The changing narrative
There are similarities in the pattern behind the anti-immigration momentum in Switzerland and UK. In both cases governments are facing growing concerns from voters that are being ably seized upon by populists. The phenomenon itself is enhanced by growth and an increasingly attractive jobs market, underpinned by the free market rules of the EU. The UK Government is working on mechanisms that will combine stricter rules while securing the inflow of skilled labour. Following the 9 February constitutional vote on the reintroduction of quotas, the Swiss Government is now expected to come forward with a robust implementation scheme. Hence both executive bodies are having to square the circle of strong domestic cross-pressures and the EU's founding principle of freedom of movement. The narrative is changing in the face of chilly domestic winds that are constraining and undermining both countries positions vis-à-vis Brussels.
Alexis P. Lautenberg, President of the BSCC
Launch of the Question of the Month
The BSCC aims to be recognised as the Voice of British-Swiss Business and as an organisation that puts the needs and interests of its members at the core of everything it does. Therefore, we would like to ask you for your views and opinions on topical matters. The results will be reported on a monthly basis. Your opinion is very valuable and helps us to align our activities with the interests of our members. Please answer the March 2014 Question of the Month here! We look forward to your contribution!
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
On 9 February 2014 Swiss voters narrowly accepted a proposal to curb
immigration, including of EU nationals: What sort of impact will the
outcome of this vote have on your business?
-- No impact
-- Low impact
-- High impact
London City Airport chooses BSCC Geneva Chapter
London City Airport is
the UK's leading business airport and has chosen the Geneva Chapter as
part of its marketing efforts in Switzerland. Recently, it became one of
that special group of Chapter Sponsors which support the BSCC in
Romandie. Serving over 40 destinations across the UK, Europe and USA,
it is the only airport actually in London, being just three miles from
Canary Wharf and six from the City. Located on the doorstep of London’s
financial district, it is considered vital to business and receives
considerable support from the business community, especially in the
Geneva Region, which recognises the convenient location.
EVENTS
Flavour of Scotland Dinner in Berne
The
BSCC Berne’s culinary and musical tour of the British Isles returns to
Scotland this year. Here are three good reasons to attend this special
event: 1. Politics: This is the year of the Scottish
Independence Referendum: on Thursday 18 September 2014, eligible voters
will decide whether Scotland should end its 307-year-old union with
England and leave the United Kingdom. 2. Sports: In
2014, Scotland plays host to two prestigious international sporting
events - the Ryder Cup golf tournament and the Commonwealth Games. 3. History:
2014 is the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), at
which Robert the Bruce, King of the Scots, and his troops defeated the
English army in the wars of independence.
More information & registration
Upcoming events in Zurich: UK Budget Breakfast and a Business Lunch with the Biographer of Margaret Thatcher
The Zurich Chapter invites you to two intersting events:
At a Great British Breakfast on 21 March 2014, Johannes Jooste of Julius Baer International and Mark Summers of Speechly Bircham will look at the practical implications of the UK Budget, which will be announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon George Osborne MP on 19 March 2014. On 26 March, Charles Moore, official Biographer of Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven will be our guest of honour at a special Business Lunch. He will speak on “The Making of Margaret - the biographer's view of Mrs Thatcher”. We look forward to welcoming you to one of these events! Please register here: UK Budget Breakfast / Lunch with Charles Moore
"Identity theft, the next banking scandal! How fraudsters steal and resell your data"
Colin
Holder, Co-founder of C6 Intelligence and former New Scotland Yard and
Serious Fraud Office Detective, will describe the way fraudsters steal
your identity and describe how financial services institutions respond
to this crime. Colin is considered to be one of the world’s leading
experts on identity theft fraud and is a published author on the
subject. During his service with Scotland Yard, he conducted
multi-million pound fraud and money laundering investigations in over 25
countries, and was the recipient of numerous Police commendations for
his work. Join us for this topical lunch on Tuesday, 3rd April 2014
hosted by Thomas Eggar LLP.
More information & registration
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MEMBER FOCUS
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Professional Tax Services
YOUTRUST SA is as small but well established service provider that offers consultancy in taxation matters and estate planning to individuals, families and entrepreneurs residing in Switzerland and abroad. The services include:
 advice in Swiss and international tax matters
preparation of Swiss tax returns and representation of taxpayers’ interest vis-à-vis fiscal authorities
support in claiming benefits based on Switzerland’s international tax treaties
consultancy in estate and succession planning
support in applying for a Swiss residence permit and related matters
Youtrust aims at all times to keep the client’s non-fiscal goals in view while delivering a comprehensive service.
More information
STEP Private Client Awards – open for entry until 30 May 2014
The STEP Private Client Awards is your opportunity to demonstrate excellence to your peer group and clients. Now in their ninth year, these prestigious Awards highlight excellence among private client solicitors, lawyers, accountants, barristers, bankers, trust managers and financial advisors. Open for both STEP Members and non-members to enter worldwide, there are 18 categories to enter ranging from Accountancy Team of the Year to Trust Company of the Year. Winners will be announced at an unmissable black-tie dinner on 17 September 2014 at the London Hilton on Park Lane, UK. Enter today to be recognised as a leading light in your field! For categories, criteria and details of how to enter visit the STEP Private Client Awards website.
Invitation to experience the International New York Times finest journalism
As a prestige member of British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, the International New York Times invite you to experience this special unlimited digital subscription offer for only 99¢ for your first 12 weeks.The International New York Times provides vital global news, perspectives and cultural coverage from journalists in all corners of the globe, with international sensibility. For 99¢ for your first 12 weeks, you an experience yourself all the innovative videos and multimedia contents on NYTimes.com and best in class mobile apps.
More information
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NEW MEMBERS IN FEBRUARY
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Faithful Gould Ltd ZN, Basel
Faithful Gould Ltd is active in many fields, including cost and risk management, project and construction management, client representation and support, energy coaching and greenbuilding consultancy.
Katy Poutney, Basel
Katy Poutney has joined the Basel Chapter as an individual member.
Crans-Montana Tourism, Geneva
Crans-Montana Tourism promotes the popular tourist destination Crans-Montana in the canton Wallis.
Gaynor Dunraven, Geneva
Gaynor Dunraven has joined the Geneva Chapter as an individual member.
Catherine Janssens, UK
Catherine Janssen has joined the UK Chapter as an individual member.
Federation of Swiss Societies in the United Kingdom, UK
The Federation of Swiss Societies in the United Kingdom (FOSSUK) operates as the central point of contact for all Swiss Groups in the UK as well as the expatriate community in the UK.
Malik PIMS, PIMS Associates Ltd, UK
Malik is a leading company for holistic general management, leadership and governance solutions. Their PIMS (Profit Impact of Market Strategy) tools are a key component of the Malik Strategy Intelligence Program.
International New York Times, Zurich
The International New York Times publishes world news, information, entertainment and opinion in over 160 countries.
Andrew Grant, Zurich
Andrew Grant has joined the Zurich Chapter as an individual member.
Nathan Tarr, Zurich
Nathan Tarr has joined the Zurich Chapter as an individual member.
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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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BSCC "STAMMTISCH"
Thurs 20.03.2014 - Basel: "Stammtisch" - Informal Networking at Campari Bar
→ More information
Mon 07.04.2014 - Zug: "Stammtisch" - Informal Networking at the City Garden Hotel
Tues 08.04.2014 - Zurich: "Stammtisch" - Informal Networking at the James Joyce Pub
→ More information
MEMBER NEWS
The McKay Interview with André Borschberg, co-founder and pilot of Solar Impulse
Listen to the Interview
Koller's Spring series of auctions
Read More
Art de Vivre launches Designer Villa Rental Collection
Read More
Swiss Business Hub UK - Senior Investment Officer (Maternity Cover)
Book Launch "George Clooney & Single: Why?"
Read More
STEP Certificate in Foundations now open for enrolment
Read More
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MEMBER &
PARTNER EVENTS
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Fri 14.03.2014 / Thurs 20.03.2014 / Fri 11.04.2014 - Zurich: Emotional Intelligence Information Talk
Read More
Fri 14.03.2014 & Sat 15.03.2014 - London: London Economics Symposium 2014
Read More
Mon 17.03.2014 - Geneva: International MBA Fair QS World MBA Tour
Read More
Wed 19.03.2014 - Zurich: AIESEC Company Event
Read More
Wed 19.03.2014 / 16.04.2014 - Zug: English Stand-Up Comedy
Read More
Thurs 20.03.2014 - Invitation to a Swiss Armed Forces event
Read More
Thurs 20.03.2014 - Geneva: Geneva English School - Open House
Read More
Thurs 27.03.2014 - Zurich: Limits and potential of neuroscience
Read More
Thurs 27.03.2014, Zurich - Brandsoul Impulse Workshop "How to leverage your company anniversary as a marketing tool"
Read More
Mon 31.03.2014-Wed 02.04.2014 - London: City Week 2014
Read More
Wed 02.04.2014 - Geneva: IFMA Outlook 2014 - Economy & Markets in the Year of Tapering
Read More
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MEMBER OFFERS
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British Airways: Traveling on business? Make every trip count.
Earn 1000 bonus On Business Points when you enrol before 31 March 2014.
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
Pension fund pro
Free pension fund review
Cision's PR Software
20% discount on all modules of the PR-Software CisionPoint
Andaleeb Lilley Photography: Photography tuition
Private tuition: CHF 160 (2 hours)
Group tuition: CHF 480 (3 hours)
View all Member Offers
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