s own favourite chilled herrings. “My favourite is the herrings in aqvavit which are especially nice as a cold starter for a barbecue,” he laughs adding: “Well maybe next year.”

The Good Food & Gift Company took over the mail order division from Danfood last year and to help match Danish taste buds they hired Danish Food and Culture Consultant Tine Ostergaard, who has the

delicious job of sampling the food.

“Actually everybody takes part when we do tastings; as soon as the food arrives, people from the other sectors suddenly show up too,” she says. Of course customers also have a say. “We are here to supply the products that our customers can’t find over here. Generally, we do not stock items that are already available in the UK. What is the point?” says Briggs.

Danish Food Direct also delivers to a number of quality restaurants and pubs.

Deliveries from Danish Food Direct are free on orders over £65.

For more details visit: www.danishfooddirect.co.uk

Issue 11 | September | 33

Scan Magazine | Columns | Humour

IS IT JUST ME...

Who, having spent way too much time in airports this summer, has detected a decline in respect for the British National Sport, queuing?

Well, let me just briefly outline the rules. Yes, there are rules. It isn’t enough just to stand there and simply wait until it’s your turn.

What are we? Animals? Joining a queue requires commitment. You must therefore ask yourself: Am I ready for the queue? Is my heart in it? Can I go all the way?

This is because you cannot suddenly go to the bathroom, or buy a magazine or embark on similarly audacious quests which will lead to the dramatic outcome of having to leave the queue. You can’t.

The queue will know you’re a quitter who can’t be trusted. If fellow queue members later see you on the plane, seated by the emergency exit, they might tell authorized personnel that you are in no way suited for this kind of responsibility.

Second, when queuing, the Boy Scout’s motto “Be prepared” applies at all times.

You must ALWAYS keep an eye on the queue ahead of you, because you can’t EVER let the queue move without INTSTANTLY moving with it. Otherwise the people behind you will feel deeply betrayed, and slowly lose hope. Do you really want to be the one who killed the hope of the queue? I didn’t think so.

Be aware that engaging in hazardous activities such as talking or texting on your mobile, is frowned upon by fellow queue-members; it makes you lose focus.

Last but not least, you must prepare yourself for the mental change that will occur. Upon joining, you will notice that you immediately start to suspect everybody else of wanting to get ahead in your queue.

This is only natural. That’s the way other people are. You therefore have to watch

over whoever darts about in the periphery of the queue. Don’t hesitate to look angry, even mean and unwelcoming. That’s the only thing these potentially cheating bastards respect.

Those are the rules. They need to be protected. God save the Queue.

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.

By Ben Kersley

“Snus?” The Swede opposite me waved a miniature teabag in my face. I was young and naïve and keen to try new experiences, but I wasn’t sure whether he was expecting me to boil up a thimble of water and fetch a tiny drop of milk so we could have a teeny-weeny tea party.

He popped the teabag into his mouth.

“This is snus,” he said proudly as though revealing the secret of all things Swedish.

This was snus, the dark sticky oral tobacco that is widely used in Sweden and one of the few things that Swedes are prepared to get really passionate about. In 1994, snus and the freedom to snus (yes, it’s a noun and a verb) was the single most important issue for Sweden on joining the EU. Spend more than a couple of days in Sweden and you soon learn that the small 34 | Issue 11 | September 2009

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

SNUS

By Mette Lisby

tobacco-filled teabag, or worse, loose snus, is shoved under the upper lip while the snuser ruminates. This can lead to confusion: Sitting opposite a Swede in a pub, you are never quite sure if they are orthodontically challenged or if brown teeth and the protruding muzzle are down to a snus habit. It’s only when they excuse themselves (or not) to spit tobacco onto the floor that you can be certain.

To the outsider, the habit might seem like a rustic practice, but snus is used more widely than cigarettes. There are special fridges to store the little packets and even

paraphernalia such as “portioners” to take snus surreptitiously without getting fingers covered in tobacco, supposedly adding a whole level of snus sophistication.

Maybe my heart wasn’t in it, but my one young, naïve taste of snus was enough to put me off it for life. So if ever you sit opposite me in a pub in Sweden and wonder if my teeth are rotten, I guarantee it’s not snus. I’m English, after all.

Kersley is Sweden's only Swinglish stand up comedian. www.speakup.se

Scan Magazine | Competition | Everlasting Moments

Competition

Win a DVD of “Everlasting Moments” ‘Everlasting Moments’ received rave reviews when it opened in cinemas, and from September 28 you can own your own copy on DVD.

without exciting her husband's fury, she forms a quiet and deeply moving friendship with Pedersen. The camera becomes her form of escape, something she uses to capture the wonders of the world around her, and the tool through which her relationship with Pedersen develops.

Directed by multi-award winning chronicler of Swedish life, Jan Troell, it tells the story of Maria Larsson, a working class mother in 1900s Sweden, who wins a camera in a lottery. With her brutal and philandering husband Sigfrid frequently rolling home drunk from the docks, and an ever growing family to feed, the camera looks like a useless prize and Maria decides to sell it to a photography shop to feed her family.

Answer this question to win: What was the English name of Troell’s debut film from 1966?

But kindly shop-owner Sebastian Pedersen convinces her to keep the camera and the decision alters her whole life. The camera grants Maria new eyes with which to see the world, and over the years, though not

Email your answer to competition@ scanmagazine.co.uk and Scan Magazine will draw two lucky winners. We must receive your answer before 24 September.

The winner will be contacted directly.

N ew

An epic family saga, with magnificent performances, Everlasting Moments is available to buy from all good retailers or from www.play.com.

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Issue 11 | September | 35

G

15 OP C E: EM H T EN RE

IN

N GE A NH PE O C

World needs ambitious climate agreement during COP15 in Copenhagen

By Connie Hedegaard, Minister for Climate and Energy, Denmark

In December, when all the countries of the world meet at COP15 in Copenhagen to negotiate the framework of a global climate agreement, the main aim will be to safeguard the society we live in today. However, another objective will be to fashion a sustainable society, which will serve as the foundation for the green economic growth of the future.

192 countries will be represented in Copenhagen.

Denmark's goal is clear and unambiguous: we insist on an ambitious, global agreement that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Time is of the essence, because all the evidence suggests that we need to develop a more sustainable way of living. And here the corporate world

36 | Issue 11 | September 2009

plays a central role, in terms of finding concrete solutions.

It will not only be the climate that will benefit from this.

The Scandinavian countries can no longer sustain themselves by relying on the pollution-producing industries of the past. There is a readiness in many other parts of the world to produce clothes, for example, under both human and environmental conditions we would never permit. This is why we need to develop new green products and production forms, if we wish to continue to be at the forefront of international business. We should be making our money on smart solutions and good ideas.

The Nordic countries have always been good at developing innovative products and coming up with technological

Scan Business | Green Theme | Connie Hedegaard

Connie Hedegaard, Danish Minister for Climate and Energy.

solutions. We are at the forefront both in terms of design and innovative ideas. It therefore seems natural that we should capitalise on the demand for solutions to the climate issue. We can do this by continuing our development process, which will ensure that Scandinavian products are a part of the cure for our dependence on fossil fuels.

In these times of financial crisis, Denmark's green corporate world sets a good example. The latest figures from 2008 show that Danish export of energy technology rose by 19 percent. This is approximately four times the corresponding number for ordinary exports. This shows that it pays for the corporate world to go green – both now and in the future.

In 2050, our planet will be inhabited by nine billion people.

And of those, eight billion will be living in what we now call developing countries. If they are all to have access to the same resources and economic growth, we are forced to

find a better way to make use of our resources. We cannot continue polluting our planet and overusing fossil fuels the way we do today. That is simply not viable, scientists tell us. And in the same breath, they tell us that now is the time to act; because if we don't do something today, it will become increasingly expensive to carry out the necessary measures in the future. In short: the cost of delaying action against climate change will only keep rising the longer we wait.

An international climate agreement in Copenhagen later this year will ensure that the temperature on our planet does not reach dangerous levels, which would result in catastrophic climate change. And concurrently, we are in a position to develop the products necessary to solve the crisis, and thereby generate healthy economic growth in a manner that is sustainable and beneficial to our corporate world. What we, in effect, have is a golden, green opportunity, which we shouldn't allow to turn to dust.

Issue 11 | September | 37

Copenhagen – a Scandinavian Cleantech Hub

By Stephan Skare Nielsen

One topic is dominating the world of politics and business these days – the earth’s climate. Politicians are responding to the challenges, and business is responding to opportunities for solutions. It will all culminate in December with the UN COP15 conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

In Denmark the development of the industry which is now known as cleantech was spurred in 1973 when Denmark implemented the world’s first environmental law. Since then Denmark has been on the forefront of environmentallyfriendly solutions and technological advances in cleantech.

This means that Denmark has been able to become worldleader within, e.g., the wind industry along with biomass, fuel cells, smart grids, biofuels and green buildings. Almost 30% of Danish electricity generation comes from renewable energy sources, primarily wind and biomass. But the Danish government ambitiously aims to double the share of renewable energy by 2025. This will require large public and private investments with exciting market potential for the new technologies, and will add to Denmark’s global leadership position.

The world’s first CO2-neutral capital Copenhagen is the hub for cleantech in Denmark and serves as a great entry into Scandinavia for cleantech

38 | Issue 11 | September 2009

companies. Today more than half of the 720 Danish cleantech companies are located in the Copenhagen and Zealand regions.

The city of Copenhagen has developed an ambitious climate plan with the aim of becoming the world’s first CO2 neutral capital. The plan includes more than 50 initiatives within several cleantech sectors such as energy generation, transportation, buildings and energy efficiency. Also, the plan increases focus on shifting energy generation from coal to biomass in combined heat and power plants (CHP), developing new wind farms as well as utilizing geothermal energy. The transportation sector will see a large increase in the number of hybrid and electric vehicles through development of the necessary infrastructure, strengthening public mass transportation solutions and further supporting the extensive biking culture. The building sector will focus on eco-friendly renovation of existing buildings and on resource efficiency and sustainable city planning on new projects such as Nordhavnen, Scandinavia’s largest sustainable urban area under construction.

“The global climate has presented us with a challenge: We must and will decrease CO2 emissions considerably.

We could opt for the cheapest or the easiest solutions. But

Scan Business | Green Theme | Copenhagen

we are going for the green solution and the solutions that also create a healthier city. This is an investment in the future,” says Klaus Bondam, Mayor of the Technical and Environmental Administration for the City of Copenhagen.

Attractiveness of Copenhagen • • •

Leading Cleantech Cluster A group of key stakeholders have taken the initiative to establish a one-stop cluster organisation for cleantech in the Copenhagen and Zealand regions. The organisation will serve Danish and foreign cleantech players looking for business opportunities, networks and innovation.

Specific goals include the creation of 1,000 new jobs and 10 public-private sector partnerships, the staging of 200 events, the involvement of more than 200 players, collaboration with 15 international cleantech clusters, and increased exports and growth for entrepreneurs. The overall objective is described by Steen Donner, Managing Director of Copenhagen Capacity: “We want to create higher growth for cleantech companies, see more cleantech companies emerge and attract more companies, talent and know-how from abroad.”

•

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A world leading cleantech cluster with strong competences within a diverse spectrum of sectors A hub for test and demonstration Incentives and funding for cleantech companies, R&D partnerships and projects Voted best place to do business by the Economist Intelligence Unit – ensures protection against unexpected changes in the economic and political environment A market with highly motivated people to address climate change – environmentally-friendly and conscious consumers with high purchasing power willing to pay for the right solutions.

For more information: Copenhagen Capacity www.copcap.com/cleantech Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster www.copenhagencleantechcluster.com

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Scan Business | Green Theme | ClimateCircle

left: The development park, Nupark, which houses local businesses within the waste and energy sector. Right: ClimateCircle’s new manager John Sohn.

ClimateCircle – Breaking down barriers to create a greener world

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Courtesy of ClimateCircle

How do you bring competing, private businesses to cooperate not only with each other but also with publicly held businesses and local municipalities to achieve a greener world? This is the puzzle that Danish ClimateCircle is attempting to solve in the north western part of Jutland. The key, it seems, is the common vision of achieving 120 per cent of the area’s energy supply from sustainable sources.

The 120 per cent goal is, however, not only a goal but also a means to help break down competitive parameters, says ClimateCircle’s new manager John Sohn. “Setting up a vision that appeals to everyone is the key, and securing the energy supply for our children is of course a vision that everybody can connect to. It is the lever that is going to lift you up to the fulfilment of the vision.”

Making a global impact Denmark is well-known abroad for being one of the leading countries within sustainable energy. Sohn, who

40 | Issue 11 | September 2009

holds an Executive MBA from Henley Business School, London, with his dissertation in Corporate Social Responsibility, believes this is partly due to the active role played by the municipalities. The municipality of Holsterbro is one of the main participants of ClimateCircle’s steering group. The local government in Holstebro has established a development park, Nupark, and positioned local businesses within the waste and energy sector in the vicinity of the park. This has created a geographical platform where private and public businesses work within walking distance of each other to create growth and development in environmental and recycling related areas.

As it is now, 22.5 per cent of the area’s energy supply is accounted for by the residual waste, 15.8 per cent from bio-fuel and 6 percent from wind. 120 per cent renewable energy may therefore sound a bit overambitious, but Sohn maintains it is necessary. “As energy consumption rises very rapidly globally, you have to have a vision enabling you

Scan Business | Green Theme | ClimateCircle

to, not only create business growth in one area, but also to act socially responsibly and supply energy out of your area to sustain the rest of the globe.”

One of the steps to achieve the goal is the planned construction of the world’s largest bio-energy plant by Maabjerg BioEnergy. It will extract gasses from agricultural waste to create energy and return the waste, tabbed for energy, to be reused in cultivation. Other companies in the steering group are Nomi I/S a waste collection and recycling company and Vestforsyning A/S an electricity, heat and water supplier.

Combining high ideals and business It is the hope that achieving the 120 per cent goal will help to highlight the competences held in the area. “A lot of global interest is turning towards the different technologies within the area, but there is also a need for experience on how to use the technology, how to connect it and supply energy within an area,” says Sohn.

The businesses in and around Nupark actually represent a unique collection of business competence, cleantech knowledge and sustainable energy resources, displayed

by ClimateCircle.

The project has had many visiting foreign delegations, and with the upcoming global climate conference in Copenhagen more are likely to come. What they will see is, says Sohn, an example of how a common vision can create change. “People learn from their historic and present experiences and understand that they can actually make a difference, if they do something. It is everybody: the people in the businesses, in society and in government.”

Sohn himself also feels ready to follow the high ambitions and lead the way: “Right now it is my vision to try to do my bit to change the world. I am not able to do it alone, but I am sure that if all forces are joined the world will change.”

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Scan Business | Green Theme | Green Diversity

Director of Nordic Energy Research Birte Holst Jørgensen.

GREEN DIVERSITY – NORDIC UNITY The world needs energy solutions and the Nordic countries have much to offer. The Nordic region has an abundance of natural resources for energy in its winds, forests and rivers. In addition, the countries have both the technology to exploit these resources, and a political framework that encourages innovation and the use of clean and sustainable energy. Sixty-three per cent of the region’s electricity is now generated from renewable resources.

Denmark is at the core of the wind energy industry, Finland and Sweden are ahead in biofuels, Norway has a competitive solar cell industry and Iceland has competencies in geothermal power. In all of the Nordic countries, companies have specialised in providing energy efficient products and services, particularly in the building, component and automobile manufacturing industries.

This mix of diversity and common interests forms the building blocks of Nordic cooperation in energy.

Getting a head start The Nordic Council of Ministers’ activities within renewable energy, energy efficiency and electricity markets are carried out by a cluster of committees, working groups and agencies. An agency at the centre of this is Nordic Energy Research, whose Director Birte Holst Jørgensen says: “There is not one but many solutions to our energy challenges, and the fact that our five countries’ energy

42 | Issue 11 | September 2009

By Signe Hansen

systems are so different - yet interlinked through a common electricity market - means that we have developed highly interesting energy solutions for the global market.”

Since the oil crisis, each of the Nordic countries has given priority to investing in new energy solutions. This has led to a percentage of national research funding being earmarked for Nordic Energy Research. “I will dare to say that ‘green growth’ has characterised all of the Nordic countries long before Barack Obama launched this term in connection with how to tackle the economic crisis,” says Jørgensen.

Getting attention in the global market Showcasing the Nordic Region’s strengths in energy to the global market is the mission of the Chairman of the Working Group for Renewable Energy, Jørgen Calundann.

He is responsible for Nordic Energy Solutions, a website set up this year to continuously present new and successful Nordic technologies, institutional structures, policies, instruments and innovations to the world.

“Through a united communication effort we can increase the interest for Nordic solutions further and reach decision makers who wish to find a sustainable solution to the energy and climate problem,” says Calundann.

For more information visit: www.nordicenergysolutions.org

Scan Business | Green Theme | Danish Ecological Council

Top left and right: Dansk Industri’s (The Confederation of Danish Industry) headquarters in Copenhagen, the council works with DI to create greater environmental awareness through e.g. major conferences. Left bottom: Søren Dyck-Madsen, from the Danish Ecological Council.

Danish Ecological Council Is it good business is to invest in energy efficiency? Scan Magazine asked Søren Dyck-Madsen, from the Danish Ecological Council and he said yes: businesses can make a profit and make their employees happy, whilst steering a new course.

By Ture Damtoft

mentally friendly policies and products. Now it has changed so that many businesses, because they see a financial incentive, are willing to move ahead, but the political side is lagging behind.”

Environmental taxation

“You have to be a bit of an optimist to be a realist,” reflects Søren Dyck-Madsen when asked to describe the global environment. He is responsible for energy and climate, and describes his role as “getting new things [climate issues] onto the agenda”. He is driven by “interest, commitment and a job that fits with both.”

In his eleven years with the council he has seen major changes in the approach to environmental questions.

Especially from companies: “We can now work with what used to be the opponent because we find there is a lot of common ground.”

The common ground with industry is created through financially sustainable initiatives. The Danish Ecological Council realises that this is a pre-requisite for the commitment of business. “There seemed to be reluctance from industries in engaging and investing in environ-

The Danish Ecological Council publishes numerous indepth papers on the environmental situation. One of the suggestions they put forward is the radical idea of shifting taxation from businesses and private people to increased taxation on energy, resource use and pollution, reducing income tax, without taxing poor people more. There is widespread support for this.

The Council also suggests diversifying property taxation in relation to the energy-efficiency of homes. Even The Danish Construction Association recommends a move in this direction. However, the political will is lacking. “It goes against the tax freeze, introduced in 2001, and therefore it is currently not possible to get the Government to debate the idea.”

Employees make demands.

Examples of improvements to energy efficiency range from better insulation for heat-loss and humidity

Issue 11 | September | 43

possibilities of large-scale changes. They recognise that such investments must be proven financially sound and profitable.

False marketing of Green Energy The Council is also concerned with the marketing of so-called Green Energy. They see it as mainly false, since it almost exclusively comes from existing energy sources, and therefore the effect on the climate or renewables is non-existent. For energy to be genuinely Green as well as additional, it has to come from new sites, whether wind-, solar- or hydro-power.

Dyck-Madsen spells out the problem this can be for companies wishing to promote themselves as environmentally responsible. “If DSB [Danish National Rail] proclaims they have bought Green Energy, and it turns out to be false, they have an image problem, even if they are not aware that it is false.” The Danish government has agreed to look into this issue. Ways to provide guidelines to consumers and electricity traders must be found.

reduction; through ventilation systems and upgrading old equipment; to new, more environmentally friendly equipment and improvements to in-door climate. This may help increase employees’ efficiency and attract new employees.

Dyck-Madsen says: “It would improve the work environment, which can increase productivity. We have seen studies which show improvements can increase the learning capabilities of children by as much as 15-20%.”

Employees are becoming aware of a potential employer’s environmental profile.There is an increasing expectation that companies should be environmentally responsible.

“We can see that employees increasingly prioritise it in their choice of workplace, but it’s imperative that the top management engages too.”

The Danish Ecological Council is encouraging companies to invest in green technology and energy efficiency over a longer time-frame. Generally companies assume 2-3 years to recoup an investment; the council is encouraging companies to plan 7-8 years ahead, which would open the

44 | Issue 11 | September 2009

At a fundamental level, it is the awareness of the endconsumer that is going to drive the change in using and saving energy. Dyck-Madsen gives lectures to companies, universities and colleges, and is always met with enthusiasm. His main message is: “You should still buy the cheapest and easiest options, but you should include running costs during the whole lifetime of the product. And today the environmental costs are not included in the market price.”

The only way to change this, he says, is to change the political framework, which is also a point on his agenda for COP15, where he will seek the same commitment from the politicians that the Danish Ecological Council shows.

•

•

•

The council receives no funding from any government body, and relies solely on projects, private donations and membership.

Membership of the Ecological Council is available to individuals and corporates. As a member you will have access to all reports published by the council.

Subscription, should full membership not be possible, is also possible. As a subscriber you will receive new publications and updates.

To contact the Danish Ecological Council visit www.ecocouncil.dk Telephone: +45 3315 0977 (freephone with Skype)

Scan Business | Green Theme | Sweden

Sweden to fight climate change in difficult economic climate Sweden has taken over the Presidency of the EU. This means that for half-a-year, Sweden will lead the EU's work and be responsible for moving important EU issues forward. Ambassador Staffan Carlsson shares his views on the tasks ahead.

What is the most important question that Sweden is facing during its Presidency of the EU? There are two, the economy and climate change. We are going through very difficult economic times, but this only makes it more urgent to address climate change. A greener Europe is part of the solution to the economic downturn. On top of those two, there are the fight against organized crime, cooperation on migration, further enlargement of the Union and a strategy for the Baltic Sea region. We hope to make progress on these issues as well as the two first.

Do you think the EU will succeed with the U.S. in the fight for a greener world?

One of the very positive elements in the overall picture is that the Obama administration is keen to work with us and other international partners on the climate change issue. The EU has taken the lead. We hope others will follow.

By Emelie Krugly have to be in close touch with the British on all the issues I have mentioned. We have to explain to a broader audience, in Parliament, in the City, at think tanks and universities, what our Presidency is about.

And we have to raise the Swedish profile in the UK a bit.

What does the EU presidency mean for Sweden and Europe?

It means that together we have an opportunity to deal with some of the difficult challenges we face. But the Union is a team. We shall need the support of all the other member states.

How do the next six months affect you as a diplomat and how will the Swedish Presidency of the EU affect your work?

There are three things, in particular, that the London Embassy will have to do. We

Swedish Ambassador Staffan Carlsson

Above: Ikea and HM’s contemporary cleverness makes them some of Europe’ best brand’s says Graham Hales, Managing Director at Interbrand London (bottom right).

Scandinavian brands top Best Brands list

By Karolina Oestlin

Scandinavian brands H&M and IKEA have been placed first and third respectively on global brand agency Interbrand's most recent list of the Best European Brands. They and many other Scandinavian brands are clearly getting something right. But what is the secret behind creating such remarkably strong brands? Scan Magazine had a chat with Graham Hales, Managing Director at Interbrand London, to explore the reason behind this success.

Brands are everywhere around us. They have become a natural part of our everyday lives, helping us to make instant and almost instinctive choices about what we eat, wear and practically everything else in life on which you can put a price. The choice is often based on previous experience of a brand’s products or services, or on what a brand represents in terms of attitude or lifestyle.

Graham Hales, Managing Director at global brand consultancy Interbrand, London, describes a brand as “a

46 | Issue 11 | September 2009

stamp of value.” The brand promises that by choosing it, you will get a certain quality or experience. When it continuously lives up to the promise, you will begin to expect certain things from that brand and it becomes essential for the business. “Without a brand you don’t have a reputation,” says Hales.

Scandinavian secret So with two Scandinavian brands topping Interbrand’s Best European Brands list what does Hales think is the secret behind the Scandinavian success?

“Scandinavian brands tend to have a cool, clinical, contemporary cleverness attached to them,” Hales says.

To a certain extent, he adds, the success is down to this “contemporary style statement that happens to be Scandinavian.”

But more importantly, he concludes, “Scandinavian brands have a sense of character about what they are and

Scan Business | Feature | Scandinavian Brands

what they are not,” meaning that they don’t pretend to be something they aren’t. Their brand promise is communicated clearly and the company delivers on that promise.

their promise – and their consumers’ expectations.

“Clarity, consistency and leadership,” Hales summarises, is the secret to the H&M brand’s success.

Valuating brands

More than a logo Interbrand has worked with companies around the world to create strong brands since the 1970s. To Interbrand, a brand is all about business value, it is an essential business asset, which, if you get it right, will serve both your organisation and your customers well.

Convinced of the value that branding represents for a business, Interbrand has developed a Brand Valuation tool that measures the asset a brand is to its owner in actual financial terms. “Brand value is the dollar value of a brand.” Over the years, Interbrand’s Brand Valuation has become a significant industry benchmark.

But it’s about more than getting the logo right. The logo is Interbrand calculates brand value in a way similar to how only one aspect of the brand, representing what the brand other financial value is determined. The way the current brand owners use the brand is taken promises to deliver to the customer, into consideration, as is the current Hales emphasises. “For example, the “Scandinavian brands value of the earnings that the brand is IKEA logo on its own may look very expected to generate in the future. simplistic to someone who doesn’t tend to have a cool, There are three key elements involved know the concept of the company. clinical, contemporary in Brand Valuation: Financial Equally, the use of yellow and blue cleverness attached Forecasting (financial forecast used to might not make any sense to them.” calculate the Economic Value Added But of course, the use of simple lines to them” (EVA) of the branded business), Role of and the choice of colour make perfect Branding (which identifies the sense for IKEA. It conveys the meaning of the brand and what it promises to consumers: Swedish earnings of EVA specifically attributable to the brand, depending on the importance of the brand for customers simplicity, quality design for a good price. in choosing products or services) and Brand Strength Strong brands (determination of the risk of future earnings relating to But how do you create a strong brand? “You need to think the brand). about the bigger picture of your brand and then create a logo that represents all of that," says Hales. To do this, Based on its research, Interbrand every year compiles a companies need to follow certain guidelines. “When you list of the Best Global Brands which is published in create a brand you need to think of who you want to be in Business Week. Recently, they have also started the market place and how you can deliver against that. You publishing a list of the Best European Brands. In 2009, need to see yourself as the market and your consumers H&M topped the list and IKEA was third. see you. Around that insight you formulate a ‘credible brand promise’. That is, ‘what we promise to deliver to our What are they doing right? customers’,” Hales says, adding: “The brand also needs Both brand know what consumers want and deliver on it: to be distinctive in the market place. And, finally, the brand H&M – affordable fashion IKEA – affordable home needs to be future focused.”

The hugely successful Swedish fashion brand H&M follows this formula. The company understands what their young target group wants: affordable top fashion. Working closely with celebrities and top fashion designers gives H&M the edge over the competition whilst living up to

• Ranges by top fashion designers • Linkage to celebrities • Value for money • Clear and consistent communication

design • Simplicity of design – fits every home • Great retail environment • Value for money • Clear and consistent communication

Issue 11 | September | 47

Scan Business | Feature | Tuborg

Tuborg – Rounding off a musical summer

By Signe Hansen

The end of Tuborg’s second festival season in the UK is coming up, and the overall impression from the more than 100 outdoor events is a huge success. One of the festivals where Tuborg enjoys its exclusive supply and official beer status is the mighty Glastonbury festival; with almost 140,000 people going there every summer one can just imagine how such an event boosts the sales charts!

going to the festivals connected with Tuborg has probably increased by ten per cent compared to last year,” says Director of Sponsorship and Media Relations at Carlsberg UK, Gareth Roberts adding: “One thing about festivals and events such as these, are that they are high on people’s agenda. They are a natural fixture in their yearly calendar and music lovers will always make sure that they can go to their favourite festival.”

It is not just the major festivals’ guests who have benefited from Tuborg’s music engagements. Carlsberg UK, which owns and markets the Tuborg brand in the UK, has secured exclusive supply deals and sponsorships with everything from one-day events, such as Escape in Wales, to five day gigs like the Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds festivals. These deals created a very successful first year and consequently expectations were even higher this summer. Tuborg did not disappoint and luckily neither the weather nor the economic climate seemed to affect the appetite for music or beer. “This season has actually been even better than we expected. The number of people

Preparation, coordination and a bit of fame

48 | Issue 11 | September 2009

Most of this summer’s festivals connected to Tuborg were sold out and Tuborg increased its exposure to festival goers by an estimated 20-25 per cent, making volume and sales take another leap from last summer. All in all, Roberts concludes, “it has done a great job for us this year.”

Nothing to complain about, therefore, but Roberts assures us that even though Tuborg does have a very strong international brand, the good results have been the result of focus and hard work. To deliver the equipment, the beer and the staff to cater for more than a million festival and

Scan Business | Feature | Tuborg

Left: Tuborg has quickly become known among young Brits as a top quality and fun beer. Top right: Gig tickets are among possible prizes of Tuborg’s new, interactive web-game Beat the Intro. Bottom Right: Gareth Roberts is the man behind the re-launch of Tuborg in the UK.

concert guests all over the UK is a major task. “At a festival like Glastonbury with around 140,000 guests, it takes a lot of planning and preparation to deliver a good product experience every time. One thing that really places Carlsberg UK apart from its competitors, as a company and what it delivers in the way of music events, is its ability to deliver a good quality beer experience on a regular basis. We can cater for huge crowds.” Tuborg may cater for up to 100,000 people at one place and while it takes a lot of coordination and preparation it also gives the brand a special edge. “What we have created is real demand for not only Tuborg as a quality product and a world beer, but for the logistics, presentation and equipment which delivers such an essential part of the event,” says Roberts.

which is owned by Live Nation, we have become the official beer of 14 top live music venues in the UK from North to South.” Among the venues are the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, O2 Academy Birmingham and the O2 Glasgow Academy.

Continuing the party

While Tuborg has re-established itself in the UK over the last 2 years, Carlsberg has been here since 1868 and is the UK’s fourth largest brewer, owning brands such as Carlsberg, Carlsberg Export, Tuborg, San Miguel, Tetley's, Holsten and Skol.

While the festival season is at its end, Tuborg will, through its partnership with Live Nation and the Academy Music Group, continue to make music events cheerier throughout the year. “Since March 2007 we have secured an impressive portfolio of venues and properties that we now exclusively supply and activate,” says Roberts adding: “Through our partnership with the Academy Music Group,

To promote its music scene Tuborg has also launched an interactive music game named "Beat the Intro" on its website www.tuborg.co.uk, in which you can test your music knowledge and win yourself tickets for Tuborg gigs or a pack of the beer itself. So even if you missed out on this year’s festivals, there should still be plenty of opportunities to combine a musical evening with that special world famed Danish beer.

For more information visit: www.carlsberg.co.uk or www.tuborg.co.uk

Issue 11 | September | 49

Scan Business | Profile | Samtext

Left front: Anna Lie; Translator and Project Manager, left back: Alistair Gage; Translator, right back: Elisiv Peel; Translator and Project Manager, front right: Emma king; Marketing Assistant.

Samtext helps you become word-perfect

By Signe Hansen | Photos by Silje Glefjell

Flawless, stylish and precise text is the key to getting your message across in writing, and translation company Samtext can help you achieve exactly that.

Samtext International Text Agency was set up in Norway in 1996 and has since grown to have offices in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany and most recently England.

“One thing which is common to all documents, whether advertising copy, letters or annual reports, is that if the text is flawed it will be the error and not the message which catches the attention of the reader. This is why it is essential to have written documents translated or proofread by professionals,” says Anna Lie, translator and project manager at the UK office in Winchester.

The UK office The UK office opened in August last year and has four

50 | Issue 11 | September 2009

employees who specialise in Nordic translation. Alistair Gage, Samtext’s resident accountant, generally handles financial documents such as annual reports, while Elisiv Peel and James Campbell specialise in legal and ITrelated, and technical texts respectively.

“We all have a connection with the Nordic countries, and we all translate into English from these languages,” says Lie, who has a degree in translation and interpreting from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. While Samtext specialises in the Nordic languages, it also has a sizeable team of freelancers on call to handle other language combinations, and the company has a broad variety of clients. “We often receive financial translations – annual reports and such documents – as we are lucky to have that expertise in-house,” remarks Lie. “We have also done a lot of work for the energy sector and for tourism and

Scan Business | Profile | Samtext

advertising-related companies. Our assignments are very varied; we take on plenty of IT-related work as well.”

Exceeding expectations Samtext assists their clients with everything relating to text, including translation, proofing and copy-editing, and the staff always endeavour to exceed the expectations of their clients. “What makes us special is that we have the expertise required to translate in-house. We also have more rigorous quality-control procedures than most agencies.” This means that translations are not only checked by the original translator but also by two project managers, one for each language involved. “When the office in Oslo sends us a translation, for instance, we do proofreading in Winchester, and when they get it back in Oslo, they proofread it as well.” This, along with the background of the employees, ensures that the client will never experience any of the errors that can easily occur when using other solutions – the main culprit, according to Lie, being online translation tools. “Many people make the mistake of using on-line translation tools, with sometimes disastrous results. The most important thing

in translation is the context, and these tools do not always take that into account.” This does not, of course, mean that you cannot practice your own translation skills by giving it a go yourself – but to make sure the outcome is word-perfect, have the text proofread by Samtext.

For more details visit: www.samtext.com/en

Samtext’s UK office in Winchester is the company’s most recent expansion.

Scan Business | Hotel of the Month | The Dormy House

Left: Dormy House Hotel is a haven for everybody who loves to relax. Top right: The Red Lounge where guests can enjoy the hotel’s relaxed atmosphere and log fires. Bottom: The New Penthouse Suite – a luxurious and spacious suite overlooking the Cotswolds.

Hotel of the Month

The Dormy House Hotel – the laid-back comfort of home A tastefully converted 17th century farmhouse right in the Heart of the fairytale Cotswolds, Dormy House Hotel is a haven for everybody who loves to relax, indulge and enjoy life. But one should be warned: the treat, which its Swedish owner has created, is highly addictive and it is more than likely that you will soon feel the need to return.

“Most of our guests come to Dormy House as they know the hotel or know someone who does. We have many repeat guests,” says Christine Anderson, Sales Administration Manager at the hotel, where she has worked for 15 years.

“They come back for our service-oriented attitude. We have committed long serving staff who will go out of their 52 | Issue 11 | September 2009

By Signe Hansen

way to make sure each guest is individually looked after.

Our staff know how to create a very friendly and relaxed environment.”

English countryside with a Scandinavian touch The hotel has been privately owned for 32 years by Swedish born Jorgen-Philip Sørensen (former chairman of Group 4 Securicor and Director of Ecover), but you will detect a touch of Danish influence in the mix of traditional and contemporary interiors inspired by Danish born Hotel Director Ingrid Sørensen.

Guests at the hotel appreciate a home from home atmosphere in beautiful surroundings. “Our great attraction is our location because we are positioned in the Heart of the Cotswolds. We have all sorts of guest; some

;an Y^gZXian id i]Z dg^\^cVa A:<DA6C9 come for executive conferences, others for weddings, and of course many come for relaxing breaks full of ‘Sophistication and Charm’.”

Indulging in life’s finer treats When visiting, many guests take advantage of the idyllic surroundings and stop by the many small villages and antique shops in the area. But the main purpose of a visit is usually just the stay itself, says Christine: “Within the hotel we have a Moroccan Sauna and Steam room and purpose built gym. Most guests come here to relax, enjoy exquisite, locally sourced food, experience world leading wines from the extensive wine list and sit in front of the log fires.” The hotel has two restaurants: the charming two rosette Dining Room and the popular Barn Owl Bar, not forgetting Alfresco Dining on the covered terrace.

Other Leisure activities can be arranged including golfing on the adjacent Broadway Golf Club which surrounds the hotel, tennis, shooting, riding and fishing.

English countryside or Danish seaside?

With a purpose built conference suite and seven meeting rooms, the hotel is also able to provide a spectacular background for both large professional gatherings and intimate business meetings. Spectacular settings for conferences, weddings and holidays can also be found at Jorgen-Philip Sorensen’s two other hotels in Denmark.

Located on the seaside of Gl. Skagen, Denmark’s most fashionable, traditional holiday destinations, the two hotels, Strandhotellet Gl. Skagen and Ruth’s Hotel, have attracted recreational guests with a taste for luxury for almost a century. In their comfort you can experience the pristine, duvet-covered Danish beaches, be pampered with spa experiences and culinary treats, and just as at the Dormy House Hotel, staff are dedicated to making you feel at home.

Orazio Pollaci, Sales and Marketing Manager at Dormy House explains: “Ruth’s Hotel is the ultimate in seaside chic, with one of Denmark’s top gourmet restaurants and exclusive wellness facilities. The neighbouring Strandhotellet dates from 1910 and an atmosphere of timeless charm pervades this homely hotel and the apartments in its grounds.”

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For more information visit: www.dormyhouse.co.uk and www.ruths-hotel.dk

Scan Business | International Services | Tax

Anything to disclose?

By Tax Columnist Helena Whitmore | Photo: Yiannis Katsaris

Regular readers of this column may have the impression that tax investigations and dealing with tax irregularities are at the top of my agenda every day. In fact, the world of tax is far more varied than that, and a typical working day involves dealing with a wide variety of questions.

In terms of tax news to share, however, the intense activity by the tax authorities in their quest for information regarding offshore structures and accounts mean that this must again be my topic of choice.

Over the last few weeks, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) have announced further details of the New Disclosure Opportunity (“NDO”), which is designed to enable taxpayers to disclose details of unpaid taxes in relation to offshore accounts or assets in return for a reduced fixed penalty. The NDO runs from 1 September 2009 to 12 March 2010. The deadline to notify HMRC of an intention to make a disclosure is 30 November 2009.

In connection with the signing of a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (“TIEA”) between the UK and Liechtenstein on 11 August 2009, a separate Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility has also been set up, which will run from 1 September 2009 to 31 March 2015. This is more generous than the general NDO. As further encouragement to non-compliant “customers” to come forward, HMRC have also obtained an order against 300 financial institutions, forcing them to hand over information to HMRC of offshore account holders with UK addresses.

Taken together, these measures form part of HMRC’s general attack on tax evasion through offshore arrangements.

Other G20 nations are also busy clamping down on similar issues, and hardly a week goes by without another TIEA being entered into by a succession of low tax

54 | Issue 11 | September 2009

jurisdictions (which in the past were referred to as “tax havens”). There must be a minimum of 12 TIEAs in place for a jurisdiction to be entered on the OECD “white list” and sanctions are threatened against those who fail to comply. Since September 2008 the UK has signed TIEAs with the Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey, Anguilla, Turks & Caicos and Liechtenstein.

In the same period, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden have all signed agreements with Guernsey, Jersey, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the British Virgin Islands.

The message is very clear – the end of secrecy is nigh. The low tax jurisdictions are of course keen to stress that confidentiality is still alive and well, but should not be thought of as a cover for tax evasion. This all adds up to one conclusion – errant UK taxpayers with offshore accounts or assets should take this opportunity to put things right with HMRC in return for a reduced penalty of 10% plus improved chances of sleeping at night.

Those who simply don’t know if they have paid the correct taxes on their overseas accounts should take tax advice now to ensure all is in order, so that if any problems are identified these can be put right while there is a discounted penalty on offer.

HMRC have stated that they do not intend to offer any further disclosure opportunities, and that taxpayers who do not take this opportunity to come forward are likely to face future penalties ranging from 30% to 100% of the tax unpaid, and will also run the risk of prosecution. In contrast, the NDO and the Liechtenstein Facility offer a 10% penalty (20% under the NDO for those who already received a letter from HMRC under the earlier 2007 Offshore Disclosure Facility – but no penalty is payable if the total amount of

the unpaid liability is less than £1,000.). A disclosure under the NDO must include all undisclosed amounts that tax should be paid on going back 20 years, not merely items linked to the offshore accounts or assets. The Liechtenstein Facility is more generous, as it only requires back taxes for a maximum of ten years up to 6 April 2009.

Further information is available on HMRC’s website www.hmrc.gov.uk, or by contacting the writer. This column is intended to provide information of general interest to the public and is not intended to offer legal advice about specific situations or problems.

Email: hwhitmore@mcguirewoods.com Web: www.mcguirewoods.com

Scan Magazine | Appointments

SWEDISH SPEAKING SALES MANAGER

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT Up to £42,000 + benefits A prestigious venue in the heart of London and the host of leading cultural events is looking for a Management Accountant with a passion for the Arts to join their team.

With a range of projects taking place concurrently, they provide a dynamic, challenging environment in which to add value.

Duties will include producing strategic financial recommendations, managing production of management accounts, analysing project driven revenue and managing part qualified staff. The right candidate will have management experience, effective communication with non-finance department heads and will have an Accounting qualification.

Please send your CV through to Ben Browning at bbrowning@poolia.co.uk or call on 020 7464 1703 to hear more about this vacancy.

SCAN M A G A Z I N E

Scan Magazine is looking for an enthusiastic team player who is highly self motivated to help sell advertorials and advertisements, primarily in Sweden. You need to be outgoing, have good relationship management skills and be able to motivate yourself.

Please email your CV to thomas@scanmagazine.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7993 6313 to hear more about the position

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT £43,000 + benefits Are you a Newly Qualified Accountant? Do you want to work for a premier media and events company? Can you demonstrate a track record of working in a high pressure and target driven environment? Do you thrive working in a successful and pioneering team? Have you previously produced a full set of month end management accounts, produced budgets and forecasts and dealt with multiple revenue streams?

If so please send your CV through to Benjamin Sawkins at bsawkins@poolia.co.uk or call on 020 7464 1806 to hear more about this exciting opportunity.

GROUP ACCOUNTANT Up to £70,000 Leading Investment Bank is seeking a qualified accountant to support the group reporting function in addition to helping drive finance projects.

Working within the Finance team the key duties include: • Helping to drive the finance re-engineering process • Income statement and balance sheet reporting for multiple entities • Developing and enhancing financial statements The ideal candidate will be a chartered accountant with strong financial reporting experience within investment banking in addition to product knowledge.

This is an excellent chance to move into a very autonomous role with the ability to get involved in diverse projects and gain exposure to people at all levels across the business.

Send your CV through to Jenny Steedman at jsteedman@poolia.co.uk or call her on 020 7464 1991 to hear more about this vacancy.

FINANCE BUSINESS ANALYST Up to £80,000 This international Investment Bank is currently starting a global finance change programme which has led to some exciting opportunities for experienced finance business analysts.

We would like to hear from qualified accountants who have a background within financial reporting, management information or product control, in addition to experience driving projects forward.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join an organisation which is succeeding in the current market, and to be involved in a large strategic project from its inception.

Send your CV Jenny Steedman jsteedman@poolia.co.uk or call her on 020 7464 1991 to hear more about this vacancy.

Issue 11 | September | 55

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce Following our annual Summer Cocktail Party at the Ambassador’s residence, and a nice and somewhat sunny holiday, the Danish Chamber is offering an autumn full of exciting events. As a new initiative, DUCC is gathering its Danish business contacts and members in Leeds every first Thursday of the month. Join us for a drink and dinner at Brasserie Blanc, part of famous French chef Raymond Blanc’s group of Brasseries, and you are sure to get the taste of the food Raymond’s mother prepared at his home in Besançon while expanding your network outside London.

Additionally, we would like to invite our female members and their colleagues to the first Women’s Forum this year at which Courtney Fingar, Editor of Financial Times’ FDI Magazine, will give a speech on ‘Global Movement of FDI’. We meet on 28 Sep-

tember at 6.30 in the Danish Club on 40 Dover Street. Please sign up at info@ducc.co.uk.

Finally, we would like to remind you that as a member of the DUCC, you have access to special offers presented by other Chamber members. Just to mention a few, you can enjoy reduced overnight stays at Radisson BLU, excellent discounts at 95%Danish, special offers with professional firms like Goodwille and Miller Rosenfalck. Check out the offers at www.ducc.co.uk and let us know if you have an offer to add!

UPCOMING EVENTS 24 September Nordic Thursday Drinks at 1 Lombard Street 28 September Women’s Forum: “Global Movement of FDI” at The Danish Club, 40 Dover Street, London W1S 4NP 1 October Network Lounge in Leeds for Danish Business Professionals at Brasserie Blanc

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 business communities to network in an informal atmosphere.

Join us at 1 Lombard Street on 24 September.

Norway and Scotland are connected at many levels, through business and leisure, through history, and through a general sense of having a lot in common while also having a lot to offer one another.

NBCC invites members and non-members to participate in our Taste and Travel event in Aberdeen on 9 October. We will organise a mini-exhibition, and in addition there will be a programme of speakers and a networking event. If your business is interested in exhibiting please contact us.

The NBCC Aberdeen Chapter has the pleasure of kicking off the autumn’s events programme on 9 September. On the occasion of “Norway at Offshore Europe 2009” in Aberdeen, the Norwegian Ambassador HE Mr Bjarne Lindstrøm, in cooperation with Innovation Norway & the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting the reception “Taste of Norway”.

The monthly Nordic Thursday Drinks continue to be a popular meeting place for people in the Norwegian, Danish and Finnish

Not already a member of the NBCC? Apply for 2009 membership today and receive up to 50% discount.

UPCOMING EVENTS 9 September

Taste of Norway - Norway at Offshore Europe 2009, Aberdeen 24 September Nordic Thursday Drinks at 1 Lombard Street 8 October Financial Evening 9 October Taste & Travel Norway and Scotland

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7930 0181 | Email: info@nbccuk.com | www.nbccuk.com 56 | Issue 11 | September 2009

Scan Magazine | Business Directory

Højlunds Flyttefirma International moving for corporate and private clients

Phone +45 32 59 32 44 Email hoejlund@intermoving.dk www.intermoving.dk 2

The Norwegian School in London Den norske skole i London Founded in 1981

Your Nordic partner for translation, copy-adaptation, copywriting, editing and production design. Offices in the UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Germany, all staffed by dedicated text experts.

Tilpasset opplæring i trygge omgivelser med et engasjert personale.

• Barnehage 3 – 5 år • Grunnskole 6 – 16 år

Committed staff offering adapted education in a safe environment.

• Nursery school age 3-5 • Primary and secondary school age 6-16

Address 28 Arterberry Road Wimbledon London SW20 8AH UK Phone +44 (0)20 8947 6617/6627 Fax +44 (0)20 8944 7345 E-mail mail@dnslondon.com www.dnslondon.com

Samtext UK Ltd www.samtext.com/en

+44 1962 858 790 uk@samtext.com Issue 11 | September | 57

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK as more social events where networking will be of great importance.

Rest assured: there is something for everyone.

We are, as always, a very busy and active Chamber and, as we all know, the autumn will pass quickly. Before we know it, Christmas will be knocking at the door and hand-in-hand with that comes our biggest event of the year, the very much appreciated and well-known Christmas Luncheon at the Dorchester, on 4 December, with over 500 guests. The lunch is almost fully booked already, so do sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to an eventpacked autumn, kicking off with the Swedish-Finnish Crayfish Party on 4 September. Every month will be filled with interesting and exciting events that will bring great opportunities for our Members and guests to learn more about a wide range of business topics, as well

7 September 10 September 16 September 26 September 29 September

Anglo-Swedish Drinks Reception in Birmingham Networking Reception at Volvo Cars London A Guided Tour of “The Old Bailey” The JCC Annual McGuireWoods Crayfish Party Humber Golf and Dinner

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 The summer is starting to end and The Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce has many interesting business and social events coming up in the autumn. One of the regular social events, the Nordic Networking Drinks is currently going through some changes. To keep the event fresh, the venue is going to be changed more often. In August, the event was held at the Hyatt Churchill Hotel and on 24 September the event will be held at the 1 Lombard Street Restaurant’s bar. Nordic Networking Drinks is a unique opportunity to meet your Nordic colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.

Later in the autumn, we are organizing many business events. At the end of October, a Corporate Social Responsibility seminar will be held in co-operation with the Finnish Institute. This live topic continues to be important for companies and the event will provide useful information for dealing with these issues. One of the guest speakers is Head of Corporate Responsibility Charlotte Wolf from Arcelor Mittal. In November, there will be an India Breakfast focusing on the wide markets of India. The guest speaker at the event is consultant Anup N. Dalal.

More details of the upcoming events will be given on our website www.fbcc.co.uk. Here you can also find more information about the Finnish-Chamber of Commerce and apply for membership.

UPCOMING EVENTS 4 September Crayfish Party 24 September Nordic Networking Drinks at 1 Lombard Street Restaurant

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 8741 6352 | Email: fbccevents@fbcc.co.uk | www.fbcc.co.uk 58 | Issue 11 | September 2009

Scan Magazine | Business Directory

Want to grow your business in Britain?

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The Swedish School in London Now in new premises for its 16-19 year old students, Richmond University!

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Issue 11 | September | 59

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

100% Norway 2009 100% Norway 2009 will be showcasing the most recent works of both established and up-and-coming designers from Norway during this year’s London Design Festival.

It’s all taking place at Earl’s Court, where 100% Norway will occupy stand G30 at 100% Design from 24–27 September, featuring a number of the country’s leading manufacturers.

Building on the success of previous years, 100% Norway 2009 the exhibition will include both designs already in production as well as prototypes. For the fourth year running it is curated by Henrietta Thompson, design editor with Wallpaper magazine, along with co-curator Benedicte Sunde from the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture.

“It all amounts to what is unequivocally the best collection ever seen at 100% Norway so far,” says Thompson.

“Over the last few years an exciting contemporary design scene has emerged in this part of the world. And despite the

Nordic women unite The Danish Club and The Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce invite you to the Women’s Forum. This unique event takes place for the first time on 28 September.

The idea behind a Women’s Forum is to gather women living in the UK from Nordic regions, and in particular Denmark, who wish to expand their business networks. The event will take place in the elegant drawing room at The Danish Club on 40 Dover Street in London, commencing 6.30pm. After the talk

60 | Issue 11 | September 2009

design industry in the country being relatively young compared to that of its Scandinavian neighbours, it is fast proving itself to be both world class in standard and very firmly rooted in Nordic culture.”

Predicted as a rising star, young glassware designer Kjersti Johannessen, is one of the designers worth keeping an eye on this year. Since finishing her studies at Kosta, Sweden, and Bornholm, Denmark, she has explored new areas of her rich vocabulary of forms. For Kjersti Johannessen it is all about purity of form. She is constantly seeking to expose the core, some kind of an inner logic, in every form she creates.

“I’m very excited about being part of 100% Norway - the contacts I might make and the opportunities that might grow from it. I think Norwegian designers are not afraid of sticking out, we are a little bit more pioneering in comparison with other Scandinavian countries.”

Other exhibitors selected this year are, to name a few, Aksel Hansson,

there will be a Q & A session, and the bistro and bar will be open for anyone who fancies refreshments afterwards.

“We hope to organize a minimum of four events annually,” says Lizette Bang, director of The Danish Club. “We will have guest speakers from different backgrounds each time, offering a variety of topics. We are hoping that getting women together will be inspiring for all involved.

I think a Nordic women’s forum is missing in London and that we are filling a gap; we are not excluding men from these events I might add, they are also welcome.”

The first guest speaker is Courtney Fingar, Editor of the Financial Times FDI

Anne Haavind , Biri Tapet, Cathrine Kullberg, Fjordfiesta, Fora Form, Frost Produkt Håg, Kerbony and Petter Skogstad.

100% Norway 2009 is organised by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian Design Council, InsideNorway and Innovation Norway.

For more information visit www.norway.org.uk/100percent/09.htm

Happy Days glass sculpture, designed and manufactured by Kjersti Johannessen

(Foreign Direct Investment) Magazine, the premier publication for the business of globalisation. And the topic for the evening is Movement of Global FDI. Courtney Fingar has also worked for the National Journal Group’s online environmental news service and for Trade Communications International as an editor and reporter for Global Business magazine.

Lizette Bang welcomes all members and guests. Price: £5 (members) £15 (non-members).

For more information visit www.danishclub.co.uk or email Lizette at lizette@danishclub.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Scan News

A Promising future

The Swedish jewellery designer duo Promise is defying the financial situation with strong expansions. The successful sisters, Viveca Ekwall, based in Stockholm, and Vendela Wiberg, in London, have recently launched their new collection within the classic department store Fenwick on Bond Street.

“Promise is a truly Scandinavian brand since it is all handmade in Sweden, that

is our trademark. The pieces are also individually designed and each piece is more or less unique being produced in small batches with subtle variations,” says Viveca Ekwall. The reach of the duo has been growing slowly but surely since its beginning in 2005. Other boutiques stocking Promise in London are Shop at Anna, Iris and Wild Swans. “London and the UK are exciting markets where people are not afraid of standing out, it means we can be more experimental with our designs,” says Vendela Wiberg.

The sisters today use many semiprecious stones in their work, but when they first discovered the paua, the most colourful shell in the world, they were enchanted. The paua shell is unique to New Zealand waters, and it inspired the pair to design jewellery with a clean Scandinavian look influenced by travelling and living around the world.

All Promise jewellery is made of sterling silver some with gold fillings,

but success is not only due to the beautiful design. “We like to have a close relationship with our clients and enjoy taking part in special events. We always attend meetings together and believe that a personal relationship with clients has lead to our success and unique designs.” Today Promise jewellery is found in 30 shops in Sweden and in London as well as in five American cities: New York, Boston, Chicago, Greenwich and Hoboken. Pieces can also be commissioned and custom made.

For more information visit www.promisesweden.com

Viveca Ekwall & Vendela Wiberg

A million thanks to Volvo More than a million people globally have the safety conscious Volvo to thank for the invention of the three-point safety belt. This year, this life-saving device celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Created in 1959, Volvo was so convinced of the safety belt’s safety potential that it made the patent available for all other manufacturers and motorists, making the safety belt standard in vehicles the world over.

The engineer Nils Bohlin and his development programme led the installation of the safety belt for Volvo. By this time, the two-point diagonal belt was already available, but its injury-preventive capability was not regarded as entirely satisfactory. There was a need for a physiologically correct multi-strap

belt, and it was on this basis that Nils Bohlin shaped the programme.

But what is the future of the seatbelt; will we still be using it in 2020?

"At Volvo, we are convinced that the belt will still be around in 2020 and way beyond that, too. The belt may look somewhat different. It may have a fourpoint attachment instead of three. It will probably be designed so that it is even easier to put on than it is today. Only when we have cars that automatically ensure that they are not involved in collisions can we do away with the belt.

But that's a long way off yet, even though there is a lot of research going on in that area, too," explains Lennart Johansson section head at the Volvo Cars Interior Product Development department.

Issue 11 | September | 61

Scan Magazine | Music and Culture

Scandinavian Music Thanks to the continuing trend of Scandinavian artists scoring hits in the UK, the last month has seen even more record deals to bring scandipop hits to these shores!

Scan releases in the UK Two acts, which with varying degrees of success have tried to break the UK, have now joined forces to launch an attack on the charts. The Alexander Bard helmed BWO have recruited Swedish pop starlet Velvet to appear on their new single, Right Here, Right Now, a melancholic, anthemic piece of pop music pretending to be dance music. It works perfectly, and hopefully Brits will agree when it’s released here in early September.

You may remember we wrote about a

By Karl Batterbee

Danish superhit that had taken up permanent residency in Denmark’s top 10 earlier in the year. Well now Kun For Mig

by Medina has been translated into English and signed to Polydor Records. They’ll be hoping that You & I can repeat even a fraction of the success that it had in Denmark when it’s released later in the year.

Touring the UK Therese is making a double pronged return to the UK! After scoring club hits Put Em High and Take Me Away with dance producer, and fellow Swede, Stonebridge, Therese releases two new dance tracks over here soon. Bodyswerve and Neon Lights have been snapped up by two separate record labels, showing exactly how much Therese and her catchy style of club

music are in demand right now.

Finally, after selling over 320,000 units of her debut UK single, Release Me, Swedish poppet Agnes is coming here on tour later in the year. She’ll be taking part in the Clubland 3 tour which makes its way around UK arenas throughout November and December. Now in its third successful year, the Clubland tour is an excellent opportunity for artists without a massive fan base to play to tens of thousands of potential new fans.

Scandinavian pop music isn’t leaving the UK anytime soon! www.scandipop.co.uk scandipop@googlemail.com

Highlights and Hot Chocolate at Kell Skött Haircare

By Helene Oxfeldt Lauridsen | Photos: Grace Lung Danish hairdresser Kell Skött has opened his second salon, Kell Skött Haircare, in fashionable Notting Hill.

Scan Magazine’s reporter went to visit.

After walking down a pretty, cobbled mews off Westbourne Grove, I arrive at the salon; with its wooden floors and white walls it has a very Scandinavian feel. It is airy, spacious and light. Quickly I spot a smiling blonde guy busy cutting hair; it is of course Kell, who is going to cut my hair.

Kell and his wife Jacqueline opened their first hair salon ten years ago and they have worked together ever since.

Jacqueline is the organising talent and Kell the hair specialist. Having trained in Copenhagen, he has an amazing understanding of Scandinavian hair. “Most Scandinavians have very fine hair and it demands a lot from the haircut to make it look nice,” says Kell, while looking at my own impossibly fine, Scandinavian hair.

Excited and a bit anxious, I wait for advice about my precious hair, but there is no need to worry. I am in Kell, in principal colour technician Nao’s capable hands, so I lean

62 | Issue 11 | September 2009

back and try to decide on what to have from the menu of different complimentary drinks.

There is everything from fresh citrus presse to organic hot chocolate, and you even get a homemade brownie – yummy.

After a thorough consultation we decide on some sun-kissed highlights and a shorter more fashionable cut and Kell recommends a deep conditioning treatment. So now I can lie back on their super comfortable backwash chairs, look forward to a nice head massage and a sensational new treatment from Japan, MicroMist, which makes your hair shiny and healthy.

After three pampering hours, I have a great new haircut, some glossy highlights and I leave the salon looking sprightly new, thinking “I will definitely come back”.

The hair products Kell used on me are all based on 80-100 % plant extracts and essential oils.

Haircut: £60 ½ Head Highlights: £95 MicroMist: £27 Tel 020 7229 1671 www.kellskotthaircare.com

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Natural medicine for common ailments, wellbeing and prevention of illness Practice in Wimbledon Homecalls in SW London and Surrey Contact: karen@scandinavian-health.com Tel. 07957 636 730

Located in Mayfair you will find this beautiful private members club that is open for social and business meetings all day from 8.30 morning till late night. You can enjoy the restaurants, the bar – the terrace is perfect in summer and spring.

For membership information please contact Lizette Bang.

Email: lizette@danishclub.co.uk Phone: 07545 11 9339 www.danishclub.co.uk

Issue 11 | September | 63

Scan Magazine | Music and Culture

The Trondheim Sound After a small Norwegian orchestra with a distinctive sound bagged a string of rave reviews, music journalist Andrew Mellor went in search of its secrets In the rarefied world of classical music criticism, it was once de rigueur to talk of world orchestras having distinctive voices: there was the recognisable ‘wobbling’ brass of Soviet orchestras, and the trademark confident sheen of American ones. But while migration and globalisation in the musical community have driven standards among most world orchestras up, they have also muffled such geographical idiosyncrasies.

In western Norway, though, there’s a rare exception. On a critically acclaimed CD released last year by Oslo-based surround-sound label 2L, string orchestra The Trondheim Soloists played Mozart Concertos with a rare combination of musical perfection and somehow innate ‘Norwegianness’. Listening to the ensemble’s pure, breezy performance could put you immediately in mind of clean air, endless views and the rigours of outdoor life.

“A tradition of Norwegian orchestral playing emerged in the last century which was very much connected to mountain folk music, and it was instilled in this orchestra by its founder,” explained Øyvind Gimse, the Trondheim Soloists’ Artistic Director, between performances at the city’s St Olav’s Festival in July. “It’s a very clear sound; if you’ve ever been up a Norwegian mountain in September or October,

64 | Issue 11 | September 2009

By Andrew Mellor

you’ll know how pure the air is. You can see for hundreds of miles.”

Then there’s the Hardanger Fiddle, a multi-string folk violin from this part of Norway, the thick, resonant voice of which employs overtones – sounds created from strings that aren’t bowed or plucked but resonate purely from the vibrations of other strings. These lend the Hardanger a spacious, almost outdoor feel. “If you cultivate the sound of those high overtones – harness their pureness – it sounds like ice or glass. It’s this clearer, more light, more open sound that’s one of our signatures,” says Øyvind.

Trondheim’s distinctive sunsets and collective disdain for authority are also behind the orchestra’s very energetic, no-nonsense sound, say its members – most of whom, vitally, were born in or near the city. When the ensemble tours England in October, audiences who’ve begun to miss the idiosyncratic sounds of French and German orchestras may well delight to hear this feisty little ensemble playing northern European music with a recognisably strong – and quite beautiful – Norwegian accent.

The Trondheim Soloists and trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth perform music by Elgar, Britten and Grieg at London’s Cadogan Hall on 29 October (020 7730 4500 / cadoganhall.com), Canterbury Cathedral on 30 October (01227 452 853 / canterburyfestival.co.uk) and Leeds Town Hall on 31 October (0113 224 3801 / leedsconcertseason.com).

Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar

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

SEPTEMBER The Danish Club Presents: Golf Tournament (8 Sep) Autumn Golf at the Leatherhead Golf Club. The day includes golf, coffee on arrival and Buffet lunch with Wine. Price: £ 55 Tee off times starting at 10.00 Venue : The Leatherhead Golf Club, Kingston Road, Surrey KT220EE www.lgc-golf.co.uk email lizette@danishclub.co.uk

Ceramics from Finland (9 Sep) Galerie Besson stages a group exhibition of four major contemporary Finnish ceramic artists: Kirsi Kivivirta, Pekka Paikkari, Kristina Riska & Kati Tuominen-Niittylä. The four artists, renowned at home and abroad through

numerous international exhibitions, all work in Helsinki. The exhibition closes on 30 September. Galerie Besson, 15 Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, London W1

Knut Hamsun's Hunger (12 Sep) An adaptation of Norwegian author Knut Hamsun's novel Hunger. It is a dark reflection on life in a modern metropolis and man's need to express himself. Jackson’s Lane Theatre, 269a Archway Road, London, London, N6 5AA 12 September at Sep 12, 8pm Pricing: £12.50, concs £10.50

End of the Road Festival (14 – 16 Sep) Scandinavian inspired music festival in Larmer Tree Gardens, North Dorset. For more information see article below.

Bounce (15 Sep – 3 Oct) Swedish company Bounce’s Insane In The Brain is an explosive hip hop version of Ken Kesey’s classic novel and Dale Wasserman’s play, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. It returns to the Peacock Theatre, London by popular demand for a second year.

The show closes on 3 October: show times: Tue-Sat 20:00, Mats Sat 14:30, Sun 16:00; ticket prices: £10-£36. For more information ww.sadlerswells.com

Heikki Silvennoinen & The Band (15 Sep) Finns World Wide is proud to present an evening with Heikki Silvennoinen & The Band on 15 September. The venue is 93 Feet East Club. Tickets are £15. For more information see article or visit www.finnsworldwide.com

At the End of the Road, a Festival of Nordic Talent Imagine setting up your perfect music festival featuring your favourite line up.

Swede Sofia Hagberg had just such a dream and the result became the End of the Road Festival, celebrating its fourth birthday this year.

End of the Road, which is set in the charming and picturesque Larmer Tree Gardens in North Dorset, has a strong Scandinavian theme. It showcases upand-coming Nordic talent, and provides Swedish snacks and food, and other Scandinavian treats such as the old Viking game called Kubb and a “tips promenade.” ”What we think makes End of The Road stand out in comparison to other festivals is that a lot of pride is taken in all the little things that make up a great festival, such as good, organic food, good beer, caring and well-mannered staff, good site decorations and hygiene etc. All the bands are handpicked and based on what we like and include a wide range from indie and electronic music to country and blues,” says Hagberg adding: ”You won’t get all the over-

hyped bands headlining. Most importantly, the lovely people that go really have a great impact on the atmosphere.”

The idea of setting up the festival was conceived in August 2005 after Sofia and her friend Simon Taffe had attended the Green Man Festival in Wales. “That was when Simon crazily thought to himself that we can really make this happen and put on our own festival,” says Sofia.

Sofia and Simon began planning what seemed to be the impossible, a few necessary sacrifices were made including the sale of a house and a bank loan. Neither of the two had any experience in the music industry; prior to their new venture Sofia was a PA in an architect firm and Simon a painter and decorator.

“We had no idea how much work is actually involved in setting up a festival and how many things you need to think of. I remember how we did most things at the very last minute, like getting the license together. We were pretty naive and thought it would be easy to sell 5,000 tickets. We sold 1,600 the first year but this year we’re already sold out. It has been a big learning curve.

The festival runs from 14-16 September and this year’s line up includes: Alela Diane, Archie Bronson Outfit, The Broken Family Band, Dirty Projectors, Explosions In The Sky, Fleet Foxes, Herman Dune, The Hold Steady, Mercury prize nominees – The Horrors, Magnolia Electric Co., Neko Case, Okkervil River, Richmond Fontaine, Shearwater, Steve Earle, Vetiver and more. Representing Scandinavia this year is Efterklang from Denmark, Lay Low from Iceland as well as Tallest Man on Earth, Loney Dear, Wildbirds & Peacedrums and First Aid Kit from Sweden.

For more information visit www.endoftheroadfestival.com

Issue 11 | September | 65

Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar occupy stand G30 at 100% Design. For more information see news section of the magazine or visit: www.norway.org.uk/100percent/09.htm

Jazz Evening (17 Sep) The popular Jazz Evenings are back for another season. Price: £35 (3 course a la carte menu) Time: 7pm.Where: Dining Room Please book through lizette@danishclub.co.uk

Finntroll (26 Sep)

Eline McGeorge (17 Sep – 25 Oct) Hollybush Gardens presents a new animation and installation by Norwegian artist Eline McGeorge, incorporating several distinct elements: animation, soundscape and an artist’s book. The gallery will be open until 9 pm on Saturday 17 October as part of Frieze Art Fair East End Gallery Night. The exhibition closes on 25 October. Gallery open from Thursday - Sunday 12 - 6 pm. For more details visit wwww.hollybushgardens.co.uk

Identity of the Soul (17 Sep – 17 Nov) Following its critically acclaimed West Bank, Qatar and Norwegian tour, Thomas Høegh’s Identity of the Soul can be experienced in select cinemas around the UK. The event features Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s epic poem Terje Vigen and renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish’s A Soldier Dreams of White Lilies read by Vanessa Redgrave, against a backdrop of stunning images and an original fusion soundtrack of Scandinavian and Arabian influences. The 60-minute work explores moral choices, revenge and reconciliation.

Cambridge Film Festival (17,18,20,21,22 Sep), Curzon Mayfair, London (26 Sep), Ritzy Cinema, Brixton (27 Sep), Duke of York's, Picturehouse, Brighton (3 Oct), Exeter Picturehous (6 Oct), Harbour Lights Picturehouse, Southampton (8 Oct), The Cameo, Edinburgh (7 Nov), Scala, Prestatyn (10 Nov), Regal Picturehouse, Henley (17 Nov). www.identityofthesoul.com

Soprano Piia Komsi with BBC National Orchestra of Wales (18 Sep) Finnish soprano, Piia Komsi is known for her exceptionally high and flexible voice, virtuoso technique and exceptional ear. Hear her perform with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Xavier Roth at St David's Hall, Cardiff www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

Finnish metal band Finntroll in concert. This extreme band from Finland combine elements of black metal, death metal, and folk metal with a Finnish polka, called humppa.

Finntroll's lyrics are in Swedish, one of Finland's national languages. Venue: The Underworld, 174 Camden High Street, London NW1 T 020 7482 1932 www.finntroll.net

Twiggy – a life in photographs (19 Sep – 21 March 2010) A new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery will celebrate Twiggy’s 60th birthday and the publication of a new photo-biography of her life. One of the best-known and most respected models of all time, Twiggy has worked with many of the world’s leading photographers and a selection of the most iconic portraits will be on show at the Gallery.

Among them will be those of Norwegian photographer Sølve Sundsbo National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London Website: www.npg.org.uk

Women’s Forum (28 Sep) The Danish Club and The Danish UK Chamber of commerce invites you to a unique networking evening. Guest Speaker is Courtney Fingar. The topic is the Movement of Global FDI. Price: £5 (members) £15 (non-members) Time: 7 – 10pm. Place: The Danish Club, The Drawing Room, 40 Dover Street, London W1S 4NP For more information see news section of the magazine.

100% Norway 2009 (24 – 27 Sep) A showcase of the most recent works of both established and up-and-coming designers from Norway featuring a number of the country’s leading manufacturers as part of this year’s London Design Festival. It’s all taking place at Earl’s Court, where 100% Norway will

Maria Marstrand Exhibition (Sep) Artica is proud to present an exhibition by the Danish artist Maria Marstrand in London during September. The exhibition will include 8 large paintings on canvas and a group of 4 lithographs. www.artica.com

Heikki Silvennoinen & The Band Finns World Wide is proud to present an evening with Heikki Silvennoinen & The Band at the 93 Feet East Club on 15 Sept.

Well-known musician and actor Silvennoinen is a guitarist and the songwriter for several notable Finnish bands of the 1970s and 1980s. He is also a member of the comedy group, Kummeli, who launched their television show in 1991 with Heikki as a key performer.

“After having organised the Eppu Normaali gig, we are trying to do something different this time. We are hoping that

66 | Issue 11 | September 2009

we will attract a broader audience and that people will spread the word. Heikki is focusing on reaching an international audience at the moment and will release his 6th album later on this year,” says Anu Laitila, founder of Finns Word Wide.

A few years ago Silvennoinen formed the group SF-Blues with the well known Finnish musicians Pepe Ahlqvist and Dave Lindholm and they have recorded three albums together. Tickets are £15.

For more information visit www.finnsworldwide.com

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