T H E
M A G A Z I N E
F O R
A N G L O - F R E N C H
FRENCH CHAMBER OF GREAT BRITAIN www.frenchchamber.co.uk
Health & Wellbeing at Work ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
‘Five Minutes With’ Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of GFG Alliance An interview with Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman of Barclays UK The latest Brexit analysis, and much more…
B U S I N E S S SPRING 2019
Wait until you taste it.
Sinfully Delicious Blue www.SaintAgur.co.uk |
@SaintAgur.uk
EDITORIAL
Fabienne Viala President, French Chamber of Great Britain Chairman of Bouygues UK and UK Country Director of Bouygues Construction
I
t has never been clearer that a company’s most important asset is its people. It is now widely accepted that by creating a positive, safe and healthy environment for employees, you can increase morale, improve your employees’ work-life balance and, in turn, positively impact your business. As the trend in ‘corporate wellness’ grows, employers are looking to support their workforce by
promoting healthy lifestyles, aiding recovery in a range of contexts, and by offering mental health services and onsite sport facilities. Alongside this, our understanding of health issues faced by employees and employers is also growing, as new studies reveal the extent of challenges related to achieving healthier workplaces. According to a recent study conducted by the CIPD and Simply Health, presenteeism – i.e. people coming into work sick – has nearly tripled since 2010. It was also revealed that people are using leaveism – or signed time off – to get work done in organisations. The stigma around mental health issues has been improving, reflecting shifts in society. However, openness on the issue continues to be a challenge for the business world. There is a clear need for a holistic and broader take on employee wellbeing. But there are also several reasons to be optimistic about recent interventions from the business community, as this issue of INFO and its twenty page Focus section highlights. These include the innovative conversations being had by leading figures in the business world, such as the contribution from Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman of the mental health charity Heads Together. In this issue we also read about the moral case (in addition to the aforementioned business case) for improved employee health and wellbeing. Case studies from Chamber members AXA, Lycée Winston Churchill, and Deloitte illustrate this topic, and insight and analysis from city firms Irwin Mitchell, ebl miller rosenfalck, and Browne Jacobson reveal the legal issues which impact on health and wellbeing initiatives. Moreover, this issue is also packed with reports from the many forums, clubs and events the Chamber has held this year. As the Chamber is entering an exciting time in its development, and I am delighted to be part of this journey – more on this in the coming months. I wish you an enjoyable read of this issue, and I look forward to seeing you soon. I
info
- spring 2019 - 5
Soon g n i Open 5-seat
3 a new e cinema qu bouti
64
The Institut franรงais du Royaume-Uni THE PERFECT SETTING FOR YOUR EVENT www.institut-francais.org.uk | hire@institut-francais.org.uk
38
70
32
59 46
BUSINE S S WOR LD
8 Five minutes with... Sanjeev Gupta, GFG Alliance 10 Brexit: Analysis and Insight 11 Brexit Survey: March 2019 15 Business News 29 Education News 30 Reports & research
59 Artist Profile: Noe Two 60 Book reviews by Institut Français 61 Wine Story by Thibault Lavergne
33 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 46 48 49 50 51
70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81
50 55 56 57 58
Culture: What's on Tips For Would-Be Art Investors New Look At Jardin Blanc Family Furniture: Ligne Roset Berlioz 150
M A G A Z I N E
F O R
A N G L O - F R E N C H
FRENCH CHAMBER OF GREAT BRITAIN www.frenchchamber.co.uk
B U S I N E S S SPRING 2019
62 Introduction by Florence Gomez 63 New Members 66 INFO & Europe FORUMS & CLUBS
CULTUR E AND LIFE S T YLE
T H E
AT THE CHAMBE R
FOCUS | WE LLBE ING AT WOR K
Introduction Advancing The Conversation Sir Ian Cheshire, Barclays UK Transparency On The Agenda Stevenson-Farmer Report The Moral Case CBI Report A Need For Collaboration Simon Berger, Mad World Implementing Wellbeing At Work Louise Padmore, Work Well Being Embedding Mental Health Provision Into The Culture At School Ben Maloney, Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill SMEs And Mental Health Andrew Humphries Time For Change: UK Disability Discrimination Raymond Silverstein, Browne Jacobson LLP Improving Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing Deloitte Report Is The Gig Economy Bad For Your Health? Melanie Stancliffe, Irwin Mitchell LLP Comparing Mental Health Legislation Emmanuelle Ries, ebl miller rosenfalck The Holistic Approach What Next?
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CONTENTS
Health & Wellbeing at Work
Climate Change & Sustainability Forum Behavioural Economics, Nudges & Morality Climate Change & Sustainability Forum The Problem of Plastic HR Forum Talent Attraction HR Forum Digital Natives Join The Workforce Retail Forum Brexit In The Shops Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum Virtual Reality FMCG Forum French Consumer Brands Finance Forum The Impact of IFRS16 Start-up & SME Club The Sales Cycle & New Business Start-up & SME Club Workshop With Entrepreneurs Luxury Club Christian Dior Forthcoming Forums & Clubs
CHAMBER EVENTS
82 83 84 86 88
Diner des Chefs with Michel Roux Seminar & Cocktail with Yooz Trade Delegation in London & Lunch with Sadiq Khan Past event highlights Breakfast with John Kitchingman, MEDEF lunch, Rendez-vous chez PAUL UK, Cocktail at Home House, Rendez-vous chez Acuitis Forthcoming events
Health & Wellbeing at Work ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
‘Five Minutes With’ Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of GFG Alliance An interview with Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman of Barclays UK The latest Brexit analysis, and much more…
Managing Director: Florence Gomez Editor: Jakob von Baeyer Cover & Graphic Design: Katherine Millet Assistant Editor & Production Manager: Suzanne Lycett Publications Assistant: Marie Koziol
Contributors: Ian Cheshire, Simon Berger, Lousie Padmore, Ben Maloney, Andrew Humphries, Melanie Stancliffe, Emmanuelle Ries, Raymond Silverstein, Helen Conybeare Williams, Karim Budabuss, Conor Mansfield, Suzanne Lycett, Marie Koziol, Thibault Lavergne
Advertise in INFO: Please call our sales team on +44 (0)207 092 6651. Alternatively, please email: advertising@ccfgb.co.uk INFO is published every two months Printed by: CPI Colour Distribution: French Chamber members, Franco-British decision makers, Business Class lounges of Eurostar, Eurotunnel and Air France in London, Paris and Manchester
INFO is published by: French Chamber of Great Britain Lincoln House, 300 High Holborn London WC1V 7JH Tel: (020) 7092 6600 Fax: (020) 7092 6601 www.frenchchamber.co.uk
info
- spring 2019 - 7
Five minutes with...
Sanjeev Gupta Executive Chairman and CEO, GFG Alliance INFO speaks to the head of an alliance that combines industrial, natural and financial resources to deliver a common industrial strategy
How do you describe GFG Alliance? The first thing to understand is that, although we may be as big as other multinationals, we are neither listed nor are we structured like a conventional corporate group of companies. Our business is an alliance – a coming together of independent and autonomous companies that trade with each other, although not exclusively, and while they’re all supported
Strong industry brings with it skilled jobs, investment, security and social cohesion. That’s why I believe so passionately about reviving the industrial sector and why we’re investing so heavily in its development
centrally there is no ‘top-co’ or umbrella company mandating the activities of the constituent parts. Secondly, it’s true we are involved in a number of different
Steel mills were closing and investors were turning their
industries and serve a variety of sectors but what holds it all
backs on once great industries, and instead looking towards
together is a model of creating vertically integrated supply
developing economies to produce raw materials overseas for
chains based on adding value at every point of the process
manufacturers in the west.
and safeguarding and developing skilled workforces.
Secondly, we in the west were exporting vast amounts of
In simple terms what that looks like is a supply chain
scrap metal to be recycled elsewhere. In fact we had reached
where our energy assets (which we strive to make as low
a point in the west where we had so much scrap metal, steel
carbon as possible) power our steel mills or aluminium
and aluminium, that we didn’t need to produce any more
smelters which (using as much recycled material as possible)
primary metal at all.
supply our engineering businesses which in turn produce
All of this seemed counterintuitive to me. We were
highly engineered components for industries as diverse as
giving up on world class industrial assets and the skills and
automotive, aerospace, construction and defence. We look to
expertise of the people that worked in them and sending off
replicate this kind of supply chain in every country in which
our scrap metal, which is in itself a valuable commodity, to
we operate, maximising value at each stage and working to
other countries who could extract its value for themselves.
support and supply the domestic market where those assets
For me there had to be a way of reviving the industries which
are located.
had once served our economies so well, but it was clear the old model was no longer going to work. We had to find a
How has your vision for the business evolved?
way of adding value back in to the process and that’s where
My background is trading and Liberty House started out
the notion of GREENSTEEL was born, a value chain based
as a commodities trading business. However my family’s
on low carbon power, recycling metals and producing high
businesses were more industrial in nature and my aim was to
value products, all in a geographically proximate supply chain
move eventually towards those sectors. Growing up in the UK I
serving a domestic market. That’s the vision and that’s what
noticed a couple of interesting things – firstly the UK and other
we’re working to achieve.
western countries had strong industrial and manufacturing heritages which had been at one time the cornerstones
What are your priorities for the future?
of their economic development but were now in decline.
Growth is at the heart of our business model and we are
8 - info - spring 2019
F I V E M I N U T E S W I T H . . . S A N J E E V G U P TA
France was always going to be our stepping stone into Europe and we’re now looking at a number of assets on the continent which would effectively double the size of our company
looking to continue our trajectory. One of the ways we’ll
we help them realise their potential. That’s what sustainability
support that is by listing parts of our Australian and US
means to me and the impacts of that kind of sustainability
businesses. Our aim will never be to list the entire group
extend far beyond the factory gates. I believe that many of
but, where it makes sense to IPO certain businesses in
the social issues we’re seeing in society today stem from the
certain sectors, we’ll do it to create value and to support our
decline of our industrial sectors. Strong industry brings with
investments and expansion.
it skilled jobs, investment, security and social cohesion. That’s
Part of our expansion means moving into new countries and territories and at the moment we have a big focus on Europe. We first came to France just under a year ago and
why I believe so passionately about reviving the industrial sector and why we’re investing so heavily in its development. Family is also key to our philosophy – even though we have
now have a presence in both upstream and downstream
around 15,000 employees we’re still a family run business and
industries, six sites and around 1,000 employees. For us
for me that means I’ve got 15,000 members of my extended
France was always going to be our stepping stone into Europe
family – that’s how I see the people that work with me.
and we’re now looking at a number of assets on the continent which would effectively double the size of our company, make
What does being a Patron member of the French Chamber
us the third largest European steel producer and would see
mean for GFG Alliance?
50% of our business located there.
It’s an exciting moment for GFG. France is a key market for us and we are very supportive of the reforms President Macron is
How is your company promoting a sustainable revival in
bringing about. This dynamism has helped make France a very
heavy industry?
attractive place to invest and I’m delighted to be putting down
The kind of revival we’re working towards is actually only
roots for our business there. As a company with headquarters
deliverable through adopting a sustainable outlook. For us
in London and a significant and growing business across
sustainability is one of our core values - it sits alongside our
the channel I firmly believe that we should be championing
other values of family and change. These values aren’t about
Franco-British businesses and there is huge value in being
paying lip service – they are all at the heart of the strategy to
a part of a network of like-minded enterprises with cross-
reinvent the industry. The old heavy industry model in the
channel goals. I can think of no better forum than the French
west simply wasn’t working anymore, it was no longer fit for
Chamber in which to achieve this. I Interview by JvB
purpose and that’s why people were walking away from it. Change is what was needed and change is what we embrace – business is never static. For us sustainability means that we strive for a lower carbon footprint but also much more. It means taking a longterm approach. I’ve never sold a single business that I’ve acquired - we don’t buy businesses to sell them, we buy them to develop them. We have bought a number of distressed businesses, businesses with the capacity to turn around and
info
- spring 2019 - 9
Analysis and look ahead INFO looks at the latest news on Brexit and its impact on the Franco-British community
A
t the time of going to print with this issue on 2 April, the
serious economic, security and political disruption. He cites a
fog of Brexit had still not cleared. A round of votes in the
ten percent hike in food prices, the collapse of some businesses
House of Commons failed to achieve much of anything – no
that trade with the EU, and a renewal of problems on the Irish
clear majority for any alternative Brexit strategy. The closest
border.
they came was to an ‘indicative vote’ in favour of a customs union, which fell short by only three votes.
Barnier said that a ‘strong justification’ would be needed from the UK for a long extension of the exit process. He said
The Commons also rejected the Prime Minister’s deal – the
a long extension could impair the EU’s ‘decision-making
only deal with EU support –for a third consecutive time. Theresa
autonomy,’ by handing Britain a role in upcoming EU elections.
May assembled her Cabinet for a round of crisis talks after
The PM is said to be considering bringing her deal back for
another defection from her party. The former minister Nick
a fourth vote. MPs are said to prefer bringing their deals back to
Boles quit following the defeat of his alternative ‘Norway-style’
the House instead, as several of their plans achieved far greater
plan, accusing his party of a ‘failure to compromise.’
support than the PM’s withdrawal agreement.
According to the current time-line, the UK is set to leave the
Many commentators have been struck by the fact that, two
EU on 12 April. Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator,
years on, Britain is no closer to leaving the EU than they were
has warned that a no-deal outcome ‘becomes day after day
on the day after the referendum result in 2016. The question is:
more likely.’ This, amid warnings from Britain’s highest ranking
where will we go from here? I
civil servant, Sir Mark Sedwill, that a no-deal would cause
Key dates 12 April - The new deadline
22 May - Brexit?
23-26 May - European Parliamentary
The EU-agreed extension is also the
Brexit will take effect on this date if the
Elections
deadline for the UK's inclusion in
PM's deal is agreed by the House of
European citizens are set to go to the
European Parliamentary Elections.
Commons.
polls to vote for representatives of the European Parliament.
Given the unprecedented extremely serious political crisis we are in and the complete failure of leadership of both main parties, shouldn’t we be considering a Government of national unity? ANNA SOUBRY, Member of Parliament for the newlyformed Independence Party, on 24 March 10 - info - spring 2019
No deal was never our desired or intended scenario. But the EU27 is now prepared. It becomes, day after day, more likely MICHEL BARNIER, EU’s chief negotiator, on 2 April
BREXIT SURVEY
BREXIT SURVEY: March 2019 A joint survey of the networks of the French Chamber, French Tech and French Connect London represents the views of 125,000 jobs in the UK. Here, INFO publishes a selection of the results
What are the main disruptive factors that your business is facing because of Brexit?
Has Brexit impacted your commercial activities since the referendum?
1%
NO 38%
YES 62%
26% Has Brexit impacted your organisation's investment decisions in the UK?
60%
2% 7%
NO 53%
YES 47%
4% I Access to skilled and unskilled labour
I Access to EU funding
I Shifts in the value of sterling
I Logistics
I Tariffs to trade
I Access to capital
Is your company prepared for a 'No deal' scenario?
Are you planning to move parts of your activities to continental Europe or elsewhere?
4% 19% I Yes
47%
49%
I No I Somewhat
29%
52%
I No I In discussion I Yes, already done
Companies polled: 250 French Connect London contacts, 2300 FrenchTech members, 527 Main Representatives of the French Chamber in Great Britain (response rate: 5.91 percent).
info
- spring 2019 - 11
Sponsored by
Supporting EU Employees Political uncertainty and the differentiation of EU workers who have long been present in the UK is a very real issue affecting employee wellbeing
O
n 16 January, Chamber members and organisations from the retail,
finance, legal, consulting, tourism, and banking industries came together to discuss the latest on the impact of Brexit on professional services, individuals and businesses. Speakers were Oliver O’Sullivan, Associate, and Gareth Wadley, Partner, of Gateley PLC. The event was chaired by Angela Hepworth, Corporate Policy and Regulation Director, EDF Energy, Neil Sherlock CBE, Partner, Senior Adviser of PwC. The Forum heard that Brexit, in
UK for that length of time. ‘Pre-settled’
a new immigration regime that might
the form it finally takes, will have a
status will be issued for five years, but
restrict the roles being undertaken from
significant impact on employers who
the moment a holder of this status has
talent from the EU.
have relied on labour from the EU.
been in the UK for five years (including
In their presentation, Gareth Wadley
The future immigration proposals
time before the issue of this current
in the Home Office's white paper would
and Oliver O’Sullivan highlighted the
status) they will be allowed to apply for
bring changes whereby the recruitment
key changes to be expected in UK
'settled' status. 'Settled' status means
of EU nationals from January 2021
immigration law over the next two
that the individual has a permanent
would become far more expensive and
years, and how these changes relate to
right to live in the UK beyond Brexit.
far more restrictive in relation to the
current workforces and workforce plans for the future.
New applications can be made for
'skill' level of the job and the salary on
those who are resident in the UK before
offer. Many ‘lower-skilled’ jobs being
31 December 2020, although this could
undertaken by EU nationals at minimum
EU to the UK looks certain to end. In
be brought forward to 29 March 2019,
or living wage would be impossible to
both ‘deal' and ‘no deal’ scenarios, the
or whichever date the UK leaves the EU,
offer to workers from outside the UK
change would be expected at the end
in the event of a 'no deal'.
from 2021.
Free movement of labour from the
of 2020, after which a new immigration system will apply to EU citizens. The Home Office are slowly rolling
The speakers advised assessing
Gareth and Oliver stressed the
current workforces to see which
importance of planning in terms of
employees might be eligible for either
UK-based roles to assess how they fit
out a scheme to enable EU nationals in
'pre-settled' or 'settled status' and
with these future immigration rules. It
the UK to apply for either ‘settled’ status
evaluating how they can be assisted. It is
is likely these changes will impact how
on the basis of having lived in the UK for
also sensible to evaluate the roles being
companies develop UK talent and/or
at least five years, or ‘pre-settled' status
undertaken by EU nationals at present
the location of business operations that
where they have not yet lived in the
to assess the impact on the business of
require low-skilled EU workers. I
Free movement of labour from the EU to the UK looks certain to end. In both ‘deal' and ‘no deal’ scenarios, the change would be expected at the end of 2020, after which a new immigration system will apply to EU citizens 12 - info - spring 2019
BRE XIT FORUM
The impact of Brexit on talent A meeting of the Brexit Forum explored our departure from the European Union from the point of view of the UK’s access to the global talent market
T
he session on 13 March welcomed guest speakers Pru Ashby, Head of Brexit & Key Accounts, London & Partners,
and Susan Gregory, HR Director, LSS Relocation Ltd. The meeting was chaired by Angela Hepworth, Corporate Policy and Regulation Director, EDF Energy, and Neil Sherlock CBE, Senior Adviser, PwC. Established strengths Ashby noted that the headlines are saying that talent is leaving London, but said that this is not the true picture of what is happening. ‘We need to counter that narrative and show that London is thriving and access to talent remains,’ says Ashby. ‘The fundamental strengths of London have not and will not change.’ According to latest data compiled by London & Partners, London is top choice for international scale-up businesses, showing that the UK capital is Europe’s number one tech hub for unicorn companies and attracted more foreign direct investment (FDI) than any other city in 2018. To promote the city, L&P has launched the ‘Future of London’ initiative to spread positive messages about life and work in the capital, including positive daily messages about London sent on the WhatApp messaging service. London & Partners has also created a talent tool kit to help businesses set up on London.
According to latest data compiled by London & Partners, London is top choice for international scale-up businesses But there is a mixed picture. Gregory has noted an upswing in short-term assignments – links this trend to because wanting
Solutions and challenges
to have the experience working in the country it before Brexit,
According to Ashby, L&P research has shown several untapped
and ensuing visa issues, took effect. According to LinkedIn
resources for talent open to businesses and recruiters, including
statistics, more people came to work in the UK from abroad
people leaving the armed forces, women returning to work from
than to anywhere else in Europe last year.
leave, and autistic and special needs candidates who have a variety of transversal skills.
The session heard that part of the problem of making sense of Brexit from the staffing point of view, is that many industries
A clear challenge for the future is the up-skilling of the work
are ‘soloed in their uncertainty’ and not sharing insight or
force, particularly in respect of digital skills, in terms of staffing
experience or completely in the dark. Companies also question
London’s world-class tech sector and in the wider business
the vulnerability of talent in supply chains, as often SMEs don’t
community engaged in digital transformation.
have access to the resources that larger companies do.
Gregory, who operates as a consultant in international
This is not helped by the current menu of option on the
HR, described the current situation in the UK as one in which
table for European workers in Britain – there are currently
‘uncertainty is the norm.’ This is paired with the pressing reality
six different sets of rules and regulations that would apply to
that London and the UK will need to continue to attract, retain
employees, from free to highly-regulated movement, and no
and develop talent at all levels.
final decision from government on the procedure that will apply
Part of the challenge facing businesses is not directly to do
post-Brexit.
with Brexit. According to Gregory, salaries in the UK are not the
Pressure from trade organisations representing British
most attractive globally for senior roles, as compared to other
business is attempting to seek clarity; however, as with many
countries.
aspects of the current process, the situation is ‘wait and see.’ I
info
- spring 2019 - 13
What makes Luxury Sustainable? Save the date The French Chamber of Great Britain is pleased to present the second edition of the LONDON LUXURY THINK TANK on the theme of What makes Luxury Sustainable?
13.06.19
Spring Studios, London NW5 3BH For sponsorship or to participate, contact Wassime Haouari: whaouari@ccfgb.co.uk
Main sponsor
Supporting sponsor
Host partner
Co-organiser
NEWS The changing
A ND
A N A LY S I S
face of the aviation industry
The demise of the Airbus A380 reflects a widespread change in aviation industry priorities
A
ircraft
supplier
Airbus
recently
announced
the
pressure to fill every seat.’
discontinuation of the A380 aircraft series, after only
As Holman W. Jenkins Jr, Wall Street Journal, explains,
12 years of production. The cancellation came shortly after
government and EU support therefore do not guarantee
Emirates airline, its largest client, chose to greatly reduce its
the power to ‘dictate what kinds of goods, services and
order for the jet.
technologies (green or otherwise) the global marketplace will
‘We have no substantial A380 backlog and hence no basis to sustain production, despite all our sales efforts with other
accept.’
airlines in recent years,’ says Airbus Chief Executive Officer
External influences
Tom Enders. ‘This leads to the end of A380 deliveries in 2021.’
The retirement of this model reflects a change within the
The A380 was originally conceived to challenge competing
aviation industry, influenced by wider macroeconomic
aircraft
manufacturer
Boeing’s
747.
The
project
was
stimulants.
considered representative of the strength of the European
Regional airline Flybmi recently announced its closure,
Union’s combined resources, with the creation of EU wide
citing Brexit as the reason. A recent report by professional
regulations and cross border industry collaboration. At its
services agency KPMG highlights that rising jet fuel prices are
launch in 2005, then Commission Vice-President responsible
a repeat factor raised in recent bankruptcies. Low cost carriers
for Enterprise and Industry, Günter Verheugen, said ‘The
are growing in dominance thus pushing traditional carriers to
Super-Airbus demonstrates that working together in the EU
adapt their own strategies towards a more low cost solution to
pays off.’
survive in this competitive industry.
The rationale behind the A380 lay in an assumption about
Despite this, the historic volatility of the airline industry
industry requirements moving towards connecting large
as a whole has recently been with limited turbulence. This is
international hubs and combating airport congestion. But
due to increased passenger demand in a period of economic
this means larger aircraft have to fly at full capacity over long
growth achieved by low interest rates, according to KPMG.
distances in order to be efficient. This restricted the efficiency
They report that airlines are now preparing for a potential
of the A380 – which increasingly became a risk in a risk-averse
down cycle, ensuring they will have the ability to adjust
industry.
capacity as required.
Airlines such as Emirates have transferred focus to
Airlines are thus continuously striving to achieve greater
the acquisition of smaller craft. John Grant, director of JG
efficiencies and profit margins. Even icons of the sky such as
Aviation Consultants, attributes this shift to ‘better operating
the A380 are not impervious to the changing nature of our
economics, lower costs, smaller capacity and therefore less
airspace. I SL
info
- spring 2019 - 15
Air France-KLM boosts summer capacity
Airbus to open Flight Academy
For the 2019 summer season, Air FranceKLM is increasing capacity by two percent compared to last year. On its long-haul network, they will operate two new routes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle: Dallas, USA and Quito, Ecuador. On their medium and shorthaul network, Air France is expanding its offer of destinations and connections with twentyfour new routes.
Total announces a new discovery in the North Sea
In order to meet the high market demand for cadet pilot training in Europe – 94,000 new pilots over the next 20 years – Airbus has decided to open its own flight academy and extend its training services offering by adding 'ab-initio' to its portfolio. Leveraging cross-divisional synergies, the Airbus Flight Academy Europe, based in Angoulême, France, will use Airbus standardised instructors to deliver the ab-initio Pilot Cadet Training programme approved by EASA at the end of 2018, complementing the intermediate and advanced training phases that are already available and provided in the existing training network on 17 sites worldwide. The Airbus Flight Academy Europe aims to train up to 200 pilot cadets annually. I
Thales announces naval combat centre
Thales is pleased to announce it is opening a UK centre of excellence
Total’s discovery in the North Sea is located on the Glengorm prospect in the Central Graben. Recoverable resources are estimated close to 250 million barrels of oil equivalent. Further drilling and testing will be carried out to appraise resources and the productivity of the reservoir.
to develop its globally proven TACTICOS naval combat management system in support of the Royal Navy’s future Type 31 frigate programme. To deliver on this commitment, Thales is extending its combat system design and delivery capabilities within the UK. The Type 31 mission system activity customisation will create a significant number of high-tech jobs in the UK and
Boston Consulting Group named organisation strategy leader
ALM Intelligence has named Boston Consulting Group (BCG) the top leader in organisation strategy worldwide for the second year in a row. The latest edition of The ALM Vanguard of organisation strategy consulting providers, an annual capabilities assessment of the world’s major consultancies, found BCG to be number one in depth of capabilities—its ability to get results—as well as in delivering the highest impact for its clients in their organisation design efforts.
16 - info - spring 2019
also within a wider supply chain. I
ENGIE to develop low carbon district energy for Newcastle
ENGIE, leading energy, services and regeneration specialist has entered into a pioneering Joint Venture with Newcastle City Council (NCC) to develop and operate district energy schemes within the City over a 40-year term. The scope of services to be provided by ENGIE will include design, build, operation and maintenance of district energy schemes as well as contributions to funding and a project development role in partnership with NCC. I
BUSINE S S WOR LD – NE WS AND ANALYSI S
Veolia targets savings through process optimisation As part of a new framework contract with Anglian Water, Veolia is targeting savings of £1.07million through process optimisation and energy management, and reducing the water company’s carbon footprint. Since starting in late 2017, the three year contract has provided a range of optimisation services designed to support the company in its efficiency goals across its water and water recycling systems. The contract highlights the success of working collaboratively with Anglian Water’s experts and six other companies in the EE&O framework. I
CBRE to acquire leading global data centre tech company
Colas Rail awarded Rail Grinding Contract
CBRE Group, Inc. announced that it has acquired the assets of Romonet Limited, a leading advanced analytics software company which provides technology and consulting services for large global data centre operators. Romonet’s team of professionals will join CBRE as part of the acquisition. Romonet uses a patented cloud-based technology to unlock efficiencies and increase capacity at data centres. Romonet will be integrated into CBRE’s global Data Centre Solutions offering. I Network Rail has awarded Colas Rail Ltd’s Rail Services
Crédit Agricole confirms its ranking as a world leader in green bonds
division the nationwide Rail Grinding contract for the next 3 years. Network Rail requires nationwide operation and maintenance of Plain Line Rail Grinders to carry out both corrective and preventative rail grinding works throughout the UK across England, Scotland and Wales. Colas Rail will operate and maintain 6 rail grinding machines and deliver
Crédit Agricole S.A.
almost 1400 operational shifts a year around the clock in
successfully completed
24/7 operation. I
today its first Green Bond with a benchmark issue of €1bn. The issue is a 5 year Senior Preferred bond. Structured by Crédit Agricole CIB, this issue met a lot of interest from investors, as reflected by the depth and quality of the order book. In
JCDecaux launches creative resource Foundry
geographical terms, the bulk of interest came from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. I
Eurostar steps up services to Amsterdam Eurostar, the high-speed rail service connecting the UK with mainland Europe, is today putting tickets on sale for its third daily service direct from London to Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The third service, which starts on 11th June 2019, comes in direct response to customer demand following the popularity of Eurostar’s new route to the Netherlands which launched in April last year. I
Reflecting the crucial role of powerful creative in Out-ofHome campaign effectiveness, and the potential presented by Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH), JCDecaux has launched Foundry, an in-house resource for brand support in devising the most effective Out-of-Home campaigns, and a centre of excellence for creative consultation and development. I
info
- spring 2019 - 17
International SOS announce global partnership with Forum for Expatriate Management
International SOS, the world’s leading medical and security risk services company, has signed a partnership agreement with the Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM) to be the organisation’s exclusive ‘Global Medical and Security Risk Management Partner’. The partnership will see the industryleading expertise of both partners coming together to drive the agenda forward for the protection of the mobile workforce. I
KPMG and REC join forces to help recruitment industry post-Brexit
The REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) has joined forces with professional services firm KPMG in a bid to help members with their growth agendas post Brexit. The alliance will see specialists from KPMG work with REC advisers to support over 3,500 REC members across a range of issues including preparing for Brexit, opportunities in new overseas markets and merger and acquisition activity. I
Chambers Europe 2019 recognises Morgan Lewis
Morgan Lewis has earned six practice rankings and 12 individual lawyer rankings across fourteen categories in the Belgium, France, Russia, and United Kingdom sections of the newly released Chambers Europe 2019 guide. I
Groupe Renault sales reach 3.9 million vehicles
Groupe Renault sales increased by 3.2 percent since January 1, 2018, while expanding internationally as part of its ‘Drive The Future’ initiative. Registrations now represent 50.6 percent of the total sales (vs. 49.2% in 2017), thanks to the integration of the Jinbei and Huasong brands. I
BNP Paribas obtains top employer certification
For the sixth year in a row, BNP Paribas has received the Top Employers Europe label, with certification for 6 countries: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland and Turkey. BNP Paribas obtained the exclusive Top Employers Europe 2019 certification for outstanding employee conditions and developing talent. I
Gide partners with Paris blockchain week
Gide law firm, represented by its Gide 255 team dedicated to advice on digital transformation, will partner the Paris Blockchain Week Summit in April. The event, organised at Station F, will gather over 3,000 French and international professionals of the industry and 60 leading speakers. I
Pinsent Masons advise on pioneering data trusts projects
The Open Data Institute (ODI) in partnership with the Government's Office for AI (OAI) are leading three new pilots to inform the design and development of data trusts. Jeremy Wright, the UK's digital, culture, media and sport secretary announced details of the pilots, exploring proposals for the use of data trusts in the future. I
18 - info - spring 2019
LVMH welcomes the second season of start-ups
AccorHotels launches nomadic accommodation concept
LVMH is pleased to announce the second season of start-ups
BLANC to open fourth West London location
at its Maison des Startups incubator at Station F. While thirteen start-ups from Season 1 continue their successful collaboration
The Flying Nest is a hotel room that can travel around the world, following its clients to business meetings, festivals or sporting events, no matter how inaccessible. Designed by Ora-ïto, the rooms are shipping containers finished in eco-friendly wood for a cosy chaletlike feel. Each one is 12 sq m, with a living area, private bathroom and large picture window that frames the landscape and offers stunning views from one’s bed.
with the Group and its Maisons, the accelerator program welcomes thirteen new promising enterprises, mostly identified through the LVMH Innovation Award. I
Seven companies complete PwC's Raise programme
PwC has completed its second Raise programme for scale-up businesses in collaboration with The Accelerator Network and White Horse Capital. The programme worked with seven revenue generating B2B businesses looking to secure and negotiate their first round of institutional funding through a series of expert-led masterclasses’ I
Vivendi sells remaining interest in Ubisoft
Vivendi has sold the remaining part of its interest in Ubisoft. In total, the sale represents an amount of €2bn and a capital gain of €1.2bn. Vivendi, which already owns Gameloft, a global leader in mobile video games, confirms its intention to continue to strengthen its position in the video games sector. I
Safran awards employee innovation The Safran Innovation Awards recognise employees' most
promising innovations, and this year recognised the very first class of Safran ‘intrapreneurs.’ The Group's R&D investments in 2017 hit €1.4bn. I
BLANC, the sustainable alternative to conventional dry cleaning, hsa opened its fourth store in the iconic Helios at the Television Centre in White City. While other dry cleaners still use the toxic and carcinogenic chemical PERC (Perchloroethylene), already banned in many countries, BLANC instead combines modern wet cleaning technology with gentle biodegradable detergents and artisan hand treatment.
Ardian infrastructure acquires wind farm
Ardian, a world leading private investment house, today announces a €300 million investment to build a wind farm in Åndberg/ Härjedalen, Sweden. Ardian acquires the development rights of the project from OX2, a leading Nordic renewable energy developer. The wind farm will be operational in 2021 and is expected to produce in excess of 800GWh per year.
info
- spring 2019 - 19
Bouygues Construction as top employer
Dassault Systèmes enters global partnership with ABB
ENGIE supports women in facilities management
ABB and Dassault Systèmes announced a wide spanning global
Bouygues Construction has been officially recognised by the Top Employers Institute, an independent HR certification company, as a top employer 2019 for excellence in employee conditions.
ENGIE has confirmed its continued sponsorship of women in facilities management, a special interest group of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) that encourages inclusivity within the FM sector.
Societe Generale signs women’s charter
partnership to offer customers in digital industries a unique software solutions portfolio ranging from product life cycle management to asset health solutions. The two companies will provide customers an end-to-end offering of advanced open digital solutions, enhancing competitiveness of industrial companies, while increasing flexibility, speed and productivity of their products' lifecycles, manufacturing and operations. I
HSBC settles transactions using distributed ledger technology
HSBC has settled more than three million FX transactions and made more than 150,000 payments worth $250bn using distributed ledger technology (DLT). This solution, called HSBC FX Everywhere, has been used for the past year to orchestrate payments across HSBC’s internal balance sheets, creating significant efficiencies and opportunities. I
Societe Generale in the UK has signed the Women in Finance Charter, confirming its commitment to supporting the progression of women into senior roles across its UK business. The Women in Finance Charter is a UK Government sponsored initiative which reflects the aspiration to see a more equitable and fair industry in terms of gender balance at all levels across financial services.
Capgemini named STAR performer Capgemini it has been named a ‘STAR Performer’ in Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix for Healthcare Payer Digital Services, due to their growth in new client engagements, the value of these engagements and its portfolio mix. Capgemini’s innovative vision and capability in healthcare payer digital services was also recognised.
Christie's assits acquisition of Tony Ben archive
The archive of Tony Benn, Labour’s longest-serving MP, has been negotiated to the nation with the assistance of Christie's. It was accepted in lieu of inheritance tax and permanently allocated to the British Library. It provides rich documentation of his active political career as well as a substantial collection of source material reflecting the history of the UK during this time. I
Natixis named top employer for third year
Natixis is one of 82 companies awarded the Top Employer France 2019 certification for the quality of its human resources policies. The title attests to Natixis’
position as a company of choice that creates a high-quality working environment and promotes its staff’s development.’ I 20 - info - spring 2019
BUSINE S S WOR LD – NE WS AND ANALYSI S
Institut Français opens new boutique cinema Building on the success of the 230-seat Ciné Lumière, the Institut has opened a new boutique cinema for more flexible programming. As a cosy 34-seat cinema, Ciné Lumière II will provide the Institut the ability to feature specific programmes sought after by niche audiences: short films, TV series, documentaries, animation, and visual arts. I
Credit Suisse simplifies online credit requests for SMEs
AXA Commercial announces new SME Trading Centres
Credit Suisse and the Swiss software provider KLARA
Following a successful pilot across National Trading Centre,
Havre partnered to simplify finance for SMEs. In addition
Scotland and Birmingham branches, AXA Commercial has
to the innovative accounting solution that automatically
announced two SME Trading Centres in Bolton and Ipswich.
communicates with all interfaces, starting now, SMEs on
The SME Trading Centres will promote underwriting efficiency
KLARA can submit non-binding credit requests online to
and consistency of broker service to remain competitive in a
Credit Suisse. I
key area of the market. I
Chivas Brothers goes straw-less Luxury Scotch whisky brand Chivas Regal has pledged to stop using single-use plastic straws and stirrers in over 100 countries – and is now calling on cocktail lovers and bar owners around the world to go straw-less, too. The #BarStraws campaign encourages people to show their support through straw-free selfies. Chivas estimates that it will save millions of plastic straws and stirrers every year. I
Saint Gobain celebrates apprenticeships
SGG Group rebrands as IQ-EQ
Saint-Gobain has made great use of the Government
SGG Group, the world’s fourth largest investor services group, has announced a new name, visual identity and corporate website, rebranding to become IQ-EQ. Mark Pesco, Group CEO, said: ‘As a brand IQ-EQ perfectly embodies our thinking and reflects who we are and what we bring to the sector.’ I
apprenticeship levy for England, with over eight different types of apprenticeships now on offer for employees. These range from engineering to digital marketing, with apprenticeships in IT, procurement, supply chain and HGV driving in the pipeline. The Chartered Institute of Building have suggested that 157,000 new recruits will be needed by 2021 to satisfy demand in the construction industry. I
info
- spring 2019 - 21
Access and sharing economies and the disruption of real estate Real estate and construction are the next sectors to be disrupted by the access and sharing economies, say Karim Budabuss and Conor Mansfield of the professional services firm BDO UK LLP
W
orkplaces are evolving and a demand for flexible leases for occupants has become a trend amongst the office landscapes of major cities. A key driver to
this fast rate of change is technology, and the need to make the workplace a positive environment for employees. Plus, entrepreneurs and small businesses embracing technology to disrupt large corporate models need space to work, but
In early 2018, WeWork, a co-working space provider, became central London’s biggest office occupier, ahead of some of the world’s largest corporations such as JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank
ownership or rigid leasing models are often incompatible to their needs.
Access economy versus sharing economy
to create a diversified business model. Furthermore, established property developers in the
Put simply, in the access economy model, a company owns
market such as British Land and International Workspace
assets and provides the crowd with access to the asset in
Group (IWG) are riding the waves of change by launching their
return for a one-off or ongoing membership fee. In the sharing
own co-working brands.
economy, the company connects suppliers with consumers
These radical changes to traditional leasing and ownership
directly in return for a commission fee. These disruptive
models are not solely experienced by commercial real estate.
models for various industries are here to stay, and companies
For example, WeWork has already begun rolling out their
face the challenge of turning its threat into an opportunity.
business model into retail (WeMRKT) and residential (WeLive)
The rise of access and sharing economies in real estate
markets, and as of spring 2017 Airbnb’s valuation was more than top hotel chains, including the likes of Hilton and Hyatt.
Technology and growing numbers of start-ups have led to the
Disruption to modern architecture
steep rise in demand for co-working, hot-desking and agile
The access and sharing economies will transform the
offices over the last five years, evidenced in early 2018 by the
way buildings are designed. The sharing workplace of the
crowning of WeWork; a co-working space provider, as central
future requires the design of flexible spaces that can be
London’s biggest office occupier, ahead of some of the world’s
easily adapted to sharing and provide perks such as gyms,
largest corporations such as JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank.
refreshments and networking zones.
In 2017, WeWork entered 31 new cities (such as Paris
Turning existing and heritage listed assets into co-working
and Beijing), built 90 new locations and signed more than
buildings with these features poses a great challenge, whilst
12,000 new companies, and has consolidated its position by
the buildings of the future will be conceived as adaptable,
expanding into higher-margin service businesses (such as
dynamic kit-of-parts that can be easily re-configured as the
architecture, construction and building management) in order
number of tenants grows or contracts. Unlike buildings of
22 - info - spring 2019
BUSINE S S WOR LD – BIG IDE A
today, future buildings will accommodate short term and long
valuable funding for innovative activity. Obtaining relief for
term tenancies from different industries all under one roof.
qualifying R&D costs generates a potentially substantial cash
Architects and engineers are already developing office concepts with areas of removable floor-slabs to enable
boost, providing a real incentive for undertaking further innovation.
inter-connecting floors without any major works. They are
More recently, the UK Government has made a big
identifying materials that can be used to absorb the increased
commitment to driving change in construction, through the
noise levels of co-working offices, due to their social nature
issuing of grant funding as part of the Industrial Strategy
compared to traditional corporate offices.
Challenge Fund. The Transforming Construction programme
Those involved in the design must allocate time and
has allocated £170m of funding for innovation, primarily
resources to overcome future challenges to remain at the
focused on investment of solutions to improve productivity,
forefront of the industry. Today, there are many technological
quality and performance of the UK construction sector. The
enablers that will play a significant role in resolving the
funding is aimed at innovative projects relating to any of the
challenges facing the industry, for example:
core stages of the construction cycle; production, build and
• advanced building materials; • pre-fabrication of building systems off-site;
management. Will the access and sharing economies reshape our
• transformable structural systems;
buildings, neighbourhoods and cities forever? When everyone
• building information management (BIM);
can choose where they live and work regardless of their
• smart buildings and digital performance management;
income and social status, could socio-economic segregation in
• sustainable energy systems for buildings.
major cities become part of the past? Perhaps not completely,
Government funding
but the access and sharing economies will certainly introduce significant advancements to our buildings and cities, making
The UK Government provides various financial incentives to
it inevitable that key players in real estate must utilise the
encourage companies in the UK to develop the science and
technology and funding available to be at the forefront of the
technology that shapes the built environment we live and
access and sharing economies. I
work in. Research and development (R&D) tax relief provides
Established property developers such as British Land and International Workspace Group (IWG) are riding the waves of change by launching their own co-working brands
info
- spring 2019 - 23
BUSINE S S WOR LD – SME PROFILE
To queue or not to queue INFO speaks with Laurent Renassia, International Sales Director of ESII, a French company which improves customer journeys and queue management
Faire la queue or queuing up can be a pastime for some. But our solutions are not designed to manage queues, they remove them entirely
What does ESII do? ESII operates in all the sectors where flows of people must be managed precisely, in a both effective and pleasant manner. This is what we call the customer experience. We also aim at offering good working conditions to staff and a fast return on investment to decisions makers. What does ‘customer journey’ mean for ESII? ESII has always thought about the comfort of its clients, visitors or patients, and we take a holistic approach to finding solutions to their customer journeys. These journeys could include
things – and it has to be invisible. To
Queuing is a very British thing. Do
a patient with an appointment at the
that extent, we have a broad technical
your solutions differ in the UK and
hospital for a consultation after a
department, able to deal with issues
France?
surgery can be redirected automatically
from engineering to electronics or
I suppose ‘faire la queue’ (queuing up)
to the radiologist before attending the
embedded systems, like all the new
can be a pastime for some. But views
appointment. Or, in a grocery store, if a
software development systems.
may change if we calculate how many
client is planning to buy some cheese,
More than 25 percent of our staff is
years we lose queuing up. With more
some fish and then to buy some
dedicated to the research, creation and
than 18,000 users of our solutions
delicatessen, does he have to take three
conception of our solutions.
to date, including of visitors, clients,
different tickets and queue up each
patients etc., our view is that no one
time? If a client in a DIY shop is seeking
What led you to expand into the UK
likes to queue, and so our solutions are
a salesman for advice, does he have to
market?
not designed to manage queues, they
search in the store to address someone
We were settled in large parts of Europe
remove them entirely.
who might tell him that he’s not in
and Africa for the past a few years.
Of course, we also take into
charge of this department?
Our view is that in order to expand, a
account that users like salespeople,
company needs resources, and it has
administrative officers, and doctors
What technological innovations are
to be in touch with a major client to
need solutions that are easy to use,
you most excited about?
get a foothold in the market. We had
ergonomic and performance orientated.
In addition to our digital solutions
this kind of opportunity when we were
The aim is always to create a holistic
(client/serveur, client/léger, SaaS) we
working with Argos, but didn’t take
experience. I
are now focusing on AI and robotics to
that step at that time. But now that we
create new services. Our goal is to make
have had more time to move forward,
the client’s reception enjoyable, without
our solutions are ready and innovative
them noticing the complexity of the
for the UK market. We see it as an
technology implemented backstage.
opportunity and challenge.
The secret to help people accept change is for technology to ease
24 - info - spring 2019
• Turnover: €13.8 million • Present in countries: 45 • Users: +500 million
BUSINE S S WOR LD – SME NE WS
Admemori creates 'vegetal' artworks
F
rench digital art studio Admemori launches 'Flower Stock,' a collection of poetic films offering various vegetal artistic themes and seasons. It has been imagined to welcome guests and visitors in rooms or lobbies of hotels and businesses. It is an innovative and universal way of saying hello or welcome, a concept in step with trends towards nature and organic matter. I
Inbound Capital supports Energisme funding round
Sancheng Digital partners with Toulouse Business Exchange
I
S
nbound Capital acted as advisor for Energisme, the leading software platform in Europe dedicated to energy
data management and analytics for its latest funding round,
ancheng Digital will be partnering with Toulouse Business Exchange and Happy Home Toulouse to create
a series of events to enable business owners and managers
focusing on the preparation and communication of its equity
to explore the issues around performance and wellbeing.
story and the critically important Strategic Investor Targeting.
The initiative responds to a sharpened focus in business on
Last year, Energisme won the Finalist award at Inspire
issues surrounding the impact of employee interaction in the
Microsoft and was elected IoT Partner of the Year in France
workplace. I
by Microsoft. I
Doctors of the World crowdfunding for Global Clinic
Yooz launches in the UK
M
Y
edical charity Doctors of the World UK has launched a crowdfunding campaign to send the Global Clinic to
the field. The Global Clinic is a low-cost, easily-assembled, and
ooz, an international provider of intelligent
P2P
software,
today
durable solution to current challenges in emergency settings,
announces the launch of its automated, cloud-based accounts
creating a private and safe space for patients and doctors
payable (AP) solution in the UK. The company is dedicated to
worldwide. The campaign has a target of £15,000 to develop,
making an intelligent, automated P2P automation solution
deliver, and run the first Global Clinic for patients in need. I
easy and affordable for all UK businesses, regardless of size, industry and volume of documents. I
Homegrown launch members’ club for entrepreneurs and investors
H
ome Grown, a private members’ club for highgrowth entrepreneurs, investors, and business
leaders, opened in Marylebone, London on 3 April. Dedicated to growing businesses, Home Grown from the team behind Home House, combines the luxuries of a members’ club with unrivalled networking opportunities, thanks to a carefully curated events programme including the Rock Star Series featuring high-profile business leaders. Members will also have access to a brasseriestyle restaurant, study café, bar, business lounges and meeting rooms, and 35 boutique bedrooms. I
info
- spring 2019 - 25
Coorpacademy and Video Arts to deliver learning content
C
oorpacademy, the leading up-skilling and Learning Experience Platform (LXP) in Europe, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Video Arts, the UK-based
learning provider set up by ex-Monty Python comedian and writer John Cleese and Yes, Minister creator Sir Antony Jay. I
ON5 completes successful energy saving pilot
Qwil Messenger joins Avaloq’s Software Exchange
E
L
nergy100,
an
innovative
behavior
change
programme being offered by ON5 UK, was
trialled throughout 2018. It proved to have a
ondon-based Qwil Messenger, a safe and compliant client chat platform for the global wealth management and financial service
sector, has become the latest technology firm to join Avaloq’s Software
potential to allow organisations to digitally track the
Exchange platform. The Avaloq Software Exchange offers access to the
company's environmental impact and become a
entire Avaloq Community, consisting of 158 banks worldwide which
great addition to the companies’ CSR strategies and
manage assets worth around $4 trillion using .I
goals, whilst positively affecting employee loyalty and retention rates. I
OMYAGUE celebrates corporate gifting fair
T
he aim of the second edition of the OMYAGUE LONDON Luxury Corporate Gifting Fair was to bring together select brands and genuine corporate gifts buyers. The show was a success with 1159 visitors attending. Lalique, Longchamp, Moleskine, Relais & Chateaux, and Swarovski, were just some of the brands which presented beautifully crafted and high-quality business gifts, as well as the latest trends in corporate gifting. I
CXB HUB recognised as a top 100 European start-up
C
ustomer experience innovative practitioners CXB HUB are celebrating their latest win, following selection by Red Herring as one of the top 100 private start-ups in Europe. The Red Herring Top 100 Europe celebrates outstanding entrepreneurs and businesses. Since 1996, Red Herring’s Top 100 list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising new companies and entrepreneurs, and being featured on this list is a major achievement for the team at CXB HUB. I
JIN partners with Kaïros Consulting on new offer
J
IN continues to expand its European and international development strategy by winning new budgets for 2019 with its expertise in influencer marketing and public relations. JIN will support companies with their financial communications strategy
in partnership with Anne-Sophie Gentil, founder of Kaïros Consulting, which advises listed companies and their leaders on financial communication. I 26 - info - spring 2019
BUSINE S S WOR LD – SME NE WS
Paralympian ambassadors for Humanity & Inclusion UK
P
aralympians Ross Wilson and Jack Hunter-Spivey became the new Ambassadors of the charity Humanity & Inclusion (HI) UK today. The
two renowned table tennis players will be supporting the organisation and its activities alongside people with disabilities living in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and natural disaster such as the aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique where HI teams are currently on the ground to support the most vulnerable. I
Tilkee opens London office
The Technicis Group rebrands as Acolad
T
T
subsidiary abroad for the Lyon-based company which should
and Sémantis) come together under a single brand name.
soon be followed by a presence in Germany in 2019. Tilkee's
The Technicis Group is the European leader in professional
fast growth over 2018 has culminated in the opening of its first
translation and localisation, with a turnover of €117m in 2018.
European subsidiary. I
Its clearer, simpler new brand structure is intended to support
ilkee, French software publisher of an artificial intelligence solution for sales optimisation, has announced the
opening of an office in London this month. This is the first
he launch of Acolad will see nine of the twelve companies that make up the Technicis Group (Technicis, VO Paris,
Cogen, Translation Probst, Arancho Doc, Soget, HL Trad, CPW
the Group’s international development. I
Stanley Robotics partners with Gatwick
S
tanley Robotics has announced that Gatwick will be the first UK airport to test their valet parking robots. An initial trial with will run from the second half of 2019 to early 2020. Passengers will leave their cars close to the South Terminal entrance and a driverless robot will lift the car and store it in a secure car park. I
Juris.live partners with Amberlo
J
uris.live has launched JurisLive Management, a solution developed to ease invoicing for law firms, in partnership with the Lithuanian company Amberlo, to ensure better market coverage for law firms. The partnership guarantees Juris.live exclusivity for sales on the French and the UK market. I
French Morning London searches for London’s best baguette
F
rench Morning London, an online news magazine dedicated to the French speaking community, is organising a best baguette competition. A jury of professionals
will decide the winner during a blind taste test open to the public on 19 May at the Huckster London in Paddington. The competition follows the success of competitions in the United States (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, New Orleans, and Chicago). I
info
- spring 2019 - 27
Ponant supports ocean clean-up project
P
onant, the world leader in luxury expedition and the only French cruise ship owner, continues its environmental commitment by
providing support to the Aldabra Clean Up, an exemplary project to combat plastic pollution, preserve the Aldabra atoll in the Seychelles and raise global awareness. I
BUSINE S S WOR LD – S TART- UP PROFILE
Sent and Received Tilkee is a cloud-based tool used to track your digital documents. INFO speaks with Founder Syvain Tillion
I launched Tilkee with co-founder Tim because I was tired of never knowing if my proposals were read and by whom company there while I was studying. Then I started my second company when my first was crashing. I created Tilkee (my third company) while I was still working on my second company. I never questioned launching a company anywhere else – it was easier to manage two companies from the same place. What is Tilkee?
Plus Lyon has many advantages. It’s
Tilkee is a data-driven sales platform
processes – sales, marketing, events,
close to Paris, it’s close to Germany,
that helps sales and marketing teams
and recruiting – and created solutions
Switzerland and Italy. It’s greener, less
to be more efficient using our digital
for all these processes in a platform
crazy and less expensive than Paris. In
document tracking solution. Our aim
called Tilkee.
my opinion, Lyon is the best place in
is to boost our customers’ business
France to create a company.
by empowering sales and marketing
What advice would you give to other
through reliable and actionable data.
entrepreneurs launching a start-up?
What has led to your expansion in
Don't be afraid to sell! People won’t
the UK?
Where did the idea for the business
buy your great and innovative product
We'd signed a few large UK clients and
come from?
unless you have a smooth, efficient
it was the right time to accelerate UK
I launched Tilkee with co-founder Tim
sales process.
growth with a local presence. And we
because I was tired of never knowing if
anticipated this expansion by hiring
my proposals were read and by whom.
Why did you choose Lyon as your
Kate Pringle as UK Country Manager in
Since 2014, we’ve applied our tracking
base of operations?
2016. We have complete trust in her to
technology to different business
I studied in Lyon and created my first
develop Tilkee in the UK. I
28 - info - spring 2019
E DUC ATION – NE WS
ESSEC launches digital campus
Université Dauphine opens new London campus London
ESSEC Business School is launching an augmented
Campus is situated in a recently
digital campus which offers a unique and rich online
refurbished and bright building near
learning experience that cannot be found on a traditional
Angel and St Pancras International
campus setting. The Augmented Digital Campus will
stations. It benefits from high speed
enable ESSEC students to have a permanent connection
Université
Dauphine’s
wi-fi and outdoor yards and terrace.
to the global ESSEC community. It is a tool through which
Room hire and short term occupancy are also available, particularly
the leaders of tomorrow will be able to anticipate the
outside of academic semesters. I
changes in the business world and adapt quickly. I
EM Normandie researchers win maritime economics prize Dr Linh Chi Vo, Dr Mary-Catherine Lavissière and Dr Alexandre Lavissière, were awarded the best maritime article prize for emerging economies during the 26th conference of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), attended by the 100 best maritime economists in the world in Mombasa, Kenya. Their research was conducted through EM Normandie’s Institut Portuaire d’Enseignement et de Recherche, which trains female port executives every year under the aegis of the International Maritime Organisation, a UNO agency. I
Refugees rewarded at HEC ceremony
ESCP Europe celebrates bicentenary
The second cohort
ESCP Europe, the oldest
of refugees received
pan-European
their
Wintegreat
school, is proud of its huge
at HEC certificates
impact on innovation over
capping a twelve-
the past 200 years. To mark
week course aimed
the event, faculty, business
business
at providing a toolkit for professional and personal integration
leaders, experts, politicians
into their host nation. The refugees in HEC’s term-long course
and artists will take part in an unprecedented ‘European
hailed from as far afield as Syria, Afghanistan, Tibet, Libya and
Tour’ to rethink place of businesses and companies in the
Gambia. They had spent the best part of three months forging
world of tomorrow, including technical and technological
an educational experience designed to help disenfranchised
opportunities, social and environmental impacts, and the
yet educated refugees revive their professional projects
issue related to the question of individual and collective
in France. I
meaningfulness. I
EDHEC to host private infrastructure investment conference EDHECinfra Days is a two-day conference, focusing on private infrastructure equity investing and private infrastructure debt on 6-7 June 2019. Day one will be dedicated to a half-day executive infrastructure investment Masterclass focusing on advanced asset valuation and portfolio construction techniques for asset owners and managers. Day two will feature breakout stream sessions conducted by our senior researchers and sponsored 45-minute workshop sessions. I
NEOMA Business School to boost courses for international students From September 2019, the Global BBA and TEMA programmes (Bachelor in Digital & Innovation) will be available on the School's Paris campus. Two new Masters of Science will also be on offer: MSc in Finance & Big Data, offering a comprehensive understanding of data exploitation and financial service concerns; and MSc in Risk and Financial Technologies. I
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- spring 2019 - 29
R E PORT S & R E SE ARCH – BUSINE S S WOR LD
A selection of research papers and reports produced by Chamber member companies and partners
The Stevenson / Farmer review of mental health and employers: The Future of Jobs Report 2018 Thriving at Work sets out what employers can do to better support all employees, including those with mental health problems to remain in and thrive through work. The review quantifies how investing in supporting mental health at work is good for business and productivity. The most important recommendation is that all employers, regardless of size or industry, should adopt 6 ‘mental health core standards’ that lay basic foundations for an approach to workplace mental health. It also details how large employers and the public sector can develop these standards further through a set of ‘mental health enhanced standards’. The review also makes a series of recommendations to government and other bodies. Thriving at work - October 2017 Available at: https://bit.ly/2qvjrov
Deloitte: Mental Health and employers: The case for investment Theresa May announced a series of mental health reforms in the UK on 9th January 2017. As part of this, an Independent Review of Mental Health and Employers was commissioned to understand how employers can better support all individuals currently in employment (including those with poor mental health or wellbeing, to remain in, and thrive through work. Mental Health and employers: The case for investment - October 2017 Available at: https://bit.ly/2hwdLWE
CIPD – Health and Well-being at Work The survey of over 1,000 HR professionals provides important insights into one of the most pressing issues of the modern workplace: the health and well-being of people at work. The new Health and Well-being at Work survey now covers the wider issues around health and well-being in the workplace; a section on managing absence remains, but it also explores mental health, the impact of technology on employee well-being, work-related stress, managing disabilities, and long-term health conditions. Health and Well-being at Work - May 2018 Available at: https://bit.ly/2HMw2Ky
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32 - info - spring 2019
Health & Wellbeing at Work
G
ood health is good for business. The now well-accepted notion that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce is also critical to help attract
and retain the best people. What is increasingly being called ‘good work’ are jobs that offer individual support and work-life balance, in addition to job security and a liveable income. ‘Good work’ is associated with better physical and mental health, and less absenteeism. Yet, even with the best intensions, the business community is still playing catchup and the challenges are clear. A Transport for London study found workers with obesity take an average of three sick days more than those of normal weight. A survey of 25,000 health workers found that those who smoked are twice as likely to take time off work. The mental health charity Mind reported that one in five employees have called in sick to avoid workplace stress, and more than half of all employers said they would like to do more to improve staff wellbeing – but don't feel they have the right training or guidance. For businesses that do take measures to implement health and wellbeing programmes, the gains can be substantial. The London School of Economics analysed data from the Royal Mail, where an investment of £45m generated
a
£225m return on investment in a three year period. What is now required to help businesses provide the right programmes and support for the employees? Through interviews with leading figures in the business world, to case studies from a range of industries, this Focus explores different ways to nurture and develop the workforce, no matter your company’s size and no matter your sector. There is a growing momentum in workplace health and wellbeing, spurred by changes in society, government and the private sector. The pages that follow seek to offer a picture of a healthier and happier workforce. I
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Health & Wellbeing at Work I N
N U M B E R S
Poor mental health at work costs the UK economy between ÂŁ74 billion and ÂŁ99 billion per year
Source: Thriving at work, The Stevenson / Farmer review of mental health and employers
Top 5 causes of stress at work (in top 3 causes, % of respondents)
Source: Health and Well-being at Work, Survey Report May 2018, CIPD
131m
working days are lost to sickness absence every year Source: Thriving at work, The Stevenson / Farmer review of mental health and employers
Source: Public Health England, The Work Foundation
Benefits of investing in health and wellbeing (% of respondents)
44% Better employee morale and engagement
35% A healthier and more inclusive culture
Source: Health and Well-being at Work, Survey Report May 2018, CIPD
31% Lower sickness absence
INFOGR APHICS – FOCUS
The top three factors that influence organisations’ decisions to purchase wellbeing benefits for employees (% of respondents)
Source: Health and Well-being at Work, Survey Report May 2018, CIPD
What has your organisation’s employee health and wellbeing activity achieved in the past 12 months? (% of respondents)
Source: Health and Well-being at Work, Survey Report May 2018, CIPD
61%
of employees have experienced mental health issues due to work or where work was a related factor Source: Seizing the Momentum, Mental Health at Work 2018 Report, Business in the Community
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Advancing the Conversation The business community is waking up to the benefits of mental health provision, says the leading business figure Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman of Barclays UK
T
The debate happening now has moved far from where it was even ten to fifteen years ago, when stigma around mental health was still paramount
he main reason for absence at work is due to issues related to mental health, with depression,
anxiety and stress recently overtaking physical ailments, like bad backs, for the top spot. Accordingly, companies are rushing to incorporate mental health provision for their employees. For Sir Ian Cheshire, an international business leader and mental health advocate, this is indicative of what
about their mental health challenges.
Voluntary groups are also playing an
he calls a ‘sea change’ in how mental
Fry, who is also President of the mental
important part in acting as aggregators
health is being measured, reported and
health charity Mind, has spoken about
of best-practice across the business
addressed by British businesses.
the positive impact of talking honestly.
community.
‘The debate happening now has
Though the campaign advanced
A recent independent review of
moved far from where it was even ten to
the conversation about mental health
mental health and employers by Lord
fifteen years ago, when stigma around
in society, Cheshire notes that it was
Dennis Stevenson and Paul Farmer
mental health was still paramount,’ says
slower to penetrate the business world,
received government backing and
Cheshire, former CEO of Kingfisher, the
where the stigma around mental health
produced the report ‘Thriving at Work.’
British multinational retailer.
was still linked to competency and job
In addition to his role as Chairman of Barclays UK, Cheshire also chairs
security in the minds of many. But this too has begun to change,
‘The important thing now is for cross-industry work to happen,’ says Cheshire. ‘We also need to see money
Heads Together, a mental health
with prominent figures from the
being spent on shared resources, as
initiative spearheaded by the Duke and
business community speaking openly
these crucially need to be free for small
Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke
about depression and anxiety, including
businesses unable to set up their own
of Sussex. He is a leader of a growing
Jayne-Anne Gadhia, chief executive
internal programmes.’
movement across British boardrooms,
of Virgin Money, and António Horta-
where mental health in the workplace
Osório, CEO of Lloyds Bank, and greater
are immediate. ‘If you can help people
and wider society are being discussed
attention paid in mainstream media.
address their mental health issues while
with great urgency. Heads Together is best known for
Cheshire notes that traditional
For Cheshire, the potential benefits
in work, they recover more quickly.
business groups like the CBI and the
And if you can keep them well, this will
attracting celebrity ambassadors like
Federation of Small Businesses have
have a hugely positive impact on the
the footballer Rio Ferdinand and actor
begun to produce a significant amount
business.’ I
Stephen Fry, who have spoken openly
of research and business insight.
T H E AGENDA Sir Ian Cheshire outlines three key milestones for mental health provision within British businesses to achieve within the next five to ten years. All companies should have at least a minimum of mental health support services for employees, available digitally and accessible universally
36 - info - spring 2019
Widespread mental health management training should be the norm Individuals coming forward with personal stories of mental health should be celebrated in the wider community, with awards and recognition for those who have helped push the conversation forward
HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS
Transparency on the agenda INFO republishes an excerpt from the UK government’s Stevenson-Farmer report, which advocates greater transparency in the context of a significant mental health challenge in British workplaces
I
ncreasing employer transparency presents the biggest opportunity to encourage a greater breadth and depth of employer action on mental health, and strong leadership is
vital to ensuring this change is felt throughout organisations.
Internal transparency Employers can improve internal transparency by adopting six mental health ‘core standards,’ in discussion with their employees.
Only 11 percent of the Top 100 companies in Great Britain have disclosed information about their initiatives to support their employees’ mental health in their annual reports First, employers can signal commitment to mental health through publicly committing to deliver the mental health core
These core standards are: produce and implement a mental health at work plan; develop mental health awareness among
and enhanced standards to protect and improve the mental health of their employees.
employees; encourage open conversations about mental health
All employers can also publicly commit to mental health by
and the support available; provide good working conditions;
signing a pledge, or publishing a statement or plan. Thousands
promote effective people management; and routinely monitor
of employers have worked with Time to Change and Mindful
mental health and wellbeing.
Employer over the last 15 years.
It is vital that employees can help steer initiatives to ensure
There are already various platforms in place to encourage
that the mental health core standards are adopted in a way that
public sector organisations to signal commitment on mental
meets the particular interests and needs in that organisation.
health, and private sector organisations are encouraged to
Employers can also be transparent internally about the impact of any initiatives or support, and can measure employee
commit to various social, ethical or environmental priorities through legislation and guidance.
mental health and wellbeing through surveys and mood
The report recommended public sector employers and the
trackers. Organisations can report on findings internally in
3,500 private sector companies with more than 500 employees
order to encourage discussion throughout the organisation
report externally on their work to improve workplace mental
and increase accountability of the organisation to employees
health. It recommends that the Government considers
for delivering against the mental health core or enhanced
amending legislation and guidance, including the Companies
standards.
Act, to encourage employers to report on workplace mental health on their website or other channels. Employer action on
External transparency
mental health is intrinsically measurable.
The report argued that greater public transparency will create
Employers can track a number of measurements including
a sense of competition between employers, promoting success
sickness absence; staff survey results; take up of Employee
and driving and maintaining cultural change. Yet according to
Assistance Programmes or Occupational Health Services; and
data gathered by Business in the Community, only 11 percent
disclosure rates. On certain measures, the report expects
of the Top 100 companies in Great Britain have disclosed
numbers to rise initially as people become more confident in
information about their initiatives to support their employees’
discussing their mental health and aware of the support on
mental health in their annual reports. This needs to change.
offer to them. I Source: Thriving at work / The Stevenson-Farmer Review of mental health and employers
BENC HMARKING Mind’s ‘Workplace Wellbeing Index,’ uses an employer and staff survey to assess an employer’s current policy and practice. The higher tiers of this assessment include staff interviews carried out by a Mind consultant to gather qualitative feedback to be integrated into a comprehensive report. Vitality’s ‘Britain’s Healthiest Workplace,’ requires employees to fill in an online survey about their general health, lifestyle behaviours, mental health status and their work environment. High performing organisations receive awards.
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The Moral Case A recent CBI report says that businesses need to act now to address health and wellbeing in the workplace, following societal shifts which reflects greater openness and acceptance
I
n November 2018, business leaders across the UK, including Royal Mail, WHSmith, PwC, Reed Smith and Ford, addressed an open letter to Theresa May demanding that mental health
be given as much credence as first aid in legislation. Traditionally, cost savings have provided the impetus for company investment in this field. CBI’s ‘Front of Mind’ report
My vision is of a society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and no one loses their job because of poor mental health
estimates that companies with a proactive approach to promoting their employee’s health can improve their financial
a competitive edge. Mental health issues should not only be
performance by as much as 10 percent.
addressed after diagnosis, but actively prevented.
The open letter reflects changing attitudes to health and
This has a reciprocal benefit. Currently, projections are
wellbeing at work. It states that ‘the cost is not just financial,
that the UK will have a shortfall of 3.1 million workers by 2050,
because left untreated mental ill health impacts a person’s
largely reflecting the disparity between those retiring and those
relationships with friends and family and ultimately their quality
entering work, as the population ages.
of life.’ The CBI report also underlines that work has a role to play in an individual’s health and wellbeing. It is associated
For those reaching the end of their career, health and wellbeing support throughout their work life can enable people to stay in work and perform for longer.
with employee self esteem, financial security and the building
Health programmes are also increasingly important to a
of social relationships. The report says that supporting an
company’s image and brand. Sixty-nine percent of the public
employee’s health and wellbeing is now seen as ‘the right thing
say that the way an employer treats their employees is the
to do.’
primary influence on their perception of a business. This
A competitive edge
extends to both customer-base and to recruitment of talent.
For companies, the moral obligation to implement the change
A top down approach
is clear, and stems from larger societal shifts. A health and
The ‘Front of Mind’ report offers a blueprint for businesses
wellbeing programme is no longer perceived as a bonus but
considering implementation of a health and wellbeing strategy.
a necessity.
Foremost is the ‘top down approach,’ whereby senior leadership
Fifty-six percent of employees believe that their employer
are responsible for communicating the priorities externally and
should help them live healthier lifestyles, according to CBI.
fostering acceptance internally.
Thirty-seven percent of millennials think that workplace health
According to the CBI, effective communication should
and wellbeing should be a priority for senior management.
address:
Twenty-six percent of UK firms say they are entirely reactive
1. Why the organisation has chosen to prioritise health and
in complying with current health regulations and issues as they
wellbeing;
arise. However, under the weight of society’s expectations,
2. How these plans will be taken forward;
companies must take proactive measures in order to maintain
3. What specific provisions are available for staff.
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HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS
The cost is not just financial, left untreated mental ill health impacts a person’s relationships with friends and family and ultimately their quality of life
The report continues with an outline for implementation,
boon to companies. With noticeable increases in engagement
which involves introducing health apps to allow employees to
and decreases in absenteeism, happier and healthier
take control of their own wellbeing and establishing private
employees can make the difference.
medical insurance packages. They
also
These initiatives can also lead to help reduce rising health
recommend
raising
awareness
through
care costs, with current estimates showing that these cost the
partnerships with external organisations, ensuring physical and
economy around £110bn per year. Prevention and intervention
mental health has equal focus, and taking a rounded view of
in the workplace and private health care options offered by
the employees' needs, both at work and externally. This can be
employers can a play vital role in decreasing dependency on
aided by allowing flexible working to help those experiencing
its public services.
poor health return to work.
The CBI report also emphasises the government’s role in supporting change. ‘My vision is of a society where everyone
A broader impact
has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and no one loses
There are early indicators that efforts in the business
their job because of poor mental health,’ says Minister for
community to tackle these issues can affect change through
Disabled People, Sarah Newton.
the wider economy and society.
With the moral case for health and wellbeing now front and
With productivity in the UK trailing the US and continental
centre, it is an unprecedented time for companies to act. I SL
Europe by 30 percent, health and wellbeing initiatives can be a
WHY HEALTH AND WELLBEING MATTERS
THE FACTS: In the UK, poor mental health alone is estimated to cost between £74 and £99 billion per year
1.3 million people suffered from a new or longstanding work-related illness in 2017
Today more than 4 in 5 businesses (86%) have seen presenteeism in their workplace in the last year
Workplace health & wellbeing is ranked one of the top three priorities for senior leaders in 1 in 5 firm
Source: Front of Mind: Prioritising Workplace Health and Wellbeing, CBI, 2018
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A Need for Collaboration The conversation around mental health in the business community is shifting and now is the moment to act, says Simon Berger, Founder of Mad World, an annual conference dedicated to the issue
M
ental health is quickly rising up the corporate agenda, as most companies acknowledge that a health workforce is a positive advantage to good business.
But for businesses entering into the world of mental health and wellbeing, the question is always where to begin. Simon Berger, Founding Partner of Mad World, an annual conference and exhibition on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, aims to provide the context and case studies for businesses. The event, now entering its second year, is supported by Forbes and industry groups such as the Retail Trust and Business in the Community. ‘Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is a complex problem that needs a collaborative, committed and sustainable approach to create systemic and cultural change across all sizes of business,’ says Berger. There is a clear opportunity to develop programmes to
Collaboration and real time knowledgesharing across industries and departments is key if we are going to seize the momentum which is building
suit the current workforce. For employers already active in the mental health and wellbeing space, this means questioning
And he adds that companies should be mindful of ‘the
how their strategies can have a sustainable impact across the
implications of the evolving regulatory landscape for HR,
business. Yet, Berger notes, many employers are still struggling
diversity and inclusion, and health and safety policies.’
to navigate the chaos of resources. ‘There’s a real hunger for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.
Mad, mad world
That’s where Mad World can help,’ says Berger, whose
The inaugural edition of the Mad World conference, held in
organisation also produces a fortnightly newsletter offering
October 2018, provided a stage for innovative global leaders in
fresh thinking on how to support and promote the mental
established industries and bold disruptors who are setting the
health and wellbeing of employees.
benchmark for a new corporate culture. Companies that took
Berger also sees the issue as imperative for employers
part include Airbus, Bank of England, Barclays, and Google.
who want to attract and retain top talent in future. This means
The event produced a range of shared insight and a
understanding and adapting to the needs of the next generation
convergence of thought leadership. According to Berger,
entering the workforce.
this ranged from how to get boardroom buy-in to how to
Next steps
create a global mental health strategy that resonates with a multigenerational and culturally diverse workforce.
Looking ahead, Berger notes a growing interest in sharing best-
The B2B wellness platform Unmind was given the Mad
practice case studies between companies and organisations,
World 2018 Innovation Award, reflecting a growing conversation
and concrete examples of what has and hasn’t worked, in terms
in the tech industries. Mad World’s TechTalk showcase gave ten
of measuring the ROI of wellbeing strategies.
digital mental health solution providers the opportunity to pitch
‘Beyond tackling stigma, companies should be looking
to a panel of experts.
at how they can devise and implement cohesive strategies
Berger notes that while stigma is still an issue, initiatives like
that will create lasting change across organisations,’ says
the Summit are part of a growing movement which is reframing
Berger. ‘Collaboration and real time knowledge-sharing across
the conversation around mental health.
industries and departments is key if we are going to seize the momentum which is building.'
‘We need everyone to understand that we all have mental and physical health that ebbs and flows between thriving and
He notes that organisations like BetterSpace are leading
suffering,' says Berger. ‘We want it to become as natural and
in this area. Their Big Wellbeing Data Project aims to appraise
easy to talk about our mental health as it is to talk about what
the effectiveness of leading wellbeing solutions and create
we did at the weekend.’ I
investment certainty for CFOs. Berger would also like to see increased attention put on
The next Mad World Summit will be held in London on 9
positive psychology and prevention, with a focus on improving
October 2019. For event updates and fortnightly Mad
leadership skills and management capabilities for instance.
World News go to madworldsummit.com
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HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS
Implementing Wellbeing at Work The workplace can be a force for positive change says Louise Padmore, Co-Founder of Work Well Being, an organisation which delivers workplace wellbeing programmes
T
he financial cost of an unwell and disengaged
to present the return on investment and business benefits of
workforce cannot be ignored as a key driver for
investing in the health of employees.
investing in the wellbeing of employees.
A further barrier can also be that in recent years the
According to the UK government’s Thriving at Work
workplace wellbeing marketplace has become saturated
Report, poor mental health cost UK employers between £33
with providers professing to offer different solutions. The
billion - £42 billion per year in 2017. While Britain’s Healthiest
volume of choice, which varies dramatically in quality, can be
Workplace Survey in the same year showed that the average
overwhelming, and it can be challenging to know where to
UK employee loses 30 productive days each year due to
begin and what the correct solution for your business may
absenteeism & presenteeism through ill health.
be. We always begin by ensuring that we support our clients
Conversely when you proactively invest in the health and wellbeing of your people, from a business perspective what you get is exceptional results, low staff turnover, high levels of engagement and a more innovative, learning atmosphere. Wellbeing programmes also provide our clients with
to define clear objectives for any programme and shape our solution to meet these.
Measuring success The majority of organisations view employee wellbeing as a
a competitive advantage, supporting them to attract and
broader workplace and business driver rather than a tactical
retain the best talent. The CoreNet survey, Sustaining Talent
way to control absence and improve productivity.
through Wellbeing in the Workplace, showed that 80 percent
We do track engagement with the programme via
of employees agree that a company’s wellness offering will
attendance and feedback (anecdotal and quantitative) that
be crucial in recruiting and retaining them within the next 10
we gather on each of the individual workshops and training
years.
courses. For some of our training courses we conduct pre and post surveys to track shifts in attitudes and knowledge.
Planning and implementation
It comes back to culture, fostering and allowing a culture
The reality is that for most businesses there is still an absence
to emerge in which people feel appreciated, well-resourced,
of dedicated financial resources to put behind a wellbeing
well-managed, cared for human to human. Putting in place
programme. We also know that a degree of resistance can
strategies that encourage wellbeing and demonstrating an
exist when it comes to convincing some stakeholders of the
understanding of these basic principles of human behaviour
business benefits of investing in wellness.
will pay huge dividends. Slowly shifting an organisation’s
We work with our clients to demonstrate the business case for internal stakeholders, drawing on evidence-based research
culture can’t be measured purely in terms of hard metrics, our clients see it more as a movement and long-term evolution. I
Success and wellbeing of people and business go hand in hand. Organisations that understand and act on this will continue to adapt, innovate and outperform those that don’t C A SE S TU DY: FU S E Work Well Being worked with Fuse, a marketing agency within the Omnicom Media Group, to implement a series of coaching sessions designed to provide employees with a confidential space to talk and access an unbiased sounding board. The ‘Time to Talk’ 1:1 sessions contributed to encourage an open dialogue with all staff. ‘We know people won’t want to discuss everything with their line manager. Access to mental health services can be difficult, so in providing this space for people at work,
they know that they have the opportunity to discuss anything from stress and bereavement to relationship advice or financial worries, whether work related or not, in a completely confidential and supportive space,’ says Louise Johnson, CEO of Fuse.
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Embedding mental health provision into the culture of a school Positive attitudes and solutions to mental health should be addressed at an early age, explains Colette Shulver, Head of the Wellbeing and Learning Support Service at Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill
M
ental health is increasingly at the forefront of the news agenda, and it's not all
negative. Encouragingly, more and more people from all walks of life are opening up about the challenges they face, and sharing their experiences. But it’s not only adults that are looking to find ways to tackle and overcome these hurdles; children too face highly demanding schedules that they require support with. That’s why at our school, Lycée International Winston Churchill, we’ve embedded mental wellbeing into our ethos. A question we asked our international community four years ago when the school was founded was,
A question we asked our international community was: How do we meet the growing challenge of mental health which is so often neglected in the UK education system?
‘How do we meet the growing challenge of mental health which is so often
to come and talk with a group and
opportunity to try art therapy and see
neglected in the UK education system?’
encourage them to ask for the specific
how it might be useful for children.
Part of the answer to this question
information these agencies might be
Last year, parents created a bank
came in the establishment of our
able to provide. We also offer stress
of resources to support learning
Wellbeing and Learning Support Service,
management workshops to Sixth Form
difficulties in both languages, and this
composed of a dedicated team of
students in Mindfulness and Cognitive
has now been shared with the staff
social and emotional counsellors, a
Behavioural Therapy.
and community to support issues such
learning specialist, a nurse and even a
In addition, we have two trained
as dyslexia, ADHD and other learning
dog therapist to support our students
art therapists, for students who might
challenges. Parents have an important
and enable them to overcome any
struggle with verbal reasoning, or find
role to play in terms of our ability to
challenges they might face during the
it challenging, and our part-time dog
listen to issues affecting our families,
course of their school life.
therapist is really useful in helping
and put things into place to support
to take a child out of the school
and address them. They are also a huge
environment, either for a quick walk or
influence on new families joining us and
to simply see things in a different way.
signposting where help and support can
A family approach The biggest challenge we have is to educate students to know when they
Where possible, we work with
be found.
need help to manage their stress and
the whole family to support and
where to go, in addition to helping them
communicate about the wellbeing of
Service, now in its fourth year at the
understand that this is a skill in itself
the child. Fortnightly coffee mornings
Lycée, is embedded in the culture
and not a sign of weakness.
for parents run by the social emotional
of the school. Our work with the
counsellor, the school nurse, and the
school community has shown that, by
solutions for students experiencing
learning specialist are an opportunity to
addressing social and emotional needs,
stress. It might be a particular issue
meet with parents to discuss pertinent
our students are equipped with the
pertinent to a group of students in
issues, such as sleep and screen time
necessary tools to be able to focus on
school; in which case we can invite
management, or attachment theory
their school life and, most importantly,
external, specialist professionals
and how it affects learning, or an
be healthy, happy individuals. I
We therefore provide a range of
42 - info - spring 2019
The Wellbeing and Learning Support
HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS
SMES and mental health Co–founder of innovation accelerator The Bakery, Andrew Humphries, shares how he promotes mental wellbeing for his employees
J
ust as our business at The Bakery is about helping tech start–ups to scale–up, I also put great emphasis on helping my team members grow, both personally and
professionally. In a small business such as ours, it’s important that employees are comfortable in their role and within the team. It’s equally important they feel that they are progressing towards their own personal growth ambitions too. To promote inclusivity in the workplace, I arrange away days and weekly get–togethers to foster team spirit. I encourage team members to air their views and I’m there if any of the team wants to get something off their minds.
4 in 10 in of the British workforce have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition in the workplace
As well as general employee wellbeing, I have a great interest in mental health. At The Bakery we use a coaching start–up called Sanctus, which enables our employees to
can help us enjoy the world around us and understand
benefit from the kind of coaching that’s usually only available
ourselves better. Committing to some mindful minutes can
to people in larger organisations.
also provide some much needed respite from a busy day.
I also recommend my team practise mindfulness on a regular basis. Becoming more aware of the present moment
There are several apps out there that people can use including Headspace, Calm and Stop, Breathe & Think. I
CHECKLIST TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ENCOURAGE THEIR OWN T EA M SEL F–MANAGE THEIR MENTAL HEALTH Set an example for your team by managing boundaries between work and home. Not emailing outside of working hours, can help them – and you – to maintain a healthy work–life balance.
Supporting employees to develop their resilience can help protect their mental health and can also give them an inner strength and confidence. Help employees strengthen their emotional intelligence by being attuned to their own emotions as well as those of others. Encourage them to recognise when they are struggling with pressure and to talk about it. Resilience training and mindfulness techniques can help employees to strengthen and maintain their emotional intelligence.
Prioritise and play to employees’ strengths. Ask them about the tasks they enjoy most in their role and see if there are opportunities to develop these. Similarly, encourage them to think about how they could better use their talents and how they might develop these further.
It’s important for employees to take time to relax and think about their personal and professional goals based on their values and strengths. Source: AXA / Well Workplace Guide
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Time for change: UK disability discrimination Attitudes towards openness and acceptance are changing slowly but surely, and for the better, says Raymond Silverstein, Partner and employment lawyer at Browne Jacobson LLP
T
here is an uncomfortable inevitability that, even when our political system is operating ‘normally’, UK law and statute law in particular, lags behind changes in social
mores and developments in science and technology. A billion people across our planet live with a disability, according to the World Health Organisation. A US survey found that 74 percent of those with disabilities do not use a wheelchair or anything else that might visually signal their impairment. A 2011 Canadian survey found that 88 percent of people with ‘hidden’ disabilities,' such as depression and other mental health disabilities including, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and HIV, had a negative view of disclosing their disability on the grounds that they feared being negatively labelled due to stigma issues surrounding mental health. The Mental Health at Work 2018 Report, produced by Business in the Community, a British business community outreach charity, found that 54 percent of 4,626 employees surveyed feel comfortable talking generally in the workplace
health conditions, such as PTSD. A study of more than 2,000
about mental health issues.
18-year olds published this year in the Lancet Psychiatry
This is due, in significant part, to a number of high profile
found that a third had experienced trauma in childhood, from
public figures, such as His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex,
which one quarter had developed PTSD, half of whom had
better known as Prince Harry, speaking openly and movingly
experienced a major depressive episode and one in five had
about their own mental health and wellbeing. More openness
attempted suicide. Only one in five of the teenagers had been
is to be applauded, not least because the UK Department of
seen by a mental health professional in the past year. There is
Health advises that one in four of us will experience mental ill
no reason to believe the issue is limited to that generation who
health over the course of our lives
are, in any event, entering the workforce.
Discrimination and the law
The duty of employers
Disability discrimination has been illegal in the UK for almost
Most employers understand the legal duty and mutual benefit
25 years. However, we are a long way from ensuring that
of protecting the health and well-being of their employees. The
disabled people are not subjected to discrimination. The
kinds of measures they take vary from what may be termed a
Equality and Human Rights Commission has reported that the
laissez-faire approach (where the burden is on the employee
disability pay gap in Britain continues to widen and was 13.6
to take responsibility for their own work-life balance), to what
percent according to their 2017 report. Disability Rights UK, a
might be described as a more hands-on one.
UK pan-disability charity, estimates that there were 3.7 million
The former, more prevalent in the US, is exemplified by giving
people of working age (16-64) with disabilities in employment in
the employee absolute power to take as much paid holiday as
January-March 2018, an employment rate of 50.7 percent. The
he/she wishes, as long as the work is done satisfactorily. This
employment rate for people of working age without disabilities
model works best in an employment ‘at will’ legal landscape.
for the period was 81.1 percent.
An example of the hands-on approach is giving employees the
The shift towards more openness is also being pushed
‘right to disconnect’ to avoid work emails outside working hours.
forward by scientific studies that shed new light on mental
The effectiveness of these sorts of initiatives, with respect to
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HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS
More openness is to be applauded, not least because the UK Department of Health advises that one in four of us will experience mental ill health over the course of our lives protecting the health and well-being of employees, remains to be seen. In the UK an employer cannot be held liable for several key forms of disability discrimination, including failure to make reasonable adjustments, unless it knew, or should have known, about an employee’s disability.
Furthermore, the default
position is that a prospective employer must not ask health questions of a prospective employee before offering them a job.
Disclosure It is easy to understand why these legal provisions were introduced, but it is correct to note that many claims of disability discrimination stand or fall on the often complex issue of whether the employer knew, or should have known, the employee (or job applicant) was disabled. A negative finding to each of the two questions will provide the employer with a complete defence to a claim.
the very outset of the employment relationship.
Ultimately, the general prohibition on asking health
An alternative approach would be to encourage disabled
questions, though well intentioned, does not assist a disabled
people to bring their disability to the attention of a prospective
job applicant, especially one who has a hidden disability, given
employer/employer, if they wish. Should they choose to do
the knowledge rule. A disabled person can raise the subject
so the issue of knowledge would disappear meaning that, in
with their prospective employer, if they choose to do so, but
the event of a claim, the only question would then be whether
the current legal framework promotes a culture of silence at
disability discrimination had taken place. I
K EY FIGU RES >
3.7 million: People of working age (16-64) with disabilities in employment
> 50.7%: Employment rate for people of working age with disabilities (versus 80.1% for people without disabilities) >
13.6%: Disability pay gap
> 74%: Those with disabilities do not use a wheelchair or anything else that might visually signal their impairment > 54%: Employees who feel comfortable talking about mental health issues in the workplace Source: World Health Organisation / Business in the Community / Disability Rights UK / The Equality and Human Rights Commission
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Improving workplace mental health and wellbeing
A recent Deloitte report explores the challenges for employers providing greater attention to mental health and wellbeing
E
vidence on workplace wellbeing suggests that employers
health problems within the organisation. The acknowledged
are not as of yet responding effectively to the task.
stigma around discussing mental health issues means that
Our research indicates that seventy-two percent
organisations are likely to underestimate the number of
of workplaces have no mental health policy; fifty-six percent
employees with mental health problems and therefore
of people would not employ an individual who had a history
underestimate its importance to the organisation.
of depression, even if they were the most suitable candidate;
Those organisations that are starting to see mental health
and twenty-seven percent of employees consider their
as a priority recognise that it is important for recruiting and
organisations take a much more reactive than proactive
retaining the talent of the future, and that good mental health
approach to wellbeing.
and wellbeing is linked to strong performance.
Ninety-two percent of people with mental health conditions believe that admitting to these in the workplace would damage their career. Negative views relating to mental health in the workplace
Challenge 2: Mental health policies are reactive, driven by staff events or experience, and not proactive and preventative
impact the implementation of workplace mental wellbeing
Employers are increasingly identifying mental health conditions
schemes. Here we outline five inter-related themes that
within their workforce. Historically, action to improve the
challenge successful implementation of workplace mental
management of and support for employees with poor mental
wellbeing programmes, including how the stigma around
health was often only taken by employers following an internal
mental health underlies and worsens many of the stated
or external trigger such as an employee’s mental health
challenges.
incident. Reactive mental health actions are those taken in response to an incident, such as increased reporting of poor
Challenge 1: Failure to see mental health and wellbeing as a priority
levels of mental health in the organisation or following an individual case.
There are several reasons why a business will not prioritise
In interviews with HR professionals across UK firms, many
acting on mental health and wellbeing. The first is that there
explained that often actions were taken after a highly personal
may be high operational demands, with insufficient energy,
or emotional case for change, rather than an objective, data-
time and resources available to acknowledge and address
driven view of the impacts of workplace wellbeing on business
workforce mental health and wellbeing. Currently fifty-two
performance. This is supported by data from CIPD, which
percent of organisations believe employee wellbeing is only a
shows that 61 percent of organisations’ approach to employee
focus in their business when things are going well.
wellbeing is much more reactive than proactive.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness around mental 46 - info - spring 2019
HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS
Challenge 3: Lack of insight around current performance (including recruitment, retention and presenteeism)
employers who had a plan for or the ability to measure the
A lack of clear data around the impact of mental health on an
around ROI measurement are mixed. For example, an often-
organisation is a key challenge. Measuring workplace wellbeing
referenced Harvard meta-analysis reporting a clear ROI on
and its impact on business performance is not easy. Due to the
medical costs has recently been challenged on base of the
stigma associated with mental health, conditions and incidents
validity of its methodology data according to an article in Health
tend to be under-reported and reasons for absence not given.
Affairs.
return on investment within workplace wellbeing. In addition to the difficulty of collecting data on ROI, results
There is no clear consensus on how to properly measure
Perhaps due to the lack of positive evidence, we tend to
presenteeism, defined as the loss in productivity that occurs
see relatively few employers actually taking on measurements
when employees come to work but function at less than full
of wellbeing. For example, whilst 100 per cent of US employers
capacity because of ill health. Despite these challenges, there
providing wellbeing services to their employees expressed
are reasons to be hopeful. Expert organisations are beginning
confidence that their activities reduced absenteeism and
to weigh in to reduce the burden on employers who may have
health-related productivity losses, only 50 percent had actually
little to no expertise around wellbeing and its measurement.
evaluated their impact. Furthermore, only two percent reported
In 2013, the Government launched a workplace wellbeing
actual savings estimates.
tool to help employers work out the costs of poor employee taking action. The Time to Change campaign introduced the
Challenge 5: Lack of collective knowledge around best practice
highly oversubscribed free Organisational Health checks - an
Organisations vary in their level of engagement with mental
audit process and tool to help employers identify key gaps in
health workplace wellbeing. Some are more advanced,
workplace wellbeing provision.
understanding its role in reaching peak organisational
health to their organisation and create a business case for
performance, and investing in the area as a strategic priority.
Challenge 4: Poor evidence base to measure return on investment of wellbeing strategies
However, when speaking with these organisations, regardless
Measuring the return on investment (ROI) for workplace mental
best practice looks like, including those already considered best
wellbeing initiatives poses a barrier to incentivising companies
practice. I
to invest. In our conversations with employers, there were no
source: Deloitte, 'At a tipping point? Workplace mental health and wellbeing'
of their stage, all expressed an interest in understanding what
HR professionals across UK firms explained that often actions were taken after a highly personal or emotional case for change
ACT ION FO R EMPLOYERS Successfully implementing a workplace mental health and wellbeing improvement strategy requires organisations to overcome the challenges highlighted. It requires employers to take responsibility for creating a culture of awareness and support of employee mental health.
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Is the gig economy bad for your health? Uncertainty for those on zero-hours contracts has implications on wellbeing, says Melanie Stancliffe, Employment Partner at Irwin Mitchell LLP
W
orking for yourself, whether as
been decided. In December 2018, the
a freelance designer or Uber
UK Government in its ‘Good Work Plan’
driver, brings with it freedoms
accepted the recommendations of the
that employees doing the 9-to-5 can only
Mathew Taylor Report. His ‘Review of
dream of.
Modern Working Practices’ found the
Ideally, the relationship is mutually
current definitions of employment and
beneficial. The worker works when, where
self-employment unfit for modern life
and how they want and the business/
and allowed companies to ‘free-ride’ the
client gets the service/output it needs
welfare state.
with a flexible work source and cost. However even this utopia brings mental health challenges. Businesses are engaging individuals often isolated by working alone, away from the social interaction of an office environment and without access to help lines or HRs. The entrepreneurial individual has to be self-reliant, tending to work all the
Many businesses are now adapting their models, their contracts and shoring up their reputations. Uber has even offered a mental health app
The steps being introduced include: 1. A presumption that a person is
a ‘worker’ and protected, if they’re
labelled as self-employed.
2. From
6
April
2019,
businesses
having to provide itemised payslips
to workers showing their hours,
earnings and any deductions. This is
hours necessary, hours that nobody else
often reliant on whatever they manage to
currently
monitors. For some in the gig economy,
negotiate in their contracts.
employees and should enable pay
only
obligatory
for
The business model currently being
transparency and reduce avoidance
tested in the Employment Tribunals
of the National Living Wage.
With 12.7 percent of business days
regularly involves individuals who have,
3. From 6 April 2020, workers, like
lost to sickness in the UK attributed to
often for many years, treated themselves
employees, having the right to receive
mental health conditions, it is important
as self-employed. They’ve worked with
on day one a written statement of the
to understand the plans to address the
greater autonomy, benefitted financially
terms and conditions under which
challenges in the gig-economy.
by providing additional services and
they work.
borne lower tax bills then employees.
4. The introduction of a right to request
However when they have become ill or the
a
For those on zero-hour contracts, the
relationship has soured, they’ve claimed
contract for all workers, aimed at zero
financial uncertainty is vastly different
to the greater protections as employees.
hour contract workers, and;
from an employee’s regular monthly
The tribunals were influenced by the
5. Wide-ranging consultations on:- how
salary. It impacts on renting a rental
individuals’ lesser bargaining power and
to ‘make work work’ (for all), aligning
property, getting a mortgage and making
Pimlico Plumbers, Deliveroo, Addison Lee
the tax and rights tests used by HMRC
long-term plans.
and Uber found staff were re-classified
and the tribunals and increased
as ‘workers’ with the right to paid holidays
access to training (which is still not
and the minimum wage.
obligatory in the UK).
the ‘freedom’ translates to uncertainty of their working hours and income.
Insecurity
Employees have protection in their working
hours,
are
guaranteed
an
more
predictable
and
stable
income when sick and have redundancy,
Many businesses are now adapting
notice pay and protection for unfair
their models, their contracts and shoring
Work Plan may reduce the financial
dismissal if they are no longer required.
up their reputations.
uncertainties many gig economy workers
Their employers must respect minimum
offered a mental health app.
pay, pay pension contributions and
Uber has even
the higher rates of National Insurance
Societal response
Contributions. The self-employed and
Changing course and protecting the
workers have far less protection and are
more vulnerable in the economy has
48 - info - spring 2019
The
commitment
to
the
Good
face. It will not address all the mental wellbeing concerns but it’s a good start. I
HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS
Comparing mental health legislation Emmanuelle Ries, Partner at ebl miller rosenfalck, compares recent legislation relating to mental health in the workplace in France, the UK and Denmark
FRANCE: THE RIGHT TO DISCONNECT AND MORAL HARASSMENT
at their peril as employees can seek
The French Labour Code requires
awards can be substantial.
financial compensation for financial losses sustained though the courts and
that employers take all necessary
In seeking a better management
measures to ensure employees’
of work life balance, the government
safety, and physical and mental health.
introduced the Flexible Working
These measures include action plans
Regulation 2014, providing the right
designed to prevent the risks of injury
for all employees with more than 26
at work, including depression and
weeks employment to request a flexible
difficult working conditions, and building awareness and providing information and training programmes. These may include the implementation of appropriate organisational measures, for instance changing night work schedules to reduce accident rates or banning the use of emails in the evenings or weekend. Since 2017, France has
European countries including Italy and Spain have already adopted elements of the right to disconnect in their domestic legislation. However, there is no equivalent in the UK
working pattern (including part time working and regular or occasional homeworking). To assist employers with managing the right to request flexible working, only one request may be made in any 12-month period.
DENMARK: FROM FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES TO SITSTAND DESKS
implemented a ‘right to disconnect’
Denmark has a long history of trying
for employees of companies with
to make the workplace a healthy environment and is known for being a
more than 50 employees. Employers and unions are required to reach an
in the legislation in 2002. Moral
pioneer of work life balance. Many of
agreement as to the use of digital tools
harassment is a French concept with no
its family friendly policies have recently
such as emails out of working hours.
equivalent in English law.
been adopted in the UK and in France. It is also known as the happiest country
The rationale for the new law is due to
in Europe.
can lead to issues with unpaid overtime,
UK: STRESS CLAIMS, FLEXIBLE WORKING AND WORK LIFE BALANCE
and an increased risk of work-related
All employers in the UK have a common
significant powers under the Working
stress and eventual burnout.
law duty to take reasonable care for
Environment Act and tasked it with
the safety of their employees, including
making inspection visits of and providing
countries including Italy and Spain
providing a safe place of work, safe tools
guidance to businesses with a view to
for instance, have already adopted
and equipment, and a safe system of
enabling businesses to manage and
elements of the right to disconnect in
working. In addition, the Health and
improve their working environments.
their domestic legislation. However,
Safety at Work Act imposes a general
there is no equivalent to the right to
duty on employers to ensure, so far as
been to address musculoskeletal health
disconnect in the UK.
is reasonably practicable, the health,
problems, stress and the psychosocial
safety and welfare at work of all their
work environment. Since a law was
states that no employee should be
employees. Mental Health at work is
passed in 2015 to make ‘sit-stand’ desks
subject to repeated acts of moral
tackled by the HSE in its Management
a legal requirement, 80 percent of
harassment. Moral harassment came to
Standards to assist and encourage
Danish workers now have access to a sit
prominence in France following a spate
employers to comply with their legal
stand desk (compared to 1 percent of
of suicides at work and the concept
obligations in managing work-related
British workers). I
of moral harassment was introduced
stress. Employers ignore stress at work
a rise of smart phone usage and access, and employees rarely switching off. This
Beyond France, some European
Further, the French Labour Code
Denmark has given its Danish Working Environment Authority (DWEA)
Since 2011, its specific focus has
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The holistic approach Health & wellbeing at work means different things to different people, and businesses are beginning to consider a wider array of issues
S
tress, depression, anxiety, exclusion are now firmly on the agenda of the business community in the UK. But according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, health and wellbeing at work is a much broader picture. The CIPD identifies five ‘domains’ of wellbeing – health, work, values and principles, personal growth, and collective and social – and advocates that businesses consider them from both an individual and an organisational perspective. Here, INFO explores some issues faced by employees that we expect to see companies talking about more in 2019. I
Isolation and loneliness
Technology
Flexible working, increased mobility and a range of factors
Our devices have seriously blurred the traditional
related to modern life have increased productivity, but have
boundaries between home and work life. The average
also added to the number of employees suffering from
person is said to check their phone up to 200 times per
isolation and loneliness. The UK appointed a UK Loneliness
day. Many companies are now recommending technology
Minister in 2018, demonstrating its seriousness as a health
detoxes and unplugging from their devices outside of
issue in the society at large. The issue presents a tightrope
normal working hours. We may soon see UK legislation
act for businesses, as flexible working has been also shown
mirror the 2017 French law which establishes the ‘right to
to reduce staff turnover and boost brand image.
disconnect’ for employees, to ensure they can experience a satisfying home life.
The commute to work
The sedentary day
The EU Court of Justice recently ruled that the commute
Recent research by real estate giant CBRE found that
counts as work, for those with no fixed place of work. This
‘being sedentary for extended intervals (more than 6 hours
follows a report by the Royal Society for Public Health, which
a day) could increase risks for diabetes, cancer, heart
found that commuting via non-active means (i.e. public
disease, high blood pressure and could possibly shorten a
transport) increases stress and heightens blood pressure. It
person’s lifespan.’
made the radical recommendation that companies deploy
Businesses have begun to incorporate exercise and
flexible working, or move away from the 9-5 work-day
sport into their programmes as part of a broader package
entirely.
of health and wellbeing initiatives.
The workspace
Sustainability
The office interior design firm D/DOCK, identified ten
Businesses are now considering their employees within
indicators that they claim could reduce sick leave by up
a transformation to more sustainable practices. Shaun
to 30 percent, increase productivity by up to 20 percent
Davis, Group Director of safety, health, wellbeing and
and result in longer life expectancy for employees. These
sustainability at Royal Mail Group says that corporate
included indoor climate, daylight, physical activity, healthy
‘sustainability is built first and foremost on an
food, diversity and interaction. The Bloomberg Tower
organisation’s commitment to keep people safe and well.
in London offers one architectural solution: an interior
What better way to demonstrate a sustainability mindset
stairwell which encourages employees to interact.
than protecting the very people that make the organisation what it is.’
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HE ALTH & WE LLBE ING AT WOR K – FOCUS
Making sense of wellbeing in the world of work requires exploring and deeper understanding. INFO presents the best long-reads and long-listens, which help shape the conversation
READ
WATCH
Matt Haig: Notes on a Nervous Planet (2019) Rates of stress and anxiety are rising. A fast, nervous planet is creating fast and nervous lives. We are more connected, yet feel more alone. And we are encouraged to worry about everything from world politics to our body mass index. Matt Haig invites us to feel calmer, happier and to question the habits of the digital age. Bruce Daisley: The Joy of Work: 30 Ways to Fix Your Work Culture and Fall in Love with Your Job Again (2019) In the course of a career in some of the world's biggest media companies, from Google and YouTube to Twitter, Bruce Daisley has become fascinated by what makes great companies tick. In this new book, he shares the fruits of his discoveries in 30 tips that range across all aspects of 21st-century office life. The School of Life: The Sorrows of Work (2018) Work can be a route to creativity, excitement and purpose. Nevertheless, many of us end up confused, discouraged and beaten by our working lives. The temptation is often to blame ourselves, and to feel privately ashamed and guilty. However, as this book lucidly explains, there is a range of well-embedded and intriguing reasons why work proves demoralising, including the evolution of modern work, the role of technology and the mechanics of the economy. Chip Conley: Wisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elder (2018) At age 52, after selling the company he founded and ran as CEO for 24 years, rebel boutique hotelier Chip Conley received a call from the young founders of Airbnb, asking him to help grow their disruptive start-up into a global hospitality giant. Conley discovered that while he’d been hired as a teacher and mentor, he was also in many ways a student and intern. Kim Malone Scott: Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity (2017) Author Kim Scott was an executive at Google and then at Apple, where she worked with a team to develop a class on how to be a good boss. Her book is a simple idea: to be a good boss, you have to Care Personally at the same time that you Challenge Directly. Radical Candor offers a guide to those bewildered or exhausted by management, written for bosses and those who manage bosses.
Acas Youtube channel Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. Their YouTube channel is full of informative and useful guidance. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/ user/acasorguk
LISTEN
Mental Health in the Workplace – NHS Employers Listen to Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, speaking to Helen Bogan, programme lead for health and wellbeing at NHS Employers, about the importance of mental health in the workplace. This podcast also includes top tips on promoting good mental health as part of a successful health and wellbeing strategy. Listen here: https://bit.ly/2uuoO91
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CULTURE – WHAT'S ON A SELECTION OF RECOMMENDED CULTURAL EVENTS
TAT E B RI TA I N, LO N D O N
© RMN
EY Exhibition : Van Gogh and Britain
Left: Vincent van Gogh (1853 –1890), Self-portrait (1887), Oil on canvas, Paris, Musée d'Orsay Right: Olive Trees (1889), Oil on canvas, National Galleries of Scotland
Bringing together the largest group of Van Gogh paintings shown in the UK for nearly a decade, The EY Exhibition: Van Gogh and Britain will include over 45 works by the artist from public and private collections around the world. They include Self-Portrait (1889) from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, L'Arlésienne (1890) from Museu de Arte de São Paolo, Starry Night on the Rhône (1888) from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris, Shoes from the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, and the rarely loaned Sunflowers (1888) from the National Gallery, London. The exhibition will also feature late works including two painted by Van Gogh in the Saint-Paul asylum, At Eternity’s Gate (1890) from the Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo and Prisoners Exercising (1890) from the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow. I 27 March – 11 August 2019 / Tickets available from £22
V& A , LO N D O N Mary Quant Receiving unprecedented access to Dame Mary Quant’s Archive, as well as drawing on the V&A’s extensive fashion holdings, which include the largest public collection of Quant garments in the world, the show will bring together over 120 garments as well as accessories, cosmetics, sketches and photographs - the majority of which have never been on display before. I 6 April 2019 – 16 February 2020 / Tickets available Mary Quant and models at the Quant Afoot footwear collection launch, 1967
52 - info - spring 2019
© PA Prints 2008
from £12
CULTUR E – WHAT ' S ON
T H E H O L BU RN E M USEU M , BAT H Vuillard: The Poetry of the Everyday Vuillard, a leading figure in French art at the end of the 19th-century, is famed for his small, subtle studies mostly of figures in interiors. The Poetry of the Everyday celebrates the unique qualities of his early work (from the 1890s) in which he balanced an obsession with patterned fabrics and wallpaper with subtle, domestic psycho-dramas to create paintings with a striking emotional intensity. Vuillard's art is renowned for its modest scale, intimate subject matter and subdued colouring. I 24 May - 15 September 2019 / Tickets available from £11 Vuillard, The Candlestick (about 1900), Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
ASH M O L E A N M US EU M , OX FO RD
© Jeff Koons. Photo: Frederik Nilsen, 2017. Courtesy Gagosian
© Jeff Koons. Photo: Marc Domage. Courtesy Almine Rech Gallery
Jeff Koons Curated by Koons himself together with guest curator Norman Rosenthal, this major exhibition of the artist’s work features seventeen important works, fourteen of which have never been exhibited in the UK before. In his earliest works Koons explored the ‘readymade’ and appropriated image - using unadulterated found objects, and creating painstaking replicas of ancient sculptures and Old Master paintings which almost defy belief in their craftsmanship and precision. I 7 February – 9 June 2019 / Tickets available from £12.25
Left: Jeff Koons (b. 1955), Balloon Venus (Magenta) 2008-12, Mirror-polished stainless steel with trasparent colour coating. One of 5 unique versions (Magenta, Red, Violet, Yellow, Orange) , The Broad Art Foundation, Los Angeles Right: Seated Ballerina 2010-15, Mirror-polished stainless steel with transparent colour coating. Artist's proof of an edition of 3 plus AP. Collection of the artist.
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N AT I O N A L GA L L ERY, LO N D O N Sorolla: Spanish Master of Light
© Musée d'Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt
Sorolla: Spanish Master of Light (18 March – 7 July 2019) includes portraits, and genre scenes of Spanish life, as well as the landscapes, garden views, and beach scenes for which he is most renowned. Filling the Sainsbury Wing exhibition galleries, the display will feature sixty works spanning the artist’s career, including important masterpieces on loan from public and private collections in Europe and the United States. This will be the first UK retrospective of the artist since 1908 when Sorolla himself mounted an exhibition at London’s Grafton Galleries where he was promoted as The World’s Greatest Living Painter. I 18 March – 7 July 2019 / Tickets available from £16 Joaquín Sorolla, The Return from Fishing (1894), Oil on canvas, Paris, Musée d'Orsay
ROYA L AC A D E MY O F A RTS, LO N D O N The Renaissance Nude The Renaissance Nude explores the nude and how it inspired
dynamic visual tradition that permanently altered the character
some of the most renowned masterpieces of the western
and values of European art. The exhibition will feature works by
canon. Arranged thematically, The Renaissance Nude will bring
artists including Lucas Cranach the Elder, Albrecht Dürer, Jan
together around ninety works in a variety of media and from
Gossaert, Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. I
different regions of Europe, examining the emergence of a
3 March - 2 June 2019 / Tickets available from £14
Left: Titian, Venus Rising from the Sea (‘Venus Anadyomene’), ), c. 1520. Oil on canvas. National Galleries of Scotland. Center: Dosso Dossi (Giovanni di Niccolò de Lutero), Allegory of Fortune (about 1530), Oil on canvas Right: Lucas Cranach the Elde, A Faun and His Family with a Slain Lion (about 1526), Oil on panel
54 - info - spring 2019
CULTUR E – FE ATUR E
TI PS FOR WOU LD - BE ART INVESTORS Knowing the risks when investing in art is important for buyers at all levels, says Helen Conybeare Williams, a Counsel specializing in international disputes at Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP
F
Are there gaps in the collecting history? Is the title at risk because it might have been stolen or looted? These can be important questions as there are many infamous cases of stolen art and still many claims arising out of Second World War looting
inding a piece of artwork or a collectible that you enjoy is only one side of the purchase process as it is
important to ensure that the purchase is safe and without risk so that the financial investment you are going to make in the artwork is secure. There may be traps for the unwary.
PROVENANCE When buying art, it is important to ensure that the object has demonstrable record of ownership, or provenance. Establishing the ownership history can
PROTECTING YOURSELF
sometimes be problematic especially
certain painters and genres. However,
with historical art and artifacts as
there are many notorious cases of
A purchase of art for investment or
documentary evidence is not always
modern forgeries of old masters as well
the aesthetic pleasure it gives can be an
available. Are there gaps in the collecting
as highly collectible 20th century artists.
exhilarating experience for a first-time
history? Is the title at risk because it
Even some of the world’s top auction
buyer as well as the more experienced
might have been stolen or looted? These
houses have been caught out by very
collector, but if this unexpectedly turns
can be important questions as there are
sophisticated art forgeries and faced
sour, as the art world has a legacy of oral
many infamous cases of stolen art and
expensive legal cases as a result. Has the
agreements, resolving disputes may be
still many claims arising out of Second
work been authenticated by a recognized
unpredictable.
World War looting.
expert or by one of the committees
It is important to consider having
that deal with certain artists? If not, can
a purchase agreement or a bill of sale
scientific techniques solve previously
with warranties and representations
unanswered questions?
about title to the property and with
ATTRIBUTION Ascribing a work to a named artist can be fraught with difficulties. The art world uses a range of terms to
sufficient guarantees to obtain a refund
STREET ART
if a piece is proved to be a forgery.
attribute artworks to an artist. These
Tempted to buy street art such as
are commonly ‘painted by,' ‘by the hand
a Bansky? Anonymity is a code of the
confidentiality when looking to purchase
of,' ‘studio of,' ‘circle of,' ‘style of,' ‘copy
street art scene, so attribution may be
exceptionally high value works may
of,’ which describe by different degrees
especially difficult to establish although
also be an important consideration.
the certainty that a work is by the artist.
these days some of the better-known
Additional vigilance in checking every
It is important to understand what each
street
by
stage of provenance should be carried
attribution means, as it goes hand in
authorized galleries. If the street art has
out including with available online data
hand with an artwork’s value, unless you
been removed from its original location,
bases of items at risk of illegal trafficking
are expert enough in such matters to bet
a provenance check should ensure the
to ensure that title is not at risk of claims
against the market.
transfer of good title from the owner of
in future.
AUTHENTICITY
artists
are
represented
For
some
investors,
maintaining
the property in case the removal was
Whether you are looking at an old
illegal. There have been reported cases
master, a contemporary or emerging
Artists often sell through authorized
where works of famous street artists
artist do your market intelligence. If
galleries appointed to represent them
like Banksy and Stik have been stolen
you are new to buying art don’t forget
and other specialist galleries are reputed
from their original locations and later
that it is important to buy what you like,
for their knowledge and experience of
appeared in auctions or galleries.
because not all art increases in value. I
info
- spring 2019 - 55
NEW LOOK AT JARDIN BL AN C INFO speaks with two Michelin Star chef Raymond Blanc OBE about the fourth consecutive year of his Jardin Blanc restaurant experience at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
What is new at Jardin Blanc this year?
croque-monsieur and many other delights, like Comté cheese
At Jardin Blanc, we always take on board our guests’ feedback
from my home.
during the planning process which begins as soon as we finish the last show. We look to see where we can enhance the guest
Where did the idea come from to distil the gin on site?
experience from start to finish, and ensure there is an element
We are so proud to again have our own gin distillery at Jardin
of surprise and newness for our returning guests. This year we
Blanc where we will be making our Jardin Blanc gin and even
have focused on a distinctive new look to the interiors (pictured)
giving masterclasses on its production. We partnered with craft-
and bar area with some stunning new colours and spaces to
distillers, Warner’s Gin - a wonderful family company based in
enjoy at our little tranquil oasis.
Northamptonshire. The enthusiasm of the owners - Tom and Tina - was infectious from the moment we met them and of
Have you changed your menus?
course their gin is excellent! And what’s truly lovely is that their
The menus I have designed with my team celebrate all that
gins focus on botanical flavours - a perfect fit for this world-
is fantastic about Spring produce. To start, you’ll enjoy a
renowned flower show.
bountiful sharing board including such items as green and white asparagus in mustard and chervil dressing, king crab
Who selects the art and flowers on display?
and seafood salad, a range of British charcuterie, plus much
There is a truly wonderful team behind Jardin Blanc. Andy
more. Meanwhile, for your main, our loin of Spring lamb and
McIndoe heads up our horticultural team and is pivotal in the
slow-cooked shoulder in a delicate jus, with colourful spring
overall creation of the gardens at Jardin Blanc. He is also behind
vegetables and Jersey Royal potatoes.
twenty five consecutive gold medal winning exhibits at RHS
We will also cater for our vegetarian and vegan friends, and
Chelsea Flower Show – a true expert.
have some beautiful dishes planned worthy of the occasion. For
Pip Beasley joins us again this year to recreate our beautiful
dessert, I am proud to be serving Gariguette strawberries (from
gate, table florals and tends to the garden the whole week. She
France of course) alongside an iced lemon parfait that will be
too has had success at RHS Chelsea over the years, winning
both refreshing and truly delicious.
three gold medals. I am also so pleased to say that Anne-Marie Owens, Head Gardener at my beloved Belmond Le Manoir aux
How would you choose to enjoy Jardin Blanc?
Quat’Saisons, will also be involved. She’ll be growing much of
One of my favourite experiences is the ‘La Tulip’ package on the
the produce appearing in the Jardin Blanc potager, which we will
Thursday evening. It offers a fabulous party atmosphere as the
transport from Le Manoir to Jardin Blanc in the week before the
sun goes down over Chelsea. You will see the chefs cooking from
show. We hope to see you there. I
the outdoor wood ovens right in front of you, with tasty dishes being passed around and free-flowing Champagne throughout.
Raymond Blanc's secret garden restaurant, Jardin Blanc, is
You’ll enjoy such dishes as grilled rib of beef on the bone with
at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 21–25 May.
chimichurri, spiced roast cauliflower with chickpea hummus,
rhs.org.uk/Jardin-Blanc
56 - info - spring 2019
CULTUR E – INTE RVIE W
FA M I LY FU RNITU RE The French modern furniture brand Ligne Roset is soon celebrating its 160th birthday. INFO spoke with General Manager Olivier Roset to discover what makes this family business tick
What is the secret to maintaining a
The Ploum sofa by Ronan and Erwan
impact because, as local manufacturers,
family company for nearly 160 years?
Bouroullec with its metallic structure
we have always respected the health
It requires a lot of passion and hard
and welded joints and seams is a
of our employees in the factories and
work, a bit of patience and the need to
technological success for our field which
we have always shown respect for our
challenge yourself as often as possible.
would not have been possible five
clients by selling quality products from
years ago.
recycled wood. We don’t just rely on
How does a traditional business like
fashion trends made in Paris, in Eastern
yours approach innovation?
How do you maintain your market
Europe, or in China. It is up to us to be
Innovation exists at all levels, whether
position when competitors freely
even better and to demonstrate a high
in production, commercialisation,
copy your designs?
level of investment into our 150,000m²
web activities, communication, etc.
It is of course necessary to protect
of factories since 1860.
Learning to better innovate requires
one's intellectual property and the
all stakeholders working together and
Roset Group wins many lawsuits. As
How would you describe your brand?
exploring continuously. We shouldn’t
for all creative forerunners, continuous
Design, quality, creativity and innovation
see taking the initiative and leaving
innovation is a prerequisite, as is being
are the DNA of Ligne Roset, concepts
the beaten path as a risk, but as an
close to our designers and being daring:
which for some may be seen as clichéd
opportunity. We also expect our
what isn’t made, competitors can’t copy.
or overused, but for us have been
partners to be daring and propose new
Taking risks can lead to mistakes but
integral to the brand for many years.
innovative solutions.
it wouldn’t have led to designs like the
Those aren’t trends which last only
Togo in 1973, with a turnover of €10m
five years. Fifty years ago, Ligne Roset
What advances in furniture design
per year – or sofas like the Ploum and
tried to be innovative and creative in
are you excited about?
the Prado.
designing contemporary furniture. We
Technology, innovation and the blending
were the only ones to do so. We don’t
of materials have allowed us to achieve
How have current trends in
make furniture according to style or
success: a stoneware ceramic table with
sustainability and eco-mindedness
trends and that will remain the case for
a Fenix coating, an extra thin table set,
affected the furniture trade?
years to come. I
automated stitching for Ruché dots.
These trends have not had a large
Key facts: Established: 1860 • Worldwide stores: 200 • Global retail distributors: 1,000
info
- spring 2019 - 57
BERLIOZ 150 A calendar of performances and events scheduled for 2019 celebrates the work of the legendary French composer
T
he French composer and conductor Hector Berlioz is a giant of classical music – famous
for his expressiveness and variety in such works as Symphonie fantastique and La damnation de Faust. ‘He was someone who took the orchestra to new places,’ says Alan Davey, controller of BBC Radio 3,’ ‘and a master orchestrator who expanded the palette of an orchestrator’s toolbox.’ To mark the 150th anniversary of his death, the Berlioz Sesquicentenary Committee will be mounting performances of his work across
He was someone who took the orchestra to new places, a master who expanded the palette of an orchestrator’s toolbox
the UK in 2019 and 2020, together with other events and activities aimed at bringing his music to a wider audience. A centerpiece of the calendar of events will
be Fantastic!, planned to be the largest ever children’s choral
The committee behind the project includes many of the
event in the UK, with more than 10,000 children aged 8–13
leading Berlioz experts in the UK and overseas, and the working
performing at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in early 2020.
group is chaired by Lord Aberdare, Chairman of the Berlioz
Other performances include ‘pop-ups’ by three London
Society.
primary school choirs and as part of the V&A’s Performance
‘He was a very interesting combination of a romantic
Festival on 4 May 2019. The event will also feature a recital by
sensibility put into a very well structured framework – a great
mezzo soprano Rachel Kelly.
passion for the classics and very well organised,’ says Aberdare.
Berlioz 150 seeks to create opportunities for large numbers
Berlioz 150 was launched at an event at the Institut Français
of young people to enjoy music and singing, and to enhance
in March, and included talks by three of the world’s leading Berlioz
the future audience for classical music. They also plan to create
authorities. Among them was Professor Hugh Macdonald,
a unique online classical music resource for young people in
editor of the New Berlioz Edition published Bärenreiter Verlag,
partnership with Bristol Plays Music, a music education hub.
and the composer’s biographer David Cairns.
The digital resource will be hosted on a free-access website,
offering
engaging
and
entertaining
Other activities include BBC Radio 3 broadcasts scheduled
interactive
throughout the year, featuring performances of both major
learning experiences, and will include videos and soundtracks
works and a focus on the lesser known choral pieces and songs.
from major Berlioz-related performances, interviews with
In France, an International Conference is to take place in August
leading performers, high-quality editorial content and tailored
2019 at La Côte Saint-André, Berlioz's birthplace, in cooperation
educational materials for students and teachers.
with the Festival Berlioz and the Musée Hector Berlioz. I
Berlioz’s major works • Symphonies: Symphonie fantastique (1830), Harold en Italie (1834) • Opera: Les Troyens (1856-63) • Oratorios: L’enfance du Christ (1854), La damnation de Faust (1845-46) • Overtures: Le Carnaval romain (1844) • Songs: Les nuits d’été (1841)
58 - info - spring 2019
CULTUR E – FE ATUR E
ARTIST PROFILE: NOE T WO A leading light of the growing global street art scene has set up a studio in London
N
oe Two, the French street artist,
a reoccurring character in his work,
celebrated his first solo show in
wearing a crown and smoking an iconic
Britain at the London address of his long time patron, Galeries Bartoux. ‘Animal Feelings’ featured a selection
Cuban cigar. The goal of his travels has been to understand foreign cultures from within
prominence in France in the 1980s. His work is now in great demand by gobal collectors, and his recent show in London generated significant interest with UK art buyers.
of his hyper realistic depictions of
and to use this insight in his work. His
gorillas, rhinoceroses, panthers, and all
most recent relocation has been to a
in Britain to produce new work and
manner of exotic wildlife that has been
studio space in South London, a base
develop his network through the French
the focus of his career.
from which to monitor the country at a
Chamber. He has his sights set on his
time of Brexit uncertainty.
next trip, wanting to explore regions in
‘I am always interested to explore the human condition,’ says Two, ‘but
Two has given himself at least a year
Already, Two has completed three
Africa. ‘I like to go to places that are not
through the image and the metaphor of
paintings in his new studio, which will be
permeated with tourists,’ says Two, who
animals and nature.’
displayed in Paris as part of the Urban
is considering possible trips to Namibia,
Art Fair in April. The event is one of the
Senegal and Congo.
This means exploring issues of migration and climate change, amongst
important dates on the global calendar
other challenges that we face as part of
for street art, a fast growing segment of
beasts of nature, the human animal
the global community.
the art world.
remains the exhaustive and complex
A peripatetic artist, Two has spent
Two’s influences are indicative of
While his canvases feature the great
subject of his work. I
time all over the world, including in
the aesthetics defining the genre – a
Phuket, the Dominican Republic, and
background in graffiti art mixed with
Noe Two’s work will be featured
Ulan Bator, where he was part of
the culture of popular music, in Two’s
at the Urban Art Fair in Paris / Le
a street art exhibition. On a recent
case, hip hop. According to his gallerist,
Carreau du Temple / 11-14 April 2019
trip to Cuba, he painted a large-scale
he is seen as one of the ‘godfathers’ of
outdoor mural of the gorilla Yaoundé,
the street art movement which came to
info
- spring 2019 - 59
LIFE S T YLE – BOOK S
THESE BOOKS, RECENTLY PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH, WERE SELECTED BY THE FRENCH INSTITUTE IN THE UK
NO PLACE TO LAY ONE'S HEAD
HAPPENING
by Françoise
by Annie
Frenkel Published by Pushkin Press Translated by Stephanie Smee Original title: Rien où poser sa tête
Ernaux
Published by Fitzcarraldo
Editions L. Strayer Original title: L’Evénement Translated by Alison
Françoise, a Jewish bookseller in Berlin, flees to France just weeks
This is the story, written forty years later, of a trauma Annie
before war breaks out. She seeks refuge in Avignon, then Nice,
Ernaux never overcame. In a France where abortion was
which is awash with refugees and terrible suffering. Horrified
illegal in the 1960s, she attempted in vain to self-administer
by what she sees, Françoise goes into hiding. Set against the
the abortion with a knitting needle. Fearful and desperate,
romantic landscapes of Southern France, No Place to Lay One’s
she finally located an abortionist and ends up in a hospital
Head is a heartbreaking tale of human cruelty and unending
emergency ward where she nearly dies. In Happening, Ernaux
kindness; of a woman whose lust for life refuses to leave her, even
sifts through her memories and her journal entries dating from
in her darkest hours. I
those days. Clearly, cleanly, she gleans the meanings of her experience. I
TO LIVE WITH A REINDEER
BALCO ATLANTICO
by Olivia
by Jérôme
Rosenthal Published by And Other Stories Translated by Sophie Lewis Original title: Que font les Rennes après Noël?
Ferrari
Published by MacLehose
Press Strayer Original title: Balco Atlantico Translated by
To Leave with the Reindeer is the account of a woman who has
In a village square in Corsica lies the body of ardent nationalist,
been trained for a life she cannot live. She readies herself for
Stéphane Campana, shot down at close range. And over his body
freedom, and questions its limits, by exploring how humans
weeps Virginie, the young woman who has venerated Stéphane
relate to animals. Rosenthal weaves an intricate pattern,
all her life. Meanwhile, brother and sister Khaled and Hayet, who
combining the central narrative with many other voices – vets,
once gazed out to sea from the shoreline path known as ‘Balco
farmers, breeders, trainers, a butcher – to produce a polyphonic
Atlantico’ and dreamed of a better future, are now stranded in
composition full of fascinating and disconcerting insights. Wise,
Corsica. Ferrari traces the history of Stéphane and Virginie that
precise, generous, To Leave with the Reindeer takes a clear-eyed
leads to the shooting in the village square, and intertwines the
look at the dilemmas of domestication, both human and animal,
story of Khaled and Hayet, showing how a relentless pursuit of
and the price we might pay to break free. I
happiness and fulfillment can bring us perilously close to despair and disillusionment. I
60 - info - spring 2019
LIFE S T YLE – WINE
A LUXEM BOU RG Wine Story Thibault Lavergne explore a hidden wine region at the centre of Europe
W
hatever you are thinking of the Brexit situation, it’s not
The surrounding hills have benefited from the river, and
an exaggeration to declare that Europe is in turmoil. I
have been producing wine grapes since Roman times, when
am also reminded of the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,
Treves, in nearby Germany, was one of the Roman capitals of
who wrote that ‘the essential is invisible for the eyes and we only
the IV century. Today, fifty-five percent of the vines are managed
see well with the heart.’ So to write my wine column I decided
by cooperatives; thirty percent are independent producers and
to turn myself to the heart of Europe, and to a region invisible
only fifteen percent are operated by the big wine houses.
to most wine lovers.
The main grapes varieties are the traditional Nordic region
Few cities could claim the title of continental capital, but it
grapes, similar to the ones found in Alsace, Moselle and the
is possible to consider the Duchy of Luxemburg as the heart of
German Rhine and Moselle Valley. These include the local
Europe. It is both geographically true, and is home to quite a
Ebling, as well as Auxerrois, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay,
few EEC administrations. Most importantly, the Duchy produces
Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. And like Alsace, there is a
wines which can compare well with their more famous French
substantial production of Cremant (sparkling wine).
and German neighbours.
Modern reforms Since the first appellation was produced in 1935, few regulations have been instituted to improve production. Though beginning in 2014, yields in various regions were capped to protect quality. Today the general quality of the wine produced here is very good, and could be compared with production of the FrancoGerman border regions. These include The Pinot Blanc from the Cave Paul Legill, The Pinot Gris from Bernard-Massard, the Domaine des Cep D’Or founded in the XVIII century, The Pinot Gris the Domaine Clos des Rochers and the Domaine viticole Kohll-Leuck. These are wines with beautiful colour, minerality and complexity. Returning to the words of Saint-Exupéry, your eyes may
Roman origins
soon see fewer stars in the European flag, but your heart would
The Great Duchy vineyard follows a forty-two kilometre
surely be touched by the beauty of this under-rated country.
stretch on the left bank of the river Moselle, namesake to
Behind Luxembourg Ville, explore the massive forest, the
the neighbouring French region. Though, most of the wine is
romantic Vianden Castle once frequented by Victor Hugo, and
produced in the south between Schengen (another European
of course the fine wines of the Moselle Valley. I
landmark) and Wasserbilling.
Thibault Lavergne
TO ORDER THE ABOVE-MENTIONED WINES AND OTHERS, CONTACT: E: thibault@winestory.co.uk T: +44 (0)7921 770 691 W: www.winestory.co.uk
info
- spring 2019 - 61
AT THE CHAMBER
NW5 3BH
S
pring is a time of change. By
community with the second edition of
respectively. Both remain members
the time this issue is out on 10
our London Luxury Think Tank on 13
of the Chamber and we are honoured
April, who knows what will have
June at Spring Studios, on the theme
that Brian will continue to be part of our
happened? A general election? An
of sustainability. I have the upmost
Advisory Council. I would like to thank
extension? Deal or no deal? Whatever
pleasure in announcing that the United
them for their contributions to the
the outcome, as our very successful
Nations will join us this year as a
continued success of the Chamber.
Trade Delegation to London
partner of the event.
demonstrated, the capital and the
I am also delighted to announce
Finally, I am saddened to announce the passing of two long-time members,
country are still an attractive place to do
several additions to our Board. Our
Patrick Dunaud of Stewarts and Gilles
business and many sectors continue to
new Board members include Fabrice
Avenel of Visconti Partners. I wish to
outperform our European neighbours.
Bernhard, CEO of Theodo, Katherine
extend my sincerest condolences to
The highlight of the delegation
Bennett CBE, Senior Vice President of
their friends and families. I did not
was an address by the Mayor Sadiq
Airbus, Benedicte Duval, Managing
know Patrick well, but we celebrated
Khan, In which he quelled anxieties by
Director UK of Air France-KLM, Hugo
New Year’s Eve together with common
reminding us of the strong ties between
Fry, Managing Director of Sanofi, and
friends and we met again since. As
France and the UK. In his words, it is ‘a
Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF Energy.
for Gilles, he was my coach and had
unique relationship that is rooted not
Tanuja Randery, former President
only in centuries of history, but in our
of Schneider Electric, and Brian
common values and mutual interests.’
Gosschalk, Head of the President’s
We continue to celebrate the strengths of the Franco-British business 62 - info - spring 2019
become a very dear friend. I will miss him deeply. May both rest in peace. I leave you with a positive message
Office at Ipsos, will step down from
and look forward to seeing you at a
the board after three and ten years,
Chamber event soon. I FG
Obituary: Gilles Avenel
W
e are very saddened to announce that our valued member and dear friend, Gilles Avenel, passed away on 17 March 2019. Gilles was a respected and prominent figure in the FrancoBritish community and always supported the Chamber. His professional experience spanned more than twenty years as an executive and a board director, having previously been COO of Indosuez UK, Group CFO and a member of the Board of Sun Life Provincial Holdings, the 4th largest British Life insurance company. He co-managed this company’s IPO. He also sat as a non-Executive Director on the Board of several British and French companies, quoted or non-quoted, in various activities (Recruitment, Insurance, Investment Funds, Agri-Food business, etc.). I
NEW MEMBERS 3 NEW PATRON MEMBERS GFG ALLIANCE – Global metals, industrials and energy business Represented by Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Chairman
The GFG Alliance is a London-headquartered international group of businesses, founded and owned by the British Gupta Family, with annual revenue of over US$15 billion and 14,000 staff. It combines energy generation, metal manufacturing, engineering, natural resources and financial services, working together to deliver a common business strategy. The Alliance comprises Liberty - an integrated industrial and metals business – SIMEC – an energy, resources and infrastructure group - Wyelands –– a banking and financial services arm – and JAHAMA Estates – the Alliance’s global property division. Through its GREENSTEEL and GREEN ALUMINIUM strategies, the GFG Alliance promotes industrial revival based on low-carbon and sustainable production methods. www.gfgalliance.com
VINCI CONSTRUCTION UK LIMITED – Building, Designing, Facilities Represented by Bruno Dupety, CEO & Chairman
VINCI is a world leader, designing, building, financing and managing the facilities that improve everyday life; the systems that transport us, the buildings in which we live and work, the water, energy and communication networks and urban developments that create and improve communities. Sectors we work in include: aviation, rail, highways, commercial, education, health, industrial, nuclear, asset and facilities management, and product testing and development. www.vinciconstruction.co.uk
THE WALLACE COLLECTION – Museum Represented by Dr Xavier Bray, Director
The Wallace Collection is a national museum which displays the wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess. It was bequeathed to the British nation by Sir Richard's widow, Lady Wallace, in 1897. Displayed at Hertford House, one of the family's London properties in the nineteenth century, the Wallace Collection presents its outstanding collections in a sumptuous but approachable manner which is an essential part of its charm. www.wallacecollection.org
info
- spring 2019 - 63
4 NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS AIR LIQUIDE UK A world leader in industrial gases Represented by Lucia Sainz de Mier, Managing Director Air Liquide has been present in the United Kingdom since 2004. We offer gas, equipment and services to a variety of sectors: from oil and gas (offshore), automotive, metal fabrication through to chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and beverage industries and healthcare. Our UK projects enact the Group commitment to develop innovative solutions that promote energy transition, including biomethane and hydrogen energy. Air Liquide in the UK is also a supplier of medical gases to hospitals and healthcare professionals and provides a range of services to patients in their homes, including the delivery of home oxygen. www.uk.airliquide.com
DE BEERS JEWELLERS LIMITED The Home of Diamonds since 1888 Represented by François Delage, CEO De Beers is a member of the Anglo American plc group. Established in 1888, De Beers is the world’s leading diamond company with unrivalled expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline, and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. As part of the company’s operating philosophy, the people of De Beers are committed to Building Forever by making a lasting contribution to the communities in which they live and work, and transforming natural resources into shared national wealth. www.debeers.com
JARDIN BLANC - OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY AT RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW Event Specialists, Food Experts, Corporate Hospitality Represented by Chris Wickham, Sales & Marketing Manager Nestled in the grounds of one of the world’s most celebrated horticultural events, you’ll find the entrance to Jardin Blanc. Inside, discover the perfect atmosphere for dining, unwinding and celebrating the joys of spring. At Jardin Blanc we use the very best in seasonal, quality ingredients in every dish – from breakfast to dinner, from canapés to afternoon tea. All menus are designed by Jardin Blanc’s Chef Director Raymond Blanc, and celebrate the beauty and excitement of British springtime produce. www.prestigevenuesandevents.sodexo.com
VERISURE SERVICES UK LTD Leading Monitored Smart Alarm Provider Represented by Jeremy Benamou, Marketing and Strategy Director Verisure is the leading provider of peace of mind and protection to residential and small business customers across Europe and Latin America. We deliver outstanding service to almost three million customers in fifteen countries with a team of more than sixteen thousand employees. www.verisure.co.uk
21 NEW ACTIVE MEMBERS Absolutely Relocation – Relocation services for individuals and corporate clients moving to the UK www.absolutelyrelocation.com Represented by Catherine Worsley, Co-Founder Accetis International France – Recruitment, HR, Business Advice, etc... - www.accetis.com Represented by Attilio Capuano, Country Manager
64 - info - spring 2019
NE W ME MBE R S – AT THE CHAMBE R
Advention Business Partners – Strategic advisory services to corporations and investors - www.adventionbp.com Represented by Mugheer Dirwish, Managing Director UK & Ireland Avery UK – World's leading manufacturers of self-adhesive labels - www.avery.co.uk Represented by Jean-Jean Nico, Managing Director Europe, West Region Bim! Business Accelerator – B2B Sales Accelerator - www.bim-accelerator.com Represented by Tanguy Tallon, CEO Crefovi – Law firm specialised in providing legal advice to the creative industries - www.crefovi.com Represented by Annabelle Gauberti, Founding Partner Empreinte – Signalétique – High quality heritage taylor-made signage - www.empreinte-sign.com/en Represented by Fabrice Tregou, Managing Director ESII (Electroniq System Informatiq Industriel) – Queue Management Solutions and Appointment Booking Systems www.esii.com/en Represented by Dylan Sechet, UK Business Developer Gateley Plc – Law Firm offering Global Mobility Services - gateleyplc.com Represented by Gareth Wadley, Partner Imperator Industries – Precision manufacture of laminated shims & sealing parts - www.imperator-ind.com Represented by Yohanna Bedos, General Secretary Mariage Frères – French gourmet tea company - www.mariagefreres.com Represented by Lucas Mansilla Gonzalez, General Manager Medicare Français – French Medical and Dental Centre - www.medicarefrancais.com Represented by Dr Mathilde Konczynski, Clinical Director Noé Two Ltd – Contemporary Artist - www.noetwo.com/en Represented by Hervé Ferreira, Director Solvaction – Independant law firm providing business-minded solutions - www.solvaction.com Represented by Charles Marquand, Lawyer (Barrister) Stef le Chef – Sweet and Savoury French Madeleines - www.stef-lechef.com Represented by Stéphanie Quénan, Founder and Baker Stevens & Bolton LLP – Full Service Law Firm - www.stevens-bolton.com Represented by Gabrielle Holgate, Partner & Head of Pensions SYS Visual – We Solve Business Problems with Immersive Technology - www.sysvisual.com Represented by Fardi Mohamed, Managing Director techspert.io – AI Powered Expert Network - techspert.io Represented by Samia Chouf, Sales Director Telavox – IT Company - www.telavox.co.uk Represented by Omer Tariq, Sales Manager UK The Mandeville Hotel – Luxury Boutique Hotel 4* Deluxe - www.mandeville.co.uk Represented by Chetan Bhanot, General Manager Yooz – Accounts Payable and Purchase to Pay Automation Software - www.getyooz.com Represented by Sarah Ouannou, Marketing Project Director
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- spring 2019 - 65
&
EUROPE
In this issue, as INFO magazine continues to celebrate its fortieth anniversary, we look back on our coverage of Europe and the Eurotunnel, the emblematic physical link between England and France
Le 6 Mai, jour du tunnel
A
t the inauguration of the Eurotunnel on 6 May, 1994,
created great opportunity; and to mark the occasion, her
thousands of staff from TransMache Link, the British-
Majesty Elisabeth II and Franรงois Mitterrand travelled in
French construction consortium, and Eurotunnel, the
a Rolls Royal from Paris to London on the first Eurostar
company which manages and operates the Channel
journey through the tunnel. The journey lasted three hours,
Tunnel (now rebranded as Getlink), gathered to celebrate
with thirty minutes under the sea, and the Royal caravan
the event, and millions watched on television.
was greeted on both sides of the Channel by onlookers and
The two companies made statements to acknowledge that this rapprochement between France and England
66 - info - spring 2019
celebrants. The tunnel would go on to enable increases in business and tourism between the two countries. I
1979 2019
HRH Elizabeth II and Franรงois Mitterrand travelled in a Rolls Royce from Paris to London on the first official journey through the Channel Tunnel
Le Tunnel sous la Manche, une aventure Franco-Britannique
E
urotunnel has come a long way. As an island
carefully involved in the project, which would ultimately be
nation, the British have always looked cautiously
accomplished through private funding and the creation of
at the possibility of a trans-channel tunnel with the continent. The French, conversely, saw an opportunity to strengthen ties. After twenty-seven failures to get the project off the ground, a decisive boost was given by Margaret Thatcher
a Franco-British company: Eurotunnel. The cooperation led to a much-celebrated moment of when French and English engineers connected under the Channel, establishing a permanent physical link between both nations. I
and Franรงois Mitterrand in 1985. Both parties were
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- spring 2019 - 67
AT THE CHAMBE R - INTE RVIE W E DHEC
NEW SPONSOR OF THE HR FORUM
EDHEC Business School The Chamber is pleased to announce that EDHEC Business School is now sponsoring the meetings of the HR Forum. INFO speaks with Cassandra Pittman, Country Manager, UK & Ireland
Why is EDHEC interested in
And, by the time they are done, they
sponsoring the HR forum?
have corrected weaknesses and
EDHEC is committed to nurturing
developed their talents in ways no other
future leaders to fuel innovation,
business students in Europe have done.
entrepreneurship and creativity in
inclusion. Open Leadership stands out
today’s globally interconnected business
from the usual initiatives on diversity by
What do you expect from your
world. Giving tomorrow’s leaders the
placing leadership transformation at the
sponsorship of the forum?
knowledge, mind-set and agility to
heart of this approach.
Remaining close to HR and business
invent new paths are at the heart of our
Our NewGen Talent Centre in a
leaders in the field allows us to integrate
vision -- and this starts by developing
centre of expertise providing insight
learnings in real-time, enabling us to
students’ soft skills. More than a school
into the professional expectations,
better prepare business leaders. At the
that trains in business, EDHEC is an
motivations and competencies of New
same time, our world-class faculties are
ecosystem that innovates by stimulating
Generation talent. The Centre provides
conducting research in several fields
an entrepreneurial spirit, and a
a collaborative platform for sharing and
related to HR, including Leadership
springboard towards a better future
learning, bringing together employers,
Development, Diversity and Inclusion
that prioritises people. Partnering with
graduates and academics. Through the
and NewGen Talent. We are excited
the French Chamber’s HR Forum is a
NewGen Loyalty Track©, the Centre
to share our research and expertise
natural fit with this commitment.
works with our partners to develop,
with leading practitioners, and to work
launch and refine effective graduate
together to co-create a strategic vision
programmes.
for human capital management that
What are the activities of your school in this area?
For the past 15 years our
drives value in our teams, organisations
In addition to our numerous faculties
Leadership Development Chair
specialising in Leadership, Management
has been designing learning and
and Organisational Behaviour, EDHEC
leadership development methods
What does membership of the
has two Innovation Centres and a Chair
for managers in collaboration with
French Chamber mean to EDHEC?
dedicated to enlightening managers
our corporate partners. Through an
At EDHEC, we like to say that we are not
and the public sphere on critical HR
array of initiatives, including published
just a business school, we’re a school
issues. Additionally, EDHEC’s award-
research on leadership, management
for business. We know that businesses
winning Talent Identification and Career
and organisational authority, tailored
worldwide need high-potential, high-
Development (TI&CD) Programme is the
training for corporate partners, and
performing talent, with a global mindset,
only one of its kind in Europe.
teaching in our degree programmes,
ready to make an impact in all they do,
the Leadership Development Chair is
wherever they are. Maintaining close
first centre dedicated to improving
committed to fostering pedagogical
ties with business communities around
diversity and inclusion by transforming
innovation in service of leadership.
the globe is an integral part of our
EDHEC Open Leadership is the
leadership in organisations. The centre was set up as a
Finally, EDHEC’s award-winning
and communities.
DNA. Our membership of the French
TI&CD programme has been called
Chamber of Great Britain allows us
response to questions raised by our
a ‘blast-off’ pad for students. The
to be part of a thriving, international
business partners about the slow rate
programme evaluates and assesses
community of business and academic
of progress on diversity. The Centre’s
student’s strengths and areas of
leaders who share our commitment to
objective is to make our scientific
improvement on 10 managerial
promoting cross-country collaboration
expertise available to the business
competencies defined by our partner
community in order to accelerate
HR and business leaders. For students,
and economic development.. I www.edhec.edu.fr
the pace of progress on diversity and
it’s a genuine journey of self-discovery.
68 - info - spring 2019
BUSINE S S CE NTE R – AT THE CHAMBE R
THE BUSINESS CENTRE: A SPRINGBOARD INTO THE UK Valentin Rozé, Export Sales Representative IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES, EFIRE Group
Could you introduce us to IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES? IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES is a member of EFIRE Group, a French group listed among the European leaders of industrial sealing and fluid transfer. Founded in 1889, IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES is specialised in high-precision industrial cutting, laminated shims and highperformance semi-metal/metal seals. Thanks to the skills and knowledge of our highly qualified and experienced staff, we constantly invest in high-performance industrial tools and in the development of strong international partnerships. Your company has more than 100 years of expertise in high precision cutting. Indeed, we have been developing for more than 100 years know-how and unique skills in the high precision cutting of metal (steel, stainless steel, copper, titanium, bronze, etc.) and some composites. We operate in various industrial sectors: Electronics, Aeronautics, Rail, Agricultural Equipment, Automotive, Energy… We manufacture different sizes of products, from prototype to large series through a high-performance machine park. Our cutting technologies (laser cutting, milling machine, etc.) and our control equipment (3D measuring arm, dimensional control camera) allow us to guarantee very precise tolerances. Your company is one of the European leaders in the manufacture of laminated shims. Our technical experts have developed a unique and innovative manufacturing process to design and produce our laminated shims, called Impershim®. Available in metal or PET composite materials, our Impershim® laminated shims are completely manufactured in our factory in France. Thanks to our exclusive production process, our Impershim® laminated shims are highly accurate, with unparalleled quality and could be personalised according to the needs of our customers. Your company recently obtained the EN 9100 certification. What does this mean for the business? IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES has been certified ISO 9001 for several years. As usual, we wanted to go further, strive for industrial excellence by constantly improving our processes. Being EN 9100 certified quickly became a priority in our development strategy, particularly for the aerospace market. After several years of work and investment, we proudly obtained EN 9100 certification in January 2019. The work done to obtain this certification (traceability set-up and follow up on the customers’ requirements) has a positive impact for all our customers, whatever their sector of activity. Why has your company decided to come to the United Kingdom? We seek new opportunities and new challenges, so we have decided to develop our brand abroad. Klinger©, our main partner has been established for many years in the United Kingdom. Thanks to their support, we chose to develop our business within the French Chamber. Why have you chosen the French Chamber? The Chamber was an obvious choice for us. It’s the main antenna of companies in the UK; it seemed essential for us to be present there to facilitate our implantation in the English territory. Becoming a member enables us to participate in the events organised by the Chamber and to develop our network in the English territory. What do you have planned for the future? Our ambition is to develop a complete service for our English-speaking customers. We hope IMPERATOR INDUSTRIES succeeds in its implantation in the UK, to increase its number of commercial representatives in this territory and to guarantee a strong link with our neighbouring country. I To find out more about the Chamber’s Business Centre, please contact Sophie Bosc, Business Consultancy Project Manager, sbosc@ccfgb.co.uk or 0207 092 6628
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- spring 2019 - 69
CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY FORUM
'Behavioural economics, nudges and morality’
Sponsored by
A meeting of the Climate Change & Sustainability Forum heard about human behaviour in the digital era
T
Economic context
Alger, Senior Researcher, CNRS, Program Director Ecology Path
Ingela Alger, an academic and economist based at the Institute
– Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, Toulouse
of Advanced Studies at the Toulouse School of Economics, gave
School of Economics. The session was chaired by Jean-
a presentation focused on how economists are rethinking their
Philippe Verdier, Founding Partner, Verdier & Co. Corporate
models of human behaviour. This can have implications on how
Advisory, and Nidhi Baiswar, Head of Sustainable Design and
to achieve greater results in the fight against climate change,
Construction, Bouygues Construction.
and in implementing more sustainable behaviours in a range
he forum welcomed speakers Joanna Pawlik, Product Strategist & Data Scientist, Reckon Digital, and Ingela
of contexts.
AI applications Reckon
Digital
is
The first theorem of welfare economics posts that if certain a
London-based
software
company
conditions are met, a decentralised market delivers an efficient
specialised in the application of AI to advanced automation and
resource allocation, even if all actors are selfish. However
optimisation problems. Pawlik, a strategist and data scientist
economists in the 1970s and 80s noticed that the preconditions
with a background in computer science, CSR and environmental
were rarely met.
issues, spoke about several case studies of their work.
According to Alger, their model also relied on an idea about
The company undertook a
human behaviour, dating back
contract with General Electric
to Adam Smith, that people
(GE) to create a planning
are
inherently
tool
and
without
which
allows
efficient
opportunistic concern
for
organisation of activities and
others or for moral values.
processes, with the goal of
However in the context of
reducing execution times and
economic analysis, this theory
energy usage, while managing
does not account for certain
resource allocation within a
‘anomalies,' such as donations
large and global workforce.
to public goods, a decrease in
Their
other
projects
tax evasion, and the worsening
include solutions related to maintenance, refurbishment and recycling, with the goal to increase efficiency, and decrease costs and time spent. The company undertook a project for the UN Food Agency, where they developed a digital tool to audit the resource
of
behaviour
following
the
introduction of monetary incentives. For example, a study in Israel showed that the introduction of fees for late pick-ups at a nursery only led to parents picking their children up even later than before.
allocation of food to poor communities. The tool offers greater
Currently economists are researching new drivers of human
transparency between countries and can help to combat
behaviour, including those based on comparison to peers and
corruption. These types of tools can also have environmental
moral values, and a new theorem of human behaviour is being
benefits.
developed for the internet era.
According to Pawlik, barriers to adoption of the technology
The internet and other new technologies have brought
are based on concerns about automation resulting in job
about a completely new ‘environment’. Firms can now provide
losses, overall costs of the solutions/tools, and generally of
information about the consumption of goods, the production
popular misconceptions about the technology and its potential/
chain, and its environmental impact.
limitations. On the plus side, AI solutions for reporting and auditing can increase trust, security and legitimacy of a project or service.
She concluded that economists and firms should work together to better predict how consumer behaviour will evolve in this new ‘environment.’ I
Economists are researching new drivers of human behaviour, and a new theorem of human behaviour is being developed for the internet era 70 - info - spring 2019
CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY FORUM
PLASTIC: issues, solutions and false ideas The Climate Change & Sustainability Forum tackled misapprehensions and problems for the hot topic of plastics
T
he BBC’s Blue Planet documentary series has been credited
The recycling challenge
with helping to change public opinion on the effect of plastics
Plastic waste is a useful resource to industry, with estimates
in the ocean. Research by British supermarket chain Waitrose &
between USD80 to 120bn per year in its potential value to
Partners highlights that 88 percent of individual consumers who
companies. Recycled plastic also has a lower environmental
watched have since changed their plastic habits.
impact than new plastic.
The latest session of the Climate Change & Sustainability
However, recycled plastic is often more expensive to use
Forum explored this changing mindset and its extension to
than virgin plastic and plastics cannot be recycled indefinitely.
business and industry. The Forum heard presentations by
Grasset also highlighted that the plastics recycling industry
Aude Grasset, Sustainability Consultant at Uncle Ltd, and Matt
is not organised appropriately, lacking standardisation and
Davies, Senior Industrial Issues Executive at British Plastics
capabilities across regions, and even within towns.
Federation, and was chaired by Jean-Philippe Verdier, Verdier & Co. Corporate Advisory, and Nidhi Baiswar,
The circular solution
Head of Sustainable Design and Construction at Bouygues
According to Matt Davies of the British Plastics Federation, a
Construction.
primary means to combat planetary plastic accumulation is the
Creation and usage The case for the use of plastics in a range of business and
circular economy: ‘reduce, reuse, recycle.’ Key to this shift is a growing awareness among consumers, which can spill over to influence supply chains and corporate decision-making.
industry contexts includes a range of benefits including its
However, Davies highlights that certain misconceptions
versatility, water resistance, and its strong yet lightweight
regarding plastics need to be resolved in order to move to
durability. It can be used in making end products lighter and
this circular economy. The marine impact and chemical risk
more efficient, with potential to indirectly reduce the carbon
are subjects around which misunderstandings can arise. The
emissions of cars and planes.
chemical question, for example, must be weighed for both
Sustainability consultant Aude Grasset reports that plastics are a by-product of oil production. This production is less energy intensive than that of metals, glass, even paper. The problem lies not in the creation of plastic itself, but in how it is used. Plastic production is growing, exacerbated
risk and hazard. Plastic contain chemicals but is the consumer directly exposed to this? A balanced response is therefore required. The ubiquity and multiple positive uses in business and industry are clear, and there are not large scale alternative to plastics at this stage.
by the durable material often used for disposable, single use
Grasset said that plastic waste is being tackled through
products. 95 percent of plastic packaging is used only once
more stringent regulations, partnerships across stakeholders,
before disposal.
new innovations (bio-plastics), etc.
Over the past 50 years, plastic production has risen by 2,000
It is evident that collaboration between manufacturers,
percent; from 15 million tonnes globally in 1946 to 311 million
retailers and other stakeholders
tonnes in 2014 – and this is expected to double in the next
approach for a sustainable future. I
can create a coordinated
20 years. While only 10 to 14 percent of plastic waste is then recycled globally.
info
- spring 2019 - 71
HR FORUM
Sponsored by
Talent Attraction
The latest meeting of the HR Forum explored different ways for companies to attract and retain the right talent
T
he HR Forum welcomed Caroline Tchekhoff, co-founder
and other ancillary benefits, such as a canteen or childcare
of Weologix, for a presentation on how to recruit, attract
vouchers. Even relatively small benefits, like subsidised meals,
and retain talent, and Sarah Robert, Partner at James
can make a difference in the way employees feel about their
Cowper Kreston, on how to offer the right benefits to retain
employer and their loyalty.
key employees. The session was chaired by Pia Dekkers,
Now that ‘employees are behaving like consumers,’
HR Director at Chanel, and Melanie Stancliffe, Partner –
companies have to implement changes in their HR strategies
Employment at Irwin Mitchell LLP.
to meet their employees’ aspirations. Caroline Tchekhoff
The session heard that one of the problems facing employers is when new hires begin thinking about their
suggested that companies put talent-strategy at the heart of their business.
next career move shortly after starting in the role. ‘It takes
Talent retention is facing challenges, too, specifically in
approximately nine weeks for people who have just started
relation to poor employee engagement. Tchekhoff claims only
a job to start exploring new opportunities,’ says Caroline
6 percent of employees are fully committed to their work, 14
Tchekhoff.
percent are somewhat engaged, and 20 percent of them are
She points out the fact that companies have to find innovative ways to be attractive in a new era where increased
disengaged completely. Her recommendations for companies aiming at retaining
mobility and the millennial desire to impact society through
talent include redefining talent as the totality of skills (meaning
their work now are the norm.
their professional and soft skills). They should also identify
According to Sarah Robert of James Cowper Kreston,
management practices which help and guide employees,
benefits given to employees are an important way to attract
taking into account, as Tchekhoff states: ‘the most successful
and retain talent. This can include tax advantages, share plans,
managers are charismatic and emotionally intelligent.’ Team cohesion is also a crucial factor for employee motivation, and for helping promote diversity and inclusion. Companies have to learn to rely on their employees to make an impact. Happy employees will be the best ambassadors for recruitment and retention, with Tchekhoff noting that messages spread by employees are eight times more powerful than official communication campaigns. This opens the door to innovative approaches at all levels of the business, with the goal of finding and retaining the very best talent.I
Employees are behaving like consumers; companies have to implement changes in their HR strategies to meet their employees’ aspirations
The HR Forum is proud to welcome its new sponsor, EDHEC Business School, represented by Cassandra Pittman, Country Manager, UK & Ireland. Pittman addressed the session with an exclusive presentation on the results of EDHEC’s Post-Brexit Graduate Career Trends study, exploring perceptions of their Master students to the UK’s attractiveness after Brexit. Before the referendum, 47 percent of EDHEC students were highly motivated to work in the UK, while after the vote, the proportion dropped to only 30 percent. Fifty percent of respondents believe they would be less likely to be successful in their job search now than before the referendum. The challenge to the UK’s competitiveness is clear.
72 - info - spring 2019
HR FORUM
Digital natives join the workforce A meeting of the HR Forum heard that digital transformation is a crucial challenge for HR departments
A
session exploring digital solutions in human resources welcomed
Derya Turkkorkmaz, Co-Founder of WinnerInno, and Pinar Akkaya, Director of Signature Communication. The session was chaired by Melanie Stancliffe, Partner at Irwin Mitchell, who moderated a lively debate. The HR Forum began with a presentation by Cassandra Pittman, of the forum’s sponsor EDHEC, on the recruitment of young talent today, (see below). The session heard that war for talent is going digital and talent supply is dwindling, as the majority of workers don’t have the skills to succeed in the digital era. HR departments need to adapt to this new challenge, and companies need to follow. According to Pinar Akkaya, Director of Signature Communication, the
top talent and develop them – further
prerequisites to undertake a digital
distancing them from the completion
dedicated to increasing employee
transformation are finding the right
who are less agile. These ‘digerati’
involvement was created to fill this gap
people (digital literate) and identifying
companies are also defined by a culture
in the market.
the right organisation model.
of collaboration, an appetite for risk,
She described digital transformation as ‘a company’s ability to transform and adapt to a very rapidly changing
Her mobile app, WinnerInno,
Both speakers agreed that digital
and a willingness to invest in top talent
transformation isn’t simply about
and leadership.
implementing new technologies, but
Derya Turkkorkmaz, Co-Founder
more about creating an effective
environment caused by a digitalised
of WinnerInno, reported the most
alignment between the company’s
economy, through innovation and re-
common problem for recruitment is
strategy and the digital economy.
invention, formulating a sustainable
the lack of innovation. She warned that
corporate strategy in line with
if human resources departments can’t
should be led from the top, with
digitalisation.’
learn IT, then IT will probably replace
a strategy of investment in digital
them. However, new technologies
opportunities for employees as well as
shows that companies who are high
provide greater opportunities to
the creation of the right culture and a
both in digital and transformation
promote diversity, and attract and retain
reflexion on the company’s structure
management intensity can attract the
top talent.
and organisation. I
A recent report from Capgemini
They said that digital transformation
EDHEC on recruiting the younger generation. An EDHEC study on ‘Gen Z,’ the ‘digitally native’ generation born after the Millennials, showed that the use of digital in HR was all about finding the right balance. Ninety percent of respondents believe they should receive a response to their emailed application, while 71 requested a transparent recruitment process. Company culture also plays a major role in talent retention: 80 percent say company culture is the most important thing to look at before applying, with 78 percent saying that it influences their decision to apply.
info
- spring 2019 - 73
RETAIL FORUM
Brexit in the shops In the midst of uncertainty, the latest Retail Forum focused on the Brexit implications for retail businesses and aimed to provide them with concrete advice
A
ttendees welcomed guest speakers Neil Sherlock CBE, Senior Adviser
at PwC and Winston Green, Partner at Irwin Mitchell. The session was hosted at Irwin Mitchell and chaired by Alain Harfouche, General Manager of L’Occitane and Catherine Palmer, Legal & Administrative Director of Joseph. The speakers offered advice to the session on several themes, ranging from data protection to supply chains and territorial issues. In his opening remarks, Sherlock characterised the current Brexit climate as chaotic, where uncertainty and misinformation are the rule. He reminded the meeting that from the outset of the process, there has been no official dialogue between political parties on the issue.
The retail community should prepare for the worst, but expect a deal
A ‘severe disconnection’ also exists between politicians and business
that businesses do need to take
Free movement
owners, meaning that businesses
into consideration many differing
Both speakers acknowledged concerns
should focus on the reality of the
eventualities.
about free movement, which could
situation, and place less attention on
Also helpful to businesses may
be challenging for companies relying
seductive gossip in the press or political
be the various available Brexit
on employees moving regularly from
classes.
preparedness ‘checklists.’ Green
the European continent to the UK.
concedes that some points in these
In one example, the service sector,
checklists may seem obvious or
which represents 80 percent of the UK
Green, a commercial lawyer focusing
inconsequential. However, even the
economy, relies heavily on easy access
on commercial contracts, advises that
smallest detail can have wide ranging
to a European workforce.
business owners read the guidance
implications. For example, the term
already provided by consulting firms,
‘EU,’ when used in a contract, will no
will likely be disrupted, with queues
and by government. Various reports and
longer imply the UK and therefore
expect due to longer checks.
white papers offer recommendations
many existing contracts will have be to
to help businesses prepare for a range
redrafted on this basis alone.
Contract law
of Brexit scenarios – though planning
Other issues are more complex.
At the borders, imports and exports
The conclusion was clear: businesses have to ‘start planning for the worse, hoping for the best,’ says
for the worst may be the best course of
Goods will need to be assessed to get
Green. Sherlock’s closing remarks
action.
the CE (European Conformity) mark
echoed this sentiment: that the retail
Green advised businesses to identify
in order to be traded with the EU,
community should ‘prepare for the
their biggest risks in the Brexit process,
and tariffs may apply on those goods.
worst, but expect a deal’. I
and to then ensure that their contracts
Companies registered on a ‘.eu’ domain
are up to date and appropriate. One
will also have to take measures and may
challenge is the changeable nature
have to register via one of their firms
of the Brexit landscape, meaning
already in Europe.
74 - info - spring 2019
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INNOVATION FORUM Sponsored by
Virtual Reality The technology and the business case The application of virtual reality to improve efficiencies and sales in business was discussed in the latest Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum
V
irtual reality has been spoken about for decades. But only now is catching up with the potential of the concept, across
industry sectors and business functions. Attendees of the Digital Transformation & Innovation Forum on 31 January heard presentations by Fardi Mohamed, Managing Director of SYS Visual, and Diez Cocero Pedro, Solution Consultant, Dassault Systèmes. The audience then saw a demonstration from Nick McFerran, Senior Solution Consultant at Dassault Systèmes. The session was co-chaired by Fabrice Bernhard, CTO & Co-Founder, Theodo, and Christophe Chazot, Managing Director, HSBC Bank PLC.
VR’s birth and development Fardi Mohamed from marketing company SYS Visual outlined that the immersive concept behind VR technology has been in
experience scenarios and the product prior to purchase at the
existence since the 1950s, with the Sensorama. But the real
marketing stage.
headway was made as recently as 2012, with a kick-starter campaign to create the Oculus Rift. The validity of the technology
Marketing & sales applications
was confirmed when Facebook bought the Oculus VR company
Marketing activities often places emphasis on the visual. This is
for USD 2bn in 2014.
where VR is a powerful tool. It links a visual experience with an
This purchase was a defining moment. Advances in the
emotional connection.
technology gained momentum, with multiple applications
‘We all think with images, that’s how we process information,’
developed. These range from immersive gaming experiences
said Mohamed. VR’s deployment in sales and marketing
and treating psychological disorders, to teaching new skills.
activities creates a new way to engage with audiences.
Business benefits include the ability to mitigate risk, accelerate the time to market and share knowledge in a new manner. The creation of a ‘digital twin’ facilitates many of these functions.
The digital twin
'360-degree technology' integrated with VR takes this one step further. It places the viewer within the context of a scene or event, rather than presenting them as an outside observer. The viewer has the ability to control the orientation of the scene and the viewing direction. Initially, the technology was not accessible. The hardware
Diez Cocero Pedro, Solution Consultant at Dassault Systèmes,
costs were high and editing and rendering the videos was
explained that the ‘digital twin’ is a virtual representation
time consuming. Now, hardware is affordable and off the shelf
of a physical asset with multiple interconnected layers of
software solutions make the costs of distribution negligible.
information. The twin serves to simulate the design and manufacturing
The future
process as well as operational performance of a product.
VR therefore streamlines the entire process from product
This limits the material and testing costs and speeds up the
concept and production, through to sale. The technology is
innovation process.
anticipated to reach an estimated USD 16.1bn addressable
The next step lies in making the data generated accessible
enterprise and public sector market by 2025.
and ensuring it reaches the right people at the right time. At
The prevailing limitation to a widespread adoption of this
the design and production stage, stakeholders can enter the
tech is user experience. However, as 5G connectivity becomes
virtual space, regardless of geographical location, interacting
widespread and the hardware becomes smaller and more
and undergoing modifications in real time.
portable, its potential reach and applications are limitless. I
The same platform and imagery allow customers to
info
- spring 2019 - 75
FMCG FORUM
French Consumer Brands in 2019 The newly launched Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Forum explore the threats and opportunities to French consumer brands
T
he inaugural session of the Chamber’s Fast Moving
consumer it is; it is what consumers tell each other.’ In this
Consumer Goods (FMCG) Forum welcomed three guest
respect, French brands continue to be associated with French
speakers, including Jean Louet, Managing Director of Andros,
woman, especially Parisian woman: chic, not too elaborate,
Sandeep Gill, Global M&A and Financial Advisory Leader &
natural elegance. This means glamour, but also arrogance and
Consumer Deloitte North-West Europe Leader – Consumer
pretention.
Products at Deloitte, and Cecile Lux , CMI Director of
Lux believes that Brexit and the referendum didn’t have
L’Oréal UK. The session was chaired by Geoff Skingsley,
an impact on the perception people have on French brands
Chairman of L'Oréal UK and the meeting was held in L’Oréal’s
(both in terms of KPIs and brand image). There are different
Hammersmith offices.
approaches by the leading brands. For example, L’Oréal Paris
The forecast
has released no statements on Brexit, while Lancôme has spoken publicly about Brexit on twelve occasions – notably
Sadeep Gill gave a presentation on the theme of the consumer
these were politically neutral and more focused on internal
industry of the future, characterised by a world where GDPs
preparations like stockpiling.
are slowing down and an economic downturn is expected.
She does not see Brexit affecting consumer perceptions
In terms of consumer businesses, ‘we think disruption is the
of French brands, as there has been little impact on purchase
new normal,’ says Gill. Global brands are losing shares whereas
intention after the referendum.
small brands and disruptors are gaining some. Local and regional players are also gaining significance. In terms of Brexit, Deloitte is sceptical that the UK will see
Point of origin Jean Louet reported that for some food products, customers
a boom in innovation; though the government has said that it
do care about the origin of the product – for example, Tiramisu
will support local entrepreneurs for employment and exports.
from Italy. For more generic products, UK sourcing has always
We may see target retailers opening more local and regional
been preferred, even before the referendum, but he says that
listings, though French brand ownership (in the context of
he has not been treated differently since the referendum. He
rising English nationalism) is not expected to be an issue.
notes that 62 percent of fresh products in Britain are imported
Pricing is expected to be the dominant issue in Brexit,
into the country.
because exchange rates and tariffs barriers will affect prices
According to Louet, distributors have concerns about the
and margins. Getting products on the shelves is crucial.
continuity of supply, instead of having concerns about the
Interestingly, figures show that ten percent of customers in the
origin of the product. ‘There is no drop in confidence, so we
UK have started stockpiling goods, especially alcohol.
don’t anticipate a drop in consumption.’
French brands
drinking out, or buying clothing, less than for purchases of
According to Cecile Lux, ‘a brand is no longer what we tell the
supermarkets products,’ says Louet. I
‘Consumers are worried prices will go up for eating and
Introducing the FMCG Forum. The Chamber took the decision to launch a new forum focused on the fast moving consumer goods following consultations with member companies operating in food, drink, cosmetics and other sectors with a strong element of consumer branding. According to founding chair Geoff Skingsley, Chairman of L'Oréal UK, the forum seeks share insight and best practice on topics of common interest, such as Brexit, the rapid evolution of retail in the UK, and what is means to be a French consumer brand in the UK.
76 - info - spring 2019
FINANCE FORUM
The impact of IFRS16 on businesses The latest session of the Finance Forum heard about IFRS16, an international standard for providing guidance on accounting for leases
The most significant effect of the new requirements in IFRS 16 will be an increase in lease assets and financial liabilities
A
t a session exploring accounting
obligation
lease
largely be determined by the number of
practices for leases, the forum
payments. The most significant effect of
entities and contracts it has. For SMEs,
welcome guest speakers Lamfaddal
the new requirements in IFRS 16 will be
implementation can take between three
Ammor,
Selva
an increase in lease assets and financial
and six months; larger groups can take
Visea
liabilities.
longer, with the example of Visea’s work
Supervisor,
Selvarangame,
and
Partner,
of
Consulting. The meeting was chaired by
to
Accordingly,
make
for
future
companies
with
with several clients which is still ongoing.
John Peachey, Managing Director - CFO
material off balance sheet leases, there
Global Markets, HSBC Bank Plc, and
will be a change to key financial metrics
between
David Strong, Digital Practice Director -
derived from the company’s assets and
the
Cloud Transformation, Sopra Steria.
liabilities (for example, leverage ratios).
incorporates all previous leases. A
Background
IFRS 16 does not require a company
lessee goes back to the point in time it
to recognise assets and liabilities for
entered into every lease and gathers
The session heard that the International
short-term leases (for example, leases of
the
Accounting
(IASB)
12 months or less), or for leases of low-
complicated and could have significant
2016,
value assets (for example, a lease of a
cost implications. The second method –
personal computer).
the simplified approach – is also applied
issued
Standards
the
new
Board
IFRS16
in
superseding IAS 17. IFRS16 is required to be applied for accounting periods beginning after 1 January 2019.
Issues and implementation
Companies also have the choice two
reporting
retrospective
necessary
methods:
method,
information.
which
This
is
retrospectively, but there is no need to go back in time to lease commencement
IFRS 16 eliminates the classification
When implementing IFRS 16, companies
dates to measure the right-of-use asset
of leases as either operating leases or
will face issues, mainly on a practical
and the lease liability.
finance leases for a lessee. Instead all
operational level. These include the
leases are treated in a similar way to
need to perform an exhaustive inventory
that choosing the right software is
finance leases applying IAS 17. Leases
of their existing lease contracts, as well
important, and advise that Excel is not
are ‘capitalised’ by recognising the
as setting up a dedicated procedure to
the right tool to use if you have a large
present value of the lease payments
update the contract database.
number of contracts to deal with. Their
The first steps to implementation
and showing them either as lease assets (right-of-use assets) or together with
for
property, plant and equipment.
a
If lease payments are made over time, a
a
company
financial
liability
also
recognises
representing
its
many
companies
and
Selvarangame
say
company Visea has developed a tool for
require
SMEs – K-IFRS16 – which will perform
while
the necessary calculations based on
the overall duration of the project
inputted financial reporting and create
depends on the company’s specific
charts and outputs for reporting. I
significant
workload.
may
Ammor
And
requirement, the time investment will
info
- spring 2019 - 77
START-UP & SME CLUB
Business development: the sales cycle and new business A meeting of the Start-up and SME Club heard from Tanguy Tallon of the bim! Business Accelerator
Sales people in start-ups and SMEs often do not consider the next steps – you are in charge of the next steps, not your client
I
n a session chaired by Jeanne Monchovet, Founder and
the next steps,’ says Tallon. ‘You are in charge of the next steps,
Principal Consultant of Olystix, and Sébastien Goldenberg,
not your client.’
CEO & Co-Founder, TheHouseShop.com, attendees were
You want to project your ideal sales process onto your
given a presentation by Tanguy Tallon, Founder of the bim!
client. Tell them how the process will work from the outset –
Business Accelerator.
present them the process from initial meeting to closing of the
According to Tallon, when we think about sales cycles we tend to only think about the process between first proposals and closing the deal – however this accounts for only 20 percent of what it takes to build an efficient sales cycle.
project, and be careful not to miss a next step. Be organised, set reminders.
3. From nice-to-have to a must-have
The other eighty percent involves detecting opportunities,
According to Tallon, people don’t buy what you do, they buy the
identifying targets and ranking them, and then creating a
value you deliver for them: ‘Even if you have the best sales team
strategy aimed at targeting them.
in the world, if you are seen as a nice-to-have, it will take ages
Tallon presented four main insights aimed at improving the sales cycle.
1. Know your sales process
to close a deal.’ Businesses need to identify clients who will see you as a provider of strong value. He advises to prioritise finding people and departments in companies who really need your solution
To measure your sales cycle you first need to know your sales
or product and make the case to them, and to build specific and
process. Tallon advises start-ups to sketch it out on a flow chart.
targeted sales campaigns around them.
‘A lot of businesses know their business but they struggle to put it into a flow chart. I insist on it, because to look at it
4. Create a sense of urgency
this way is to really understand it and find opportunities for
Tallon advises that businesses identify a deadline and present
improvement.’
your retro-planning to the client. This means fixing a deadline
2. Control your timing After each action you need to plan the next one. This includes when to follow up, what to achieve next and knowing where the discussion goes next. ‘Sales people in start-ups and SMEs often do not consider 78 - info - spring 2019
with your client, so that you are working to the same goal and design special offers limited in time – though do not risk coming across as too commercial. The point, as always, is to be strategic in what you communicate and how you sell. I
START-UP & SME CLUB
Workshop with entrepreneurs Microsoft for Startups hosted a meeting of the Start-up and SME Club, in a session exploring the success and failures of an entrepreneurial journey
Recruiting the right people means finding people who believe in your vision and have the right mindset, above and beyond their skills or experience Both speakers stressed that personalisation is crucial, especially in a tech start-up
I
n a special session of the Start-up and SME Club, attendees
from the outset, and being able to articulate the vision clearer
were welcomed by Microsoft for Startups in their Silicon
to investors and to new hires especially.
Roundabout offices to hear from two speakers, Rene Perkins,
Both speakers listed recruitment of talent as an important
Co-Founder & CEO, CityMaaS, and Julien Vidal, Co-Founder,
factor to success. Recruiting the right people means finding
Blyng.
people who believe in your vision and have the right mindset,
The session was chaired by Jeanne Monchovet, Founder and Principal Consultant of Olystix, and Sébastien Goldenberg, CEO & Co-Founder, TheHouseShop.com. Attendees were organised into two working groups, in which
above and beyond their skills or experience. Vidal recommended hiring at least two sales people; as you will want to retain the expertise and experience in house if (and when) one of them leaves to pursue another opportunity.
both founders took turns reflecting back on their successes and
Another point that was raised was that being successful
failures in their journey to founding a start-up. The dialogue
doesn’t necessarily have to mean having a completely unique
between founders and attendees was open and informal,
idea for your business. According to Perkins, it is often better
enabling participants to enter into the conversation from the
to do what others are doing in a better way, or to offer a better
point of view of their own activities.
service in an existing market.
Rene Perkins created an app that uses machine-learning
Both speakers stressed that personalisation is crucial,
to help disabled people to achieve spontaneous and inclusive
even (and perhaps especially) in a tech start-up. This dominant
travel in smart cities. Julien Vidal created an AI-driven chatbot
business trend should be kept top of mind and incorporated
virtual assistant, which serves primarily the Real Estate
into your product or offer.
industry. Both had been involved in previous companies and ventures. Common themes emerged from the working groups,
Vital also advised to focus on the B2B market, as the B2C market was already quite saturated and presented greater challenges to break through. I
including having a picture of the end vision of the company
Top reasons start-ups fail: Recent research by analytics company CB Insights, compiled the top twenty reasons that start-ups fail. At the top of the list are ‘no market need,’ ‘ran out of cash,’ ‘not the right team,’ and ‘outcompeted.’ ‘Poor marketing,’ ‘product without business model,’ and ‘user un-friendly product’ also figured in the decision of founders to wrap up their businesses.
info
- spring 2019 - 79
LUXURY CLUB
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams The Luxury Club was treated to an exclusive tour of the sold out Christian Dior exhibition at the V&A
T
here is no other country in the world, besides my own,
This evening began with a welcome speech by Peter
whose way of life I like so much. I love English traditions,
Alfandary, Senior Vice President of the French Chamber,
English politeness, English architecture. I even love English
followed by an introduction to ‘Christian Dior: Designer of
cooking,’ said Christian Dior, a great anglophile.
Dreams’ by Hélène Starkman, Cultural Projects Manager at
Roughly forty Patron members of the French Chamber had
Christian Dior Couture. Starkman provided her insights on
the privilege to discover the largest and most comprehensive
specific pieces in the exhibition, as well as a background on the
exhibition ever staged in the UK on the House of Dior, at a
House of Dior.
session of the Luxury Club chaired by Tom Meggle. The visit took place in the Victoria and Albert Museum,
It was an evening dedicated to style, where guests were able to enjoy s seminal Dior creations in rarefied elegance and
which opened its door exclusively to the attendees, giving them
reflect on them at post-exhibition a cocktail reception. I
the chance to immerse themselves in this comprehensive
The Chamber would like to thank Dior for their
exhibition already sold out to the public.
collaboration.
80 - info - spring 2019
FORTHCOMING FORUMS & CLUBS By application only
30 April
08.30 - 10.00
START-UP & SME CLUB ‘Brexit Update for Start-Ups & SMEs’ Guest speaker: Emmanuelle Ries, Managing Partner, ebl miller rosenfalk
4
June 08.30 - 10.30
DIGITAL TR ANSFORMATION & INNOVATION FORUM ‘Digital marketing: how to set up a successful employee advocacy programme’ SPONSORED BY ESCP EUROPE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Guest speaker(s): TBC
9
May 08.30 - 10.30
16 May
08.30 - 10.00
BREXIT FORUM ‘BREXIT update’ SPONSORED BY ESCP EUROPE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Guest speaker(s): TBC
5
June 08.30 - 10.30
May
08.30 - 10.30
‘Digitalisation of finance functions’ Guest speaker: Théo Alves Da Costa, Senior Data Scientist, Ekimetrics UK
6
June
CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILIT Y FORUM ‘The EU ETS (European Union Emission Trading System) and productivity’ SPONSORED BY TOULOUSE SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
Guest speaker: Giulia Pavan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Toulouse School of Economics
23 May
08.30 - 10.00
‘Current & Future Consumer Trends’ Guest speaker(s): TBC
FINANCE FORUM
08.30 - 10.30
21
FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS FORUM
HR FORUM ‘Employment Law update’ SPONSORED BY EDHEC BUSINESS SCHOOL
12 June
08.30 - 10.30
18 June
RETAIL FORUM ‘GDPR – a year later’ Guest speaker: Richard Nicholas, Partner, Browne Jacobson Venue: Browne Jacobson 6 Bevis Marks, London EC3A 7BA
BREXIT FORUM Theme: TBC SPONSORED BY ESCP EUROPE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Guest speaker(s): TBC
START-UP & SME CLUB ‘Growing your business across Borders’ Guest speaker(s): TBC
08.30 - 10.00
Guest speaker: Melanie Stancliffe, Partner – Employment, Irwin Mitchell LLP
All sessions, excluding the Retail Forum, Luxury Club and the Women's Business Club, take place at the French Chamber. For more information, please contact: Ophélie Martinel at: forumsandclubs@ccfgb.co.uk or 0207 092 6634
info
- spring 2019 - 81
DÎNER DES CHEFS WITH MICHEL ROUX JR – 26 MARCH
Business challenges and culinary insights The second edition of the Dîner des Chefs with Michel Roux Jr took place on 26 June at the Roux at the Landau, for a repeat relaxed dining experience
O
n the evening of 26 June, fine
kindly provided by Les Crus Classés de
openings. He expressed the pleasure he
dining and fine conversation were
Graves with the Château Pape-Clément
takes in making time to engage with his
the order of the day at Roux at the
label, including reds from 1981 and
clients and customers – one which he
Landau, a restaurant nestled in the
2006, and a 2015 white.
would not wish to sacrifice.
opulent surroundings of the Langham
Florence Gomez, Managing Director
However, Roux plans to create new
Hotel. Seventy-five members gathered
of the French Chamber, introduced
recipe books, continue his television
for this second edition of the Dîner des
Michel Roux Jr, outlining his prestigious
appearances, and the expansion of
Chefs with Michel Roux Jr, and the 21st
culinary bibliography and regular
his charity work, notably by mentoring
edition of this popular event.
television appearances.
young chefs and supporting a diverse
In the large space exclusively
Roux then proceeded to regale the
workforce.
reserved for the Chamber event, bottles
audience with anecdotes and engage
of Vranken Pommery champagne were
with the participants in an interactive
styles: ‘Fusion is confusion!’ He has a
ready and waiting to welcome guests
Q&A session.
preference for food that does not try to
and to launch proceedings.
He named Brexit as the biggest
As for his thoughts on new culinary
be too many things. He emphasises that
The menu featured the flourishes
challenge his restaurants face due
the food on your plate should not be
reflecting the imagination and expertise
to increased costs waiting times on
confusing.
of Roux Jr: Loch Duart salmon and nori
imports for food and drink, which may
The Chamber would like to thank
gravlax with crisp potatoes and mimosa
compromise the high quality required
Michel Roux Jr for his welcome; Roux
to start followed by a main course
from his ingredients and beverages.
at the Landau and the Langham hotel
of Herdwick lamb ‘Navarin’, spring
He described his approach to
for hosting the event; and Vranken
vegetables and creamy polenta. The
running three restaurants, Le Gavroche,
Pommery and Les Cru Classés de
meal culminated with a caramelia jelly,
Roux at Parliament Square and Roux at
white coffee namelaka and whisky ice
the Landau as hands-on, and revealed
Graves for providing the champagne and wine respectively. I SL
dessert.
no plans to dilute the time that he can
Dinner was accompanied by wines
dedicate to them with further restaurant
He named Brexit as the biggest challenge his restaurants face due to increased costs and waiting times on imports for food and drink 82 - info - spring 2019
AT THE CHAMBE R - E VE NTS
SEMINAR & COCKTAIL WITH YOOZ - 27 FEBRUARY
Accounts payable automation Software provider Yooz explains how applying digital transformation to the accounts department can create widereaching efficiencies
T
o fully reap the rewards of digital transformation, all company departments should get in on the act. Yooz’s AP
automation solution recognises the potential of applying digital
Companies want to change, they want to take this digital turn, but they don’t know how to do it
transformation to the finance department, the backbone linking all business functions. In this Seminar & Cocktail sponsored by Yooz taking place at the Sofitel Hotel, 35 participants had the chance to learn how to
update. The conventional means to install such a system would require a set up on the premises. Yooz, in the spirit of digital transformation, offers a cloud based system.
implement the change. Sebastien Albou, Manager – UK ratings
Vinson explains that, ‘ten years ago, the technology that
at Early Metrics, and Emily Vinson, Sales Consultant at Yooz,
we are offering was only available in on-premise solutions,
shared their expertise on the topic.
which only made it accessible to large companies processing
Transforming finance departments Sebastien Albou defined digital transformation as ‘the integration of digital technology into all areas of business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers.’
hundreds of thousands of documents a month. So that is why we created Yooz, to be able to offer such technology to smaller companies.’ But what concrete benefits can this automation bring?
The benefits
Albou reported that ‘companies want to change, they
Vinson outlines that the traditional on-site manual solution
want to take this digital turn, but they don’t know how to do it.’
has a long processing period of 22-35 days on average and
Working with start-ups such as Yooz offers a solution as they
associated labour costs. 31 percent of invoices are paid late,
are ‘way more flexible, more oriented towards innovation and
and a lack of visibility across departments can lead to up to 3.5%
they can normally leverage a very specific technology, machine
of double payments.
learning or cloud tech for example.’
In contrast, automation can reduce cost and time by up to
The finance department is a natural environment in which
80 percent and can capture 100 percent of all workflows. All
to implement a digital solution and strategy according to Albou.
stages of the process can be traced to prevent error, monitor
CFOs finance the adoption of digital solutions, they follow the
fraud, and provide big picture insights, for accounts and
results through ROI, and they can exploit this data.
business leaders alike.
A solution for all
of a solution across systems and restrictions in the face of
Sales consultant for Yooz Emily Vinson expanded further on
non-standard inputs are often depicted as constraints to an
the potential of Accounts Payable automation. Touching all
organisation wide implementation.
departments, the streamlining of purchase to pay processes can increase efficiency across all business levels. Traditionally the remit of large corporations, digital transformation allows SMEs and start-ups access to this AP
Misconceptions often arise. Difficulties in the integration
To bust these myths, the session ended with a live demonstration of the Yooz platform, illustrating its flexibility and simplicity. An insightful session recognising the potential and value of an often undervalued function. I
info
- spring 2019 - 83
Trade Delegation in London & Lunch with Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Sponsored by
The tenth edition of the series of Trade Delegations organised by the French Chamber of Great Britain saw an ambitious programme of visits, talks and a lunch with the Mayor, all taking place in the UK’s capital: London
From L. to R.: Fabrice Bernhard, Quentin Michard, Christian Fatras, Marc Reboux, Florence Gomez, Tony Greig, Bénédicte Duval, PierreLouis Phelipot, Arnaud Vaissié, Fabienne Viala, Paul Scales, Marc Bena, Simone Rossi, Helena Kavanagh, Aude Grasset, Cassandra Pittman
O
n the morning of 7th March, twenty senior business representatives
from
member
companies
of
After taking in the sights of the Thames, participants
the
transferred to the Veolia Waste Management facilities in
French Chamber, led by the HE Jean-Pierre Jouyet, French
Southwark. They were led on a private tour by Richard Kirkman,
Ambassador to the UK, and Fabienne Viala, President of the
Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, and Martin Curtois,
Chamber, gathered on the banks of the Thames to launch the
Deputy Director of Public Affairs, from Veolia.
Trade Delegation in London, sponsored by PwC.
The next stop on the list was Digital Catapult, the UK’s leading
The UK capital was chosen this year in recognition of
advanced digital technology innovation centre. A whistle-stop
its influence as a gateway for current and future business
visit of its key facilities was directed by Steven Wood, Senior
opportunities. The importance of London’s role as a leading
Commercial Manager of the Digital Catapult.
location for investment and innovation will only grow as the United Kingdom prepares to leave the European Union.
The delegation then departed for the Langham Hotel, for Lunch with Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London. In an unprecedented
Following successful trade delegations to Scotland in 2013,
move, this event was opened to all members of the Chamber,
Manchester in 2015, Liverpool in 2016 and Ireland in 2017,
acknowledging the broader appeal of hearing Khan’s views to
the 2019 Trade Delegation continued its mission to develop
this largely London-based Franco-British community.
relationships and business opportunities for members of the French Chamber of Great Britain.
An ambitious schedule The day opened with a cruise aboard the boat, ‘Glass Room,’
The delegation benefitted from an intimate gathering prior to the meal in which they could converse in private with the Mayor. Following this exchange on business priorities, the delegation joined the gathered participants in the ballroom for the lunch and an enlightening and encouraging speech by Khan.
organised in collaboration with Bateaux London. Sailing past
Following lunch, the delegation met with Charles Bowman,
key London landmarks, the delegation enjoyed a breakfast and
Former Lord Mayor and Partner at PwC, at Guildhall to hear
the chance to network.
his views on current events and London’s evolving role on the
84 - info - spring 2019
AT THE CHAMBE R - E VE NTS
global stage. The final stop of the day was the Tower Room of London & Partners saw presentations from Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners, and Michael Charlton, Director of Investment, Global Trade & Investment at the UK Department of International Trade, who consolidated the argument for London as a location open for business. The Chamber would like to thank all speakers for their insights; the locations visited for their welcome; Rome de Bellegarde for providing the wines during the Lunch; London & Partners for their organisational input; and PwC for sponsoring the day’s events. I
The address by SADIQ KHAN
S
adiq Khan gave a varied and impassioned speech, offering encouragement and reassurance to the convened Franco-
British business community. The topic of Brexit was high on the agenda. Despite expressing disappointment at the outcome of the Brexit referendum, Khan communicated his pride that London voted to remain. He continues to actively work on achieving the best outcome from the vote as possible, notably by pushing to avoid a no-deal Brexit. ‘This is something that would not only be damaging to the British economy, but to other economies across Europe too,’ said Khan. ‘One of the most concerning aspects of the threat of us crashing out without a deal, is how severely underprepared we are in terms of trade deals outside Europe.’
This is something that would not only be damaging to the British economy, but to other economies across Europe too
He recognised the need to ensure a continued influx of talent from the EU to preserve this status. ‘London’s greatest economic strength is our incredible pool of hard-working, inspiring and pioneering people,’ said Khan. ‘We’ve only been able to become one of the biggest, richest and best cities on earth because of our openness to trade, innovation and talent.’ Khan shared an open call to businesses in the room to become ambassadors for London. He encouraged all to ‘talk to your friends, to your colleagues and to political leaders in France and to tell them this vital message: Whether it’s a soft Brexit or a hard Brexit, a no-deal Brexit or no Brexit at all, London will always be open.’ Khan concluded by advocating the strengthening of economic ties between London and France to maintain and enforce the ‘unique relationship that is rooted not only in centuries of history, but in our common values and mutual interests.’ I
LONDON for business • London is top choice for international scale-up businesses, attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) than any other city in 2018. • According to findings by technology and investment advisory firm, GP Bullhound, London is currently home to 13 unicorn businesses, more than any other European city and more than Madrid, Stockholm and Amsterdam combined. • GP Bullhound predicts that the UK will be home to 25 percent of the new European billion-dollar companies created over the next few years. • The UK capital welcomed more international financial service companies than any other global financial centre in 2018, ahead of Singapore, Frankfurt, New York and Hong Kong.
The UK capital welcomed more international financial service companies than any other financial centre in 2018
Source: London & Partners, 2019
info
- spring 2019 - 85
Breakfast with John Kitchingman - 6 MARCH T
he participants gathered for this morning presentation by John
Kitchingman, Managing Director, EuroNorth, at Dassault Systèmes, on the important issue of industrial revival in the context of changing technology and sustainable objectives. Jakob von Baeyer, Head of Publications and Content of the French Chamber, introduced Kitchingman, highlighting a career covering the oil & gas, automotive, aerospace & defence, electronics, and manufacturing industries. of sustainability and re-use throughout
projects and implementations become
surroundings of the Hotel Café Royal in
their operations, demonstrating
even more complex, the question
London – a venue which has a history
the possibility of sustainability while
of how client engagement will be
with the French Chamber dating back to
growing the business. In 2018, Dassault
judged becomes a central question
the early twentieth century.
Systèmes won the CSR Award at the
for businesses of all sizes. Dassault
French Chamber's Franco-British
Systèmes has pioneered several
Business Awards.
innovative approaches, including joint
The event was hosted in the opulent
Sustainability and growth When John Kitchingman took over
networking sessions and workshops
at Dassault Systèmes EuroNorth, his
Business challenges
group CEO set out to double growth
Kitchingman also spoke about the
together to explore commonalities and
every three years. There is a lot to be
need for businesses to develop their IP
experience.
said for setting ambitious targets: since
assets. While R&D has been happening,
that time the company has grown from
Kitchingman notes that knowledge and
the convergence of technological
£235m in revenues to well over £3.5bn,
know-how is being lost due to large
and strategic changes underway, it is
with operations across the globe.
retirements in the workplace.
necessary to consider out of the box
The company has achieved this while at the same time pursuing a policy
Another challenge will concern
where disparate companies come
He left a lasting message: with
solutions. I
the measurement of outcomes. As
MEDEF lunch - 8 FEBRUARY T
he Chamber was honoured to welcome Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux and the MEDEF delegation to a productive lunch
meeting at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. Fabienne Viala, President of the French Chamber, introduced Roux de Bezieux, who gave a few initial remarks before opening the meeting up to the group. Also present were Jean-Christophe Donnellier, Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs of the French Embassy, Chrisitan Peugeot, President of the Comité des Constructeurs Français d’Automobile, and Florence Gomez, Managing Director of the Chamber. The high-level discussion on Brexit provided a great opportunity for participating members to share their business insights and to engage with cross-Channel perspectives. The Chamber looks forward to working with our colleagues at MEDEF as the situation develops in the important months ahead. I 86 - info - spring 2019
From L. to R.: Jean Christophe Donnellier, Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux, Fabienne Viala, Christian Peugeot
E VE NT S – AT THE CHAMBE R
RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ PAUL UK – 10 JANUARY
COCKTAIL AT HOME HOUSE – 12 FEBRUARY
New Year with time-honoured traditions
Gin cocktails & good conversation
F
A
or the fourth year running, the New Year was launched for Chamber members at the Restaurant de PAUL UK,
t the third edition of the Corporate Cocktail at Home House, a luxurious and sophisticated evening of
nestled at the foot of Tower 42, to celebrate the Galette Des
cocktails and networking was the order of the day for the 60
Rois. The 60 participants indulged in a selection of savoury
participants.
canapés based on the PAUL UK restaurant menu, sipped
Peter Alfandary, Senior Vice President of the French
wine, and networked to re-establish 2018 connections and
Chamber, welcomed the guests and introduced Andrew
build new for 2019.
Richardson, Managing Director of Home House, who spoke
A traditional French pastry filled with delicious frangipane,
on the history of the private members’ club.
each galette of the event title hid a ceramic PAUL charm.
Home House itself offers a unique space, with a unique
Tradition dictates that the lucky finder of this charm becomes
history. Far from the staid members club that tradition
the king or queen for the day, with a gold crown to support
dictates, this location boasts stories of the eccentric first
this temporary elevation to royalty.
owner and commissioner of the build, Elizabeth, Countess
Gary Cowles, Operations Director for PAUL UK, spoke
of Home, more popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hell’,
briefly on PAUL UK’s story and offerings. The names of three
who envisioned the house for parties and other excesses.
lucky prize winners were then randomly selected to take
Nowadays, it offers a modern and relaxed approach to a
home a galette of their own to share with family and friends.
members club, to contrast with the traditional finery of its
The remaining participants were also not forgotten, with a
historic surroundings.
special rate for any galette purchased on the evening. A great way to kick start the year! I
Greenwood Distillers, represented on the evening by Barth Brosseau, Founder & Managing Director, treated guests to a selection of delectable gin based cocktails with the recently launched Theodore Pictish Gin. Members could choose from the classics, such as a Martini with the gin, extradry vermouth & a pomelo twist, or discover something new with the Pictish Mauresque: Theodore Gin, lemon, orgeat sirop, a dash of Pastis & soda. Canapés kindly provided by Home House complemented the cocktails. The French Chamber would like to thank both Home House and Greenwood Distillers for their support. I
RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ ACUITIS – 28 FEBRUARY
Heard and seen
C
hamber members were invited to meet Acuitis Optical & Hearing during a convivial evening. Acuitis opened the
doors of its store in Tottenham Court Road. Roughly forty participants enjoyed an evening in this bright and modern shop with a glass of wine or bubbly while discovering the new collection of glasses. Frédéric Beausoleil, Acuitis eyewear designer, presented the brand’s identity. He highlighted the use of natural and innovative materials and their affordable yet fashionable glasses. As people change their frames on average every three years, four lucky winners were given vouchers to chose
professionalism and helped customers to pick the perfect
their next glasses – either sun or standard.
frames for them. A special mention for GraphiPlus who
Thank you to the team who demonstrated all their
personalised glasses cases during the evening. I
info
- spring 2019 - 87
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
16 April
18.00 - 20.00
RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ EOL At EOL Offices, 4th Floor, 18, 14 Old St, London EC1V 9BH £20+VAT per person Open to all members Join us to discover what the leading French manufacturer of office furniture has to offer. Its extensively customisable furniture means there is something for every environment, lead time and budget. For further information, contact Leïla Hafez at: lhafez@ccfgb.co.uk or 20 7092 6644
2
May 08.00 - 10.00
BREAKFAST WITH BARRATT WEST At Hotel Café Royal, 10 Air St, Soho, London W1B 4DY £40+VAT single participants, £60+VAT special price for two Open to all members Guest speaker: Barratt West, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Tiffany & Co
Hosted by:
Barratt West is Vice President and Managing Director of Tiffany & Co, UK and Ireland. He leads all aspects of the UK operation including responsibility for the Retail stores in the region, as well as a vibrant e-commerce business. He has been responsible for transforming the client experience, elevating customer service and embedding clienteling as a behavioural change. He joined Tiffany in 2012 bringing with him 25 years of retail experience, much of it in the luxury sector in the UK and Europe. For further information, contact Leïla Hafez at: lhafez@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6644
14 May
18.00 - 20.00
RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ BELL & ROSS At Bell & Ross, 48-49, Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London W1J 0QJ £20+VAT per person Open to all members Join us to discover the great Swiss watchmaker Bell & Ross during this Rendez-vous chez in their boutique located in the beautiful Burlington Arcade. The evening will include a special preview of the new Bell&Ross collection which is not yet available to the public. For further information, contact Lauriane Véron at: lveron@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6670
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4
June 17.00 - 23.00
DINER DES CHEFS AT BELMOND LE MANOIR AUX QUAT’SAISONS At Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford, OX44 7PD, £130+VAT per person Open to all members Do not miss the opportunity to meet legendary chef Raymond Blanc OBE whilst enjoying an exquisite two Michelin-starred gourmet experience at the iconic Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons situated in the English countryside. For further information, contact Leïla Hafez at: lhafez@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6644
6
June 18.30 - 20.30
Wine partner
RENDEZ-VOUS CHEZ THE MANDEVILLE HOTEL At The Mandeville Hotel, Mandeville Pl, Marylebone, London W1U 2BE Open to all members £20+VAT per person Join us to discover The Mandeville Hotel, set in the fashionable Marylebone Village, moments from Bond Street station. ‘Fashionable, yet elegant, progressive whilst old school’, come along to discover why the Mandeville Hotel is one of London’s favourite boutique hotels. For further information, contact Lauriane Véron at: lveron@ccfgb.co.uk or 20 7092 6670
13 June
WHAT MAKES LUXURY SUSTAINABLE? LONDON LUXURY THINK TANK At Spring Studios, 10 Spring Pl, London NW5 3BH Open to all members
Co-organiser
Main sponsor
Supporting sponsor
Host partner
info
- spring 2019 - 89
The French Chamber of Great Britain and Walpole, in partnership with Spring Studio, are delighted to organise the second edition of the London Luxury Think Tank. This year, the Think Tank, entitled ‘What makes luxury sustainable?’, will explore the latest innovations in sustainability that will drive the future of luxury. This one day event will feature three in-depth panels and debates as well as inspirational keynote talks from prominent speakers. The following themes will be covered: • The relevance of ownership in a world of new consumption patterns • The main trends in making products more sustainable and ethical • Marketing and communicating on sustainability Held at Spring Studios in London, the home of luxury events, the London Luxury Think Tank presents an exclusive opportunity to share expertise and best practice but also to meet, influence and network with a targeted audience of 200 senior executives in the global luxury goods and services market. For further information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Wassime Haouari at: whaouari@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6642
20 June
18.30 - 21.00
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At Reed Smith offices, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose St, London EC2A 2RS Free of charge Open to all members This is a great opportunity for us to review the events and activities we shared together over the past year and to look at our programme for the year ahead. The Annual General Meeting is also a great networking opportunity as it is followed by a cocktail reception. We would like to thank Reed Smith for kindly hosting us again this year. For further information, contact Noémie du Chatelier at: nduchatelier@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6603
10 July
18.30 - 21.00
SUMMER CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION At Serpentine Galleries, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA £50+VAT per person, £80+VAT special price for two Open to all members
Sponsor
Champagne partner
Join us at the Serpentine Galleries and its elegant surroundings in Hyde Park to celebrate summer in London. This is the perfect opportunity to network with up to 200 participants from a wide range of sectors while sipping delicious Champagne. For further information, contact Leïla Hafez at: lhafez@ccfgb.co.uk or 020 7092 6644
90 - info - spring 2019
Patron Members of the French Chamber in Great Britain
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