Scan Magazine | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

SCAN

THE SIMPLE MESSAGE OF LOVE – FROM SCANDINAVIA TO LONDON AT CHRISTMAS SWEET SWEDISH DREAMS KINNARPS – WATCH THAT OFFICE SPACE PERFECT WINTER BREAKS IN THE SCANDINAVIAN CAPITALS

PROMOTING BRAND SCANDINAVIA

ISSUE 4

CHRISTMAS 2008

M A G A Z I N E

I am ice I am as cold as a Norwegian winter I travel my own way on a long journey through wilderness and Hardanger mountains until I melt ice clear to nothingness and pure water replaces my footsteps.

Isklar. Pure glacier Natural glacial mineral water from Norway www.isklar.no

Scan Magazine | Contents

Contents FEATURES 10 The Simple Message of Love | From Scandinavia to London 24 The Norwegian Christmas Tree | Interview with the Norwegian Ambassador, H.E. Mr Bjarne Lindstrøm

10

DESIGN 16 We Love This | Our guide to where to buy that Christmas present 18 Hästens | Sweet Swedish dreams

SCAN TRAVEL 26 City Breaks | Winter in the Scandinavian Capitals

SCAN FOOD 32 Restaurant of the Month | Good Food with Love from Scandinavia

SCAN BUSINESS BUSINESS FEATURES

26

36 Kinnarps | Bringing engineered office ergonomics to Britain 46 Saxo Bank | Beating the economic cycle

INTERNATIONAL SERVICES 42 Domicile Rules | Expert advice from Scan Magazine’s tax columnist

COLUMNS 43 Out of Eden 50 Tales of a Head-Hunter 58 Do They Know it’s Christmas?

REGULARS

18 36

44 Sustainable Business | We Gotta Do Something!

52 How Was Your Day | The answer is never that straightforward

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 54 News | Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish Chambers of Commerce for the UK

SCAN NEWS 59 Scandinavian Newsflash

CULTURE CALENDAR 63 Your Scandinavian Culture Events

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 3

10

Scan Magazine | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, Lovin’ the Scandinavian Christmas? Of course we do because nowhere else in the world is Christmas celebrated quite so warmly – or with so much light and food - as in our northern corner of Europe. But did you know that so many great Scandinavian Christmas design products are finding their way to the UK shops?

Our cover feature should make you want to go BUY SCANDINAVIAN. You've got to admit there is something special about it.

Can a magazine feature that makes you fall asleep be any good? Maybe not, but if you do fall asleep when you read the feature on the world’s best beds from Hästens (page 22) it will probably be the best sleep you ever get. We speak to Brent Cooper about the science of a good sleep. He knows.

Just as magical as the Scandinavian Christmas is the world-leading furniture design that comes from our region. Paul Van Der Heyde, who is the UK MD Kinnarps, let us in on how they create industry-leading workplace environments – that last almost forever.

What are your plans for this Christmas? This year, instead of going to Denmark I will be spending Christmas in England with my son, my other half and her British family. I am going miss the Scandinavian Christmas traditions so I have decided to put together a traditional Danish Christmas lunch for them. For the people out

Scan Magazine Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 Published 28 November ISSN 1757-9589 Published by Scan Magazine Limited Design & Print Liquid Graphic Limited Editor Thomas Winther Art Direction Mads E. Petersen

4 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

Copy-editor Mark Rogers Contributors Barbara Chandler Ian Welsh Rikke Bruntse-Dahl Anna Maria Espsäter Bengt Skarstam Malcolm Campbell Marc Bird Emelie Krugly Photos Magnus Arrevad Yiannis Katsaris

there who are in the same situation – the following places will make your life easier: www.scandinaviankitchen.com, www.totallyswedish.co.uk, www.danfooddirect.co.uk and www.madsenrestaurant.com. Scandinavian food – delicious!

This will be a great Christmas – I even get to give my son his very first Christmas present and what more could I possibly want, I am tempted to ask? The answer is that I would like a glass of warm “glögg”. I’ll have a look in Scan Magazine for where to buy it.

I hope you find this issue is full of ideas and inspiration to help you make your Christmas special – with a little Scandinavian touch.

My warmest and best Christmas wishes for you all.

Thomas Winther PS: I am proud to announce that Scan Magazine is to become a monthly publication in 2009. Our magazine would not have been successful without the hard work and wonderful creativity of our journalists and photographers.

Thank you.

SCAN M A G A Z I N E

Cover Photo Cees van Roeden, Wonderful Copenhagen Scan Magazine Limited 53A Clapham High Street London SW4 7TG Phone 0870 933 0423 info@scanmagazine.co.uk Advertising adverts@scanmagazine.co.uk To receive our newsletter send an email to news@scanmagazine.co.uk

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Next issue 1 February 2009 www.scanmagazine.co.uk All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Magazine Ltd.

Sale.

London Heathrow

From

Copenhagen £69 £55 Stockholm £59 £55 Gothenburg £75 £65 Helsinki £89 £75 Sale ends 7 December.

Always with SAS Free 20 kg baggage Free online seat reservation EuroBonus points 25% child discount

Copenhagen Stockholm Oslo Helsinki flysas.co.uk All fares one-way including taxes, correct at time of printing and subject to availability. Valid for travel between 07/01/2009 and 29/03/2009.

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Scan Magazine | Contributors

Contributors Barbara Chandler is the design writer for Homes & Property, the weekly Wednesday supplement of the London Evening Standard. She has worked as a specialist writer on interiors and decoration for over 30 years, contributing to many leading UK and European publications. Books she has written include The Home Design Source Book, and Where to Get the Look. She is Journalist of the Year 2007 (as awarded by the National Home Improvement Council).

Ian Welsh is a UK-based independent writer and editor with nearly 15 years experience in business publishing.

With a background in corporate communications, Ian now specialises in corporate responsibility and supply chain issues.

Rikke Bruntse-Dahl. Being a greenie at heart, Rikke has written extensively on eco issues for a variety of publications including The Observer, New Consumer and SmartPlanet. Ethical consumerism and green business behaviour are her main areas of interest.

Anna Maria Espsäter, who does the magazine's travel features, is a native of Sweden, although based in London for many years. Anna is a freelance travel and food writer specialising in Scandinavia.

Bengt Skarstam is an executive coach, who creates brain-holder value for his clients. With extensive leadership experience in operations and product development over the international arena. he brings value to the global and cultural diverse business environment as well as to a single individual. His educational background is a PhD in physics, coach and NLP Master Practitioner.

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Malcolm Campbell. Having read Chemistry at Imperial College London, Malcolm began his career in Research, moving after some years into the Human Resource function. In 1991 he was invited to found an Executive Search Company as a joint venture with a major firm of Actuaries. The business is now independent, being owned by Malcolm Campbell. It has a world wide client list, and searches globally. Malcolm’s other interests include the Horner’s Livery Company, as a Freeman of the City of London. He is also Chairman of the Imperial College Trust.

Marc Bird is head of marketing at Kinnarps UK - the leading Scandinavian Office Furniture Solutions provider - and has worked in the company for over 20 years. Marc's role is a mix of UK marketing tactics and pan-European strategy liaison.

Emelie Krugly is responsible for Scan's news section and can be contacted any time regarding an event or story.

Emelie, a native Swede has been based in London for 3 years. Early on in her career she worked on a number of Sweden's newspapers including Sydsvenskan, Smalandsposten and Norra Skane. After then travelling extensively she settled with her English partner in her favourite city, became a mother and now returns to her passion, writing and journalism.

Thomas Winther – Editor. Originally from Denmark, Thomas has a background in Economic consultancy and holds a BA and a Master in Economics. Prior to becoming the Editor of Scan Magazine he worked in the City of London. He is now on a personal mission to take Brand Scandinavia to the next level. Thomas lives in Blackheath, London with his much better half and 2 month old son.

Email: thomas@scanmagazine.co.uk

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Photo: Nordic Style

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Christmas

The simple message of love – from Scandinavia to London at Christmas Mette Mitchell is Danish, and, much as she loved traditional Christmas at home, she moved to London six years ago. Now she lives in Fulham with her architect husband and their two-year old baby daughter. “I suppose I've got addicted to big city life,” she confesses.

Nevertheless, Mette, like so many other Scandinavians around the capital, will arrange a rather different Christmas from her neighbours.

Mette starts celebrating on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, filling her house with smells of cinnamon, cloves, oranges, mulled wine and freshly-baked cookies.

She'll make her own tree decorations, such as stars, hearts and garlands.

Scandinavians celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. “Preparations take all day for a dinner in the early evening, with everybody in their best clothes. After dinner, we

10 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

By Barbara Chandler

dance in a circle around the tree and only then do you get your presents.”

And Scandinavians have more of a hand-made Christmas than is usual in the UK, maintains Mette - “home-baked cookies, homemade decorations and handmade presents.” Her website sells handmade goods, including her own crocheted scarves, and children's jumpers knitted by her mum: www.flawlessonline.co.uk.

Britain, however, wins on Christmas cards. Mette loves them “because you can tell people how much they mean to you.” She pauses for a moment. “Maybe that is the true essence of Christmas - the simple message of love.”

Call in the gnomes For many Londoners, Skandium is Scandinavia. Their distinctive shops in Marylebone High Street and the

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Christmas Porcelain heart in gold. Royal Copenhagen Photo: Nordic Style

Brompton Road have been selling top Scandinavian furniture, lighting, fabrics, tableware and accessories in the capital since 1999. Founder/directors Chrystina Schmidt from Finland and Magnus Englund from Sweden live together in Marylebone. “Our shops are a United Nations of Scandinavian design,” explains Chrystina, whose enthusiasm and flair burn as brightly now as they did ten years ago. But Christmas in retail in London for Chrystina and Magnus is as much hard work as celebration, as their shop only closes on Christmas Day itself.

This year, Chrystina has a trick up her sleeve: Skandium Christmas gnomes. “These are wonderful little helpers,” she confides, keeping a perfectly straight face. “They live under the floorboards, and creep out at night to do lots of little jobs and make sure everything is ready for Christmas Eve.” So that's the secret then. Meanwhile Skandium, of course, is packed with special decorations, toys and gifts for a truly cool Yule.

Christmas at Nordic Style

The tempting Mr Jansson Also successfully selling Scandinavia in London is Moussie Sayers of Nordic Style, in Fulham, with everything for a traditional Swedish Christmas.

Moussie came to London decades ago, and has just moved with her husband Michael, a retired QC, from a family house in Kensington to a penthouse flat in Chelsea Harbour. But they'll decamp to their old farmhouse on Lake Siljan in Sweden for Christmas, for Swedish food, lots of candles, hyacinths and oranges decorated with cloves.

“And, in contrast to London, we'll have snow, sleigh rides and lots of Aquavit.” Before that, here in the capital, Moussie always gives a Swedish pre-Christmas party for their friends, with herrings, meatballs, ginger cake, and “Mr Jansson's Temptation” - a special dish of Swedish anchovies, potatoes, and cream. Nordic Style is at 109 Lots Road, SW10, 020 7351 1755. www.nordicstyle.com Skandium (www.skandium.com) is at 86 Marylebone High Street, W1 (020 7935 2077); and at 247 Brompton Road, SW3 (020 7584 2066). Their sister shop for brilliant Finnish fabrics and accessories is Marimekko, at 16/17 St Christopher's Place, W1, 020 7486 6454. www.marimekko.co.uk

Swedish Sadaf Malik has been in Britain ever since she came to Scotland in 1999 to study Psychology in Edinburgh. This Christmas, like Chrystina, Sadaf will be working really hard at her Fika Swedish bar and grille in trendy Brick Lane. She thinks an English Christmas, with

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 11

Taika metalbox. Iittala

Photo: Royal Copenhagen

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Christmas

Swedish Socks from Flawless

its roast dinner, is predictable and rather formal “although the English are incredibly talented at making delicious roasts.” Back in Sweden, there are uniquely festive foods. Naturally, these will be on Fika's traditional four-course Christmas menu, including prinskorv, herring, gravadlax, meatballs, Jansson's Temptation (see above), reindeer sausages and more. Large parties can have a julbord (buffet). You can also book up for a great evening celebration on Saturday 13 December (tickets essential), with a “bottomless buffet” and a party until 3am. Fika is at 161 Brick Lane, London, E1; 020 7613 2013; www.fikalondon.com.

At home with Santa But maybe you'd like to visit the real Father Christmas?

Just leave the arrangements to the Scandinavian expert, Guild Travel. They particularly specialise in Finland, the home country of Santa - and their director Marjo Sanderson. www.guildtravel.com; www.northernlightsholidays.com In fact, Marjo has been in the UK for 30 years, but her Christmas idyll is firmly Scandinavian. “Christmas should

12 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

Christmas Dreams from SIA Home Fashion

be peaceful and harmonious. Balloons and a lot of alcohol is not the Finnish way. Even the Finns don't drink a lot at Christmas.” Marjo always remembers the quietness of Christmas at home. “Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve, then gifts and a walk to the candle-lit graveyard at midnight. And everyone spends Christmas Day just reading in their night clothes. Nobody cooks. You eat yesterday's dinner and enjoy all the chocolate you got given.”

Along with her friend, Paivi Ylanen, Marjo has made an audio guide to London in Finnish, sold by Finn Guild (www.finn-guild.org). She recommends the Christmas Bazaar in the Finnish Seamen’s Church, with a visit also to the neighbouring Norwegian Church.

Lighting up “I miss my white Christmas - we don't get them where I live in Hackney,” says Swedish Sofie Ralin, a little ruefully.

She is the UK manager for Design House Stockholm, with a smart shop on the King's Road, Chelsea. Sofie also misses her Swedish food. “Christmas at home is all about the family, and about food rather than drink. We have a

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Christmas Photo: Nordic Style

Photo: Royal Copenhagen

Spear Advent Candle Holder.

Scandiliving

Love Swedish? You can fill a hamper at Totally Swedish, where you will find typically Swedish Christmas food.

Totally Swedish, 32 Crawford Street, London, W1H 1LS,. Tel: 020 7224 9300 www.totallyswedish.com

smorgasbord with herring, meatballs, salmon, ribs, ham etc. And every home has a candelabrum in their window, mostly electric now, with seven candles.” You can get these in her shop.

Design House Stockholm is at 205 King's rd London SW3; 0207 3528 403; www.designhousestockholm.com

Georgian conversion, with glögg and home baking - “nice and relaxing, and a chance for everyone to recharge.”

Londoners can get the full flavour of a Scandinavian Christmas at Iittala's magical Christmas Tree in the Brompton Quarter in South Kensington, and at their temporary “pop-up shop” at 1-5 Exhibition Road, SW7, alongside a Scandinavian food hall and café run by The Nordic Bakery. The Bakery itself is at 14a Golden Square,W1 (020 3230 1077; wwww.nordicbakery.com), with a café, and all kinds of festive cookies and sweets from 50p, including a box of Finlandia jellies for £5. Roland also recommends the Nordic Bar on Newman Street, W1, for a great festive night out, and Madsen's restaurant at 20 Old Brompton Road, SW7.

“Hyggelig” - that's cosy in Danish - is the key to Christmas for Roland von Walram-Antweil, Danish-born manager of Iittala UK's gorgeous Finnish glass and ceramics store at 126 Regent Street, W1 (020 7287 5600; www.iittala.com).

On the last Sunday before Christmas, he'll host a Danish Christmas afternoon in his lovely flat in a Dulwich

Taika Glassballs. Iittala

Hyggelig

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 13

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Christmas

Glasses from Scandiliving.

Candles, Decorations and Stocking: IKEA.

For Swedish Linda Swarbrick, family is also high on the Christmas agenda. Linda originally came to Britain to study English in 1996, but didn't take much persuading to settle over here. Now she runs Sandi Living, an online boutique (012428 681474; www.scandiliving.com) Home is a semi-detached cottage in Godalming in Surrey “charming but very draughty”.

is about being at home....we would never think of going to the pub for a drink on Christmas morning - although I might try it this year!”

Ikea is returning to its roots this Christmas, with traditional Swedish textiles, colours, and shapes. “And of course masses of candles,” says Thomas Spjuth Eriksson, the store's learning and development manager, originally from Stockholm, but now living in Northwood with his wife and two sons. “Sweden's dark winters create a special need for light within the home...which is why we focus on lighting products at Christmas.” Back home, Thomas loved to dress the Christmas tree with his mother and eat the first sandwich of warm ham on 23 December. “Our day

14 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

Wreathes. IKEA

As a child in Sweden, Linda went to one set of relatives for lunch and another for dinner. “We were all so stuffed we thought we could never eat again.” Local speciality is “dipin-the-pan”, with spicy bread to dip in the flavoured water the ham was boiled in. She admits, a little confusingly, that “this is not everyone's cup-of-tea.”

And, as with every Scandinavian I talked to, Thomas stresses the difference in Scandinavian festive food. “We eat herring, salmon and meatballs....but never turkey.”

But he does love British Christmas pudding. Ikea are selling lots of traditional foods this year, including glögg and a gingerbread house...and of course those essential anchovies. Their stores are in Wembley, NW10 (0845 355 1141); Edmonton, N18 (0845 355 2255); and Croydon (0845 355 1144); www.ikea.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Cover Feature | Christmas

Birds. IKEA

Scandi Christmas Eve Services Crown Pendant. Royal Copenhagen

Finnish Church Christmas Eve celebration, Wednesday 24 December 6pm. A real traditional Finnish Christmas celebration including rice pudding and a visit from Father Christmas. www.finnishchurch.org.uk/ 02072374668 Norwegian Church

Fabrics: Linum.

For the true flavour of a Scandinavian Christmas, Thomas recommends attending a traditional church service for Sankta Lucia, Saint Lucy's December feast day. This year services will be on 6, 9, 13, and 15 December at the Swedish Seamen's Church (120 Lower Road, London SE16) or at Ulrika Eleonora Church 6 Harcourt Street, London W1 (tickets are £8, adults and £4, children).

And Thomas from Ikea just has to have the last word: “Actually we Scandinavians in London get the best of both worlds. We can have our traditional celebrations on the 24th....and then do it the British way on the 25th.”

Wednesday 24 December, 15.00 Christmas Eve Service.

18.00 Traditional Norwegian Christmas Eve Dinner (ribbe og pinnekjøtt).

Tickets for sale: £50.00 (Family) £20.00 (adults) £15.00 (concession) £10.00 (children) You can order tickets by phone: 020 7740 3900 or by email to aks@sjomannskirken.no Swedish Church Wednesday 24 December – julafton – The Holy Night. 17.00 Christmas Day Service followed by Christmas Eve celebration in the Swedish Hall with light Christmas meal and Christmas games. £15 for adults and £7 for children under 14. Book with payment at the latest by 20 December. Bring gift worth about £3. www.swedishchurch.com Danish Church

Sankta Lucia Scandinavians have been celebrating Sankta Lucia since the 17th century. Saint Lucia appears on 13 December, wearing a white full length chemise, with a red ribbon around her waist. A wreath of ligonberry sprigs on her head carries candleshaped lights which create a halo. In attendance is a choir of “star boys” singing Christmas melodies.

When they've finished, it's time for saffron pastries called “lussekatter” and warm drinks.

Wednesday 24 December Christmas – juleaften – services 15.00 and 17.00. After the late service there is an opportunity to celebrate Christmas evening in the church. The guests first gather at the church and then walk over to the Vicar’s residence for a glass of Sherry. The Church hall will then host the Christmas dinner party, Christmas tree and presents. Bring a gift worth about £3. Registration is necessary 02079357584. www.danskekirke.org

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 15

Scan Magazine | Design | We love this

We love this...

This is real Scandinavian design inspiration. And our guide to where to buy that Christmas present.

Northlight’s Scandinavian customers say it is just like shopping in Södermalm!

Alongside better known Scandi brands like Hoganas and Klippan, Northlight seek out smaller, craftbased companies whose products are rarely available outside Scandinavia. Northlight is a must for that truly unique and inspirational Nordic gift.

Northlight, 36 High street, Oxford OX1 4AN Tel: 01865 248850, www.northlightdesign.co.uk

Heart Decoration A traditional Swedish handpainted wooden hanging decoration measuring 12.5cm across.

Flensted Angel Chorus 16 Sixteen white and gold angels brightly welcome Christmas.

Size 45cm x 45cm.

Welcome to dansk-online. As you browse the website you will be able to view products from Flensted Mobiles, Menu, Rosendahl and Swedese. “We pride ourselves in offering products that we would – and frequently do – use in our own home”.

Tel: 028 9261 9608, www.dansk-online.com

BRIO GO TRAVEL SYSTEM BRIO’s latest revolutionary new travel system is developed solely with the modern parent in mind. This travel system is light, stylish and strong – without compromising BRIO’s strict safety standards.

BRIO Go is a perfect fit for an on-the-go lifestyle. It is easy to switch between carrycot, pushchair and baby carrier.

BRIO Go focuses on ergonomics for both parent and child.

All handles, folding and adjustment points are designed to be easy to use requiring the least possible effort to push; the handle is adjustable for people with different heights. The lockable swivel wheels ensure easy pushing whilst walking.

The Pram & Pushchair is available in different colour combinations and the fabric is windproof, UV protected and water resistant. All parts can be easily detached for washing.

KIDSEN: 111 Chamberlayne Road, London, NW10 3NS Tel: 0208 969 7565, www.brio.co.uk

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Scan Magazine | Design | We love this

Beautiful elegant antique 1800s original Swedish red gold mora clock.

Stunning antique Swedish sleigh child’s bed or upholstered couch.

Swedish Interior design has the largest selection of Swedish antique furniture and mora clocks in the UK including gustavian, rococo, biedermeier and country sofas, chairs, mirrors, tables and much more.

Tel: 012 7373 4371 or visit www.swedishinteriordesign.co.uk

Limited Edition Wishbone Chair A limited edition of Wegner’s iconic chair in oak with commemorative plate marking Carl Hansen’s 100 year anniversary. £425.00

Lipfish Cheeky Monkey T-shirt High quality, fun 100% cotton top with appliqué velour monkey & dangly tail!

oskar&ellen Afternoon Tea Set Beautiful 32 piece tea set in soft, washable cotton. Tea anyone?

Scandibabies.com, the new online boutique offering Scandinavian designer goods for babies, youngsters and parents. We stock Lipfish colourful, funky clothing; oskar&ellen innovative play bags, books and dressing-up hats; Dadadoo’s fabulous change bags.

Tel: 01997 466255, www.scandibabies.com

Felty Friends A menagerie of wine and beer bottle coolers each unique animal is hand sculptured in Finland from £45.00.

Schiang has imported the best Scandinavian design for over 20 years. Specialising in furniture, lighting, tableware and gifts. Only 25 minutes from Central London, Schiang, situated in the Cathedral quarter of St Alban’s, provides a unique and relaxed shopping experience.

Schiang, 58 Holywell Hill, St Alban’s, Hertfordshire AL1 1BX, Tel: 01727 851122, www.schiang.com

Solid rosewood furniture handmade in Denmark Paere Dansk, 13 Stratford Road, Kensington London W8 6RF, Tel: +077 71 861 939 www.paeredansk.com

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 17

Scan Magazine | Design Feature | Hästens

“And so home again, staying nowhere, and then up to her chamber, there to talk with pleasure of this day’s passages and so to bed.”

Samuel Pepys, Diary, 4 March 1668

SWEET SWEDISH DREAMS

By Barbara Chandler | Photos: Yiannis Katsaris

Brent Cooper has been selling beds in Britain for over 30 years, becoming truly a sleep expert. Until recently, his wares have been British: “After all,” he says, “our beds have a world-class reputation, and are still largely handmade in the UK.” So when, around seven years ago, a Swedish firm he'd never even heard of asked him to market their beds in Britain, Cooper was largely sceptical.

Now with Cooper in charge, Hästens have two London showrooms, in equally prestigious areas: Wigmore Street in the West End, and the King's Road, Chelsea. Here, the first thing you notice is the beds’ distinctive large blue checks, something of a trademark. This pattern is registered with the Swedish patent office, and actually there is a choice of 21 different colours.

“Oh, come on Brent, you have to give us a chance,” said So what originally made Cooper change his mind, and the politely persuasive guys from Hästens. They told abandon his own business to build up the Hästens brand in Britain? “It was this luxurious Cooper their company had been softness,” he explains, “a sense making beds largely by hand since “In bed we laugh, in bed we cry almost of floating. I was gently 1852; thatthey were a family firm, And born in bed, in bed we die.” drifting off to sleep.” His now in its fifth generation; that Dr Samuel Johnson, the 17th century customers often tell him that they were purveyors to the author of the first English dictionary. they've heard a hard bed is better Swedish Royal Court; and that for them. That’s not necessarily their beds carry an amazing 25 years guarantee. “So I guess I had to get on a plane to so, he says, so long as you have the correct support. “Then I ask them if they are scared of being comfortable...”

Sweden to see what all the fuss was about.”

On arrival, Cooper dutifully completed an extensive factory tour, and found it interesting, but not dramatically different from production at top quality bed makers in the UK. Then came the light-bulb moment. The Swedes asked Cooper to stretch out on a bed in their showroom, and, on the pretext of dealing with some other business, left him bedbound for a good 15 minutes. “It was a revelation,” he remembers. “I had never experienced anything that comfortable before. And I knew I had to go for it.”

The first Hästens mattress was made over 150 years ago by a saddler, which was common for saddlers in those days. The saddler’s name was Pehr Adolph Janson, the great-great-grandfather of the current owner, Jan Ryde. A belief in quality and good craftsmanship has been passed down through the generations. Latterly, Ryde has made sure that the latest research on health, body support and sleep patterns is incorporated into his company’s beds.

For example, scientific observation has shown that people

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 19

Scan Magazine | Design Feature | Hästens

“Oh, sleep! It is a gentle thing, Beloved from pole to pole!”

The Ancient Mariner, Coleridge

The inner bed. Photo: Hästens.

Brent Cooper: the check mate.

Solid pine from the North of Sweden, slow-grown for maximum strength, is used for the bed-frames. Tempered steel is used for the latest spring technology, producing a Like his forebears, Ryde remains unequivocally committed patented system (made in Sweden, of course) that to hand-production. “When your aim is to create the provides comfortable support whilst remaining wonderfully soft. A highlyworld’s most comfortable beds, flexible sleeping surface ensures no other way of making them “Sleep that knits up the raveled that each spring can move indewill do. The word ‘automation’ is sleeve of care, The death of each pendently of its neighbour. simply not on our agenda here at day’s life, sore labour’s bath.”

Underneath and in between the Hästens. Machines may do it springs is hard-wearing and cheaper, but humans always do Macbeth, Shakespeare elastic flax padding (made from it better, and our methods are tried and tested.” Lyrically, Ryde lists the feelings that he the same plant as linen), which absorbs body moisture, believes motivate his craftsmen and women - such as and diverts static electricity. passion, interest, ambition and love. To these he adds “the determination and persistence of a person building Horsehair is another major ingredient in the recipe for a Hästens bed. This material, with its hollow strands, something with pride.” provides in effect a ventilation system. Moisture simply As important to Hästens as handwork is a belief in natural passes through - notice how quickly a horse can shake materials: “It’s what’s inside that counts,” adds Hyde. His water off its skin. A mattress that dries quickly keeps body company was the first bed manufacturer to be awarded temperature even, drawing off perspiration. “Heat is an the European Öko-Tex 100 certificate, which guarantees enemy of good sleep,” says Cooper. “The belief that you products free of chemicals or any other materials harmful have to be cosy and warm in bed is just one more common misconception.” Pure new wool is also used as a Hästens to humans and/or the environment. might turn around 79 to 80 times a night. But that figure can be as low as seven on a Hästens bed.

20 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

Hurry - closes 31st Dec

Scan Magazine | Design Feature | Hästens

“A sense of floating...” Photo: Hästens.

mattress filling. It’s an excellent insulator, and provides a natural climate control, thanks to its ability to keep the body warm in winter and cool in summer.

Carefully-considered details make all the difference. Each mattress “spring pocket” is hand-sewn. There are eight layers of luxurious fillings. Joints have dovetails cut by hand, slats are attached with oak dowels and cotton linings secured with brass upholstery nails.

All this adds up to the remarkable Hästens 25-year guarantee - longer probably than any other product on the market. It would certainly see me out. Electrical appliances in the UK rarely carry more than a one- or twoyear guarantee, and even a newly-built house is only guaranteed for ten years.

So what price such superb comfort? Cooper is the first to agree that his beds are not cheap, compared to the £500 or less which 90 per cent of people in the UK spend on a bed.

“Our beds are closer to £4,000,” he says with bravura.

However, the Vividus top model is ten times as much, and,

22 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

like a luxury handbag, there is a waiting list. Indeed recently Hästens sold what they believe is Britain’s most expensive bed: a bespoke Vividus measuring 270cm x 230cm, priced at over £50,000. “But it was money wellspent,” says Cooper, and added that his customer thoroughly agreed. “We spend over a third of our lives in bed,” Cooper continued.

“However people don’t realise how beneficial sleep can be. A good night’s sleep can aid memory, improve the immune system and even slow down the aging process.

Obviously, this is one of the soundest investments you can make.” This probably explains the company’s star-studded client list - Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Simon Cowell and Donatella Versace are all rumoured to have recently bought a Hästens bed.

Hästens West End: 99 Crawford Street, London, WI; 020 7723 2925. Hästens King’s Road: 579-581 King’s Road, London, SW6;: 020 7384 2020. Hästens Surrey: Auckland House, New Zealand Avenue, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 1PL; 01932 260 034; www.hastenswestend.com

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Scan Magazine | Feature | The Norwegian Christmas Tree

The Norwegian Christmas Tree

By Rikke Bruntse-Dahl | Photos: Jørn Tomter

We catch up with the Ambassador of Norway to get the story of how his home country has ended up serving as the Christmas catalyst in London by giving the city its world-famous Christmas tree every December.

Forget the Christmas lights on Oxford Street. Real Christmas in London only begins the day the big Christmas tree on Trafalgar Square is put up and lit.

While the Ambassador, H.E. Mr Bjarne Lindstrøm, admits there are demanding aspects of keeping relations between Norway and the UK amicable – take whaling for instance – there are many more areas where the Norwegians and the Brits have common interests, such as energy, environmental issues, defence corporations, security corporations and fisheries policies.

24 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

One thing Norwegians and Londoners in particular agree especially well on is that Christmas is not Christmas if a huge pine tree from the Norwegian forests doesn’t arrive in Trafalgar Square in Central London the first Thursday of December.

The Ambassador explains how that came to be: “The tradition started in 1947 as an expression of gratitude from the people of Oslo to the people of London for all the support Londoners had given to the people of Oslo during the Second World War. When Norway was invaded by German forces in 1940, King Haakon VII escaped to Britain and a Norwegian exile government was set up in London.”

Many Norwegians regarded London as a place of freedom during the war. News was broadcast in Norwegian from

“Christmas is not Christmas if a huge pine tree from the Norwegian forests doesn’t arrive in Trafalgar Square in Central London”

The Norwegian Ambassador, H.E. Mr Bjarne Lindstrøm.

London, which played a huge role in the resistance movement’s work, and gave the Norwegians hope of liberation.

“The tradition has been kept up ever since and we are very, very pleased to be able to continue that tradition – to give a concrete example of thanks to the people of London for what they did for us during a very difficult time,” the Ambassador asserts.

So, does that mean that Norway is going to donate a Christmas tree to London forever and ever? The Ambassador laughs: “If it is up to me, then yes it would be forever.”

And it’s not just any ordinary pine the Norwegians send over here. It is always around 25 metres tall, between 50 and 100 years old and is selected months in advance. The foresters who look after it call it ‘The Queen of the Forest’ and its felling is a traditional occasion in itself with the Mayor of Westminster, the British ambassador to Norway and the Mayor of Oslo all taking part, while school children sing and ‘forest coffee’ is served.

H.E. Mr Bjarne Lindstrøm has worked all over the world, representing Norway in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Hungary, at the United Nations in New York and in Beirut during its civil war, so not only is he used to working with a wide range of very different interests, he is also familiar with spending Christmas outside Norway.

“We always have a very traditional Christmas regardless of where we are. My favourite elements of a Norwegian Christmas are going to church during the day and the family gathering on Christmas Eve, which is the big Christmas day in Norway. This Christmas my youngest son, daughter-in-law and grandson will join me and my wife in London, which I look forward to.”

The 62nd Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square will be lit at 6pm on Thursday 4 December in the annual ceremony that attracts thousands of spectators to Central London.

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 25

Scan Magazine | Travel | Winter in the Scandinavian Capitals

Photo: Tivoli

“Tivoli is fully decorated in December when the old amusement garden hosts its annual Christmas market�

26 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

Scan Magazine | Travel | Winter in the Scandinavian Capitals

Winter in the Scandinavian Capitals

By Anna Maria Espsäter

Scandinavian summers draw the most visitors to the area, but those in the know come back in winter.

food and culture and this is also when Christmas markets take over the centres of cities and towns across the region.

There is something undeniably special about spending Christmas or New Year in this part of the world; fluffy white blankets of snow, cosy candlelit windows brightening up the darkening evenings, roaring open fires and steaming mugs of glögg, the local spiced mulled wine, make you well and truly feel the spirit of the Christmas season. Scandinavians cherish their yuletide traditions and they also know how to throw a party or two this time of year. The season officially kicks off on the first Sunday of advent, four weeks before Christmas. Four weeks can seem rather a long time for Scandinavians to wait, so halfway through there’s the Lucia festival of light, on the 13th of December – a major date in the calendar, with candlelit processions of singing women, all clad in white frocks and wearing tinsel. The 24th, Christmas Eve, is the big day for festivities as this is when Santa brings the presents, with the 25th reserved for the big family meal.

Then there are the New Year celebrations with fireworks and more delicious food, before it’s time to work it all off with some serious outdoor winter pursuits. The festive season is perfect for exploring Scandinavian traditions,

Oslo The Spirit of Christmas is very palpable in the Norwegian capital, with not just one Christmas market in City Hall Square, but several smaller ones in different parts of town and beyond, such as in nearby Maihaugen. One of the largest outdoor museums in Norway with 185 buildings, it depicts life in the gorgeous Gudbrandsdalen valley over the last 300 years. Maihaugen remains open in winter, so try catching the market weekend – this year the last weekend of November – for an extra special atmosphere with horse-sleigh rides among the festively decked-out stalls and old buildings. If in need of more magic, or just an indoor break when it gets a bit nippy, pay a visit to Oslo’s Museum of Magic (Norsk Tryllemuseum). Open every Sunday with free entry, it houses props, costumes and equipment from Norwegian magicians, among many other titbits. More wintry displays can be observed at the Norwegian Skating Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into that popular Norwegian pastime, ice-skating, and its history. Alternatively it’s possible to rent skates and glide gracefully around any one of six rinks in the city.

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 27

Photo: Sugarfree, Dreamstime.com

Scan Magazine | Travel | Winter in the Scandinavian Capitals

Left: Christmas time in Stockholm. Right top: Christmas market in Old Town (Gamla Stan). Photo: Henrik Trygg. Below: Akershus Fortress, Oslo.

Guided Christmas Walks taking in Norwegian greats Ibsen and Munch take off on Saturdays from outside the National Gallery and there is plenty of culture and entertainment to choose from in Oslo this Christmas season. For the best views and hot chocolate sneak up to Frognerseteren, a popular recreation area just outside town and in the evening snuggle inside a restaurant with an open fire for a romantic dinner.

Stockholm Stockholm positively lights up in winter, from the Christmas tree in Stureplan square, to the advent candlesticks in the windows of cubby-hole cafes, bars and restaurants with a high cosiness factor, in the oldest part, Gamla Stan. There are no less than nine markets in the

28 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

city in the run-up to Christmas starting from the end of November. Aforementioned Gamla Stan has the most popular, with traditional Christmas sweets, glögg, reindeer and elk sausages in abundance, the narrow, rambling cobbled streets of this 13th century part of Stockholm looking even quainter and more picturesque than usual. Stockholm stretches across 14 islands and on Djurgården, literally Animal Farm, the world’s first outdoor museum, Skansen, is home to some 150 buildings from all over Sweden, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. Each advent weekend this area is taken over by a myriad of fabulous stalls, as Christmas shopping really starts taking off. The great outdoors is never away from any Scandinavian capital and this winter it’s possible to ski right outside Stockholm at Hammarbybacken skiing

Scan Magazine | Travel | Winter in the Scandinavian Capitals

complex. The four slopes have a capacity of 2,400 people per hour on the 750 metre slopes, there are lessons for beginners and all equipment can be hired on site. Then hit the town; to ensure visitors have a great night out, the Stockholm tourist board even has a “flirtation etiquette” section on their website for those looking to heat up the ice bar.

Copenhagen Copenhagen has the longest running Christmas market of the capitals, kicking off on the 14th of November and staying open right through to the 30th of December, closing only on Christmas Eve and Day. Market stalls take over Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks in the heart of Copenhagen, making an already great location even more special. Tivoli Gardens opened in 1843 and has a long-standing history as the place for Copenhageners to relax and enjoy themselves. As well as the traditional market, there is a Crazy Christmas Cabaret at the Glass Sal and Michelin-starred restaurant The Paul to try out while at Tivoli. Strøget is the street to visit for

some of the best shopping. This mile-long pedestrianised thoroughfare has the best of Danish design, as well as all the international brands. Amagertorv, along the same route, is home to the Royal Copenhagen Complex, housing a by now time-honoured Danish tradition in its 45th year – Christmas tables. Beautifully laid out, the tables display a new theme each year and this year’s is ‘Danish castles and manors’, with decorations by different counts and countesses, barons and baronesses – sure to be a Christmas feast for the eye. Round off the day with a Christmas concert in one of the city’s beautiful churches, such as Holmen’s Church.

Helsinki In Helsinki the season kicks off as early as October with the annual herring market in Market Square and from 8th-21st December the city’s central esplanade turns into St Thomas’s market in celebration of all things “Christmassy”. Little bright red wooden huts, reminiscent of mini-saunas, are lined up along the busy walkway, selling everything from Finnish crafts from all over the

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Scan Magazine | Travel | Winter in the Scandinavian Capitals

Left: Copenhagen becomes magical at Christmas time – take a stroll down the pedestrian shopping street “Strøget” and get into the Christmas spirit. Right top: Ice skating at Trianglen. Photo: Christian Alsing. Below: Christmas market in Helsinki.

country, to yummy nibbles and heart-warming brews, with or without alcohol. Search for unusual Christmas presents such as wooden clocks, gorgeous brightly coloured knitwear and not forgetting out-of-the-ordinary Christmas decorations made out of wood and felt. If shopping gets too much, this is also a good place to try out Finnish specialities such as smoked fish and steaming mugs of glögi, the Finnish version of mulled wine, to keep out the cold and get even more into the Christmas spirit.

Finns love to shop here and the place has a genial feel.

Situated right in the heart of town it’s a short walk from downtown hotels and can easily be visited in a few hours.

If shopping isn’t a strenuous enough pursuit, there’s iceskating outside Helsinki’s central railway station, at the Ice Park, from November until March, or a chilly sail across to Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, which has its own Christmas Fair. A night at Saslik Russian restaurant sampling the vodkas is an excellent way to warm up afterwards.

30 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

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Scan Magazine | Food | Restaurant of the Month

Restaurant of the Month | Scandinavian Kitchen

Good Food with Love from Scandinavia By: Emelie Krugly | Photos: Scandinavian Kitchen

Scandinavian Kitchen’s motto is simple: Good Food with Love from Scandinavia. It’s clear and straightforward without fuss and unnecessary garnish.

“Scandinavian food is pure goodness,” explains Bronte Blomhoj, one of the directors. “Certain food comes and goes, but we believe that this food is here to stay; it’s healthy and wholesome but not fancy and doesn’t need dressing up as it’s beautiful as it is.”

Bronte Blomhoj and Jonas Aurell are a symbiosis of Sweden and Denmark. They first met at Kastrup Airport in Copenhagen while they were both waiting for a delayed flight: little did they know then that they were going to create a Scandinavian meeting point in central London.

Scandinavian Kitchen, better known as “Scandi Kitchen” to their regular customers, opened in July 2007, and, as a parenthesis, the couple’s daughter Astrid was born the

32 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

day after. And yes, they opened the shop the next day.

Both Jonas and Bronte used to work in the city and missed a good place to lunch. Another thing they had noticed was that there were no places where Scandinavians could meet in London, other than specific Swedish/Danish/ Norwegian and Finnish places. So they decided to start a café and a grocery store combined.

The location is as central as it can be, on Great Titchfield Street, just off Oxford Street. The interior is minimal, well thought out and predominately classic Scandinavian design.

If you are in a rush, you can enjoy one of their specialist coffees, Scandinavian Gevalia or coffee from Monmouth, or pick up some nostalgic goodies like crisp bread, filmjölk (sour milk) or salty liquorice. On the menu you will find smörrebröd (an open sandwich) with all the classic toppings like pickled herring, meatballs, smoked salmon,

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prawn and egg, Swedish specialities such as the kladdkaka (a sticky chocolate cake). Or why not try the much loved red Danish hot dogs with dried onion and mustard.

Customers are also able to request and place orders for any Scandinavian treats that are not available in the shop.

These may be products you have discovered whilst travelling or items customers miss from home.

One of their first British customers asked them “if they were really sure about herring� when they first opened their doors. He is now one of the first to order his daily “scandwich�, as they call their classic open sandwiches.

Scandinavian Kitchen is as much about promoting the North as being about the food. “Now some of our regulars even want to move to Scandinavia!â€? remarked Bronte. A great testament to a dedicated hard working couple, bringing more than just a friendly cafĂŠ to the people of London. Bronte and Jonas are a dynamic couple, colouring the atmosphere in the cafĂŠ. They strongly

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believe that the key to a successful business is simplicity, and providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. “I think some of our customers who visit the shop can get a bit overwhelmed by the warmth we show them, this is something not all Londoners are used to,� reflected Bronte. “We want people to feel happy and satisfied when they leave us – as well as feeling welcome when they arrive.� Scandinavian Kitchen also offers a catering service and organises different types of events. And the Cafe Bronte also hosts Mother’s meetings for Scandinavian mums who wish to get out of the house for a glass of wine and a chat.

As it’s getting closer to Christmas Scandinavian Kitchen is gearing up for the festive season, ready for all the ‘scandies’ wanting their special delicacies. One of their special offerings is ‘Christmas in a box’: for ÂŁ17 you will get a selection from the Swedish or Danish Christmas table. Here are some of the epicurean delights that they will have in store for you in the coming months; julskinka (breaded ham), Janssons Frestelse (a creamy potato dish with anchovies), lussekatter (saffron buns), Mamma

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 33

Scan Magazine | Food | Restaurant of the Month

Annikas glögg (a family recipe for mulled wine), lutfisk (stock fish), pinnekött (Norwegian lamb racks), köttbullar (meatballs), rödbetssallad (homemade beetroot salad) and a mountain of pepparkakor (gingersnaps). The shop will be decorated with all the Scandinavian flags and advent candles. There will be a chance to do some late night shopping at some point in December, promises Bronte. Shortly after Christmas, Scandinavian Kitchen will be launching their online web shop. Do they have plans for the future? Well of course: “To keep spreading the love from Scandinavia.”

Peel potatoes and onion. Roughly grate the potatoes (on the large bit of the grater) and finely slice the onions. Fry both gently on low heat for about 5 minutes until soft.

Place potatoes, onion and anchovies in a buttered, ovenproof dish (start and end with potatoes). Pour over half the milk and add 2-3 tbs of the anchovy juice, if desired.

Spread knobs of butter evenly over the top of the dish and add bread crumbs. Season to taste.

Bake for 45 minutes in hot oven (225 C) – towards the end of the cooking time, pour over the rest of the milk (or some cream if desired).

Scandinavian Kitchen’s recipe for “Janssons Temptation”

Serve as part of a traditional Swedish “julbord” (Christmas buffet).

9-10 potatoes (medium size) 2 onions 20 anchovy fillets (we recommend Grebbestad - using the anchovies usually available in the UK will make the dish too salty) 3 dl whole milk (or half cream/half milk) 1 tbs breadcrumbs 2 tbs butter, finely cubed Freshly ground pepper to taste

34 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

SCANDINAVIAN KITCHEN 61 Great Titchfield Street W1W 7PP www.scandikitchen.co.uk Tel.020 7580 7161 Opening hours Mon-Fri from 8-19 Sat from 10-18

Scan Magazine | Resource

2

SWEDECARE HAVE A REAL SWEDISH X-MAS (JULBORD) AT GARBO’S Swedish Restaurant Twenty three years ago Åke Lindholm opened the current restaurant in Crawford street, but he came to London long before that - in the 1960’s. He was then resident chef at the Embassy of Sweden during the “reign” of Gunnar Hägglöf. Åke then followed the Hägglöfs to Paris and stayed there for 2 years after which he returned to London. Åke Lindholm first opened a Garbo restaurant near King’s Road and has had

several after that until he opened the present one in 1986. Today a quarter of what Åke does is outside catering and most Swedes in London have tried his famous canapés at one event or another. Åke has served his famous, truly Swedish, menu, which rarely changes, to many famous stars and other VIPs. Smörgåsbord buffet at Garbo’s Restaurant in Crawford Street is a real home-fromhome for many Swedish ex-pats.

Åke Lindholm Chef proprietor 42 Crafword Street • London W1H 1JW • Telephone & facsimile: 020 7262 6582

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Tel: 020 8458 2921 Mobile: 07958 606084 swedecareuk@aol.com

www.swedecare.info Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 35

Photo: Kinnarps

36 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

Scan Business | Business Profile | Kinnarps

BRINGING ENGINEERED OFFICE ERGONOMICS TO BRITAIN

By Ian Welsh | Portrait Photo: Yannis Katsaris

With 66 years of developing ergonomic workplace furniture and elegant office environments, now Kinnarps is bringing Swedish design and corporate values to UK clients across the country. UK managing director Paul von der Heyde explains how.

Kinnarps has been creating industry-leading workplace environments for three generations – literally, as now the grandchildren of the original founders are taking their place in the management structure of the 100% familyowned company. And the company’s core values reflect how the founders – Jarl and Evy Andersson – have always done business. Delivering high-quality products that have a low impact on the environment throughout the entire supply chain are the two fundamental goals that the company strives to achieve.

Paul von der Heyde is managing director of Kinnarps UK. He adds: “We are also a people business. Our philosophy

is that we will be successful if we concentrate on people: our clients and our colleagues.” In creating effective office furniture, a focus on the people that will be using it is an essential ingredient that many lower-quality alternatives lack. “We aim to create a simple and functional work environment, utilising space and light as efficiently as possible, that enables our clients’ teams to feel comfortable and inspired,” von der Heyde says.

He describes Kinnarps as “a true manufacturing enterprise”. With a “culture of professionalism, honesty and humility we see the value in creating long-term relationships with our clients. We have a track record of investment in efficient production methods, and successfully deliver to our customers on time, first time.”

And Kinnarps’ service is much more than just providing desks and chairs. The company works with each client, designing an office environment to suit the client’s

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 37

Scan Business | Business Profile | Kinnarps

Paul von der Heyde beside the colourful Kinnarps mural.

requirements. Von der Heyde explains: “This means, for example, making sure that people are situated near the colleagues they need to interact with; it means making sure there is the right number of break-out areas for quick meetings over a cup of coffee.”

Ensuring the ergonomics are correct is a key element: an employee who’s off work with a bad back is not going to be earning the company money. Kinnarps’ success is testament to the fact that it’s a false economy not to invest in the right workstation furniture. “It’s all about creating a stimulating office environment where employees can come to life. We’ve all experienced, particularly in the UK, the clichéd dreary depressing office where the atmosphere is intimidating and uninspiring. Such a workplace is simply unproductive,” von der Heyde says.

Being privately-owned gives the company a great deal of

38 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

flexibility, and has also instilled a culture of customer service, stemming from the company’s roots, from top to bottom. This means actually working with clients from start to finish. “At Kinnarps we take complete ownership of a project from cradle to grave as there are no third parties involved from initial contact with the client, through working with our design team formulating the right working environment, to delivery and installation of the furniture and then after-sales service,” von der Heyde says. It’s all part of the culture that has been developed over six and a half decades at Kinnarps. “We don’t walk away from a problem. Solving difficulties for customers is as important to us as the next sale.”

In keeping with a Swedish heritage, sustainable working practices have always been a core ingredient in Kinnarps’ products and systems. Von der Heyde says: “We’ve always had a close affinity with the natural environment as our

Scan Business | Business Profile | Kinnarps

Kinnarps Furniture at work. Photos: Kinnarps

furniture is made from raw materials – timber, steel and fabrics – and we are closely aware of the resources that go into creating the finished products.” The company has in many ways been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability and environmental ethics, and having control over the entire supply chain means that effective management of emissions and environmental impact is simply something that Kinnarps has always done.

“Gaining ISO14001 and EMAS environmental certification was relatively straightforward for us – which is a testament to the values that we’ve always had,” von der Heyde says.

now in what we can do for smaller local firms across the UK. This would in fact reflect more the clients we work with elsewhere – for example in Sweden where many of our customers are SMEs.” To expand the company’s reach in the UK, Kinnarps has opened up a number of new showrooms in local business centres across the country. “We’ve gone from two locations to nine this year so that we can really develop an effective local presence nationwide.” In keeping with the company’s people-first approach, the new showrooms are managed and staffed by locals, so that each Kinnarps outlet can quickly become part of its business community.

Going local In the UK, Kinnarps is developing a focus on working with small and medium-sized companies. Von der Heyde says: “So far we have mainly worked with big blue-chip companies – which has been great – but we’re interested

While, in capital terms, purchasing Kinnarps furniture can be a significant investment, particularly for a smaller business, the company recognises this and has developed a number of innovative financing methods that can be

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 39

Scan Business | Business Profile | Kinnarps

Kinnarps factory, Kinnarps, Sweden. Photos: Kinnarps

tailored to fit the client’s projected cash flows. As Kinnarps furniture is built to high-specification and designed to last, over its lifetime it is “a remarkably economic choice” von der Heyde says.

While there may not be many Kinnarps chairs from the 1940s still around, von der Heyde points out: “We’ve come across clients who are still using the same furniture we designed for them 25 years ago. While the needs of clients now are often very different, it’s a matter of some pride that benefits of quality are so apparent.”

KINNARPS FAST FACTS • Set up, and still headquartered, in the village of Kinnarp, Sweden, in 1942. Founders were Jarl and Evy Andersson, whose family still own 100% of the business.

• Turnover in year to 31 August 2007 P300m; in UK P29m.

• First UK presence set up in 1972. Now operating in nine UK sites: head office in Slough (near Heathrow), Aberdeen, Manchester, Leeds, Langley, London, Livingston (near Edinburgh), Reading and Fareham (Hampshire).

Basic company values: • forward thinking spirit and creativity • independence and professionalism • honesty and humility • responsibility and understanding connections For more information go to: www.kinnarps.com

40 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

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Scan Business | International Services | Tax

DOMICILE RULES

By Tax Columnist Helena Whitmore | Photo: Yiannis Katsaris

New UK tax rules from 6 April 2008 will mean big changes to the way many Scandinavians are taxed in the UK. Central to this is the concept of domicile, and it is now more important than ever to understand what this means.

Domicile is a concept of general law rather than tax law.

It is something which causes a great deal of confusion in an international context, as many other countries will use the word to mean something else (typically to mean what we would describe as “residence” in the UK). Under English law, domicile is not the same as residence. It is possible to be resident nowhere, but it is not possible to be without a domicile. You can be resident in more than one place, but you cannot have more than one domicile. The concept of residence can also be highly complex, but in the simplest sense it roughly means where you live (or somewhere you visit regularly). Domicile is a deeper thing, which signifies your emotional and family ties, rather than where you happen to live at a particular time. Normally, you acquire a domicile of origin from your father at the time you are born (or from your mother if your parents were not married) – but this may not be the same as the country where you are born. For example, a person who was born in Denmark by Danish parents living in Denmark will have a Danish domicile of origin. Someone who was born in Sweden by Danish parents living in Sweden on a temporary basis will also have a Danish domicile of origin.

This domicile of origin is difficult to change, but it is possible to acquire a different domicile of choice by cutting off your ties with your country of origin and deciding to

42 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

remain in another country permanently. Scandinavians who live in the UK for many years will often retain strong connections to their country of origin, and have the intention to leave the UK at some point. They will generally remain non-domiciled (“non-dom”) in the UK (but HMRC may try to challenge this).

People who are resident but non-dom in the UK have the ability to use the “remittance basis” of taxation in the UK. This means that certain (but not all) overseas income and gains are only taxable in the UK if remitted to the UK. The whole system of what this means has changed dramatically from 6 April 2008, and there is now often a cost involved in using the remittance basis as well as the need to make a formal claim. Making the claim will result in the loss of UK tax allowances and for those who have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last nine tax years, there is also a new £30,000 annual remittance basis charge (“RBC”). Clearly this is too much for many, so they will have no alternative but to pay tax on worldwide income and gains instead. The good news is that those who have less than £2,000 of unremitted overseas income and gains for the year don’t have to pay the RBC, and keep their allowances. However, the way this works is complex. It is necessary to understand residence and domicile, how to calculate and identify income and gains under UK rules, and what a remittance is. It is dangerous to assume that there is no need to do anything, and many non-doms now have to file UK tax returns for the first time. Non-doms who have overseas income or gains should take professional advice.

Scan Business | Column | Out of Eden

OUT OF EDEN?

By Bengt Skarstam | Photo: Mads E. Petersen Biting too deeply into the market apple was enough to throw us out of the “invisible hand”: what went wrong?

Are we capable of grasping lessons from this or do we go forward, blindfold and depressed, to try the same thing again, on an even more dangerous level? The Market Delusion made visible?

I believe we can and must learn in order to fulfil our individual purpose in life and, as Darwinism shows us, the purpose of the human race!

I argue that the present situation is a leadership as well as an ethical crisis and as such a turning point for renewal!

Have we become blind inside our infinite existentialist bubble, inside a finite world? We were all skimming the milk to discover suddenly that only water was left!

Leadership, in a world of unconstrained individuals living on planet earth, should create meaning in this unpredictable world. We have to take a collective decision for a common, better future for all of us with a maximum of individual freedom and use our scarce resources in a sustainable way. Leave something for the coming generations to re-use.

Like a philosopher ask yourself the following questions: What is the nature of my responsibility? and What are the likely consequences of choosing the various alternatives open to me?

I am convinced of our global responsibility, since we are thriving on low-cost countries’ willingness to produce products at a low price, so that we can prosper! What do you think? Shouldn’t responsibility go in both directions?

How can useful ethical “guidelines” be designed and lived up to? What kind of leadership do we need?

What about the consequences of choosing a specific alternative open to me? Sometimes we introduce procedures and products without proper knowledge of the impact these may have on our environment, bodily and earthly. If the outcome can’t be tested beforehand since it might take several generations to follow-up, should we then pursue such development or activities?

Lots of question marks, yes, but the nature of an intellectual challenge is to start with a question mark and slowly end up with an exclamation mark! Like Sisyphus, you have to struggle with these questions over and over again!

It is more vibrant and challenging outside Eden!

In front of the fireplace surrounded by friends and families, human beings, actively engaged in opening the door for a New Era to unfold: what can you come up with in pondering these questions?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Bengt Skarstam

Responsibility, yes, in the old days, this was a demanding question. Today, in the “always connected” global world, unfolding itself at a mind-blowing speed, these questions are exhausting and intellectually and practically challenging. Sisyphus might be interested?

At the present moment what is your individual responsibility? Since you are living here right now, with only one individual shot, you have to aim with precision.

The nature of the responsibility, well, is this a “me” question, a “local” question or a “global” question: how far-reaching is it?

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 43

Scan Business | Regular | We Gotta Do Something

We Gotta Do Something!

– Interview with Sanna Hedager from Swedish interior fabrics company Linum

By Rikke Bruntse-Dahl | Photos: Linum

We talk to Sanna Hedager, the UK Sales and Marketing Manager of the Swedish interior fabrics company Linum, about being green without using organic cotton or dyeing fabrics with tea-leaves.

Linum is a 40-year old Swedish company, which launched in the UK five years ago. It started as an overseas aid project with the idea of helping people develop through its work in southern India.

Now it is a one-stop-shop for all things soft and pretty for the home, from bedding to curtains and cushions. Every product represents the combination of typical Swedish design and Indian craft traditions.

Linum fabrics now tempt house proud Brits in around 150 outlets across the country, ranging from Selfridges to small independent retailers.

So if you don’t use organic cotton and vegetable dyes, how do you “do something” in terms of sustainability and ethics?

Well, while we can’t say we use organic cotton in our products, we can promise we don’t buy cotton that has

44 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

been sprayed or treated with dangerous chemicals. We use natural Öko-tex-approved dyes, which means they’re not harmful to the environment or our health.

Rather than doing smaller green projects, being environmentally friendly and ethical is just part of who we are as a company.

Caring about the well-being of our employees, customers and the environment has been part of our core philosophy for the 40 years we have existed. For example, we have never employed child labour, which at the beginning seemed rather strange to the Indian people we were working with.

However, the single biggest move we’ve taken in terms of eco-friendly production is the fact that we recycle 94% of our wastewater using a reverse osmosis filtration method.

All water – from spinning the yarn to dyeing it and washing the textiles – goes through our water cleaning plant. When we start re-using the recycled water, it is actually so clean that you can drink it. The residue that is left from that process is disposed of in a way that is not harmful to the environment.

Why is recycling and cleaning water so important?

Although sea levels are rising because of climate change, the amount of fresh water in the world is decreasing and we see that as a very important factor for economising and cleaning the water we use – especially in a country like India, where fresh water is very precious.

Do you think the sustainable aspect of Linum is important to your customers?

Yes, very much so! When we launched Linum in the UK about five years ago, there wasn’t a great awareness of fair trade and eco-friendly products, but I have to say that has changed dramatically in the past two years. Retailers as well as consumers are now very much aware of buying products that have been made with a clean conscience and they are prepared to spend more money to make sure that is the case.

Who are more eco-conscious, the Brits or the Scandinavians?

I think in Scandinavia we do take these things quite for granted in the sense that there has always been a great emphasis on looking after the environment. We would never pour bleach down our toilets in Scandinavia, would we? Brits still do that. But that mentality is changing, and buying green products is perhaps an even hotter trend in the UK now than in Scandinavia.

“We Gotta Do Something!” is a regular feature in Scan Magazine.

It gives Scandinavian companies the opportunity to tell about initiatives they take to conduct business in an environmentally sustainable way. Are you doing something?

Email rikke@scanmagazine.co.uk

Albert Maasland, in his office overlooking the Thames.

SAXO BANK'S ENTREPRENEURS BEATING THE ECONOMIC CYCLE

By Ian Welsh | Photos: Yannis katsaris

Albert Maasland, Saxo Bank’s UK head, explains why a solid corporate culture allied to leading edge technology can be a credit crunch busting combination for market trading.

Since its 1992 start-up, the multi-award winning Copenhagen-based Saxo Bank has grown rapidly to become a top 20 international player in foreign exchange trading, contracts for difference (CFD), futures and other on- and off-exchange products. Providing market access and brokerage services to financial institutions and individual investors, Saxo Bank now has offices around the world, including in London. Speaking to Scan Magazine

46 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

from his Canary Wharf office, chief executive for the UK Albert Maasland says that Saxo Bank’s Danish heritage is a key factor in the bank’s success.

“Copenhagen is not one of the world’s traditional financial centres, so Saxo Bank’s founders had the benefit of not being tied to any particular way of working. They were entrepreneurs, trying to find a way into the competitive world of foreign-exchange, or forex, trading without the constraints of a legacy business methodology or existing practices,” Maasland says. So the bank was able to establish new ways of forex trading without following the traditional rules. The result, Maasland says,

Scan Business | Business Profile | Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank traders. Photo: Saxo Bank

is a set of “online broking services done differently and better.”

Despite being an organisation with over 1,000 employees worldwide, 75 of whom are based in Saxo Bank’s smart London offices, Maasland is proud of what he calls the bank’s “special spirit”. He says: “We are still able to encourage ideas. Our operations were born from offering our clients innovative ways of accessing the markets, and while we have grown rapidly, it’s vital we continue to be flexible and develop new ways of delivering products.”

Saxo Bank’s clients include fund managers and financial institutions, and also private individual investors who want to manage part of their investment portfolios themselves.

“We’re a one-stop shop for our clients, institutional or private, who want access to the markets round the clock.

Our service offers access to multiple asset classes; our clients can trade 24 hours a day. Cutting-edge technology combined with the fact that our systems are accessible, securely, from anywhere, makes for an attractive package.”

Saxo Bank operates a 3-in-1 platform that can be accessed from a principle work station, in the office or at home, or over the internet using a standard web browser, or on the move using a mobile phone (including an iPhone) or other electronic device. As Maasland says, Saxo Bank clients can trade “anytime, anywhere”. In addition, the bank’s system includes chat functionality meaning that traders can access market information or input from Saxo Bank’s experts whenever the markets are open across the world. “This reflects the lifestyle of our clients, who want to be able to manage their portfolios and make deals at any time,” Maasland says.

In what many might see as a surprising step for such a leading edge broker, especially where technology so much defines the bank’s competitive niche, Saxo Bank shares its systems with many other market players on a white label basis. Maasland says: “In many respects we are actually encouraging the growth of the industry by making our technology accessible to our 120 white label partners – who range in size from market leaders like Citigroup to

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 47

Scan Business | Business Profile | Saxo Bank

Albert Maasland in the trading room.

small regional brokers in Asia or Latin America, for example.” Saxo Bank recognises that it benefits from nurturing the market indirectly, and that via its partners new clients are accessed who would not necessarily be reached by the bank on its own. “Our partners’ brand names and wide reach means that many more market participants are accessing the best deals and opportunities via our systems than we could attract ourselves,” Maasland says.

The recent economic downturn means that Saxo Bank, and its competitors, are now trading in a very challenging environment. But Maasland finds confidence in the fact that Saxo Bank has continued to grow at a significant rate during 2008. Despite the organisation’s name – it is registered and regulated as a bank – Saxo doesn’t lend money to its clients or invest in highly complex (and risky) financial investments itself. “As we provide access to the markets – part of the plumbing – as an organisation we’ve emerged basically unscathed from the worst excesses of the debt market,” Maasland says.

48 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

But that’s not to say that it isn’t a challenging time. “Like everyone, we are uncomfortable with some of the prevailing market conditions and risks,” Maasland says.

“As we have such a wide range of customers, from large institutions to high net worth individuals, and other private clients with relatively modest investable wealth, we’re able to gain a remarkable insight into changing behaviour right across the market. While the frequency of trading has seen a relative slowing, interestingly there has been a jump in the opening of new accounts. This could be due to new clients becoming aware that they can trade themselves, or perhaps that we are simply catching a greater proportion of the self-directed segment of the business.”

In an environment where there is a “move to quality”, as Maasland puts it, Saxo Bank’s Scandinavian roots are again a big plus. Perceptions of Scandinavians as culturally innovative, but safe, are what the bank’s clients are looking for. “We’ve always strived to be user-friendly, but now there’s a focus on our clever methodology and

Scan Business | Business Profile | Saxo Bank

Team Saxo Bank. Photos: Saxo Bank

productivity. That we can provide our clients with what are effectively wholesale prices on retail transactions, backed up with a prudent corporate culture, is a really successful mixture in the current trading climate.”

Team Saxo Bank on Tour In June this year, Saxo Bank’s joint CEOs Kim Fournais and Lars Seier Christensen signed the bank up as sponsors of Danish cycling team Riis Cycling. The deal meant that Saxo Bank was co-sponsor of the team during the 2008 Tour de France and will be the sole main sponsor from 1 January 2009. From this point the team, for the period of a three-year contract, will be branded Team Saxo Bank. When announcing the sponsorship, Saxo Bank’s two CEOs said that top level cycling expresses the same values and attitudes of success, teamwork, endurance and passion that they believe the bank has.

SAXO FACTS • Saxo Bank specialises in online investments in the international capital markets. Clients can trade currencies, shares, contracts-for-difference, futures, options and other derivative products.

• SaxoTrader is recognised as an industry-leading online retail trading platform. It can be accessed directly by Saxo Bank clients or via 120 white label partners, other financial institutions or brokers, who customise SaxoTrader under their own brand.

• With a headquarters in Copenhagen, Saxo Bank has offices in London, Geneva, Zurich, Marbella, Singapore and Tokyo. The bank also has a representative presence in Beijing and an IT development centre in St Petersburg.

• Operating income worldwide in 2007 was P210m, with a post-tax profit of P37m (at November 2008 conversion rates).

For more information go to www.saxobank.co.UK

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 49

Scan Business | Column | Tales of a head-hunter

Campbell's column

Tales of a head-hunter Photo: Magnus Arrevad Welcome, reader, to the start of a journalistic journey where I will be giving you some insights into the headhunting process which you may find of interest as a client of head-hunters or a potential candidate.

However, this magazine is no place for a dull academic discourse on the subject. Instead, the approach will be to give you some account of my life as a head-hunter from which you will, I hope, be able to pick up some useful information.

Networking plays an important part in head-hunting with regard to securing new clients and identifying potential candidates. That is why you may find me, with perhaps one or two of my colleagues, at Chambers of Commerce events to which we are drawn both by the interest of the meeting itself and the networking opportunities. There is little risk attached to responding with your business card if offered one by a head-hunter at such events and who knows, it might lead to a telephone call, perhaps a year later, by the head-hunter eager to discuss a career opportunity with you.

The photograph that accompanies this piece was taken at a Dinner of the Devonshire House Management Club, membership of which is by invitation. Members include many important HR Directors and so it is another valuable networking occasion. Another aspect of a head-hunter’s life is lunches and dinners with clients and potential clients. For this purpose I am a member of a number of the traditional London clubs, which do not appear to exist in the same numbers in other countries.

The club I use most is the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. This led me to being asked recently by one of the Scandinavian Chambers of Commerce if I would sponsor the event which they wish to hold at the RAC. They needed sponsorship by a member of the Club to support their application to hold an event there. I happily obliged and it was only when I received confirmation from the Club that I realised how much I was at risk! What it amounts to is

50 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

that the rebuilding of the Club would be at my expense if the Chamber of Commerce party goes wild and trashes it during the course of the event. The feeling of gloom that this engendered was, however, dispelled by the sunshine at the weekend, which I spent in Bahrain, interviewing candidates for a Danish company with a significant presence in the Middle East. It was a worthwhile trip as the candidates were good and I had time for a short guided tour of the capital of Bahrain, Manama, where I was staying – in an SAS Radisson Hotel of course!

My guide was a very well educated Bahraini and I learnt more about the Middle East and the Muslim religion than I thought would have been possible in that short period of time. He dispelled many myths I had held and enriched my stay.

On the other hand, I was impoverished by the Hotel! The Room Rate turned out to be the tip of an iceberg because enormous Service Charges were added in addition to a Government Levy. I do not intend to turn this into a Travel Advice column but it might be prudent to check that aspect if you are going there.

Returning to the topic I have been asked to write about, let me end by suggesting a tip for those of you who are fortunate enough to have PAs. We sometimes come across PAs who make it extraordinarily difficult to speak to their bosses. In consequence, the boss may be denied the opportunity to consider a career move that might in fact prove to be of great interest. An overzealous PA may be restricting your career opportunities! Sometimes we get hold of a person's email and write to them in a discreet manner, hoping that the email is private to the individual, but we only do this in a very few cases as a last resort .

Using politically correct speak may I extend to you The Season’s Greetings.

Malcolm Campbell, STC Partners Limited

Scan Business | Appointments

Business Development Manager (Nordic) – Call Centre Consultancy Language: Swedish, Salary: £80,000 OTE The Client: Our client provides consultancy services to Contact Centre operators throughout Europe and they are at the forefront of this exciting new consultancy sector. They help those companies to increase efficiency by concentrating on: • Performance • Customer satisfaction • Employee satisfaction The Job: Supported by an extensive “back office” team of appointment setters and marketing professionals, the Business Development Manager will be responsible for: • Making contact with target companies • Proposing solutions • Negotiating and renewing existing clients’ contracts.

• Manage relations with partners and subcontractors.

• Prepare for an expansion of the Business Development team The Person: The successful applicant will be from a consultancy or sales background with a demonstrable understanding of contact centre KPI’s.

Skills and Qualifications Required: • Outstanding history of business development • Native Swedish speaker • Bachelor’s Degree Package: £40k base, £80k OTE, 35 days holiday Flexible location – UK or Sweden To apply please visit www.nordicstaff.com

Nordic Staff specialise in the placement of Nordic language professionals with some of Europe’s best employers.

Sales Executive Scan Magazine is looking for an eager and ambitious individual with at least 12 months media sales experience.

SCAN M A G A Z I N E

Your primary role as Sales Executive will be to meet and exceed sales targets. You will build up a thorough understanding of the market space we operate within, and identify areas for growth.

Your primary responsibility will be to sell display and classified advertising in our publication and to help develop online sales.

You will also be required to source new leads, create targeted promotional campaigns and attend events.

Requirements: • Must speak at least one Nordic language • Must have outside sales experience • Must be entrepreneurial in spirit • Will have the ability to build relationships effectively • Must have experience with constant deadlines • Must be able to work independently • Must be money orientated and understand that only results count This is a truly fantastic opportunity for someone wishing to work for a small company where you will be given an integral role and a first hand possibility to demonstrate your talent. Scan Magazine offers a competitive basic salary plus an excellent commission.

Start 1 February 2009.

Send CV and covering letter to info@scanmagazine.co.uk

Swedish speaking Delegate Account Executive Ref: 999011, Consultant Name: An The company: Our client, a leading company in its sector with offices worldwide is currently recruiting for a Delegate Account Executive with Swedish as well as fluent English to join their offices in central London.

The Role: This role involves contacting decision-makers and existing customers by telephone ensuring that they are aware of upcoming events and at the same time sell the services to them and secure their interest. This is not a typical “cold calling” role as you will work within an existing database.

Candidate Profile: You are expected to work on your own initiative always upholding a bright, enthusiastic and motivated attitude as you will be on the phone most of the day.

Salary/Additional Information: The starting salary for this position is £18,000 pa plus a generous bonus structure giving a realistic OTE in year one of over £27,000. You will receive 20 days holidays per annum (pro rata), 10 of which must be taken during July/August. Working hours will be 8:00 - 4:30 with a one hour lunch break.

Please send your CV to an.looveren@ilc-ltd.com or visit www.ilc-ltd.com for further information.

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 51

Scan Business | Regular | How was your day

How was your day?

– These are our busy lives! We ask a Scandinavian businessman or business woman the question: How was your day? The answer is never that straightforward.

Corina Papadopoulou – Owner of KIDSEN, Scandinavian Children Store.

babies, fashion, toys and local village gossip – KIDSEN is located in Kensal Rise – they call it nappy valley.

Sometimes I feel like Jack Bauer from 24 – pip pip pip.

Constantly running with too many things to accomplish in a few pressing hours. But somehow, at the last minute, I always manage to save the day! A real life Jack Bauer?

Superwoman? I don’t think so. More like crazy woman.

Currently, I am finding new ways to answer the most frequently asked question by my caring customers “how are you doing?” – followed by a sympathetic frown - it is the age of the credit crunch after all! But at the end of a hard and mostly productive day where I have accomplished 5 of my 10 to-do things I rush home in a 10 minute brisk walk to end my day just as it began – brush your teeth, switch the TV off, go upstairs, did you eat your dinner, mummy missed you, no sweetie, I can’t read you ten stories, how about your two favourites? now close your eyes. Love you. And then at 9pm with the kids tucked up in bed, my day starts all over again closing the paper trail that the day has created – ‘til my sleepy buzzing head hits the pillow at 1am – if I am lucky. Godnatt!

My day begins at 7.15am – thanks to a saint of a husband who takes the early morning shift with our bouncing 17 month old. As he leaves behind our noisy baby and a chatty four year old to enter the madness of London commuting, my day kicks off with a different kind of craziness: “Get dressed, eat your breakfast, hurry, we are gonna be late, don’t hit your sister, NO! Say sorry! Put your shoes on. NO hitting I said! Ok, watch TV for a minute whilst mummy gets ready!” Did I brush my teeth? Can’t remember! “Let’s go! Mrs Kendall (scary head mistress) will be cross with mummy – RUN!!!!”

Corina is Swedish and recently opened KIDSEN which is the first Scandinavian Children Store in NW10. www.kidsen.co.uk 0208 9697565.

Two months ago my husband and I decided to start our own business to gain more freedom and flexibility - and although we have gained all those things – we’ve also inherited some less desirable things – like a “to-do list” that would rival Barack Obama’s to name but one. Is it worth it, I hear you ask? Oh yes it is. When I put the key in the door of KIDSEN, (our Scandinavian Kids Shop) at 9am every morning I feel energetic and excited to see what the day will hold.

Whilst I prepare the till, re-arrange clothes and toys, I go through my mental check list – who to pay, what to order, what exciting deliveries are due, which suppliers I am meeting today. Then before you know it, an hour has flown by and I’m ready to greet my first customer. But as I have just discovered the retail business is hugely unpredictable! It keeps you on your toes. I serve, I chat, I sell, I wrap and I chat some more. I love chatting and I love people – I suppose you have to if you’re going to run a shop. My conversations mostly revolve around nappies,

52 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

Photo: Anu Laitila

Would you like to tell us how your day went?

Email: thomas@scanmagazine.co.uk

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Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 53

Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce DUCC Christmas Lunch We are delighted to invite our members and friends to our annual DUCC Christmas Lunch on the 12th of December 2008 at 12noon.

The lunch will take place at the Radisson Portman Hotel and the Danish Church will deliver their famous Danish Christmas Buffet, a menu which includes:

Beer from Carlsberg, akvavit from “Aalborg” and “mandelgave” from Anthon Berg. There will be Christmas songs, a raffle and Café Kolbert’s show waiters will entertain throughout the day. For those who wish to continue the afternoon with a few pints, a pub has been booked afterwards where Danish Christmas Music will be played. To book seats for this spectacular and very popular Danish Christmas day, please send an email to info@ducc.co.uk

3 kinds of Herring, Curry Salad, Smoked Salmon, Greenland Halibut, Shrimps, Eggs, Chicken Salad, Roast Beef with Remoulade, “Rullepølse” (sliced meat), homemade Liver Pate with Bacon & Mushrooms, Fish Fillet, Roasted Pork with Red Cabbage, Frikadeller (Danish meat balls), Patty Shells with Hen in Asparagus, Roasted Duck with Brown Sugar Potatoes and Stewed Kale, Cheese & Ris à la mande.

Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7259 6795 | Email: info@ducc.co.uk | www.ducc.co.uk

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce The Aberdeen region holds a high presence of companies in the oil and gas industry with tight bonds to the North Sea and Norway. NBCC launched their Aberdeen Chapter in 2006 and has since then hosted twice yearly an Oil & Gas Seminar. It is created to enhance knowledge and competency development across the North Sea. Be part of the Aberdeen 2009 kick-off in January!

Norwegian Students Abroad (ANSA). The date is 28 November.

The traditional Christmas Concert in St. Martin-in-theFields is on 5 December. Musicians are Tord Gustavsen, Ingebjørg Kosmo and Tore Dingstad.

UPCOMING EVENTS

But 2008 is not over yet. To round off we are hosting the year’s last Thursday Drinks at the Scandinavian Kitchen on 27 November where we can look forward to a Christmas special.

Nordic Thursday Drinks – 27 November YP Christmas Dinner – 28 November Christmas Concert and Reception – 5 December

For our Young Professionals there is a Christmas Dinner with Norwegian style “ribbe” and “riskrem”, live music and an after party at Aura. It is hosted at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church together with the Association of

Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 7930 0181 | Email: info@nbccuk.com | www.nbccuk.com 54 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

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Scandinavian Speakers Needed

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Scan Business | News | Chambers of Commerce

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK The Swedish Chamber is looking back on an autumn full of successful events including a seminar at Nokia’s flagship store on Regent Street, a breakfast briefing on the global financial turmoil, an inspiring speech by the Swedish Minister of Employment and a much appreciated previewing of the Spring/Summer 09 collection at the new H&M Showroom.

Christmas is around the corner and The Swedish Chamber is also preparing for the largest event of the year, the Christmas Luncheon at the Dorchester with over 500 guests.

UPCOMING EVENTS The Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Dorchester – 5 Dec Lucia Luncheon in Manchester – 8 Dec Breakfast briefing with ODIN Fund Management – 10 Dec JCC Christmas Party – 13 Dec Lucia Concert in Birmingham – 15 Dec Select Travel Champagne Reception – 26 Jan

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

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce FBCC’s Interesting and Event-Full Year 2008 For FBCC it has been an interesting year with lot of changes. Elina Seppanen is now in charge of the chamber activities as a General Manager until August 2009.

Here are mentioned just a few highlights of the year 2008: Economic Update seminar was held twice in 2008 at Nordea premises, first in February and again together with AGM on 10th November. The Russia Conference was held in September at the EBRD followed by our tradition to organise a major event every other year. The event attracted participants from various chambers and countries and FBCC had maybe the most high-ranking speakers ever. We also had popular social events such as Crayfish Cruise and Crayfish Party in the autumn.

For the spring 2009 the Chamber is planning to organise Economic Update, Career focused night for young

professionals and Corporate Responsibility seminar, plus many more events. More information will follow.

For now we want to wish all our members a warm and merry Christmas, and welcome you all to our activities next year!

Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce | Phone: +44 (0) 20 8741 6352 | Email: fbccevents@fbcc.co.uk | www.fbcc.co.uk 56 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

Miller Rosenfalck is a full service international business law firm specialising in international trade and business migration within the European markets.

Founded by experienced City of London lawyers in 2002 and based in the City, Miller Rosenfalck is a multi-national partnership, which employs lawyers from across the EU, but in particular from England, Denmark and France. We also have an international network of carefully selected and locally recognised specialists. The firm’s clients range from entrepreneurs and start-ups to substantial private and public companies nationally and internationally.

More than 60% of the firm’s business is of an international nature.

Miller Rosenfalck’s core work areas include: • agency, distribution and franchising agreements; • company and business formations and structures; • information technology and software contracts; • intellectual property planning and brand management (including trademark and design registrations); • employment law and business migration; • commercial dispute resolution; • mergers, acquisitions, investment and funding; • joint ventures and shareholders agreements; and • commercial and investment property.

For more information about Miller Rosenfalck, see the firm’s website - alternatively, please contact: Stuart Miller sm@europeanbusinesslawyers.com DDI +44 20 7553 9936 M +44 7812 062 487 Aylesbury House 17-18 Aylesbury Street London EC1R 0DB T 020 7553 9930 F 020 7490 5060 E info@europeanbusinesslawyers.com I www.europeanbusinesslawyers.com

Steen Rosenfalck sr@europeanbusinesslawyers.com DDI +44 20 7553 9931 M +44 7736 634 727

Scan Business | Column | Do they know it’s Christmas

Do they know it’s Christmas?

By Marc Bird

As the Christmas holiday approaches and we are reliably informed by the experts that, as recession looms, this will be the worst retail period for many years – do you wonder, like I do, why the Marks & Spencer car park is full, H&M is packed and you are still queuing for a table at your favourite local eatery?

Are we being told the truth? Or is it just a case of the human spirit being tired of stock markets, banking and US elections and just blindly carrying on?

I suspect the truth lies somewhere in the middle. The media like to exaggerate whatever is this week’s tale of woe and the culture of spend now/pay later is difficult to turn off. Our hearts naturally feel for those who have lost employment in the difficulties but I find it rather galling to hear, for example, a very well paid BBC Radio 2 presenter saying she was going to “cut back on buying Christmas presents in the current climate.” Why? If you still have a job and earn good money, why should anything change? If anything one could try to be more charitable.

It is this lack of spirit and determination – or the wealth of it in the case of those Marks & Spencer’s shoppers – that will surely make the difference in business as well over the forthcoming months. Feeling positive, looking positive and being ever more ‘business as usual’ will do no harm and could certainly help to make your company more recession-proof.

It is this type of thinking that leads companies to boldly reinvent themselves, to refurbish, move, or simply to value their employees even more than ever. Taking a constructive lead and recognising the value of people, inspiring them to perform to their best and making your business as efficient as possible can have a major positive

58 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

effect. It will also set you up well for when the market does recover and growth is back on the agenda.

How people feel, their motivation and their effectiveness has as much to do with their surroundings as their pay packet. Providing a well lit, functionally furnished, ergonomic and stimulating workplace can make more difference than some realise. Perhaps now is the time to invest in your office and your people?

Scan Magazine | Scan News

SCAN NEWS Danes in the U.K don’t need to miss their favourite food from home any longer Danfooddirect is a new online web shop, where you can get all your goodies like Remolaude, polser, salami, marzipan, red cabbage and of course gammeldansk. Tine BadhDrost, a native Dane has lived in Derby, the Midlands (also known as the Viking country) for 21 years. She missed her national foods and after finding good suppliers started the business this year.

Tina has travelled widely with her work and was once based in Singapore for 5 years. “I’ll never forget shopping one day in Singapore where I came across a Steff Houlberg Hot Dog Stand!!! Proper Danish hotdogs with toasted onions and remoulade, I couldn’t believe it, wow did I enjoy that!”

She goes on to say, “Being away from home is one thing, but not having reasonable access to our food specialties is difficult.”

Tina encourages Danes to suggest any favourites they may have so she can source them for the website.

“I wish to bring a little bit of our Danish taste(s) into our English homes. Just to make it that little bit more hyggeligt” (translates as cozy and inviting).

So if anyone out there is desperate for their much-loved delicacies log on to – www.danfooddirect.co.uk. Special Christmas delivery is between the 8th and the 23rd December.

H&M presents its Spring/ Summer collection '09 200 lucky people attended this popular event at the impressive new showroom on Rathbone Place. The excitement at what the Swedish fashion giant was presenting was eagerly anticipated and felt throughout the evening. With 200 people on the waiting list there were

Madsen: A new Scandinavian food experience in London London has a new Scandinavian restaurant. Recently, ’Madsen’, situated at No.20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, opened their doors to the public. Their aim is to bring a new Scandinavian food experience to Londoners.

The woman behind the concept is Charlotte Kruse Madsen, a talented caterer who has been running ’Madsen Food’ here for two years, says, “the restaurant is the fulfilment of a precise and specific aspiration.”

“To awake our tastebuds to the largely unknown nuances of Nordic cuisine and change people’s perception of Scandinavian food as we know it.”

Charlotte Kruse Madsen sets out to serve clean, modern and refined Nordic cuisine aspiring to the 11 Michelin-star restaurants found in her native Denmark.

Madsen is open Monday to Thursday from midday to 11pm, on Friday and Saturday from midday to midnight and on Sunday from midday to 5pm. The main restaurant accommodates 68 people, the private room from 16 to 50, depending on the type of event. There are also 16 patio seats available in warm weather.

very few cancelations and many disappointed people where unable to attend this exclusive preview, a collaboration between the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and H&M. Animal prints, khaki colours, baggy pockets, flounce and flowery prints are some of the trends you can look forward to when H&M launch their spring/ summer collection for 2009, shortly after Christmas.

“We are going back to the fifties again and the collection has a retro feel,” said Jessica Karlsson, Merchandiser for H&M in London.

The collection was worn by parading models and also displayed on hangers, music was provided by a live DJ, whilst

the guests enjoyed champagne and canapés.

The event was opened by Christina Liljeström, director of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. H&M’s UK manager Magnus Olsson then greeted the audience and was proud to announce how great the interest has been for the new collection. Elle and Vogue were amongst the press who visited the impressive new showroom on Rathbone Place during Press Day. Magnus went on to comment amusingly as to how Sweden is home to fewer stores than the UK and Ireland. In Sweden there are currently 123 and in the UK and Ireland a total of 154.

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 59

Scan Magazine | Scan News

Anglo-Nordic law firm Miller Rosenfalck shortlisted for English Law Society Award Miller Rosenfalck was recently shortlisted for one of the finest recognitions, the prestigious Law Society of England & Wales’ Excellence Award in the Exporting Legal Services category. The firm has made a big impression in their field, breaking new

ground and actively developing new export markets.

The law firm is unique in that it offers legal advice outside the English jurisdiction provided by lawyers with multi-lingual skills. Each team has its own geographical focus unlike most major law firms on the London legal scene who adopt a business sector outlook.

The law firm has had quite an incredible journey. After setting up the business in 2002, Steen Rosenfalck, a Danish native and his business partner Stuart Miller had no idea that their law firm was going to grow so rapidly. The duo met when they were working in one of the major law firms in London, Osborne Clarke.

A proud and happy Steen Rosenfalck whilst speaking with Scan Magazine had this to say: “Being shortlisted is very special to us. It is a great recognition and means

that other clients and law firms will notice us.”

Mr Rosenfalck also explained what a great city London is to set up a business in.

“In London nothing is impossible, it is a very liberating city and encourages people to work hard, I think that if I had continued to work in Denmark I would have probably got stuck in one place as the attitude towards new ideas is different. It’s more of a ’you cannot do’ attitude.

And of course, the international element in London is another important factor”.

The future obviously looks very bright for the successful team.

“We are hoping to expand and take more lawyers on board and strengthen our English client base as the majority of our clients at the moment are from Scandinavia, Germany and France,” said Mr Rosenfalck.

Finnish fashion designer Minna Hepburn launches her online business Finnish fashion designer Minna Hepburn recently launched her ethical fashion label ’Minna’ during London Fashion Week in September 2009.

In a short period of time Minna has established her name in the world of fashion and her brand is now available nationwide. The British audience fell in love with the romantic textiles and Scottish lace which have become Minna’s trademarks. All pieces are embellished with flea market finds, ensuring that each piece in the collection is unique.

“Environmental and ethical considerations are fundamental to the design process,” says Minna. “All fabrics are either UK made or fair trade, organic, recycled or locally sourced. The collection is 100% manufactured in the UK, minimizing waste and allowing all the remnants to be used in the design process.”

60 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

These quirky pieces are designed for both women and children. One of the most prestigous boutiques in the UK, ’A La Mode’, stocks Minna alongside brands such as ’Marc Jacobs’ and ’Gianbattista Valli’, as well as ’9 London’, which stocks her children’s range. Now Minna is to open her online shop www.minna.co.uk before the end of December. Some of her pieces will also be featured in Cosmopolitan’s March Issue.

“I have been getting so many enquiries as to where to buy my designs that launching the online boutique seemed like a natural move for me.

Both the women’s and the children’s range will be available, as well as our new accessory collection which has received an amazing response from the press and buyers.”

Minna will also take part in the Eco Design Christmas fair on the 13-14th of December at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.

Scan Magazine | Scan News

New Chairman of the ’Council of Foreign Chambers of Commerce’ The Council of Foreign Chambers of Commerce (CFCC) has a new Chairman. On the 1st of November 2008, Mr. Martin Mortensen, Executive Director of the Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce (DUCC) was elected to the position. Mr Mortensen was elected following the positive development and success of DUCC over the last three to four years: “I very much look forward to strengthening CFCC, which I believe has a huge potential to inspire individual chambers of commerce to develop improved services for their Members.”

CFCC is an organisation for the Managing Directors of Foreign Chambers of Commerce in London. Their mission is to provide a forum for exchanging views, ideas and experiences.

How do you prefer your Martini, flat or sparkling?

Camitz Sparkling Vodka the exceptionally smooth Super Premium vodka from Sweden which adds sparkling twists to classic cocktails.

Recently launched in the UK, the sleek bottle features the first patented natural cork for a distilled spirit and so pops when opened, perfect for celebrations over the festive period and New Year. Camitz + Lindberger is an independent company founded by Peter Camitz and Mattias Lindberger. Camitz Sparkling Vodka is 40% alc/vol, five times continuously distilled, produced from the highest quality grain from the wheat fields of Västergötland and the water is sourced from the springs of Töllsjö. The natural source of carbonation is specially filtered for our use and is documented to be the cleanest gas of its kind. www.camitzvodka.com

Exclusive launch of 20 new Danish fashion brands

20 new Danish fashion brands presented themselves at the Royal Danish Embassy, inviting the British fashion industry to an exclusive launch, which included children’s, men’s and women’s wear. The event took place in the Danish Embassy’s car park on Sloane Street.

“We wanted to do something unusual this time and thought that it would be a bit quirky and a bit edgy to have a

fashion show in a car park,” said Julie Gulbrandsen, commercial adviser at the Royal Danish Embassy.

The collections were showcased as a mini trade-fair and included the following brands:- Eda Mae, Fnubbu, Borcher, Babajaga, Tina Sund, Mille Rostock, Vadum CCDK, Isaksen Design, Lysgaard, Ilse Jacobsen, Customized for the Crowd, Björkvin, JBS, Monkee Biznez, Small Wings, Wheat, Freoli, Pio Mio and Forrest & Bob. All were hoping

to make an impression on the U.K. market with their latest creations.

“The UK and in particular London is a very important market for us and it is exciting to be here,’ said Nickie Isaksen, from the women’s wear brand ‘Isaksen Design”.

The climax of the day was a funky and diverse low-budget fashion show featuring a broad selection of the showcased designs. Danish rock music and champagne charged the atmosphere on a chilly autumnal afternoon The event worked as a platform to bring the Danish and British fashion industries together to form potential partnerships and create network relations.

“We had 80 guests and 63 percent of the brands were taken up by retailers,” said Julie Gulbrandsen, and continues: “‘We will definitely organize a similar event again, but probably when it’s a little bit warmer outside, as it got pretty cold in the car park.”

Issue 4 | Christmas 2008 | 61

Scan Magazine | Scan News

Swedish Minister for employment, Sven-Otto Littorin, On “Flexicurity” in the Swedish labour market Members of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce were invited to hear SvenOtto Littorin’s speech on his mission for Flexicurity and his vision for developing the “Swedish model” in the labour market. The standard principles of flexicurity stress the importance of inclusive labour markets.

“In 2006, more than a million Swedes were depending on various types of social benefits and allowances. One out of every five Swedes was outside the regular labour market or was working less than he or she would like,” he explained.

Mr Littorin, the Minister for Employment, pointed out that this situation was unacceptable for societal and individual reasons.

To meet this challenge, the Swedish Government has initiated a forceful

programme to create more jobs in Sweden, including significant reforms, such as a major income tax reform and the tightening of social security systems.

These reforms caused the number of people depending on various types of social benefits and allowances to fall dramatically. Since 2006, 185,000 people have moved from unemployment into the labour market, the largest figure since the Second World War. “Flexicurity is about managing adjustment in the age of globalisation,” remarked the Minister for Employment.

Although adjustment in the labour market works relatively well in Sweden, there is, as the Minister underlined, a considerable insider/outsider challenge facing individuals of working age.

Reforms aim at increasing employ-

Anders Grundberg, founder of the successful law firm, Mocatta Rakison LLP, is celebrating 30 years in business.

The firm used to focus mainly on Anglo-Nordic private client matters but today is a cross-border specialist with an international client base including Europe, Russia, USA and China to name a few.

Anders Grundberg explains, the firm’s way to success: “We have over the years built up a unique firm which has a proven ability to advise and resolve client matters in a host of countries across the globe, says Mr Grundberg and adds: “By way of example, the firm was last year, actively involved in 35 different jurisdictions. Essentially we are of course very experienced entrepreneurial solicitors, but the clincher is the fact that we provide a multilingual and multicultural mix too.”

In the last year, clients have received pro active advice on matters such as mergers and acquisitions, oil and gas company flotations, life insurance, electronics, green energy as well as family and tax matters.

62 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

ment and reducing labour market exclusion.

After the speech the SCC members, showing great interest in the topic, had a chance to ask the Minister questions, continuing to air their perspectives on Flexicurity.

’Schmidt Hammer Lassen’ architects scoop LEAF Awards Grand Prix Leading Scandinavian practice Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects have won the prestigious Emirates Glass LEAF Awards Grand Prix, for its Performers’ House project, a modern version of a Danish folk high school, situated in the heart of Silkeborg, Denmark. The prestigious Emirates Glass LEAF Awards, now in their fifth year, have rapidly become one of the most sought-after international architectural prizes, recognising excellence in design and build.

Recently, the successful group also launched their new publication “Outline – Architecture by Schmidt Hammer Lassen” in London. Barry Bergdoll and Philip Johnson, Chief Curators of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art, New York (MOMA) officially launched the publication.

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects are based in Denmark, Oslo and London. Here in the UK they are currently on site with two projects: a new library for the University of Aberdeen and the City of Westminster College in Paddington.

For more than 20 years Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen have enjoyed a reputation as one of Scandinavia’s leading, award-winning architectural practices.

Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar

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

DECEMBER Elephant and Crocodile (1-12 December) Theatre for children aged five to nine by Corona La Balance, the National Ensemble for Children’s Theatre in Demark.

Compelling and high quality theatre for younger audiences. www.gateshead.gov.uk.

Tickets: £3. Accompanying adults free.

Children of Bodum (1-12 December) A five-piece metal outfit from Helsinki, but it's not just another band. Imagine a bunch of friends, with a huge passion for music, but no business acumen. Going to the airport when they're told with no idea where the next show is - the embodiment of the clichéd passionate basement band of best friends in a professional, worldacclaimed metal group.

Dec 01-03:Hammersmith Apollo, London, Dec 05: Arena, Cardiff, Dec 07: NIA, Birmingham, Dec 08: SECC, Glasgow, Dec 09: Arena, Manchester, Dec 11: Arena, Newcastle, Dec 12: Arena, Sheffield

Apocalyptica (2-12 December) There aren't many rock bands on this planet that wouldn't like to be regarded as unique. Finland's Apocalyptica deserve it more than most. Utterly original in every respect, these classically-trained merchants of genre-shattering metal sound quite unlike anything in music history.

02 Dec: Oxford Carling Academy, 03 Dec: Liverpool, Carling Academy, 04 Dec:

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Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar

7.30-9pm. Followed by an evening of blues until 1.30am. Table reservations are recommended.

Jazz After Dark, 9 Greek Street, London W1D 4DQ. Entry is £5 after 9pm. www.jazzafterdark.co.uk www.myspace.com/lostsoulbrothers

Nottingham, Rock City, 05 Dec: Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall, 06 Dec: Glasgow, ABC , 07 Dec: Newcastle, Carling Academy, 08 Dec: Bristol, Carling Academy, 10 Dec: Portsmouth, The Pyramid, 11 Dec: Sheffield, Plug, 12 Dec: London, The Astoria

Photo: Jiri Havran

See Oslo's emerging cityscape in London! (3-7 December) ‘Oslo's Emerging Cityscape’, an exhibition at London’s Oxo Tower Wharf, presents the award-winning Oslo Opera House and the seafront urban regeneration scheme where numerous British and other firms are competing to design the Munch Museum and other buildings.

Norwegian Christmas tree in London (4 December) The 62nd Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square will be lit on Thursday 4 December at 6pm. The ceremony is watched by nearly 10,000 spectators and includes carols sung by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields.

The Norwegian Christmas Concert in London (5 December) The Royal Norwegian Embassy's annual Christmas concert at St Martin-in-theFields will feature jazz, classical and traditional music with special performances by three of Norway’s leading musicians.

64 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

Christmas Concert in the Norwegian Church (Saturday 6 December) Tickets: £25.00£ (adults) £20.00 (conc./ children). You can order tickets by phone: 020 7740 3900 or by email at london@sjomannskirken.no

Tina Dico Concert (10 December) Tina Dico is a Danish singer and songwriter, inspired by artists such as Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. In her home country of Denmark, she has beaten Coldplay and U2 to Number One and won the Best Songwriter Grammy and been voted Best Composer and best female vocalist at the Danish Music Awards. Internationally, she may be best known for her collaboration with the English duo Zero 7 on their second album, When It Falls. Union Chapel.

Ticketmaster UK 0870 154 40 40 Lost Soul Brothers (11 December) Danish headed soul & blues band Lost Soul Brothers will be performing a set of classic hits at Jazz After Dark in Soho.

Think: Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, BB King and James Brown.

Finnish Christmas Carol Concert (13 December) With mezzo-soprano Riikka Hakola and pianist Ilkka Paananen. Tickets available from the Finnish Church. 12:00 - 14:00.

London, Southwark Cathedral, Montague Close, London SE1. www.finnishchurch.org.uk YPF - Annual Finnish Christmas party (13 December) Saturday 13 December. YFP & Finns Worldwide host the annual Finnish Christmas Party in London. The party will be fuelled with a Scandic bar and delightful canapés. Finnish DJ. Lots of great prizes to be won!' www.nordicbar.com 02076313174 Scandipop (18 December) Scandipop is a new London monthly club night. A live DJ spins Scandinavian pop to a friendly dance floor. Successfully launched in October, it takes place on the third Thursday of every month at Zen Bar, Denmark St, Central London. Dance to the schlager and cheesy pop that you won't hear anywhere else in London.

Entry is £3 or free for students with NUS. www.scandipop.co.uk Cellist Anssi Karttunen (16 December) Elliott Carter Centenary Concert. Oliver Knussen conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra with Martin Owen (Horn) and Anssi Karttunen (cello). 19:30 - 21:00.

London, Barbican Hall, Silk Street, London EC2 tel.

Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar

Competition

LUCKY STARS

– Danish La Chance bracelet charms X-Factor Celebrities

A favourite of celebs like Justin Timberlake and P.Diddy, Dannii Minogue sparked a new trend in Britain when she brandished her own La Chance charm bracelet on XFactor and gave one to each act participating in the show.

Handcrafted from ceramic pieces representing the Chinese Zodiac and sparkling Swarovski crystals, the bracelet is flashy and fun.

For your chance to win an original La Chance bracelet, worth £249, send an email with your phone number to competition@scanmagazine.co.uk before 22 December 2008. The winner will be contacted via phone on 24 December at 11am.

You can find La Chance in KIDSEN, 111 Chamberlayne Road, LONDON, NW10 3NS. TEL 0208 969 7565 or at Poison Angel, 266 Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW3 2AS · 020 7584 6000

Read more on www.la-chance.info The winner of the £500 Designer Home Products Competition from 95% Danish is Trevor Armstrong.

Congratulations!

The winners of two tickets to a show at the Donmar Warehouse are Margit Pond and Pamela Laurie.

Congratulations.

V I P E V E N T S – P R I VAT E PA R T I E S – C O N C E R T S

HAVING A PARTY? Looking for a band for your birthday party?

Want a famous singer or band for your next event?

Rest assured – We can help you. We make sure you get the best quality act for your event – no matter how flashy or intimate you want it.

We specialise in English and Scandinavian acts.

Contact info: Event co-ordinator Marianne Thomsen 149 (2) Sloane Street London SW1X 9BZ Phone 020 7730 7171 / 07 900 913 827 Email info@summitproduction.co.uk

BRIT Awards Voting Academy member · Monthly Scandinavian Live Music Parties · www.summitproduction.co.uk

Scan Magazine | Culture Calendar

A world of music on your doorstep Thirty national final-winning bands from as many countries will converge on London for the GBOB Challenge 2008 World Finals, taking place over two nights at the London Scala on December 14 and 15, it will be great fun for bands and audience alike… and one band will win $100,000 in cash.

Like no talent showcase you’ve ever seen before, the GBOB Challenge is the world’s biggest live music competition and promotes real music played by real bands rather than bland manufactured music and TV reality show disposables. There are just two rules: no cover songs and no pre-recorded music.

Fast-paced and exciting, the GBOB Challenge allows you to see some of the best new bands from around the world playing two-song, eight-minute sets. With super-fast changeovers between bands – that’s a new band every ten minutes! So little chance to get bored no matter how short your attention span. For more details go to www.gbob.com December 14 and 15 will feature 15 new bands per night with the judges’ decision announced on the last night.

After the first GBOB Challenge World Final in 2004 was won by Spanish indie band Second, they were signed to EMI Publishing and Warner Brothers. 2005 winners, grunge rockers Kopek from Ireland, were signed by New York-based manager Thomas Valentino, who steered Kid Rock to fame. 2006 winners Heavy Mojo from the USA have signed to Universal Records. And last year’s winners Boys In A Band from the Faroe Islands are about to sign an international record deal. In a relatively short time the GBOB Challenge has already earned a reputation for helping new bands to achieve success.

Venue: Scala – 275 Pentonville Road London N1. Tel: 020 7833 2022. www.scala-london.co.uk Tickets priced £10 each night or £15 for both nights are available from ticketweb 08700 600 100. www.ticketweb.co.uk

Countries represented: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Croatia, Denmark, England, Faroes, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, USA, Wales.

The Moonfish, UK.

Competition

Win two tickets to the GBOB CHALLENGE at Scala, London This amazing band competition is top class entertainment and now two readers can win two tickets to the show (ticket price £15).

What is the prize if you win the GBOB challenge?

A: A guitar B: A world round-trip C: $100,000

66 | Issue 4 | Christmas 2008

Email your answer to competition@scanmagazine.co.uk and Scan Magazine will draw two lucky winners.

Scan Magazine must receive your answer before 12 December. The lucky winners will be contacted directly.

When it comes to our colour, there’s no sell-by date.