between tradition and networking for business

Italy
UK
PARTNERSHIP
ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY FOR THE UK
BETWEEN
TRADITION
AND
NETWORKING
FOR BUSINESS
A look at regional
associations from the
North East of Italy
operating in the United
Kingdom
SPRING 2016
THE FOOD
WE EAT
An analysis of the
recent consumer
patterns in the
UK food industry
ROSSODISERA
REVIEW
Uncovering the
culinary delights
of Le Marche
in the Covent
Garden based
restaurant
Dear Members
I
am pleased to be welcoming
you back to what promises to
be a busy and exciting year for
the Chamber.
We are seeing more and more
Italian start-ups reaching out into
the UK market and in view of
this we are developing services
to assist these green-shoot
companies. One initiative is the
creation of a dedicated page on
our website for start-ups involved
in the innovation sector, and I am
pleased to say that after much
work this will be launched in this
period. To find out more please
read our article further on in the
magazine.
Ecobuild will dominate the
Spring calendar for our trade fairs
department, where we will create
an Italian area bringing companies
who have an interest in energy
and construction to test the
buoyant UK market.
The 2016 edition of Wineteca
– our annual wine tasting event
dedicated to the promotion of
Italian wines in the UK - is set to
be unmissable. This year’s event
will be celebrating the 30th
anniversary of Gambero Rosso,
the leading company in the Italian
fine food & beverage industry and
one of the main go-to points for
enthusiasts all over the world. See
the events page for details.
I hope that you will enjoy all
that the Spring season with the
Chamber has to offer and I look
forward to seeing you soon.
14Scottish Year
18Ask the Chamber
Helen Girgenti
Secretary General
Contents
8Between tradition
and networking for
business
The role of Italian regional
associations in the UK
10The food we eat
UK consumer expenditure,
trends and concerns about
food in the post-crisis
recovery
12The argument for
less energy-intensive
buildings
Alternative methods to
burning fossil fuels for
energy in the home
13International Festival
for Business 2016,
Liverpool
Italian delegation at the
festival’s second edition
of Architecture,
Innovation and
Design
An interview with
Marie Christie, Head of
Development, VisitScotland
Events Directorate
15The connection
between Scottish
cashmere and Italian
managers
Focussing on 3 knitwear
brands with both Scottish
and Italian heritage
16Discovering Le
Marche
A review of Covent Garden
restaurant, Rossodisera
We answer some of your
most frequently asked
questions
19Italian Innovation in
the UK
An update on Italian start-ups
in the UK tech sector and the
new page to be launched on
the Chamber’s website
20Bridging the gender
gap in the hospitality
industry?
Changes in gender
distribution within the UK
tourism sector
21Exploring an ancient,
golden natural
resource
The legacy and benefits of
honey
Chamber
The President’s Perception
P
romoting international economic
cooperation is a theme of
increasing importance for countries
whose economic growth and
job production is being strongly
affected by competition from
countries that have grown out of
less developed conditions.
Italy, after years of success, is
growing slowly, as are its endeavours
in fostering international cooperation,
the percentage of which is lower with
respect to other industrialised countries.
At a time when public resources remain
scarce in the hope of eliminating
duplications and wastage, state
resources attributable to tax income
have been concentrated mainly on
public entities that deal with national
promotion abroad (ICE and diplomatic
bodies) which focus for the most part
on the big manufacturing companies.
Although less evident, there is
another aspect of Italy’s economic
relations with other countries that
operates on a regional level, activating
personal contacts across specific
territories. It is here that the Italian
Chambers of Commerce Abroad have
an important function, as they are linked
to a body of members composed of
large companies as well as smaller ones,
allowing for a widespread geographical
presence. It is for this reason that the
Italian Chamber for the UK is persistent
in its efforts to maintain a presence
in Scotland (branches in Edinburgh
and Glasgow) and in the North West
of England (branches in Manchester,
Birmingham and Liverpool). At the same
time, it is equally important for the
Chamber to establish and cultivate a
direct connection with Italian territories.
Indeed, already in 2016 a successful
mission to Trentino Alto Adige was
organised (with visits to Bolzano, Trento
and Rovereto), with similar initiatives
currently in preparation (a summit in
Florence in collaboration with the British
Chamber for Italy in March, as well as in
Milan in June and Turin in September).
The aim of these events is the quest for
excellence and effectiveness combining
tradition and innovation through
international cooperation, producing
solid examples of success that serve
as aid to new initiatives promoted by
small businesses. It is important for the
Chamber to continue to coordinate
the promotional effort with the public
entities.
The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK
The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK
is an independent, non-profit making network organisation,
and has been dedicated to its members since 1886. Today, the
Chamber has around 400 members. Representing not only
Italian companies, but also British and European, interested in
strengthening their ties with Italy or expanding to a new market.
The Italian Chamber hosts many events for its members and the
Italian community here in the UK.
Helen Girgenti
Verena Caris
Luisa Rizza
Antonio Saponaro
Eleonora Vanello
Lucrezia Chiapparino Laura Carrer
Caterina Cotugno
Amy Lees
Ylenia Marasco
Secretary General
Deputy Secretary General
For more information about the Chamber and membership,
please see: www.italchamind.eu or contact the Secretariat
by phone on 0044 (0) 207 495 8191, or by email to:
[email protected]. Join our online networks today on
Facebook, and follow us on: Twitter.com/italianchamUK.
Cover photo courtesy of Robert Bauer (Own work, also on
www.robert-bauer.eu) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
Project Coordinator,
Trade Fairs
Scottish Branch Manager
Project Coordinator
Trade Fairs
Manchester Branch
Manager
Federico Dellafiore
Project Coordinator
Trade Fairs
Members Relations &
Events Officer
Design by WordLink
www.wordlink.co.uk
JOIN THE ICCIUK
To request a membership application form
and company brochure please visit
www.italchamind.eu
Innovation, Investment &
Communications Manager
Project Coordinator,
Commercial Department
Junior Project Manager,
Master in Hospitality and
Hotel Management
3
PARTNERSHIP
New Patron Membership
Introducing The New Patron Membership
W
e are pleased to announce that we have
introduced a new level of membership.
Patron membership is now the highest and most
exclusive level offered by our Chamber. It is
the ideal choice for blue chip, well-established
companies or for those medium sized companies
who want to considerably strengthen their
presence in the UK market.
Patron membership provides the widest range of
benefits and services from our Chamber and it is the
best way to maximize your company’s visibility.
The main benefits include:
• P atron members can benefit from extensive brand
exposure through our media, networking events
and conferences.
• P atron membership gives access to Benefactor &
Patron-only events – ideal for forging high-level
business relationships.
• P atron members have the opportunity to stay
connected to a network of influential and dynamic
international companies of all sizes and sectors.
• P ossibility of joining the Chamber’s Board and
actively being engaged in the decision-making
process.
• Possibility of enjoying the highest discounts on all
our services and sponsorship opportunities.
• Patron members benefit from priority access to all
our networking events and can nominate up to 10
company representatives.
To apply for Patron Membership, please contact Laura
Carrer, Members Relations & Events Officer at:
[email protected] or call +44 (0) 20 7495
8191.
Our Patrons
FIAT CHRYSLER
AUTOMOBILES
CNH
INDUSTRIAL
GRANGE
HOTELS
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA), the
seventh-largest automaker in the world,
designs, engineers, manufactures and sells
passenger cars, light commercial vehicles,
components and production systems
worldwide. The Group’s automotive brands
are: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge,
Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Ram, SRT,
Ferrari and Maserati, in addition to Mopar,
the parts and service brand. The Group’s
businesses also include Comau (production
systems), Magneti Marelli (components) and
Teksid (iron and castings). FCA is listed on
the New York Stock Exchange (“FCAU”) and
the Mercato Telematico Azionario in Milan
(“FCA”).
More information can be found on the
corporate website: www.fcagroup.com
CNH Industrial N.V. – formerly Fiat Industrial
– (NYSE: CNHI /MI: CNHI) is a global leader
in the capital goods sector with established
industrial experience, a wide range of
products and a worldwide presence. Each
of the individual brands belonging to the
Company is a major international force
in its specific industrial sector: Case IH,
New Holland Agriculture and Steyr for
tractors and agricultural machinery; Case
and New Holland Construction for earth
moving equipment; Iveco for commercial
vehicles; Iveco Bus and Heuliez Bus for buses
and coaches; Iveco Astra for quarry and
construction vehicles; Magirus for firefighting
vehicles; Iveco Defence Vehicles for defence
and civil protection; and FPT Industrial for
engines and transmissions.
More information can be found at:
www.cnhindustrial.com
As London’s leading independent hotels,
Grange Hotels prides itself on providing
exquisite accommodation, hospitality and
events services, with luxury 4 and 5-Star
properties ideally located across the heart of
the capital.
Offering 2,000+ beautifully styled guest
bedrooms and suites, an array of bars and
restaurants, state-of-the-art health clubs
and spas, and capacity for more than 6,000
delegates across 100+ dedicated meeting
and events spaces, Grange Hotels manages
to effortlessly combine traditional comfort
with modern facilities and their own hallmark
attention to detail.
More Information can be found at:
www.grangehotels.com
4 PARTNERSHIP
Season events
MARCH 2016
3 Tre Bicchieri Tour 2016
In collaboration with Gambero Rosso®, the ICCIUK is
organising an exclusive wine tasting event, in order to
celebrate the 30th birthday of the leading company in the
Italian fine food & beverage industry.
Gambero Rosso® will for the first time be bringing their Tre
Bicchieri Tour to London. This is a trip showcasing 60 of
the most distinguished cellars in Italian wine production.
During the day UK-based trade and press will be able to
meet the finest Italian producers, as well as enjoying two
exclusive master classes. In the evening the event will also
open its doors to ICCIUK members and a group of selected
wine lovers, so that attendees can celebrate Gambero Rosso’s
30 years in style!
For more information and updates, please
contact: [email protected] or visit:
www.winetecalondon.co.uk
Time: 12.30pm – 7.30pm
Venue: Church House Conference Centre, Dean’s Yard,
Westminster, London SW1P 3NZ
8-10 Ecobuild 2016
Ecobuild UK is the world’s biggest event for sustainable
construction, renewable energy and energy efficiency. The fair
will take place at ExCel Exhibition Centre in London from 8th –
10th March 2016.
Ecobuild brings together professionals from across
different sectors in order to learn, share, experience and
discover the future of sustainable building and renewable
energy. The event, consistently attended by over 40,000
visitors, is an important showcase for exhibitors as it offers
excellent visibility, the opportunity to present a wide range of
sustainable products and innovative materials to a qualified
audience, as well as an educational programme with dozens
of interactive attractions and free seminars, held by highly
regarded speakers.
Thanks to its reputation and growth over recent years,
Ecobuild has become an ideal meeting ground for local
authorities, architects, business professionals, companies and
contractors coming from all over the world.
For more information on Ecobuild 2016, please contact
the Italian Chamber of Commerce.
Time: Ongoing
Venue: ExCel Exhibition Centre, London
25, 26 and 28 Horsham Piazza Italia X
Horsham Piazza Italia is the South’s largest
free event over Easter. Returning for its
tenth year, the all-encompassing Italian
festival will have its returning favourites
such as 100s of supercars, traditional
Italian markets, live music and themed
entertainment. The event offers a wide range of opportunities for
businesses to promote themselves to an Italian focused
audience. We are pleased to be associated with Horsham
Piazza Italia and have arranged for members of the Italian
Chamber who are interested in participating preferential
exhibiting rates.
For further information please contact:
[email protected] or [email protected]
quoting “Italian Chamber”.
Time: Ongoing
Venue: Horsham
APRIL 2016
The New Payroll and Pensions Rules –
TBC How They Apply to Small Companies
The Italian Chamber of Commerce in
collaboration with AccountsCo is pleased
to invite you to this seminar. Between
now and February 2018 all UK employers,
no matter their size, need to enrol their
staff onto a pension scheme. During
the evening, AccountsCo will briefly
explain how the new system will work and what you should
do to make sure that you are compliant with the rules and
regulations. The seminar is the ideal occasion to have a discussion with
experts in the sector who will provide useful information and
support.
For further information and registration, please contact
Laura Carrer: [email protected] or call +44 (0)20
7495 8191
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
5
PARTNERSHIP
The UK’s first cross-sector event bringing together academia,
healthcare, government, the physical activity sector and
performance experts to focus on an increasingly important and
complex societal challenge: turning the tide on inactivity. Taking
place at Olympia London on 4th and 5th May 2016, Elevate will
explore the ways in which exercise, health and performance
connect. The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the
UK is promoting the participation of Italian Companies at this
unique event.
For more information please contact:
Luisa Rizza ([email protected])
CLEVER CAPITAL
TO SUPPORT
INTERNATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Growing at an international level is a demanding activity. However, it is something
that cannot be avoided. Several skills and competences are required: a good
business plan to grab the interest of investors and sponsors, knowledge of specific
country regulations, not to mention cultural issues representing for the most part
invisible yet dramatic barriers to entry.
Furthermore, Italian SMEs are continuing their struggle to gain the funds to support
their growth projects. The banking system still remains by far the principal source of
capital.
Basilea 3 have imposed strict regulations on banks’ lending procedures and the
situation will become even more complicated in the near future.
It’s easy to understand how companies will need to rethink their funding through
alternative financial instruments.
“Entrepreneurs’ dedication to face global challenges hasn’t changed, but the
tasks to solve these are always more complicated”, states Fabio Fabbri of Orienta
Partners, an advisory firm headquartered in Milan and Forlì.
Orienta Partners decided to support companies in their growth projects, both in
Italy and abroad.
“Currently we are mainly working with Italian companies which are interested in
growing at a global level.”
With a hands-on approach, Orienta Partners designs together with the
entrepreneur a suitable growth strategy and a plan to catch investors’ interest.
Moreover, from the beginning of 2015 Orienta opened its investment division in
order to support companies directly.
“Recently we have been more dedicated to growth projects, and the idea to
create a PE investment fund to invest in the most interesting ones was a direct
consequence of our philosophy to increase the value in these companies,” the
founder explains.
The fund is targeting Italian and EU SMEs normally out of the radar of the classic
PE frame, whose unexpressed value can be unlocked thanks to the expertise and
strategic vision of Orienta’s team.
Article
Tax Incentives 2016
Words by Alessandro Belluzzo –
TEP, Belluzzo&Partners LLP
E
mployees who return to Italy after working abroad
can benefit from special income tax regimes designed
to incentivise the return of talent to the Republic.
Employees who returned to take up full time employment
before the 31 December 2015 can claim an exemption of
70% (for men) or 80% (for women) for FYs 2015 to 2017
under a 2010 law.
Employees returning after that date get an exemption for
30% of taxable income under Italy’s Finance Law for 2015.
This benefit is available from the tax year on arrival and the
four successive tax years.
The terms of each of the benefits are somewhat different.
Under the 2010 regime the tax exemption is open to
citizens of the European Union who:
a) hold a university degree;
b) have been resident continuously for at least 24 months in
Italy at some time in the past;
c) in the two years preceding their return to Italy have resided
outside their country of origin and outside of Italy, in
continuous gainful employment;
d) have transferred their residence and domicile to Italy
within three months after accepting a new job in Italy.
e) The position in Italy must be with an Italian resident
employer and represent a “new” employment (i.e. not an
assignment from the same employer abroad).
The 2016 regime is available to citizens of the European
Union who:
a) have a leadership role or are highly qualified/specialised;
b) have been resident outside Italy for the five tax years
preceding the return and commit to remain in Italy for at
least two years;
c) perform their services for a company resident (or
permanent establishment of a foreign company) in Italy;
d) render their service mainly in Italy.
If you would like more details about the tax incentives,
please get in touch with Belluzzo & Partners.
7
PARTNERSHIP
Article
Between tradition and
networking for business:
the role of North-Eastern
Italian emigrant associations
in the United Kingdom
A
lthough Italy was born as a
united state in 1861, many
Italians have a complicated
relationship with their country and
still consider their regional identity
as very important.
In the twentieth century Italian
immigrants in the United Kingdom
developed small groups of friends in
order to ease the discomfort of living in a
foreign country. Soon, various associations
were born and structured, helping new
immigrants to settle as well.
These associations were important
for Italian emigrants, in order to keep
a cultural connection with their home
country and continue the traditions of their
villages. In addition, they could use their
native language, cook traditional food and
even play sport together.
New technologies and low-cost airlines
have changed the life of Italian emigrants,
but emigrant associations still survive
nowadays. Paradoxically, social media
and websites became a new means to
strengthen the connections between
the old and new immigrants from the
same region. Today Italian emigrant
associations in the UK are not only aimed
at preserving cultural heritage but they
support networking and business among
their members.
The Italian Chamber of Commerce
for the United Kingdom contacted four
associations from the North-East of Italy
and the Associazione Nazionale Alpini,
in order to understand the impact that
associations nowadays have for new
immigrants and the promotion of typical
products.
The Circolo Veneto is an association that
groups all the immigrants from the Veneto
region in Great Britain. They celebrate
some Italian festivities during the year
and also organise trips within the United
Kingdom. The initial purpose of these
trips was to help immigrants discover
areas of Great Britain and its culture, since
8 PARTNERSHIP
many of them never ventured outside
London.
The President Alessandra Tondelli
considers herself part of a “middle”
generation: “While the old generation
focused on meetings in order to socialise
and keep cultural traditions, the younger
generation has totally different ways of
communicating and second and third
generations, although they consider
themselves part Italian, are integrated in
British society.”
“What people have forgotten,” Mrs
Tondelli told us, “is the fundamental
economic role that emigrants had.
For example, in Veneto, until the early
‘70’s the main part of the region’s GDP
was from remittances repatriated by
emigrants. Furthermore, delicatessens
and restaurants opened by and for Italian
immigrants introduced Italian foods and
products to the British public. This has
proved so successful that many Italian
foods, especially pasta and pizza, are now
staples of the British diet, to the extent that
British supermarket chains now think
they invented Panettone. Immigrants’
demand for Italian goods had a similar
effect in introducing Italian cars, clothes
and other products to the UK market.”
For more info:
Write to 5 Southen Street, London N1 9AY
The Fogolar
Furlan (Furlan
home) of London
is part of the
Associazione Friuli
nel Mondo, which
promotes Friuli, its
community and its
language around the world. While a
Fogolar Furlan existed in London in the
twentieth century, the present association
was re-born in 2014. Its President Michele
Gomboso told us that the role of the
association has changed over the years
due to the possibility of finding cheap
direct flights to and from Italy. “Nowadays
the distance is no longer a problem, but
we need new ways to group and create
new goals,” underlines the President.
“Today, young immigrants from Friuli
speak English and prefer to interact with
British people of their age.”
In January the Fogolar Furlan promoted
a party to celebrate the beginning of
2016, with typical food and beverages.
The association focuses on cultural events,
but also promotes commerce, trying to
coordinate the wine producers of Friuli
in London. Meetings between young
immigrants are considered fundamental,
not only in order to keep the cultural
identity but also to exchange information
and contacts.
For more info:
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
fogolarfurlanlondra
The Giuliani nel
Mondo UK was
born recently in
April 2015, being
part of an
organisation
spread all over the
world, the Associazione Giuliani nel
Mondo, whose aim is to keep the
traditions of the areas of Trieste, Gorizia,
Venezia Giulia, Istria and Dalmazia.
The President Bruno Cernacca, CEO of
Vini Italiani, stresses the fact that “FriuliVenezia Giulia’s emigrant associations
all over the world must catch up with the
digital era. That’s how they can reach out
to young people in order to guarantee a
legacy.”
On February 10th 2016, the Giuliani of
London honoured the National Memorial
Day of the Exiles and Foibe, or Giorno
del ricordo in Italian, the celebration in
memory of the victims of the Foibe and
the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus. In addition,
during the second half of the year they are
planning a 24-hour exhibition of pictures
representing the various aspects of the
life of the immigrant in London and even
an event about the Beatles.
The meetings between young Italian
professionals were already successful
for some members in creating business
collaborations or even improving them,
for instance between a designer of wine
accessories from Trieste, and the wine
company Vini Italiani. “As the British say,”
told us Mr. Cernacca, “networking is
everything.”
For more info:
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
TriestinsInUk or
www.facebook.com/Giuliani-nel-MondoUK-1391196101208265
The Ente
Friulano
Assistenza
Culturale Sociale
Emigranti of
London (EFASCE,
the Friulan Entity for Social and Cultural
Assistance to Emigrants) is part of an
international organisation based in
Pordenone. The association in 2012
established an online secretariat for Great
Britain in order to connect all the Italian
immigrants from the areas of Pordenone,
Maniago, Sacile, San Vito al Tagliamento
and Spilimbergo. The secretariat of the UK
division has a board of three members,
Mr. Luigi Bernardis, Mr. Enrico Cristante
and Ms. Silvia Casagrande. Mr. Bernardis
told us that the decision to use the web
was made in order to make it easier to
coordinate the events and that the use of
Social Media was fundamental in order to
create a network of immigrants in the UK.
In 2014 the EFASCE of London
promoted successful movie screenings,
with the collaboration of other cultural
organisations and a company promoting
typical food and products from Friuli
Venezia Giulia. The EFASCE also
recommends the company TIJ’s events,
which supports Italian music bringing
Italian groups and artists to London.
“The target for 2016,” Mr Bernardis
told us, “is to increase the collaboration
between EFASCE, Fogolar Furlan and
Giuliani nel Mondo in order to create a
dialogue between the members of all
the organisations. In November 2015
all the emigrant associations from Friuli
Venezia Giulia officially met in Italy and
the President of the Region Debora
Serrachiani pushed for more cohesion
and collaboration among the different
associations.” President Bernardis
concluded, “Only by grouping together
we will be able to strengthen ties among
Italian immigrants.”
For more info:
Website: http://www.efasce.it/index.php/
efasce/segretariati/gran-bretagna/87segretariato-efasce-di-londra
Facebook: Efasce e-segretrariato UK
group
The Associazione
Nazionale Alpini
also has its own
branch in Great
Britain, which was
founded in London
in 1928. It is
composed of
people who belong or had belonged to
the Italian mountain troops (called the
“Alpini”, from the Alps mountain range).
The aims of the association are the
conservation and promotion of the
traditions of the Alpini.
The President Bruno Roncarati
described how the association changed in
the different historical periods: “The Alpini
association in Great Britain was the first
one founded outside Italy, and in 1929 and
1930 the Italian Ambassador Dino Grandi,
later Italian Foreign Minister, was eager to
promote this. We still have some copies
of the original menus of the great
gala dinners held in the ‘30s. During
those years Fascism supported Italian
associations abroad, but when World War
II broke out many Alpini were imprisoned
or sent to Canada and Australia. In
1940 60 to 70 Alpini died when the ship
Arandora Star was sunk by a U-boat, on
which there were more than 800 German,
Italian and Austrian prisoners.” Every year
in November the Alpini honour the Italian
prisoners who died during World War II at
Brookwood cemetery, together with all the
Italian associations in the United Kingdom.
“After the war, the association was
reestablished in 1967, with 300-350
members, some of them veterans of
World War I,” continued Mr. Roncarati.
“There was a great respect in the Italian
community in the UK for Alpini. Many
of them were from humble origins and
managed to develop their businesses
here and they helped in keeping the
Italian traditions. Nowadays there are
only 40 of us, since many of them died or
returned to Italy. In January we organized
the “Veglia Verde”, an evening with
typical food in order to raise funds for
charity. We also participate in the national
Alpini meeting, Adunata, which is going to
be held in Asti in 2016.”
For more info:
Website: http://www.morsanodistrada.it/
alpini_londra/
In conclusion, Italian emigrant
associations are a precious opportunity
for commerce between Italy and the
United Kingdom. First, they promote
typical Italian regional products in Great
Britain and encourage tourism. The
specific characteristics of every Italian
region create a fascinating mosaic, made
of different cultures and traditions, which
are appealing to English people.
Secondly, meetings create a unique
environment where people can meet face
to face and create business networks.
Events are a precious source of information
not only for new immigrants eager to
discover London but also for businessmen
interested in being up-to-date.
This does not mean that emigrant
associations do not have some critical
issues. On the one hand, in many cases
there is a deep separation between the
first generation of emigrants and the last
one. More effort has to be made in order
to bridge the gap between these two
worlds, in order to exploit the energy of
the young men and women together with
the experience of the elder ones.
On the other hand, many Italian
associations seem to limit themselves to
food & drink events, without a deeper
socio-cultural or business meaning.
Typical product promotions are
always interesting and social outings
are fundamental in order to promote
networking, but they do not create a
group by themselves. Young immigrants
have to produce new targets, new goals in
order to re-invent emigrant associations
and create a strong structure.
Finally, a deeper collaboration between
all the associations would generate a new
positive phase. An improved dialogue
and exchange of information, together
with new technologies, would definitely
support Italian emigrants. This does not
mean that emigrant associations have
to merge, but it is about time we realise
that only through understanding our
differences can we appreciate the beauty
of working together towards a common
goal.
9
PARTNERSHIP
Article
The food we eat
UK consumer expenditure, trends and concerns about food in
the post-crisis recovery
A
s many other ordinary activities, in modern
times eating has evolved into a complex and
sometimes puzzling task. Arrays of objective
and subjective factors influence our choices and
define which products we like, buy and worry
about, often making the trip to the supermarket
a troublesome experience. Special offers, healthy
options, catchy packaging and personal taste
represent in fact only the top of an iceberg that
drifts in an ocean of economic tides called growth,
inflation and credit – all summing up in our
shopping basket.
CONSUMER EXPENDITURE
According to DEFRA, in 2014 total consumer expenditure on
food, drink and catering continued to rise. However, expenditure
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Table 1
Source: Food Statistics Pocketbook 2015, DEFRA
on food and non-alcoholic drinks fell for the first time in ten
years (together with food prices) while spending on alcoholic
drinks and catering increased. The share of consumer spending
on food is expected to continue to decline steadily, reflecting
partially relative price effects as discounters continue to represent
a strong competitive constraint on traditional supermarkets
and gain market share. In contrast, the leisure categories (incl.
recreation and restaurants) are growing at an above average
rate as the economic recovery continues and people have more
money left over after paying for essentials. (see Table 1)
CONSUMER PRODUCT CHOICE
It may not come as a surprise, but price is increasingly
important in driving product choice. According to a recent
survey by IGD ShopperVista, 36% of shoppers named it as the
most important factor and 90% listed it within their top five
influences. Quality was rated as the highest influence by 18%
of respondents, followed by taste or smell (13%) and healthy
option (10%). Ethically produced products were considered
a less important factor, despite sales in “ethical” food and
drink (incl. organic, fair-trade, free range and freedom foods)
increasing by an astonishing 127% since 2007. (See Table 2)
Table 2
Source: IGD ShopperVista2014
Table 3
Source: IGD ShopperVista2014
The main point of concern to people is the amount of
sugar in food, with 51% worried in May 2015 (an increase
from 28% in May 2014). Concerns about the amount of
salt and fat in food follow soon after, all of them reflecting
the increasing obesity rate among the UK population and
the consequent national strategy to tackle it (e.g. 5 A DAY
campaign, food traffic light label, sugar tax debate etc).
As far as the other food issues are concerned, the recent
fall of food prices and the flourishing of the main discounters
have positively affected consumers’ expectations on price,
while food waste represents an increasing concern. According
to DEFRA, 4.2 million tonnes of avoidable food waste was
disposed of in 2012 by UK households, equivalent to 12% in
weight of that brought into the home. 48% was not used in
time, 32% was due to too much being cooked or served and
14% down to personal preference.
Animal welfare, pesticides and GM in foods represent
additional rising apprehensions, reflected also by the notable
trend of “ethical” food sales. (See Table 3)
WHICH OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE ITALIAN
COMPANIES?
Italian food and beverage producers can ride the wave of
several opportunities in the UK market: the notable passion
of British consumers for Italian food is currently fostered by
the numerous TV cooking programmes that rotate around
Italy and the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Nevertheless,
it is important to tackle the market with preparation and
seriousness, planning each step in conjunction with the
partners and never forgetting the consumers’ needs.
When approaching the UK market, Italian producers should
adapt the product to the market needs while maintaining
its uniqueness, i.e. mix tradition and innovation. Flexibility
is also needed when adapting the product to distributors’
requirements, for example designing a more appealing
packaging or accepting private label requests.
Finding the right business partner is also fundamental;
considering the high quality and limited production that
usually accompany Italian food products, Italian producers
should aim for distributors that supply high-income
households as well as consumers of “ethical” and healthy
food. It is also recommendable to start the collaboration with
a small order; the industry has in fact reduced warehouse
stock levels (in order to further reduce costs) and increased
order frequencies. A small order also reduces the risk of
hitches, making it easier for the Italian supplier to deliver an
impeccable service.
Last but not least, Italian food producers should bear
in mind that the collaboration with their UK partner does
not end when the products reach the English shores. It is
important to develop the relationship with the distributor by
defining a series of joint communication activities, such as the
organisation of tastings, the participation in trade fairs as well
as the definition of on- and off-line marketing campaigns.
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PARTNERSHIP
Article
Why we need less energyintensive buildings and how
to achieve this
Future generations will be compelled to deal with two serious
challenges: limited availability of fossil fuels, and climate
change and its consequent environmental calamities.
I
t is well acknowledged that continuing to burn fossil
fuels to simply produce energy is not sustainable.
Fossil fuels are a finite resource. We not only use them to
heat our buildings, to feed our cars and to produce electricity
but also to make many creative materials like plastic, thanks
to the petrochemical industry. It would be wiser therefore to
save them rather than just burning them. Their indiscriminate
use is generating a huge extra-generational imbalance; future
generations will not have the same resources that the current
generations have in order to prosper.
Second, relying so heavily on fossil fuels makes our
economy vulnerable to the looming problems regarding the
security of supplies and affordability.
Third, the burning of fossil fuels produces heat-trapping
gases (CO2, N2O, CH4, SF6 etc ) responsible for the greenhouse
effect, and consequently the ongoing rise in global
atmospheric temperatures. Therefore, it is fair to assume
that climate change is essentially an energy problem. If our
economy were more energy efficient on the one hand and
less reliant on fossil fuels for energy on the other, the climate
change issue would not have arisen.
In the EU, homes, commercial and public buildings are
responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2
emissions. While new buildings generally need less than three
to five litres of oil per square metre per year for heating, older
buildings consume about 25 litres on average. About 35%
of the EU’s buildings are over 50 years old and some of them
require up to 60 litres of oil for heating.
In the UK, direct carbon emissions from space heating
account for 17%, whilst indirect emissions, mainly due to the
electrical demand from lighting, account for an additional
16%.
A shift in approach to building design and construction
is necessary to achieve a major decrease in heating energy
consumption. By improving the energy efficiency of buildings,
Europe aims to increase reductions of greenhouse gas
emissions in the residential and service sectors from 88% to
91% by 2050 compared to 1990.
Many technologies and techniques are already affordable
and easily accessible on the market. Here is a list of the most
prevalent:
Thermal insulation of buildings
Insulation of building masonry is necessary to significantly
reduce heat transfer through the walls, roof and floor.
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The concept of thermal insulation includes the elimination
of all thermal bridges such as those frequently formed by
concrete floors, edge beams and curtain wall frames.
Window technology
Insulated glazing consists of double or triple paned glass
windows separated by a vacuum or gas filled space to reduce
the heat transfer across the transparent surface.
HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning)
systems with heat pumps
A heat pump is a device able to move heat in the opposite
direction to its natural flow by absorbing heat from a
cold space and releasing it into a warmer one. It is the
main component of HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning) systems used for space heating or space cooling.
Heat pumps are becoming very common because they
require less high-grade energy (electricity) in order to operate
than is present in the released heat. This means that most of
the energy for heating comes from the external environment,
and only a fraction comes from electricity. Transferred heat can
be three or four times greater than the heat produced by a
conventional electrical resistance heater.
Ground source heat pump
A ground source heat pump (GSHP) uses the earth as a
heat source (in the winter) or a heat sink (in the summer).
Depending on latitude, the temperature beneath the upper
6 metres (20 ft) of the Earth’s surface maintains a nearly
constant temperature between 10 and 16°C thanks to solar
radiation. Like a cave, the shallow ground temperature is
warmer than the air above during the winter and cooler than
the air in the summer. These moderate temperatures in the
ground boost efficiency and reduce the operational costs of
heating and cooling systems. Geothermal pump systems are
characterized by high coefficients of performance, 3 to 6, on
the coldest of winter nights, compared to 1.75-2.5 for airsource heat pumps on cool days.
The latest cutting-edge technology will be presented and
discussed at Ecobuild UK in March. The Italian Chamber
of Commerce is delighted to work on this important event
again, allowing Italian exhibitors to showcase their innovative
products and processes. For more information on the event,
please contact Antonio Saponaro at:
[email protected]
Article
Italian delegation at
the second edition
of the International
Festival for Business
2016, Liverpool
“Britain is open for business, so for anyone involved in enterprise the International Festival for
Business is the place to be. Make sure you are there to make the most of it”.
The Rt Hon David Cameron, Prime Minister.
L
ocated in the new Exhibition
Centre, Liverpool, the
International Festival for
Business is the world’s biggest
business festival that provides a
global marketplace to exchange
ideas about opportunities for
businesses, innovation and
industries as well as for creating
connections between the world’s
most influential business leaders,
entrepreneurs, free-thinkers and
investors.
The IFB2014 edition saw more than
190 delegations from over 92 countries,
400 events in over 50 days, 3,350
companies secured deals, £300m worth
of deals were struck and 15,000 IFB
Business Club members took part.
According to Ste Lingard and Dr.
Katherine Davies’ IFB 2014 Report*:
• 3,000 companies have secured or
expect domestic sales
• 1,400 companies have secured or
expect export sales totalling an
estimated £100m over three years
• More than 350 companies experts
to sign investment deals worth an
estimated total of £200m over three
years
• An estimated 10,000 new jobs could
be generated over the next three
years
• 10% of participants are now actively
exploring exporting for the first time
• 11% of participants are now looking
to expand into new markets
• 81% of delegates and 77% of
sponsors are keen to take part in
IFB2016 or other similar vision events
based in Liverpool in the future
• 30% of participants will use UKTI
services in future
• 59% of delegates say that their
market profile will benefit
• More than one in three participants
have been helped to improve their
strategy or skills
• Delegates spent more than £15m in
the UK economy, creating 200 jobs
and supporting many more
From Monday 13th June 2016 to
Friday 1st July 2016, the IFB2016 will
offer more than 70 top conferences,
events, workshops and key-note
speeches led by globally-renowned
experts offering inside analysis, context
and connection.
Each week will be dedicated to a
specific theme:
• Monday 13th - Sunday 19th June 2016
= Manufacturing
• Monday 20th - Sunday 26th June 2016
= Energy & Environment
• Sunday 26th June – Friday 1st July
2016 = Creative & Digital
Science & Innovation, Professional
Services, Infrastructure & Logistics,
International Skills sectors will also be
covered during the three weeks of the
Festival.
By registering at the IFB 2016
Business Club, members will
automatically be enrolled in the stateof-the-art digital matching service and
will be paired with a potential customer,
investor or supplier, based on their
unique requirements and their business
strategy. Members will also be given
an exclusive opportunity to meet with
leading industry experts and receive
and access advice that is tailored to
their business needs including legal
and financial aspects of commerce,
patent searches, intellectual property
rights and guidance for all sorts of
issues that help them to understand
how to accelerate their business growth
or optimise operations.
For more information about the
IFB2016 and the schedule of events,
please visit www.ifb2016.com
For the IFB 2016 edition the Italian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
for the UK has confirmed its presence,
organising an Italian delegation with
the aim of facilitating the increase in bilateral trade between the two countries
and supporting them to optimise their
time at the festival.
If you work in the manufacturing,
energy and environment or
creative and digital sectors and
would like to be part of the Italian
delegation at the IFB 2016, please
contact Lucrezia Chiapparino at:
[email protected]
*Ste Lingard and Katherine Davies,
“The International Festival for Business
2014 Interim Evaluation Report”
(Liverpool: Liverpool Vision,
December 2014). Available here:
http://www.liverpoolvision.co.uk/
wp-content/uploads/2014/03/
IFB-2014-Interim-EvaluationReport.pdf
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PARTNERSHIP
Interview
Scotland 2016: The Year of
Architecture, Innovation and Design
An interview with Marie Christie, Head of Development, VisitScotland
Events Directorate
1. What are the aims of Scotland’s
“Year of Innovation, Architecture
and Design”?
The 2016 Year of Innovation,
Architecture and Design, running until
31 December 2016 will celebrate the
richness of Scotland’s beautiful built
heritage, culture and environment,
alongside the contemporary and
cutting edge designs of today.
There will be lots to celebrate - from
textiles and technology, to architecture,
fashion and design. One of the main
aims will be to shine a spotlight on
Scotland’s greatest assets and icons,
as well as some of our unique hidden
gems. The year will also be built around
five main objectives: participation;
collaboration; promotion; celebration
and business engagement.
For me, the theme gives us an
opportunity to welcome visitors who
may be attracted to our heritage,
castles and traditions, but we’re
also aiming to leave them inspired
by the modern and contemporary
through our craftmakers, our modern
accommodation offerings and our old
skylines merging with new skylines.
2. What do you think Scotland
has to offer for Innovation,
Architecture and Design?
Scotland is world-renowned for its
rich built and natural heritage – it has
buildings that make people look up,
streets steeped in history and vibrant
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public spaces. Scotland’s unique
architecture and places promote its
distinctive identity all over the world.
The country’s flair for creativity has
also earned a worldwide reputation
for design which is expressed not
only through our buildings, but on the
worldwide catwalk. Some of the world’s
finest textiles come from Scotland,
capturing the essence of woodland
walks, log fires and contemporary
personality too. Design also plays a
huge part in selling Scotland to the
world from the Tunnock’s teacake to
The Macallan, Harris Tweed to Irn-Bru.
Scotland is also a nation of pioneers,
home to ground-breaking scientists,
philosophers, engineers and architects
for hundreds of years. Without Scotland,
the television, telephone and even the
raincoat may never have become part
of our everyday lives!
So whether you want to discover
the innovation behind Andy Scott’s
magnificent Kelpies, marvel at the
sight of the Forth Bridges or enjoy the
splendour of a bygone era through
Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s iconic
creations – there’s set to be something
for everyone!
3. How are you going to develop
the programme for this year?
Which events are you most looking
forward to?
We announced 28 events in
November 2015, which are being
supported through a dedicated 2016
events fund managed by EventScotland,
part of VisitScotland’s Events
Directorate. We also have a ‘Partner
Programme’ open until the end of the
year, where events which link to the
theme and take place in Scotland can
benefit from the overall promotion of
the year. So there’s lots more activity to
come!
There’s a great variety of events
taking place in celebration of the year
from festivals of light, to festivals of
architecture, luminous origami birds
to Harris Tweed celebrations, digital
gaming to Renaissance fashion – it’s
hard to pick a favourite!
There’s also lots of exciting activity
taking place alongside the events
programme including the opening
of ten new galleries at the National
Museum of Scotland and the ongoing
construction of the Queensferry
Crossing and the V&A Museum of
Design in Dundee.
4. As part of the programme are
there any events taking place
abroad, specifically in Italy?
The programme of events we support
are Scotland based, since VisitScotland
themed years are ultimately about
supporting and driving Scotland’s
tourism and events industries to both
domestic and international markets.
Scotland will be on show as part
of the 2016 Venice Biennale which
I’m sure will spark an interest and
awareness for the 2016 Year of
Innovation, Architecture and Design.
This is a really exciting opportunity for
architects and teams from Scotland to
engage with one of the most prestigious
international showcases for architecture
in the world.
There are also the cultural
connections between Scotland and
Italy which although not event specific,
do reinforce the 2016 links between
the two countries. For example the late
Filippo Alison, the architect, teacher
and renowned Italian designer who
helped to enhance the international
reputation of Charles Rennie
Mackintosh; and Italian-Scots such
as Sir Eduardo Paolozzi and Alberto
Morrocco – they all have their part to
play in the story.
Join the conversation at #IAD2016
For more information visit:
www.visitscotland.com/iad2016 or
contact Eleonora Vanello at:
[email protected]
News from Scotland
Have you ever considered a
link between the Scottish and
Italian cashmere industries?
S
cotland’s fashion industry is renowned throughout
the entire world, being a leader in top quality fabric
production. Its best-known piece of clothing dates
back to the 16th century: the distinctive and traditional
kilt, an icon with a proud history and a bright future
which combines heritage and innovation. The signature
element of Scottish fashion nowadays is cashmere
knitwear. The production of cashmere started in the 18th
century, being immediately commended by consumers
for its warmth and softness. Elegant and sophisticated,
Scottish cashmere gained an international reputation
and has been used in different styles over the years.
One of the countries working the most with this luxury
product is Italy. The northern regions are home to some
historic brands, famous for the use of this material on a
worldwide level. Here we see the cashmere connection
between Italy and Scotland: three of the former most
prosperous Scottish knitwear brands have recently been
taken over by likewise Italian firms.
Ballantyne was founded by Henry Ballantyne in 1921 in
Innerleithen, in the Scottish Borders, often referred to as
Scotland’s premier textile manufacturing region. Made famous
for its diamond pattern, Ballantyne was appreciated by the
British Royal Family, who made this brand a status symbol.
The firm lost its lustre in recent decades, and was acquired
by Luca Cordero di Montezemolo’s Fondo Charme in 2004.
Italian stylist and entrepreneur Fabio Gatto was then chosen as
creative director, and he was positively amazed by the range
of colours and patterns in Ballantyne’s archives. After one
year, he purchased the company and its licences for around
£4.5 million, with the aim of putting Ballantyne back on top.
In 2016, the company will have a presence of 400 stores
in Italy, seeking to reach +70% of revenues (2015 was the
year of break-even point). Ballantyne is going to be geared
towards innovation: cashmere padding, light and warm, is
being tested. In the meantime, Mr. Gatto is enhancing the
superiority of real cashmere, conquering new customers and
keeping loyal ones. Ballantyne has now acquired some Italian
style with its headquarters located in Italy, but the production
remains Scottish in terms of the raw material and the culture
in this work.
Drumohr has an ancient story dating back to 1770.
Founded in Dumfries, it was an icon of the fashion industry in
the ‘60s and ‘70s, with prestigious customers – Gianni Agnelli
is said to have given the brand prestige, wearing the label to
public occasions. The brand became a top knitwear range
with a long and illustrious background. Drumohr was restored
in 2006, when an Italian firm specialising in knitwear and
socks, Ciocca, took over the firm. Without losing the symbol
of the brand, the recognizable Razor Blade, the new creative
director focused
on repositioning
the brand in the
high-end market.
The first step of
Ciocca’s strategy
has been to open
a showroom in
Milan; this store
is expected to
make Drumohr’s
debut happen.
The brand is
highly appreciated
overseas, in
particular by the
UK and Asian
countries; Japan
has a turnover
percentage of 32%
of the total. Demonstrating this is a new Drumohr showroom
opened in Tokyo, and a 5-6 store network in Asia is planned
for the years to come. The brand is thus destined to become
international and conquer a new segment of evaluators.
Founded in 1815 by Robert Pringle in the Scottish Borders,
Pringle of Scotland is a symbol of the British aristocratic
knitwear. Head of design since 2013 is Massimo Nicosia,
who has been experimenting with a series of cuttingedge 3D printed fabric, with the consultation of a material
scientist. Pringle of Scotland boasts a 200 year heritage, with
remarkable admirers, namely The Queen, Princess Grace of
Monaco and The Duke of Windsor, who made the brand
famous wearing its rhombus pattern. Nicosia’s experiments
continued the established practice of Pringle of Scotland,
which was built on a mix of innovation and tradition,
marrying design with technology to produce fine knitwear.
Its collections feature luxurious knits with 3D printed panels
made from nylon powder, with the aim of compensating for
the lack of form of knitted garments. For its 200th anniversary,
the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh hosted an
exhibition called “Fully Fashioned: The Pringle of Scotland
Story”, which traced the history of the company from a
small hosiery firm to an international fashion brand. Iconic
garments, archival records and film footage explored the
relevance of knitwear to the modern wardrobe.
Scotland is the iconic birthplace of the knitwear industry
and these three labels, each of which has preserved its
Scottish soul, prove that the constant fusion of past and future
elements has definitely contributed to bring its glory back to
the top.
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Food
Discovering Le Marche:
Rossodisera review
T
he restaurant featuring in
this edition takes us on a
journey of discovery, from Covent
Garden to Italy’s little-known
region of Le Marche, located on
the eastern side of central Italy
stretching between the Apennine
Mountains and the Adriatic Sea.
Rossodisera is tucked away in a
cosy corner of London’s theatrical
quarter, perfectly situated for a
pre-show meal. Opened in 2007
with the intention to promote the
land and products of Le Marche,
Rossodisera is able to boast the
title of the only fully Marche
restaurant in all of the UK.
The premises are small and intimate,
and the rustic, warm terracotta colours
of the interior are irresistible on a
chilly January evening. The ground
floor serves as a delicatessen and cafe
in the daytime, with a small bar and
preparation area for pastries. Upon
arrival we are led downstairs to the
main dining room, complete with its
very own wine cellar through a stone
archway at the back. Under the ground,
surrounded by the bare brickwork
and modest decoration, the hustle and
bustle of London is left behind for a
rural, provincial setting. Owner Igor
Iacopini joins us at the table, and tells
us the restaurant is decorated using
the actual stone, beams and wooden
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benches from his father’s country
house. The room is made even more
distinctive and personal by the artwork
for sale displayed on the walls, painted
by Igor’s best friend from home. The
immediate feeling is of authenticity and
comfort, the natural family atmosphere
reflected in the way the staff interact
with one another and the customers.
It’s clear that tonight is all about
Le Marche, a region that is not often
spoken about or considered a part
of Italy’s cultural arsenal. Everything
included on Rossodisera’s menu
is exclusively ‘marchigiano’, made
with ingredients sourced from small
companies based within the region
itself and according to original Marche
recipes. Every member of staff at
Rossodisera is from Le Marche; they are
fiercely proud to be local and strive to
keep this exclusivity. Head chef since
2014, Leonardo Gualtieri, naturally a
‘marchigiano’ himself, learnt the basics
from his grandmother before spending
many years refining his technique
working in various professional
environments. This dedication to
the land and regional history gives
Rossodisera a truly individual character.
The meal begins with a classic
antipasto platter with a selection of no
less than 3 cheeses and 6 cured meats.
These are served with homemade
focaccia, along with honey and jam
– just enough to balance the flavour
of the cheese but not overwhelm it.
My favourite ‘salumi’ are one made
with liver and the ‘lonzino’ in the
Marche dialect, more often known
as ‘capocollo’. We then sample the
‘galantina di pollo’, a sliced cold cut
of chicken, turkey, vegetables, olives
and herbs and the ‘olive all’ascolana e
cremini fritti’ (fried stuffed olives and
custard cubes), handmade by the staff
and served with vegetables in vinegar.
The cremini were Igor’s favourite when
he was young, and come pretty high up
on my list, too; it seems almost criminal
to begin a meal with something so
sweet and delicious! The antipasto is
accompanied by a craft beer ‘Birra
Cereale’, brewed by Igor’s cousin’s own
microbrewery ‘Laboratorio della Birra’.
Igor tells us that Italians approach a
meal with an ‘eating plan’, from the salty
antipasto the primo follows naturally.
Not wanting to upset the natural flow
of things, we select a classic pasta
dish, ‘fettuccine con ragù di coniglio’
(fettuccine with rabbit ragù). My dining
partner’s reaction to this dish tells it
all; he doesn’t come up for air until the
plate is clean. The rabbit is so tender
and delicate, no hint of toughness
that is often associated with game.
The faultless execution of this simple
combination proves that there is no
need to overcomplicate food when
products are of such high quality. For
this course we move from beer on
to wine; Igor advises a wonderfully
balanced Rosso Conero ‘Dorico’ from
Cantina Moroder. Customers will be
impressed by Rossodisera’s extensive
wine list, perhaps even surprised by
the countless offerings of this small
territory.
Igor and his staff have an exceptional
passion for their region, and it is their
sincere aim to make Le Marche known
in the best way possible. In order
to taste the best of Marche cuisine,
sharing two secondi seems inevitable...
The first, ‘agnello al forno con carciofi’
(roast lamb with artichokes) is cooked
to perfection; the meat falls off the bone
and is naturally so full of flavour that it
needs no sauce or relish. Next up is
‘coscia d’oca con schiacciata di patate
e senape’ (goose thigh with mashed
potatoes and mustard). The earthy,
natural flavours of the artichokes and
potatoes combine perfectly with the
tender meat in these typical dishes.
It seems impossible that the culinary
traditions of this region are almost
completely over-looked by many
who claim to know Italian cuisine. A
testimony to the quality of the food at
Rossodisera is the Marchio Ospitalita’
Italiana award - a demonstration for
British customers of the restaurant’s
top-quality status
and a proof of
genuineness.
On top of this,
Rossodisera
has also been
awarded the Slow
Food award from
Britain and the
Le Marche local
authorities.
As the meal
draws to a
close, there is
really no need
for a dessert;
swapping
stories over a
coffee would be enough to finish off
an evening of exquisite food and great
company. Despite being sufficiently full
from the previous courses and wine, we
give in and try a selection of pastries:
‘biscotti secchi al sale’ (crunchy
biscuits with salt), ‘crostata con pere
e noci’ (pear and hazelnut tart) and
‘ciambellone’, a marbled sponge ring,
all handmade ‘in casa’. These small
samples alone are enough to solidify
my resolve to return at a later date, and
after knocking back an Amaro Sibilla
we bid the wonderful staff ‘buonanotte’.
The flawless service and warm,
inviting air of Rossodisera make it
clear to see why regular customers
are happy to keep coming back, and
the reasons for the positive feedback
from international clients, not just
British and Italian. Restaurant director
Igor generously gives up his evening
to accommodate us, taking part in the
meal, talking us through each dish.
With plans to open a second restaurant
in London, Igor intends to develop the
distribution of Marche products, an
activity which he began 3 years ago. It
is important that people know Italy is
much more than pizza, pasta and the
common tourist destinations. At the
moment Le Marche is a region basically
untouched by tourism, but hopefully,
with the work of people like Igor, it will
become more widely known for its
wealth of outstanding offerings. The staff
at Rossodisera are the most dedicated
of ambassadors for their region, who
do everything they can to make the
experience genuine. Here there is a
real sense of home, and pride for one’s
native land and origins, communicated
through the excellence of the food and
the snug, satisfying atmosphere.
Rossodisera, 5 Monmouth Street,
Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DA
www.rossodisera.co.uk
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PARTNERSHIP
Ask the Chamber
1
We are an international law firm based
in London, with branches throughout
Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We
would like to know what kind of members
the Chamber has. Are they predominantly
Italian?
The Chamber has approximately 500 members.
They are not just Italian companies, but
also British and European, all interested in
strengthening their ties with Italy or branching
out into a new market. The companies operate
over a very wide range of sectors and our
members’ network spans from small and
medium sized business to well-established bluechip companies. If you are working closely with
Italian clients or companies based in Italy or
the UK, the Chamber could certainly help you
strengthen your business relations and promote
your services.
2
I am looking for specific information
on a company, in particular its account
history. Are you able to help?
The Chamber has access to Companies House,
the main register for companies in the UK, and
Registro Imprese, its Italian equivalent. This
means that we are able to supply information
such as financial reports, credit history, as well
as incorporation dates, lists of shareholders and
the directorial structure of both British and Italian
companies. You just need to tell us the full name
of the company in question, its main address
and, if possible, its UK registration number or
Italian codice fiscale. We will then draw up a
report and send it to you directly.
For this service, please contact Amy Lees
at: [email protected]
3
What about UK buyers looking for
Italian suppliers, do you offer anything
for them?
Throughout the year, we team up with the
Chambers of Commerce across Italy and
arrange delegations of UK buyers to attend
trade fairs, B2B meetings and trips to Italy
for their specific industries. These trips are all
expenses paid, and we even book your flights
too! As well as this, we organise trade-only
events and workshops in the UK, such as our
professional wine tasting, Wineteca, as well as
18 PARTNERSHIP
provide lists of commercial contacts.
If you are interested in this service,
please contact Amy Lees at:
[email protected]
4
We are a HR Company based in
London, specialising in Health & Safety
services. We would like to organise a
seminar to explain our services, followed
by a Q&A session. Could the Chamber
offer us any support in this?
Yes we could. We often organise seminars as our
members are always interested in discussing and
sharing their problems with experts in various
sectors and industries. The Chamber offers its
support by promoting the event and sending out
all the invitations. We also monitor the guest list
to assure that the right number of guests have
signed up. On the day of the event, we will assist
you with the registration of the guests and in any
other way you require. After each event, we also
send out a brief survey to those who attended to
get some feedback which we then share with you.
If you would like to discuss this further,
please contact Laura Carrer at:
[email protected]
5
I am the Communication Manager of a
financial consultancy based in London.
As we regularly work with Italian clients,
is it possible to promote my business
through the Chamber?
Yes, it is. All members can publish news, special
offers and job offers, all for free on our website.
In the News section you can publish anything
to do with your business: from an introduction
of your company, to descriptions of available
services – basically anything you think is of
interest to our readers. The Special Offers section
is dedicated to any sort of offer or discount
that a member wishes to promote during a
certain period of time. All these publications are
also automatically published on our monthly
e-newsletter which reaches 5000 contacts! All
our members are welcome to utilise this channel
as much as they want. We know how important
good visibility is.
If you would like more information about
this, please contact Laura Carrer at:
[email protected]
Article
Italian start-ups in the
UK ecosystem and the
Innovation page
I
n recent years, London’s tech sector has
been flourishing, making it Europe’s
fastest growing start-up scene and the
ideal location for young entrepreneurs
to set up their businesses. Recent figures
suggest that in the first nine months
of 2015, UK tech firms raised over £1.6
billion in investments, a figure that
is steadily on the rise. After Silicon
Valley and China, the British capital boasts the largest
number of billion dollar companies, plus 36 technology
accelerators and up to 70 co-working spaces. These
figures are expected to continue to rise over the next
ten years, with the number of digital technology
companies increasing to 45,000. More and more people
will be employed in the digital sector (an estimated
growth of 5.4% by 2020) as young tech start-ups
constantly make their way to London, including many
Italian ones.
The most prominent example of Italian start-up successfully
expanding in the UK (in addition to over 100 different
countries worldwide), is the online fashion retailer Yoox,
which went on to acquire the British fashion sale website
Net-a-Porter in March 2015. After this game-changing merger
Yoox received the Digital Economy Award at this year’s UKItaly Business Awards, an event that the British Government
dedicates to Italian companies that expand their business to
the UK. However, more and more innovative Italian ideas are
being given recognition.
Another winner at the UK-Italy Business Awards in 2014
was Qurami, the time-saving app that gets a virtual ticket
on your smartphone and queues on your behalf. Earlier this
year, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited the Qurami headquarters in
Rome and praised the start-up for the innovative ideas it had
developed.
The tailor-made financial advice start-up MoneyFarm raised
16 million euros in a funding round from British venture
capital firm Cabot Square Capital and United Ventures. The
company was awarded at the Chamber’s Keynes Sraffa Special Start-up Edition award ceremony in December 2015
for its outstanding achievements. In the same month, it also
received the Best Fintech Start-up award at StartUpItalia’s
Open Summit, in Milan.
The Chamber also rewarded DoveConviene, the digital
platform whose services are used by 13 million users around
the world to access geolocalised information for each
shopping category. Its founders went on to meet Apple’s CEO
Tim Cook on his visit to Italy in mid-January after announcing
the founding of its first European iOS development centre in
Naples.
The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the
UK has given continuous support to innovative Italian startups looking to expand in the UK, organising and promoting
networking events, trade fairs, conferences and one-to-one
meetings with investors. In the past few years the Chamber
has repeatedly collaborated with government agencies such
as ICE, UKTI and London&Partners, the accellerators iStarter,
Level 39 and Innovate, and also with the Embassy of Italy
and banks such as Intesa Sanpaolo to carry out successful
initiatives for start-ups. The Chamber is maintaining and
strengthening its effort to help start-ups founded by Italians,
creating a new section on its website dedicated entirely to the
innovation sector.
The innovation page is now online and it promotes hightech Italian start-ups, helping their development and growth
in the UK market. The page provides its visitors with a full
directory of these companies with their contacts and details.
More start-ups can apply by filling in an online form, in
which, amongst other fields, they are required to outline
a brief company description, their significant milestones,
their fundraising targets and they are also given the option
of adding their press kits and business plans. There is also a
section dedicated to accelerators and incubators who wish to
sponsor the page, in which they can promote themselves with
their logos and provdie links to their own websites, with rates
available upon request.
The new section also offers an updated agenda of the main
events and initiatives dedicated to the innovation sector taking
place in the UK, with links to their websites, where more
information and tickets can be bought.
The page also includes a section dedicated to interesting
news found online regarding the high-tech world and updates
about the start-ups taking part in this initiative.
The aim of the innovation page is to provide start-ups with
a free, functional instrument that helps them acquire more
visibility among the Chamber’s network, made up of potential
partners, corporate executives and international investors.
The start-ups involved are given priority in future initiatives
and events organised or promoted by the Chamber, are kept
up-to-date with all the events going on in the UK, and receive
help and advice from the Chamber’s own innovation desk.
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PARTNERSHIP
Article
Bridging the gender gap in
the hospitality industry?
T
he hospitality industry is the
sector with a high growth
rate per annum (3.3%; 2000 - 2010
nominal). In some third world
countries, it represents the primary
driver in local economies and
offers work opportunities to local
populations. The UK hospitality
industry contributed almost 4%
of the UK’s total GDP in 2014.
Moreover, the hospitality industry
is the UK’s fourth biggest industry
in terms of employment. But is
hospitality really in line with the
times?
In a society where gender equality
should be taken for granted, it is
still possible to notice significant
discrepancies between male and female
employees in various sectors. Hospitality
is one of them, and, in this context, the
problem manifests itself in two ways;
1) A high male-female ratio at
managerial level and, as a
consequence,
2) lower salaries for women.
Considering that women make up
70% of the workforce in restaurants,
hotels and visitor attractions, it would
seem contradictory that only 20%
of them are employed in a leading
capacity and only 8% are part of their
establishment’s Board. Why does
this happen? The issue has historical
and socio-cultural roots, and gender
stereotypes are hard to subvert. What
can be done, then? Luckily, some
steps have been taken to support
the presence of women at a higher
hierarchical level. Some organisations,
such as Women 1st, have been created
in the UK in past few years. Through
training courses, awareness campaigns
and proposed changes in legislation,
these institutions are changing the
way in which the hospitality industry is
structured. The results are extremely
positive, and it is not just a question
of fundamental societal changes.
Research has shown that companies
adopting a diversity policy would
benefit from a higher EBITDA margin
and return on sales, compared to
their male-dominated counterparts.
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Boardrooms have been dominated
by male executives for a long time.
While including women on boards
was often seen as a bad business
decision because of hypothesized
lower performance, today the business
case for women on boards implies that
women may have unique attributes that
increase the performance of the board,
and ultimately the performance of the
firm (Simpson et al., 2010). Since the
1980s the opportunities for women to
be formally hired in leadership roles
in the hospitality industry, have arisen
exponentially. The trend of women
working in management roles has
changed and they are becoming more
visible.
According to a People 1st research in
2010, 56% of the hospitality workforce
in the UK is female, 45% of workers
are under 30, 14% are from black or
minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds,
54% work full time, 8% are selfemployed and 20% are migrant workers.
Although 56% of the workforce is
female, the number of women working
in senior management positions in the
hospitality industry is very low (People
1st, ‘The case for change: Women
working in the hospitality, leisure, travel
and tourism sector’ Report 2010).
Catalyst (2011) has proven that having
two or more women on the board of
directors results in less risk for the
business and in a dramatic increment in
those Fortune 500 companies that have
adopted the change (+73% return on
sales, +83% return on equity, +112%
return on invested capital). Because of
their inclination to avoid risks and their
experience in a caring capacity, women
make good managers, particularly in
hospitality.
In a 2015 article, Professors Tom
Baum and Catherine Cheung included
recommendations as to how the
problem should be solved. One of the
proposed solutions was that of improving
education with regards to the touristic
sector. According to them, this means
starting specific courses that address the
question, as well as the implementation
of qualifying courses (MBAs, Executive
courses, etc). The Master’s programme
organised by the Italian Chamber of
Commerce for the UK shares the same
objectives. The annual reports for the
Master show that in the first editions, the
number of males was higher. After 2014,
the trend has inverted and the number
of females increased significantly. From
2012 to 2016, the percentage of Master’s
students is as follows: males represent
43.6% while females represent 56.3%.
Our students have the opportunity to
access high-profile classes taught by
renowned professionals, most of whom
have international work experience.
The programme includes a three to
six month internship in London luxury
hotels such as Andaz, Baglioni, Dukes
London, Eccleston Square Hotel,
Millennium Hotel, Melia White House
Hotel, Russell Hotel, Sanctum Soho
Hotel, Sheraton, Sloane Square Hotel,
The Ampersand Hotel, The Ritz, The
Wellesley, Xenia Hotel, etc. As work
experience is really important in this
sector and many people enter into
management positions after working for
a significant period in operational roles,
the Master provides a first month of
tuition and a placement.
In conclusion, it is only fair to
acknowledge that over the years we
have witnessed a development for
gender diversity in business, even if this
problem requires concrete action at all
levels of society and in all institutions, by
individuals and by groups. Are woman
the future of business?
The Master in Hospitality and
Hotel Management is now in its 17th
edition and is perfect for young
talented individuals who want to grow
professionally, and for anyone who
aspires to become a hotel manager
or take on managerial roles at luxury
hotels. The 17th Master in Hospitality
and Hotel Management is starting on 6th
April. The application process is open
and we would love to hear from you.
For more information on the
spring edition, please email Ylenia
Marasco at:
[email protected]
Article
Discovering the benefits of
a golden natural resource:
honey
E
ver heard about the benefits of honey? With bread,
yogurt or with cheese, everyone knows how honey
looks, but have you ever dug deeper to find out more
about it? Honey is a concentrated form of energy and its
story starts many years ago…
History
Honey was considered a proper medicine for centuries; it
can be used in different situations to heal various diseases.
As we all know, honey is made by bees. They first appeared
around 50 million years ago, and according to history, the first
usage of honey by humans is dated around 10 million years
ago. The oldest proof of a proper honey farmer with bees
is dated 2,400 years before Christ. In Ancient Egypt, honey
was considered a luxury food, something royal and divine. A
more common use is dated a bit later, as many archaeological
remains of honey jars were founded in ancient graves.
All over the Mediterranean area honey was appreciated,
gaining more and more interest over the years.
The Greeks used honey in many ways as it was considered
the food of the gods; it was used a lot for the preparation of
cakes, in religious ceremonies and sacrifices in honour of the
gods. In mythology, Melissa (the etymology of which is linked
to the name “bee” and “honey”), daughter of the king of
Crete, fed Zeus with the honey bee Panacride.
Aristophanes wrote that buns with honey were the prize
for athletes who won races, and Pythagoras suggested his
followers eat honey with bread because then they would be
guaranteed a long and healthy life.
For the Romans honey was the ideal sweetener and
imported it from Crete, Cyprus, Malta and Spain. It was used
for preparing raw and cooked cakes, beers, canning and
mead, an alcoholic drink made from fermented honey diluted
with water, the drink of the gods and heroes of the past. At
the time of Emperor Augustus beekeeping was in its golden
age.
Curiosity and benefits
As well as a great story, there are many curiosities and benefits
behind this golden resource. In order to produce 1kg of honey,
every single bee flies for 150,000 km, the equivalent of 4 trips
around the world. Each day, a whole hive of bees can visit up
to 225,000 flowers.
Honey or sugar? Unlike sugar, honey has a lot of healthy
properties, in particular antibacterial.
A bit of honey every day helps the body generate immediate
energy, and thanks to the fructose, also prevents sore throat,
cold and flu and stomach ache.
Honey is also a kind of food that doesn’t produce any
kind of pollution, this is because bees are very sensitive to
environmental pollution and die before producing honey. This
is also why bees are a natural indicator of pollution levels.
The bar graph below, accordingly to the FAO statistics
research, shows the world’s top honey producers by country
and amount.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and American
Academy of Paediatrics recommend honey as a natural cough
remedy.
A 2007 study by Penn State College of Medicine suggested
that honey reduced night-time coughing and improved sleep
quality in children with upper respiratory infections better than
cough medicine or no treatment.
Crystallization of honey is a natural process that can
be useful in indicating its genuineness. There are some
varieties that crystallize in less time than others. Heating
honey at around 45°C makes it liquid again, but it must be
remembered that many of its properties can be partly lost at
high temperatures.
There are many different kinds of honey, they differ from
each other by colour, taste and crystallization. The varieties of
honey depend on the origin of the nectar, the geographic area
of production and the weather conditions.
Honey expires after a long time but it is important to
use it within two years as it may lose most of its beneficial
properties.
You can’t speak about honey’s curiosity without mentioning
the famous “Honeymoon”. Have you ever asked yourselves
why we use this expression to indicate just-married couples’
journeys? According to the Oxford dictionary, moon stands
for the lunar phases, because Babylonians used to give
newly-weds a particular drink made of honey in a quantity
that would last for 1 month. During the Medieval ages, the
woman’s family used to give the groom a jar of honey as
something sweet but also expensive.
In Ancient Greece honey was considered a real “elixir of
life”; it’s a true fact that it has many, many good properties…
maybe, they were right? It’s worth a try, who knows.
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PARTNERSHIP
Welcome to NEW MEMBERS
JOIN THE ICCIUK
To request a membership application form
and company brochure please visit
www.italchamind.eu
For more information about the Chamber and
Membership, please see: www.italchamind.eu or contact
the Secretariat by telephone (+44) 0207 495 8191 or by
email: [email protected]
DALLA VERITÀ & PARTNERS
Benefactor
Chartered Public Accountant, auditor and published writer, Gianluca is the founding
member of Dalla Verità & Partners, with branches in Bologna and London, and of
Fiodha Ltd in London, specialising in advisory and M&A. He is experienced in financial
instruments and has a longstanding and successful track record in the Far East and in the
African countries. He works in areas such as tax structures, national and international
corporate law.
He actively works with diplomatic corps and entities, and he is a member of various
international bodies in the field of international tax law and Economics, as well as a
member of STEP, the London-based Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Mr. Gianluca M. Dalla Verità
+38 051 269900
www.dallaverita.it
PANGEA STUDIO ASSOCIATO
Corporate
WHAT WE DO: We accompany firms in both local and global development by following
every single step of our clients into the most important countries in the world, with a
multidisciplinary model, highly integrated in all significant areas of the business.
OUR EXPERTISE: • ADVISORY about multiple business areas where we are concretely
expert and competent. • RISK MANAGEMENT on current and future risks, both
operating and financial, BY LOCATING the best countries where doing businesses. •
LEGAL, FISCAL AND CONTRACTS ASSISTANCE for a safe business, as well as profitable.
Ms Cristina Scaramella
+44 (0) 20 329 011 67
www.studio-pangea.com
GESTAL SRL
Corporate
The Relais “Cortona Manor House & SPA” is an 18th Century noble residence between
Tuscany and Umbria, overlooking Lake Trasimeno.
It is composed of 15 graceful suites, each one has a master bedroom, living room with
sofa-bed and kitchenette and full service bathroom.
The renovation has preserved all the original building materials adding many modern
comforts, such as free Wifi everywhere in the structure and a full Wellness Centre with
an indoor heated pool, in addition to the outdoor pool situated in the centuries-old olive
tree park with an astonishing Lake view.
Mr Sergio Viterbi
+39 075 8230 295
www.cortonamanorhouse.com
SOCIETA’ AGRICOLA I CIACCA
Corporate
ELETTRIC 80 LTD
Corporate
Our target is to supply customers with the best solutions for integrated logistics.
Our solutions are based on a powerful and highly flexible system composed of robotic
palletizers, laser guided vehicles (LGV), high density storage (SmartStore) and high
speed robotic stretch-wrappers (Silkworm). The whole process is managed by our Smart
Decision Maker (Software package).
Our farm, I Ciacca, lies in Picinisco in Val di Comino. Our extra virgin olive oil is a pressing
of olive varieties that offers an unmistakable golden green colour, with a light and fruity
yet somehow complex flavour. We also produce millefiori and acacia honey from our
own bee hives and jams and preserves made from the fruit foraged on the farm. Our
first wine will be available in 2016!
Our products can be found in various delicatessens and top quality restaurants across
Scotland and the UK. Our sister company, Sotto le Stelle, Picinisco is a boutique hotel,
‘albergo diffuso’, and part of the Michelin Guide. We have been awarded the Best
rooms in Central Italy prize from Touring Club Italia.
Mr Valentino Gregori
+44 (0)20 832 656 36
www.elettric80.com
Ms. Sofia Di Ciacca
+44 (0) 7905 655152
www.sottolestellepicinisco.com
INTEGER LIMITED
Corporate
BACCO WINE
Corporate
Integer Limited is headquartered in London, UK, and it has a representative office in
Turin, Italy, as well as an extended network of partners internationally.
We distribute and customise, across Europe, software solutions for the Governance Risk
and Compliance (GRC). Our flagship product is IsoMetrix www.isometrix.com, of which
we are an implementing partner. We are able to replace a myriad of point solutions,
paperwork and spreadsheet-based systems, with fully integrated, web-based solutions
that provides comprehensive dashboards for clear visibility over areas of risk and noncompliance.
Mr Pietro Rescia
+44 (0) 755 7375 151
www.integereurope.eu
JDM LTD
Corporate
Food Intelligence and Operation JDM is a private Company focussing on the food
market. JDM has over a dozen years of activity in building sales organizations worldwide to bring the quality Italian food products on the shelves of major retailers and food
services’ portfolios.
Our Managing Partner Mr. Giovanni De Marchi and his staff can bring over 20 years
of experience in developing business in the Food&Beverage business in Europe,
NorthAmerica and Asian markets. Recently JDM has intensively developed their activities
in the UK market, dealing with the major UK Key Accounts in retail and food service. The
‘plus’ of JDM is to select and source Italian upscale products, having recognized point-ofdifferences and assuring a correct RTM.
Mr Giovanni De Marchi
+39 348 7557 144
www.therealhampers.co.uk
MGH SYSTEMS LTD
Corporate
MGH SYSTEMS is a company that looks to the future: research & development,
innovation and state of the art technology are the keys to create successful products
and services with highly innovative content. The Group was established in 2013 and has
a worldwide presence. MGH SYSTEMS is active in four different sectors: data centers,
telecom, security and energy.
Thanks to many years experience and considerable skills, the Group stands out in the
market as an innovative technology system integrator that can supply unique, modern
and highly advanced solutions to its customers. The position of MGH SYSTEMS is that of
a company focused on state-of-the-art solutions in the sectors the company is active in.
Mr Stefano Brivio
+39 349 2353 754
www.mgh-systems.com
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Bacco Wine is a young and vibrant company dedicated to importing the best wines from
privately owned, independent producers from various regions of Italy. All the wines are
sourced from small wineries who share the same attention to quality and respect for the
environment. Together with the most popular and well known wines, Bacco focuses on
indigenous and rare grape varieties and organic wines.
Mr. Valerio Lo Coco
+44 (0) 7588714152
www.bacco-wine.co.uk
MATTEO TURI
Individual
I am a Chartered Accountant and I have been a member of the ACCA (Association of
Certified Chartered Account) since 2003. I am also a Member of the IOD (Institute of
Directors) and the FSB (Federation of Small Business) as I am a strong supporter of the
small businesses in the UK.
With a multinational European background, fluent in English, French & Italian, across
diverse countries and industries and skilled in large-scale change, such as M&A activity,
transformation, restructuring, and IPOs, I drive change management, minimizing risk and
fostering growth based on changing conditions and diverse industry demands.
Mr Matteo Turi
+44 (0) 203 287 1055
www.matteoturi.com
DOMENICO VENTURA
Individual
Born and educated in Milan, I am a passionate and energetic Executive with 20+ years’
expertise and experience in Marketing, Brand and Innovation.
I recently founded DiConcerto - a studio of professional consultants offering Product/
Brand Activation and Adaptation to small-medium size businesses. We simply put your
product in the right place, and tell its story in the right way to the right people. We
operate a no job too small policy: the essentials of analysis, placement, translation and
adaptation are always there. Other modules such as graphics, design, financials and
more can be added through our network of professional contacts.
Mr. Domenico Ventura
+44 (0) 77 111 50 182
www.diconcerto.com
Our Benefactor Members
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PARTNERSHIP
City Car
Fiat 500