BSCC News
Intro from our President
Farewell to Simon Featherstone CMG
New team member in London: Geraldine Mortby
Question of the Month
September - Answer now: Referendum in Scotland
July / August - Results: Business Growth
Event Highlights
Outstanding speakers: unrivalled insights
Evening event on cyber security, Zurich
The Business of Diplomacy, Berne
Member Focus
Member News: STEP, Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
Member in the Spotlight
New Members
British-Swiss Facts
Did you know?
The moment of truth is moving closer
For both the UK and Switzerland the return from summer break is moving them closer to the moment of truth. Ahead of the next parliamentary elections in 2015, both countries are facing game-changing challenges. The Scottish referendum is a first formidable hurdle with consequences that go far beyond the future of the UK. In both Switzerland and the UK, two countries that have consistently struggled to come to terms with the dynamics of European integration, immigration has become the single most important determinant for their future institutional collocation in Europe. Immigration is there to stay. Let’s hope that, while sticking to the principle of freedom of movement, a key pillar of the Internal Market, the EU will adhere to more effective management and control mechanisms. This would represent a first important step.
Alexis P. Lautenberg, President of the BSCC
Simon Featherstone CMG
The BSCC is sad to report the death after a long illness of Simon Featherstone, former British Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein and Honorary President of the Chamber. Simon’s distinguished career as a diplomat included assignments in China, Belgium and Malaysia as well as Switzerland. His very active support of the BSCC, its multiple activities and strategic reflections were enormously valuable. Simon’s engaging smile, modesty, ability to listen and language skills won him many friends. He will be greatly missed. We send our heartfelt condolence to Gail and the Featherstone family.
Monty Style, President of the BSCC 2004-2006
New team member: Geraldine Mortby, UK Manager
New team member - UK Manager: Geraldine Mortby
We are delighted to announce that Geraldine Mortby will join the BSCC UK team as of 25 September 2014 as the new UK Manager. Geraldine was until recently the Trade Officer at the Swiss Business Hub in London. As such she was ideally placed to liaise with Swiss and British businesses and deeply aware of the bilateral developments. With her dynamic personality and her in depth understanding of both political and economic landscapes, she will be a great addition to the growing UK Chapter. On behalf of the whole BSCC: Welcome on board, Geraldine! We look forward to working with you.
Magalie Chelius, BSCC Managing Director & Shirley Beglinger, UK Chapter Chair
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On 18 September 2014 British citizens and citizens of the Commonwealth and European Union countries who are resident in Scotland will be asked to participate in a referendum on whether Scotland should be an independent country or not.
Do you expect the result of the referendum in Scotland to make any difference to whether or not the UK leaves the European Union?
-- No, it will not make any difference
-- Yes, it will make a ‘Brexit’ more likely
-- Yes, but it will make it less likely that the UK will leave the EU
Question of the Month July / August 2014 - Results
The July / August Question of the Month asked members which parameters they think will accelerate the growth of their businesses in Switzerland / the UK. The respondents could select from 8 parameters and add additional ones. The parameters selected the most in combination were: “Access to skilled talent pool” and “Favourable regulatory framework”. Interestingly enough “Access to finance” was chosen the least. As the graph shows, there is a very even spread between the different parameters and none of them stands out significantly. This indicates that growth is not expected to be driven by a single factor; it is much more a combination of the parameters that leads businesses to success.
Read more
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Geneva Chapter: Outstanding speakers - unrivalled insights
British “expats” comprise the highest percentage of Geneva Chapter membership, compared to other BSCC chapters. So it’s unsurprising that there are always requests for invitations to speakers who can explain how local - and Swiss - politics actually work. Our October programme addresses this request. Charles Poncet is one of Geneva’s most outspoken political commentators: a former Swiss MP, a practicing lawyer and someone who describes himself as “free thinking, straight talking and right of centre”. Registrations will open shortly. Rothschild, one of the financial world’s great family dynasties, visits the Geneva Chapter. Baroness Ariane de Rothschild, Vice-Chairwoman of Edmond de Rothschild Group, will address what is certain to be a packed banqueting room. Register now to secure a seat!
mam
Securing your information assets in today’s corporate environment - Evening event in Zurich on 23.09.2014
Cyber security is one of
the most keenly debated subjects of the moment. A recent report from
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
warned that security will be compromised and organisations need to take
action to secure their critical information assets. Security can only be
successful if it gets the right level of management attention and is
tightly integrated into the business. This evening event in Zurich on
Tuesday, 23 September 2014 brings together two leaders in the field of
information security to discuss where information security starts and
where it ends in today’s corporate environment. What is the role of
business, what is the role of management and what is the role of
government?
More information & registration
The Business of Diplomacy, Berne
Wednesday August 13th, 2014 was a very special occasion! The BSCC’s two Honorary Presidents, HE David Moran, British Ambassador to Switzerland & Liechtenstein, and HE Dominik Furgler, Swiss Ambassador to the United Kingdom, shared the stage. This was a unique occasion for BSCC members to hear the Ambassadors share their impressions of “the other country” and discuss key issues on the bilateral agenda. Collaboration, mutual respect and synergies were key words mentioned to describe the way the two Ambassadors manage respectively the “business of Diplomacy”. We would like to thank HE David Moran for kindly hosting this very pleasant event at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Berne.
Event Photos
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MEMBER NEWS
Secure your place at the STEP Asia Conference
The award winning STEP Asia Conference One World – A New Paradigm for Wealth takes place this year in Hong Kong on 8-9 October 2014. As well as a topical programme to support your business needs the two-day event offers fantastic opportunities for networking with some of the leading lights in the private client industry - last year over 300 practitioners attended from over 30 countries worldwide. Topics include Global automatic exchange of tax information and privacy, Trust Law reform in Hong Kong, Challenging trusts plus much more including specialist topics and interactive panel sessions. Find out more and secure your place on the STEP Website
Match Hospitality
The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is returning to The O2 this November, bringing the World’s best eight Singles players and Doubles teams together to battle for the last title of the season. As the official hospitality partner to The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, MATCH Hospitality is offering British Swiss Chamber of Commerce Members 10% Discount on all Hospitality options:
Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Sunday 9 – Sunday 16 November 2014: MATCH Hospitality General Brochure
To obtain your 10% discount for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Hospitality programme. Please email: tennis@match-hospitality.com or call +44 (0) 20 7647 5920 quoting BSCATP
MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The Open University Business School
The Open University Business School has been a proud sponsor of the BSCC for the last two years. We have enjoyed the many benefits in particular the use of their meeting room which allows us to run meetings in a very centrally located, modern meeting room.
Working in this partnership has helped us to establish and build our brand in Switzerland and we look forward to a more fruitful relationship in the months ahead working closer on joint events and leveraging networking opportunities. With managers in over 75 countries studying the Open University MBA, its international relevance has played a key part in its success in Switzerland. The impact of cultural differences is a theme that runs through and unites all our MBA courses and our local students are finding it very relevant in their current work practice and local and organisational contexts.
Find out more about the Open University MBA and other Masters programmes
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NEW MEMBERS IN AUGUST
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Marie McGregor, Basel
Marie McGregor has joined the Basel Chapter as an individual member.
Richard Hedger, Geneva
Richard Hedger has joined the Geneva Chapter as an individual member.
Nanra Consulting, Zurich
Nanra Consulting is a Management and Strategy Consultancy supporting the engineering, aerospace and defence sectors.
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DID YOU KNOW that one of the top UK exports to Switzerland are watches?
Switzerland's main three exports are 1) chemicals, 2) precision instruments, watches and jewellery and 3) machinery and electronics. Interestingly enough, all these goods belong to the top UK exports to Switzerland, including watches! Switzerland is the UK’s sixth largest export market. Unlike other markets that have seen stability or decline, UK goods exports grew by 28% in 2012.
UK Trade & Investment / House of Switzerland
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Platinum Patrons: Deloitte AG, Julius Bär, Syngenta, UBS and Zurich Insurance
Patrons: ABB, Blick Rothenberg, BSI SA, Coutts & Co, Credit Suisse, EY, KPMG, Lloyd’s and Thomas Eggar LLP
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Tues 16.09.2014 - Basel: Discover EuroAirport behind the scenes
Last chance to register: registration closes on 11th September at midnight!
→ More information & registration
Tues 16.09.2014 - Lugano: Global Commodity Trade Finance Conference
→ More information & registration
Tues
16.09.2014 - London: International Wine Tasting Networking Reception
→ Registration is now closed
Wed
17.09.2014 - Geneva: "Speakers' Corner at the Crowne Plaza Geneva"
→ More information & registration
Tues
23.09.2014 - Zurich: Securing your information assets in today’s
corporate environment
→ More information & registration
Thurs
25.09.2014 - Geneva: Business Luncheon with Andrew Wolstenholme OBE
→ More information & registration
Tues
30.09.2014 - Geneva: An Evening with "Switzerland" Skipper, Vicky Ellis
→ More information & registration
Wed
01.10.2014 - Zurich: AIESEC - Your Headhunter for International Interns
→ More information & registration
Tues
07.10.14 - Geneva: Business Luncheon with Baroness Ariane de Rothschild
→ More information & registration
Tues
21.10.2014 - London: Business Lunch with Sarah Wulff-Cochrane of the
British Bankers' Association
→ More information to follow shortly
Thurs
23.10.2014 - Zurich: "Looking Down on Leaders: a bird's eye view of
business and bosses"
→ More information to follow shortly
Wed
29.10.2014 - Geneva: Great British Breakfast with Dr Charles Poncet
→ More information to follow shortly
View all upcoming events
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BSCC NETWORKING
Thurs 18.09.2014 / 23.10.2014 - Basel: "Stammtisch" - Informal Networking at Campari Bar
→ More information
Tues 07.10.2014 - Geneva: "Café Soirée" - Informal Networking at Café Papon - Last Café Soirée in 2014!
Tues 14.10.2014 - Zurich: "Stammtisch" - Informal Networking at the James Joyce Pub
→ More information
BSCC NEWS
Upcoming BSCC Events in Geneva on World Radio Switzerland
Listen here
The McKay Interview on WRS - latest edition with Jesùs Martin-Garcia, co-creator of Le Shop, and Ambassador William L Swing
Listen here
MEMBER NEWS
Teacher position available at academia
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Holmes Place is celebrating its 35th Anniversary!
Read more
PRINTROYAL - Special business cards
Read more
ICT Trade Mission UK organised by Switzerland Global Enterprise
Read more
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MEMBER &
PARTNER EVENTS
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Mon 15.09.2014 - Basel: Investors Day of Canton Basel-Landschaft
Read more
Tues 16.09.2014 - Geneva: IFMA Developments in Swiss Financial Services Law
Read more
Wed 24.09.2014 - Zurich: University of Strathclyde MBA Information Preview
Read more
Thurs 25.09.2014 - Geneva: “Indian Summer” Fundraising Gala Dinner
Read more
Thurs 02.10.2014 - Geneva: IFMA - Opportunities for Swiss Independent Asset Managers
Read more
Sat 04.10.2014 - Geneva: Access MBA
Read more
Mon 06.10.2014 - Zurich: Access MBA
Read more
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MEMBER OFFERS
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Restaurant Schlössli Utenberg
10% discount for BSCC members
Swiss International Air Lines
Smart businesses save more with SWISS and partner airlines
Engadin St. Moritz Summer Special
Exclusive summer special for BSCC members
Cresta Hotels Davos
10% discount for BSCC members
International New York Times
99¢ for your first 12 weeks
British Beds Worldwide
The World's finest beds at UK Prices and a special offer for BSCC Members
Pension fund pro
Free pension fund review
Cision's PR Software
Special discounted PR package for BSCC members
Aplomb Translations
10% Discount on all translations!
Hotel Le Richemond Geneva
10% off on the à la carte menu at Le Jardin
mt:onyx
Partner in Business
The Hiit Room
30% discount on list prices for BSCC members
View all Member Offers
BSCC TWEETS
ICAEW_Europe
In Switzerland? Join the ICAEW-@The_BSCC event on securing your information assets on Sept 23!
The_BSCC
Meeting of the BSCC Honorary Presidents: Dominik Furgler @SwissEmbassyUK & David Moran @DavidMoranFCO @UKEmbassyBerne
http://ow.ly/Bi3Fk
Peter Payne
@The_BSCC @UKEmbassyBerne @SwissEmbassyUK Thanks for a fascinating evening - great initiative!
The_BSCC
#swissfact: the turnover from coffee export is higher than the one from chocolate and cheese export! http://ow.ly/AxmIx @HofSwitzerland
UKTI
Want to #export but don’t know where to start? Watch this video and find out more http://ow.ly/zFbWO
Follow the BSCC on Social Media and join our discussions:
Twitter I LinkedIn I Facebook
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