December 2013 eNewsletter
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We wish you and your family every happiness this holiday season and throughout the coming year. Thank you very much for all your support. We look forward to working with you and welcoming you to our events in 2014!
All the very best, your BSCC team.
New BSCC Managing Director is appointed
The BSCC Council ratified the appointment of Magalie Chelius as Managing Director effective January 2014. Magalie has recently moved to Zurich from the UK where she worked from 2009 as the Head of Strategy at London & Partners (formerly Think London), the official promotional organisation for London. During a time of great prominence for London (Diamond Jubilee, Olympic Games), Magalie created and implemented strategies to promote London as the world’s best city.
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Thank you, Carolyn!
After six years as the BSCC’s Managing Director, Carolyn Helbling is leaving the BSCC at the end of December to pursue other interests. During her period of office, the Chamber has grown significantly to its current size; numerous services and processes have been professionalised and our financial basis has been strengthened. In particular, the BSCC has benefited from Carolyn’s dual British-Swiss perspective and her strong business network in both countries. We will miss Carolyn and wish her every success and happiness for the future.
'Made in Switzerland' Report in association with the BSCC
"Switzerland’s strengths are the result of a century-long-tested trade-off between a relatively conservative value system and a natural propensity to innovate", writes Alexis P. Lautenberg, president of the BSCC in the 'Made in Switzerland' report, which has been published in The Times yesterday. The report explains how Switzerland has achieved its status in the top ranks of socio-political stability and sustainable economic growth. It champions the Swiss brand and showcases how this ethos has positively impacted Switzerland's business, luxury, culture and tourist sectors. For more information and to read the full report please click here.
"A great celebration of British-Swiss Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship"
This was just one of the many compliments from guests at the end of an unforgettable evening. And on nights such as the 28th November, one wished fervently that all could have had prizes. But it was not to be. Our third, British-Swiss Business Awards produced four worthy winners: Phonak won Company of the Year; Trans Data Management triumphed as Small Company of the Year; Firmenich succeeded in gaining the Corporate Social Responsibility Award; and ABB Sécheron was victorious in the Innovation 2013 Award. To view the event photos, please click here.
'Slow Train to Switzerland' by Diccon Bewes
Tonight, the BSCC welcomes its members to a traditional pub quiz night hosted by Diccon Bewes. Since the launch of his first book 'Swiss Watching', he has spoken at a wide range of events about living in Switzerland, being an Englishman abroad, “Swissness” and similar cross-cultural themes. One tour, two trips and 150 years – and a world of change – apart. That was the premise behind his new book, 'Slow Train to Switzerland', a copy of which will be in the winning team's goody bags. 'Slow Train to Switzerland' is on sale across Switzerland, either at your local bookshop or online, also as an e-book. For more information see Diccon’s website. NewInZurich recently interviewed Diccon. Read the interview here.
UK Chapter events in 2014
Our events programme will kick off with a New Year’s reception at which members and friends will be provided with an exclusive forecast on the direction of the economy in the coming year. A round table discussion on identity and card fraud and how it can be combatted by individuals and businesses will follow soon afterwards. Members can also look forward to a sneak preview of the improvements at London City Airport, as well as events focussing on banking regulation, green energy, media economics and many other current topics. Please consult the Forthcoming Events section of the website for regular updates.
Burns Supper in Zurich on 24th January 2014
To celebrate the 255th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, we are hosting our second Burns Supper in Zurich. Burns Night is celebrated all around the world and is a truly unique event. Our evening will start with a drinks reception and then we will be piped into dinner. We will enjoy a traditional Burns night menu with wine, a whisky tasting offered by Diageo, toasts, traditional highland dancing and a prize draw offered by Scottish Development International and VisitScotland Business Tourism Unit. Tables of ten can be booked so that you can enjoy the evening with colleagues and friends.
More information & registration
Geneva Chapter's "Speakers' Corner" Rules change
By popular request, the entry rules of the BSCC’s “Speakers’ Corner at the Crowne Plaza Geneva” will change from 4th February. From this event, the “soapbox” will be open also to include companies in the “Corporate Membership” category, i.e. 10 - 500 full time employees, as well as Micro Business and Small Business Members, which is currently the case. If you wish to enter the draw for the two companies which will stand on the “soapbox” at the next event, send your name and coordinates now to michael.mckay@bscc.co.uk. The draw will be made publicly at Burns Night in Geneva on the 28th January.
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MEMBERS / PARTNERS
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STEP Malta Conference 2014 - Global Business in a Challenging Environment - Changing Perspectives
6-7 March 2014, Hilton Hotel, St Julians, Malta
Challenges for future regulations, the use of foundations under Maltese law, the changing UK tax environment for HNWIs and the EU Fourth AML Directive are just some of the topics to be discussed at this topical conference in Malta. The industry has seen a rapid pace of change over the last few years creating a challenge for every professional advisor, this 2-day event is packed with hot topics and insights that will provide delegates with the tools to navigate through these challenging environments and features 21 leading speakers including a keynote address from Hon. Prof. Edward Scicluna, Malta’s Minister of Finance, Economy and Investment. Register today to secure your place – Find out more by visiting the STEP website.
UK Waste Management and ICT Sector Reports published by Switzerland Global Enterprise
Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) and the Swiss Business Hub UK released two timely industry reports on Waste Management and ICT in the UK, highlighting business opportunities for Swiss SMEs. In the Waste Management sector, the UK has experienced some success stories recently. However, to achieve the defined goals in eco-friendliness, further effort and investment are required. Swiss knowhow can lead the way. As the largest ICT market in Europe, on the other hand, the UK constitutes an ideal testing ground for new products and technologies. For Swiss enterprises, this market presents attractive business opportunities. The ICT report and the Waste Management report are available to download on the S-GE website.
Ecochem Conference in Basel sets out vision for the future of the chemical industry
As a city of historic importance for the global chemicals sector, it was no surprise to see Basel hosting the Ecochem Conference and Exhibition on Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, which took place from 19-21 November 2013. The event attracted around 2000 delegates from all over the world to hear from influential industry and government leaders, scientists, young future leaders and innovators. The BSCC was present at the conference on 19 November with a stand at the innovation pod.
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NEW MEMBER IN NOVEMBER
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Robert Half International, Zurich
Robert Half is the world's largest specialised recruitment services company for qualified employees in finance, accounting and banking.
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Platinum Patrons: Credit Suisse, Deloitte AG, Julius Bär, Syngenta, Zurich and Jeeves Group
Patrons: ABB, Blick Rothenberg, BSI SA, Coutts & Co, EFG Bank, Ernst & Young, KPMG AG, Lloyd’s and Thomas Eggar LLP incorporating Pritchard Englefield
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MEMBER NEWS
Le Richemond Geneva: New Le Spa by Sisley
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Michael McKay interviews Jacques Mayer, the fourth generation of his family to run the Beau Rivage Hotel in Geneva.
Listen to the Interview
"Overdose of Overtime?" An article by Dominique Calcò Labbruzzo
New Deloitte Study "Innovation Reinvented"
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MEMBER &
PARTNER EVENTS
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Fri 13.12. / Mon 13.01. - Zurich: Workshop on Emotional Intelligence
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Wed 15.01.2014 / 19.02.2014 - Zug: English Stand-Up Comedy
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Wed 15.01.2014 / 12.02.2014, Zurich: University of Strathclyde MBA Information Preview
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Tues 21.01.2014 - Geneva: IFMA - Role of Financial Institutions in Commodity Markets
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Thurs 30.01.2014, Zurich - Brandsoul Impulse Workshop "Inspiring People: Motivate to change"
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Thurs 30.01.2014 - Zurich: Connect 1-2-1, your personal meetings with Top MBA Schools
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MEMBER OFFERS
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Engadin St. Moritz - Hotel Ski Pass Included
CHF 25.– per person/day for a ski pass (min. 2 nights)
Aplomb Translations
10% Discount on all translations!
Hotel Le Richemond Geneva
10% off on the à la carte menu at Le Jardin
British Beds Worldwide
The World's finest beds at UK Prices and a special offer for BSCC Members
VICTORIA-JUNGFRAU Grand Hotel & Spa
Christmas package (arrival from 23rd December 2013, last arrival on 28th December 2013)
Pension fund pro
Free pension fund review
Discover the tomb and treasures of Tutankhamun in Geneva
BSCC member offer at the Crowne Plaza Geneva
Cision's PR Software
20% discount on all modules of the PR-Software CisionPoint
Bilan: 22 issues for CHF 89.00
Special Offer for Members of the British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce
Cash Back VAT Reclaim: 33.3% off
Do not miss the deadline for UK-Claims on December 31, 2013!
Live-Switzerland
CHF 10 off the new leisure-voucher-book Live-Switzerland Zurich Region, 2013/14!
C³Centricity: 20% Discount for BSCC Members
Try the C³Centricity methodology on your communications (any product or service) at a 20% discount
View all Member Offers
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