See page 12 - Deutsch
Transcription
See page 12 - Deutsch
1 Issue 2 • Summer 2011 The magazine for members of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce "...[Germany's] business appeal depends not only on the hard facts but also on the way our friends and neighbours see us." Philipp Rösler, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology SEE PAGE 4 Special FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 tm See page 12 27-30/10/2011 Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) 2011 Joining the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) 2011 places you among the stars of the industry. In 2010, more than 2,000 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions made the fair the largest in Asia, and the second biggest of its kind in the world. Over 30,000 buyers came from around the world to source from these exhibitors. A world class lighting event Hong Kong is not only a focal point for global trade, it has its own internationally reputed lighting & manufacturing industry. The trend towards energysaving lighting is also providing a boost to the lighting market, with new technologies constantly being developed and exciting new products coming on line. The fair makes every effort to reflect industry trends by outing the focus on key product zones, making the latest products easily accessible to buyers. Your contact point for Hong Kong International Lighting Fair is DEinternational, London in co-operation with Germany Industry and Commerce Greater China, Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Major exhibit categories • • • • • • • • Hall of Aurora Commercial Lighting Household Lighting LED and Green Lighting Outdoor Lighting Lighting Accessories, Parts and Components Lighting Management, Design and Technology Trade Services and Publications Space options 9 sqm Standard Box A 9 sqm Standard Box B raw space (per sqm) US$4,329 US$4,671 US$ 416 Facts and figures from last event • • • • Total number of exhibitors: Number of exhibitors from outside Hong Kong: Total number of visitors: Number of visitors from outside Hong Kong: 2,031 1,551 30,353 21,467 Ian Wivell Tel: 020 7976 4150 Email: [email protected] Website: www.deinternational.co.uk For more information: http://hklightingfarae.hktdc.com initiative The outlook brightens but the challenges grow Despite the overwhelmingly good news from Germany in terms of economic growth, the future still holds enough challenges. Financial market regulation and the sovereign debt/Euro crisis are two fields where much more needs to be done to solve underlying problems. These challenges have now been joined by energy policy as the recent decision of the German government to abandon nuclear power will have profound repercussions. This decision showed that more European co-operation is needed as most of Germany’s partner countries were surprised by this approach. Independent of the political or environmental rationale behind it, it has become clear that energy policy needs to become more European as the already high level of interdependency will increase further. The UK, despite the forecasts of lower growth this year, appears to be on the right track as well. This was also confirmed recently by the International Monetary Fund. Nevertheless, in addition to sorting out the public finances, addressing problems in the education system is hugely important as British youth unemployment has been a persistent problem over the past decades. With changing demographics, it is becoming increasingly important to integrate this potential workforce not only into the economy but into the overall social fabric of society. Germany also needs to address the issue of demographics as it only recently opened up to potential Eastern European workers. This delay can already be felt in the eastern parts of Germany as migration to the west was not compensated by immigration from the accession countries. In the long run, the economic prospects of many Eastern Länder worsened. To reverse this development will be a huge task for Germany in the coming years. Despite all these challenges, the good news is that with our economies growing again, we will eventually be able to generate the capacity to address these issues. We have to hope that the political willingness is there to address them on a pan-European level and not to apply ‘beggar my neighbour’ policies thereby creating limited short-term solutions. Dr Ulrich Hoppe Director General, German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce CONTENTS 4 View from the TOP – Philipp Rösler, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology 5 EU Projects Update 6 Chamber and Members' News 7 Chamber Contacts 8 Events diary and events calendar 11 LEGAL COMMENT – EU VAT Rules on exhibition services 12 SPECIAL – FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011TM 13 Chamber News 14 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS – German businesses seeking representation 15 Statistics & TOOLBOX Cover photo: © Paul Prescott – Fotolia.com contents sustaining members 3 4 VIEW FROM THE TOP “Women’s World Cup: Germany is among the top players – on the pitch and in business” German women’s football is taking off – and this at a time when the economy is buzzing too. The theme of the 6th Women’s World Cup is “The beautiful side of 20eleven” and will be staged in Germany starting on 26 June 2011. Our German footballers want to give it their best this summer and defend their World Cup title again. This major sports event not only gives them a platform to showcase their abilities: it also affords Germany a good opportunity to advertise its attractions as a business location. Germany is the only country so far that has won the World Cup with both its women’s and its men’s football teams. And, we are not only the top players on the pitch: German companies are also world leaders. Our small and medium-sized enterprises are playing a major role here. Many of these “hidden champions” with large market shares set the tone around the globe. A large number of them are global leaders in innovation and new technologies. On top of this, we are just as proud of our highly competitive major corporations and our internationally renowned innovative research institutes, which make Germany so attractive for business and research. Many countries envy this unique structure. Germany’s high density of companies und diversity of industries facilitates the creation of networks and clusters, and this is reflected by its comparatively high number of R&D-intensive industries. German industries have traditionally had core competencies in sophisticated technologies, for example in the automotive, mechanical engineering, chemicals and electrical engineering sectors. At the same time, Germany has caught up well in state-of-theart technologies. Modern supply, transport and telecommunications infrastructures are adding to Germany’s attractiveness for business and industry. Germany now heads many competitiveness rankings. During the 2006 and 2010 World Cups in Germany and in South Africa, German companies proved once more that they are world class players in stadium construction, energy and environmental technologies, and in security technology. In South Africa for Philipp Rösler, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology example, German companies helped to upgrade transport routes and the energy supply. They also provided information and communication technology to transport companies and energy suppliers. This year’s Women’s World Cup will be a home game for our excellent companies and their top products. And we want to show once more just how open-minded, creative, multi-faceted and friendly we are. After all, our country’s business appeal depends not only on the hard facts but also on the way our neighbours and friends see us. We want to seize this opportunity to present Germany as an attractive and welcoming tourist destination. Nothing succeeds like success. We are keeping our fingers crossed for the German women’s team and hope to be able to join in its celebration on 17 July 2011 for the third time in a row. I am confident that Germany will also show again this year that it is a top business location. The beautiful side of 20eleven – this is what we want to show to the world and not only this summer. EU PROJECTS UPDATE CSR – Building a successful strategy Business responsibility is one of the most frequently discussed topics today: Through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), an increasing number of companies want to invest in their business and have a positive social impact. But, how does this work? A new website www.csr-training.eu provides comprehensive learning material about CSR offering around 80 modules and four videos on successful CSR companies. The CSR compendium is available as a free download in four languages (English, German, Hungarian and Portuguese). A feature of www.csr-training.eu is the collection of four best-practice videos covering successful CSR in companies. The educational films give an insight into the practical implementation of business responsibility in various companies, business sectors and countries of the European Union. Furthermore, case studies demonstrate best practice examples of CSR. Many learning modules also include individual practical exercises. The learning material has been developed under the framework of the EU-Leonardo-daVinci-project „InnoTrain CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility in VET (vocational education and training)” by a project consortium under the lead of GILDE – Business Development Detmold. Partner organizations of „InnoTrain CSR“ are the German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the training institution CECOA in Lisbon, the German Association for Employee (financial) Participation (AGP) in Kassel and the German Employee Academy in Dresden. European College of Business and Management plays role in SLEST: International standard for language exams in tourism Over the last decade the travel and tourism industry in Europe has grown and currently provides employment either directly or indirectly to around 20 million people. Despite this, the foreign language skills of those working in the tourism industry within Europe have not developed accordingly. Young people wishing to join the working world immediately after finishing their training courses can find that this severely restricts their career options. SLEST is the resulting examination material of an EU project aiming to provide effective language training courses for the European tourism industry. A group of higher education institutions, including the European College of Business and Management, is introducing a new generation of language examination and teaching resources which will be the standard for all languages included within the framework. The teaching material is based on professional daily life and experience and reflects the necessity for foreign languages in the workplace. The language examinations constitute a complete and standardised offer for the main European languages in the tourism industry. Material is available for English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Turkish and can be downloaded from www.slest-tourism.org. This website also lists details of all the partner organisations involved in the project. For further information please contact Sarah Iles at the European College of Business and Management, email [email protected]. 5 6 CHAMBER & MEMBERS’ NEWS New premises for H Fisher Accounting Member H Fisher Accounting & Bookkeeping Services is now operating from new premises in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. In addition to general bookkeeping services, the business also offers payroll services and specialises in account preparation for German firms in the UK. www.fisheraccounting.co.uk New Interactive Language Learning Pack Member company Identity Creation (ICB) and sister company Vision Films Ltd have produced a interactive educational pack “Die Mauer” to help UK students learn German, whilst at the same time immersing them in a unique part of European history through the experiences of people who lived during the cold war. The Die Mauer learning resource consists of an interactive DVD with engaging games, audio clips and a video of a thought-provoking new play “Noch Nicht”, plus 109 pages of Teachers’ lesson plans and student worksheets. A taster of an interactive lesson from the pack can be seen at www.identitycreation.eu/test/diemauer/diemauer.htm Secure online payment processing Businesses selling goods or services in Germany and in the UK can now take advantage of Barclaycard Smart Pay. This online payment solution offers secure and flexible processing of payments across Europe. It also ensures complete control over the retailer’s payment page, with custom-designed multilingual pages being able to accept local payment methods, all securely hosted. Barclaycard Payment Acceptance is one of Europe’s largest processors of card transactions with over 40 years experience. Chamber member Timm Sonnenschein is a documentary and editorial photographer based in Birmingham. He specialises in photographing people, also in industrial and commercial work. Timm was recently commissioned to create the Chelsea Flower Show presentation and press package for the unique garden furniture sculpted from rock by Michael Scheuermann. www.timmsonnenschein.com Noerr LLP opens London office Noerr LLP, a German law firm, is now advising clients from its recently opened London office in the City. The firm provides legal advice on central practice areas of German law, including M&A and banking law & financing, ensuring a strong relationship with its British and German clients. The team of six lawyers will also nurture Noerr’s longstanding relationships with leading law firms in London for stronger professional and personal links. www.noerr.com Teeing off The German-British Chamber's 23nd Annual Golf Tournament was held at The Grove, Chandler’s Cross in Hertfordshire on Monday, 6 June. Around 20 participants braved the early morning rain and completed the 18-hole round. Winner of this year’s tournament and the Chamber cup was Mr Daniel Ellison of Mishcon de Reya, playing for member Dr Karsten Kühne’s team. The event was kindly sponsored by BDO LLP. Oktoberfest is coming to London The famous Oktoberfest is coming to London. The party takes place in a 2,400-seater tent in Shoreditch Park from Thursday to Sunday on two consecutive weekends starting 22 September 2011. Guests will experience an authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest atmosphere with original live music from southern Germany, Bavarian food and delicious cold steins of beer. www.london-oktoberfest.co.uk Players look forward to a refreshing lunch after completing the course CHAMBER CONTACTS Round-up of Chamber events The Annual Dinner for the Chamber’s Northern England region was held on Monday 28 March 2011 in Manchester. The Chairman of the Committee, Mark Green, welcomed over 20 members and guests. They were addressed by Guest Speaker Dr Klaus Peter Fouquet, President of Robert Bosch Ltd. The Scotland region hosted their Spring Reception on Thursday 31 March 2011 in Edinburgh. The event at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, attracted over 100 The Scottish Committee of the German-British people including Chamber of Industry and Commerce with Chamber members principal guests prior to the Spring reception and invited guests (left to right) Paddy Scott, Dr Ulrich Hoppe, Max from a cross section Scharbert, Cllr Jenny Dawe, Alexander Mundigi, of Scottish business, Hans H Rissmann OBE, Hans Grabowski, Louise Gardiner and Johnnie Cuthbert manufacturing and the arts. Principal guests and keynote speakers included the Consul General in Scotland of the Federal Republic of Germany, Wolfgang Mössinger, and the Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Jenny Dawe. CHAMBER CONTACTS Honorary Officers / Präsidium und Vorstand Patron / Schirmherr HE Georg Boomgaarden Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany President / Präsident Sir Nigel Broomfield, KCMG Vice-Presidents / Vizepräsidenten George W von Mallinckrodt, KBE Schroders plc Karolin Witter Finance & Organisation / Finanzen und Organisation Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4187 Councillors / Vorstandsmitglieder Marketing Services Ian Wivell Deputy Director General / stellv. Hauptgeschäftsführer Head of Marketing Services / Leiter Marketing Services Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4150 Chairman / Vorsitzender Alan Wood, CBE Siemens Holdings plc Sven Riemann Manager Marketing Services Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4185 Vice-Chairperson / Stellv. Vorsitzende Patricia Godfrey Nabarro Marguerite McCaughan Marketing Services Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4183 Councillors / Vorstandsmitglieder Andreas Berger Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Jana Lindner Press & Public Relations / Presse- & Öffentlichkeitsarbeit Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4188 Robert A Bischof Vitalize Health Products Ltd Members’ Services Evelyn Mensah Manager Membership & Events / Mitgliedschaft & Veranstaltungen Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4145 Professor Barry Stickings, CBE Gerhard Storch Martin Dawkins Bayer plc Dr Klaus Peter Fouquet Robert Bosch Ltd Dr Stefan Georg Bayern LB, London Branch Member company Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and the GermanBritish Chamber hosted a seminar at the Institute of Directors (IOD) in London on Monday 9 May 2011. Some 50 participants listened to an energetic talk by Prof Dr Burkhard Schwenker of Roland Berger, speaking on the contrasts between the US and European Management models and how shareholder value is often conceptually misunderstood. After the seminar, members were able to discuss the subject further over drinks and canapés. Andreas Goss Siemens plc On Tuesday 17 May 2011 the Midlands region hosted a Wine & Cheese evening at the Hotel du Vin in Birmingham. Around 50 members and guests came together for networking and discussed business developments in the region as well as to hear about future activities. Franz W Smet ACI Group Ltd Dr Ulrich Hoppe German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce Chris J Maidment PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Marianne Sammann Lufthansa German Airlines Nigel R Wood The Wilkes Partnership Marcus Wuest Deutsche Bank AG, London Company Secretary Chris Putt Speechly Bircham LLP Honorary Auditors PKF (UK) LLP Management / Geschäftsführung Dr Ulrich Hoppe Director General / Hauptgeschäftsführer Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4110 Thesy Lobitzer PA to Director General / Assistentin des Hauptgeschäftsführers Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4112 Mr Gerald Wolf of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany), Mr Wayne Hodgetts of Propbrook Ltd and Mr James Tait of Browne Jacobson LLP Finance & Organisation Sabine Marland Manager Finance & Organisation / Finanzen und Organisation Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4120 Katja Ludwigs Membership & Events / Mitgliedschaft & Veranstaltungen Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4146 Legal & Tax Services / Rechtsund Steuerabteilung Angelika Baumgarte Deputy Director General / stellv. Hauptgeschäftsführerin Head of Legal & Tax Services / Leiterin der Rechts- und Steuerabteilung Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4140 Martin Fischer Manager Legal Services / Rechtsabteilung Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4141 Alexander Altmann Manager Tax Services / Steuerabteilung Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4166 Anja Reeves Manager Tax Services / Steuerabteilung Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4161 Michael Dickert Michaela Böttcher Verena Gronewold Christopher Otto Katrin Voran Tax Services / Steuerabteilung Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4160 For details of the Chamber’s regional committees please email [email protected] 7 8 events diary Spring Reception On 24 March 2011, the Members' Spring Reception was held at the German-British Chamber. Over 120 members and guests gathered to enjoy a variety of German beers and wines and discuss with business partners and associates both the challenges of the year so far and the opportunities for the future. Mr Stuart Miller and Mr Ian Baker of Miller Rosenfalck LLP Dr A Magdalina Haslinger of UBS, Mr Christopher Stelz and Ms Susann Stein of The Language Technology Centre Prof Dr Dietrich Grashoff of FIDES Treuhand and Ms Jana Ebner of Brinkmann & Partner LLP Mr Ben Brogden and Mr Philip Stockton of Euro London Appointments events diary Mr Christopher Birtwell of ASB Internship Solutions Ltd and Mr Robin Lennie of Andreas Stihl Ltd Mr Michael Laeng of Brinkmann & Partner LLP and Mr Torsten Huhn of ARD German Radio Mr Edward Lightfoot of IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG, London Branch and Mr Tim Millward of Cheyne Consulting Ltd Mr Wolfgang Matthias, Ms Celine Diriberry of Steigenberger Hotel Group and Mr Marc Reinecke of BDO LLP Ms Christine Turner of Türner & Co and Ms Heike Saxer- Taylor of Saxer Taylor International Training and Translation Matthias 9 10 EVENTS / Events Calendar EVENTS CALENDAR Tuesday 20 September 2011 Erfolgreich in Großbritannien Mr Ron Stradling and Mr Jean-Louis Nancy of the European College of Business and Management, Ms Annette Bunn of Burravoe Translation Services Venue: Volkswagen AG Automobilforum, Unter den Linden 21, 10117 Berlin Time: 13:30 –17:30 Cost: Complimentary Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk Tuesday 20 September 2011 Vortrag und Jahresempfang Speaker: Matthias Müller, Vorsitzender des Vorstandes der Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG Venue: Volkswagen AG Automobilforum, Unter den Linden 21, 10117 Berlin Time: 18:00 – 20:00 Cost: Complimentary for members and participants of “Erfolgreich in Großbritannien” Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk Thursday 29 September 2011 Members’ Autumn Reception Ms Susanne von Mueller of Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen, London Branch, Mr Armin Brestrich of KfW Ipex-Bank GmbH, London Branch and Mr Heiner Böhmer of Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen, London Branch Ms Alicja Radoszewska of Vienna International Hotels and Ms Bénédicte Grange-Breen of Lindner Hotels & Resorts Venue: German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, 16 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6LB Time: 6.00 pm – 8.30 pm Cost: Complimentary – For member and their guests only Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk Wednesday 2 November 2011 Conference and Trade Mission Renewable Energy with Emphasis on Solar Energy Venue: The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Field, London WC2A 3PE Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, including lunch Cost: Complimentary Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk Please see our website for registrations and updates on events: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk legal comment Advertise in initiative New EU VAT rules on exhibition services Initiative magazine is the perfect vehicle to reach decision makers connected to the German-British Chamber both here in the UK and in Germany. Many expected the handling of VAT matters to become simpler when the introduction of the EU VAT package was announced in 2009 and is being implemented over a five year period. As well as reaching clients and partners of the Chamber, the magazine is read by key people in government departments, associations and other companies within the German-British business community. Published three times a year with a targeted circulation of 1,500 you can be sure that your advert will be highly visible as we restrict advertising space. You can buy half, quarter and whole pages… or for maximum exposure, exclusive sponsorship of one issue (members only), which includes two one-page adverts and a one-page article (page 11) plus a suitable ‘company picture’ (1/2 page) on the front cover. To discuss your advertising needs in detail, please contact: Jana Lindner German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce 16 Buckingham Gate London SW1E 6LB Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4188 Fax: +44 (0)20 7976 4101 Email: [email protected] As of 1 January 2010 the VAT treatment for a number of supplies has become less complex when a business in one EU member state supplies services to a business based in another EU member state (B2B supplies). As a general rule, the supply is now taxable in the country where the business customer is based. As long as the supplier has no business establishment in the country of supply, no VAT has to be charged by the supplier. However, the exemptions to this rule are keeping those busy who are in charge of handling VAT matters for their companies. Step two of the EU VAT package has been introduced on 1 January 2011 and should have brought easier procedures for exhibition organisers. Until 2010 the supply of exhibition services was taxable in the country where the exhibition was held. For example, a UK exhibition organiser supplying his services at an exhibition in Berlin (Germany) had to register for and charge German VAT to his customers. Many thought this was simple enough, although registering for German VAT and complying with the VAT rules in Germany was still exhausting. So, exhibition organisers across Europe looked forward to further simplifications from the beginning of this year. But no such luck. Those in charge of handling VAT now got even busier... Generally, as of 1 January 2011, the general rule for B2B supplies also applies to exhibition services delivered to business customers in the EU. However, as member states have a certain amount of flexibility when implementing EU regulations into national law, differences may occur in form and method of compliance. As a result, the new place of supply rules for exhibition services have not been implemented the same way in all EU member states – the EU at its best! initiative is the official membership magazine of the German-British Chamber and is published three times a year. Publisher: German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce 16 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6LB Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4100 Fax: +44 (0)20 7976 4101 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ahk-london.co.uk 11 Editorial & Advertising Jana Lindner Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4188 Email: [email protected] The reproduction in whole or in part of any material published in initiative requires the prior written consent of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept any liability for the accuracy or the completeness of any material published in initiative. Opinions expressed in initiative do not necessarily reflect the views of the German-British Chamber. The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce is supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology in accordance with a Resolution of the German Parliament. Germany has taken a slightly different approach in defining exhibition services and therefore UK businesses organising exhibitions in Germany must be aware that the rules differ between both countries. Whereas in other EU member states any supplies by an exhibition organiser are treated according to the general rule for B2B supplies, German VAT law only considers exhibition services to be present when a package containing specified services is supplied to a business customer. For example, letting of stand space to an exhibitor supplied together with two ancillary services, such as electricity and cleaning are not regarded as a general rule B2B supply. The German ministry of finance argues that exhibition space supplied together with less than three ancillary services should rather be treated as a land related service since the ancillary services are merely incidental to the main supply which is the licence to occupy space at the exhibition hall. UK businesses organising exhibitions in Germany must carefully consider the differing VAT rules on exhibition services in the UK and Germany. Depending on the residence status of the customer and the type of supply, a UK exhibition organiser may end up with obligations to charge German VAT, UK VAT or to apply the reverse charge mechanism – all in the course of the same exhibition. Alexander Altmann Manager Tax Services, German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce 12 FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011TM Here come the girls… Between 26 June and 17 July 2011, it will be the English ladies’ turn to shine as they have qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™. In their first matches, the England team will compete in high-tech Wolfsburg, historic Dresden and the 2000 year old Bavarian town of Augsburg. Fans who support the England team’s first match against Mexico on 27 June in Wolfsburg will have plenty of diversions, though. The town is synonymous with Volkswagen and their state of the art Autostadt theme park. Here your petrol heads but also the less intense car enthusiasts can let their aspirations run riot amongst the metallic sports models. After all, the automobile car was invented in Germany 125 years ago and no matter what happens on the football field, celebrations are in order. As if that wasn’t enough excitement, next door the phaeno Science centre invites all kids great and small – for there is no age limit for curiosity – to a feast of cutting edge technology explained in hands-on experiments and demonstrations. Four days later on 1 July, England will play against New Zealand in Dresden. Let's hope there will be time before the match to relax in this beautiful old town before fans head to the Rudolf Harbig Stadion. Visiting the historic city centre with the famous tower of the Frauenkirche Church, the impressive Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House and city castle is a highlight for most visitors. But exploring the area around the city by following the Elbe river is equally rewarding with the pretty towns of Meißen and Pillnitz and its castle just a bike or tram ride away. The last match in the group stage will see the England ladies travel to Augsburg for their game against Japan on 5 July. The old Rathaus, the Fuggerei (erected by the 16th century banking dynasty – who says bankers don't have a social conscience?) and Leopold (Daddy of Wolfgang Amadeus) Mozart’s family house should be on everybody’s list of things to see. And – travelling with or without kids – Germany’s most famous puppet theatre has its home in Augsburg and a visit is bound to put a smile on everybody’s face. We certainly keep our fingers crossed for Captain Faye White and h er team to go all the way to the finals, played in Frankfurt/Main on 17 July. Hope Powell, England coach, is predicting: “This year in Germany will arguably be the best (Women’s) World Cup ever.” For news and views on the tournament check out www.germany.travel/facebook, match day arrangements at http://ap.seeuthere.com/womensworldcup2011 or visit www.germany.travel for all aspects of travel to Germany. Travel to Germany can be arranged through www.dertour.co.uk, flights at www.lufthansa.com and German Rail information is available at www.bahn.com Jeanette Schuchmann Deputy Director, German National Tourist Office chamber news 13 „Erfolgreich in Großbritannien“ – Seminar der Deutsch-Britischen Kammer in Berlin Am 20. September 2011 führt die Deutsch-Britische Industrie- und Handelskammer erneut ein Seminar „Erfolgreich in Großbritannien“ in Berlin durch. FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 ™ 26 June to 17 July 2011 THE Stadia Augsburg Mönchengladbach FIFA Frauen-WM-Stadion Stadion im Borussia-Park Dresden Wolfsburg Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion Arena im Allerpark Leverkusen Frankfurt am Main FIFA Frauen-WM-Stadion FIFA Frauen-WM-Stadion Berlin Bochum Olympiastadion FIFA Frauen-WM-Stadion Sinsheim Rhein-Neckar-Arena The Groups Group A Group C Germany Canada Nigeria France USA Korea DPR Colombia Sweden Group B Group D Japan New Zealand Mexico England Brasil Australia Norway Equatorial Guinea Group Matches Germany and England 26 June Germany v Canada 27 June Mexico v England 30 June Germany v Nigeria 1 July New Zealand v England 5 July England v Japan 5 July France v Germany Ab 13.30 Uhr erwarten Sie im Automobilforum der Volkswagen AG Unter den Linden verschiedene Vorträge zu Besonderheiten des britischen Marktes, zu Markteintrittstrategien, aber auch zur Unternehmensgründung und – besteuerung. Abgerundet wird das Seminar durch den Erfahrungsbericht eines deutschen Unternehmers. Das Seminar richtet sich sowohl an Unternehmen, die einen Markteinstieg in Großbritannien planen, als auch an solche, die bereits über erste Erfahrungen im britischen Geschäft verfügen. Im Anschluss an das Seminar lädt die Deutsch-Britische Kammer um 18.00 Uhr zu einem Vortrag mit anschließendem Jahresempfang in den Räumen des Automobilforums ein. Ehrengast und Referent wird Matthias Müller sein, Vorsitzender des Vorstandes der Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. „Großbritannien ist für deutsche Unternehmer nach wie vor einer der bedeutendsten Exportmärkte. In diesem Seminar bieten wir Unternehmern, die erste Schritte in den britischen Markt planen, eine Vielzahl von Informationen in kompakter Form“, erläutert Dr. Ulrich Hoppe, Hauptgeschäftsführer der Deutsch-Britischen Kammer. „Aber auch Unternehmer, die ihr Engagement in Großbritannien verstärken möchten, erhalten wertvolle Hinweise für ihre weiteren Aktivitäten.“ Die Teilnahme an der Seminarveranstaltung und am anschließenden Empfang ist kostenfrei, jedoch ist die Teilnehmerzahl begrenzt. Weitere Informationen und Registrierung unter www.ahk-london.co.uk. German-British Chamber organises a conference on Solar Energy After a successful conference and trade mission focussing on energy efficiency in residential building earlier this year, the German-British Chamber is currently organising an event specialising on German solar energy technologies. Networking during the recent conference Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings in London Sponsored by the German Ministry of Economics, the conference will take place on 2 November at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in London. Together with our German partners eclareon and dena we will highlight products and services from up to eight German companies. As well as networking opportunities during the conference, British companies will be able to arrange individual meetings with the German participants on 3 and 4 November. Further information about the event will be published on our website www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk nearer the time. 14 business to business initiative provides a regular listing of companies in both the UK and Germany who are seeking B2B partners and representatives Business Partners from Germany / Geschäftspartner aus Deutschland Sanitary Installation Storage & Ventilation Technology Our innovative and well designed products, which allow for fast and easy installation, have built the foundation for MEPA’s strong and healthy growth. We are now looking for a sales representative for the UK. Your know-how in new customer acquisition is much sought-after. You have completed your technical and/or retail training and have several years of professional experience in marketing sanitary products and knowledge of the industry. For further information, please contact: Ms Helga Bühler, Mepa Pauli und Menden GmbH, Rolandsecker Weg 37, 53619 Rheinbreitbach, Germany. T: +49 / 22 24 - 929 161, F: +49 / 22 24 - 929 169, E: [email protected], W: www.mepa.de We are German manufacturers of storage and ventilation technology for grain. In order to expand our business abroad, we are looking for a sales representative in Great Britain to market our goods "Made in Germany". We would be ideally interested in a business associate who has some experience in the field of storage and ventilation technology for grain, and who can offer our products to wholesalers and farmers. For further information, please contact: Mr Gerhard Schmelzer, Ambrose Schmelzer & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG, Dr.-Zimmer-Str. 28, D - 95679 Waldershof, Germany; T: +49 (0) 9231 97 92 – 0; F: +49 (0) 9231 7 22 96; E: [email protected]; W: www.a-schmelzer.de Power distribution panels & socket blocks Solar Energy Technology Bachmann is a leading manufacturer of high quality power distribution panels & socket blocks with a wide and innovative range. Bachmann's customers are electrical wholesalers, panel-builders and companies in the furniture industry with a total turnover of more than €80m and increasing export shares. Bachmann is interested in establishing an exclusive agency for its products in the UK and is ready to invest in all the necessary marketing. For further information, please contact: Mr Peter Speidel, Bachmann GmbH & Co KG, Ernsthaldenstr. 33, 70565 Stuttgart, Germany. T: +49 (0) 711 866 02 71; F: +49 (0) 711 866 02 34; E: [email protected]; W: www. bachmann.com A group of German manufacturers in the renewable energy sector specialising in solar power are looking to expand into the British market. The ideal potential partners should have a comprehensive client database, knowledge of both the construction and renewables markets and excellent customer references. The distribution partners should also be MSC (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified and have installation capabilities. For further information, please quote RE-012011 and contact: Sven Riemann, German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, 16 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6LB, Tel: +44(0)20 79764185, Fax +44(0)2079764158, Email: [email protected] statistics & toolbox Kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen im deutsch-britischen Geschäft klagen oftmals, ihre Kunden würden Rechnungen nicht fristgerecht begleichen. British exports 2010 Top countries 14.3% USA 10.5% Germany 8.0% Netherlands 7.2% France Laut Umfragen der Banken Natwest und Royal Bank of Scotland bewegen sich die Außenstände kleiner und mittelständischer britischer Unternehmen in einer Höhe von £25.000 bis £100.000 pro Monat. Nach Ergebnissen einer Studie der EOS-Gruppe, die das Zahlungsverhalten in zehn europäischen Ländern untersucht hat, müssen britische Unternehmer aber nur 2,4 Prozent dieser Außenstände tatsächlich abschreiben – in etwa genauso hoch ist der Prozentsatz bei deutschen Firmen. Republic of Ireland Belgium & Luxembourg 0% Da kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen meist über eine geringe Eigenkapitalquote verfügen, können verspätete Zahlungen zu einem Liquiditätsengpass führen. Ein entsprechendes Forderungsmanagement zahlt sich daher aus. Um ausstehende Forderungen einzutreiben, ist zunächst eine detaillierte Dokumentierung erforderlich. Jegliche Kommunikation mit dem Schuldner, ob schriftlich oder telefonisch, sollte so genau wie möglich festgehalten werden. Germany Deutsche Exporteure sollten auch bedenken, dass die Zahlungsgewohnheiten britischer Firmen von denen deutscher abweichen können. Üblich ist in der Regel die Gewährung einer Frist von 30 Tagen ab Rechnungsstellung. Britische Kunden zahlen normalerweise 30 bis 60 Tage nach Rechnungsstellung (EOS-Studie: ca. 65 Prozent aller Rechnungen werden termingerecht beglichen). Die in Deutschland übliche Gewährung eines Skontos ist in Großbritannien dagegen nicht üblich. Deutsche Unternehmer sollten dies bei ihrer Rechnungsstellung berücksichtigen. Um Zahlungsverzögerungen zu vermeiden oder so gering wie möglich zu halten, können insbesondere bei größeren Auftragswerten Abschlagszahlungen vereinbart werden. Je nach Umfang kann ein bestimmter Prozentsatz (in der Regel 50 Prozent) der Rechnungssumme vorab fällig gestellt werden. Nicht zuletzt können Forderungen auch an einen Dritten abgetreten werden – das so genannte Factoring. Das erste Instrument der Zahlungssicherung ist jedoch eine Bonitätsprüfung der Kunden. Hierbei sollte das Unternehmen nicht nur neue Kunden auf ihre Zahlungsfähigkeit beleuchten, sondern auch Bestandskunden hin und wieder überprüfen, vor allem bei Änderung der Zahlungsgepflogenheiten oder Eigentümerwechsel. Forderungsmanagement bleibt vor allem für kleine und mittlere Unternehmen wichtig und hilft, Zahlungsrisiken im Exportgeschäft gering zu halten. Die Deutsch-Britische Kammer unterstützt deutsche Unternehmen dabei mit der Einholung von Kreditauskünften und kann ein außergerichtliches Inkassoverfahren durchführen. Jana Lindner, Marketing Services, German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce Source: Office for National Statistics 2011 Andere Länder, andere Zahlungsgewohnheiten… statistics 6.4% 5.1% 5% 10% 15% 20% British imports 2010 Top countries 12.4% 8.4% China 7.6% USA 7.3% Netherlands France 6.0% Norway 5.7% 0% 5% 10% 15% German exports 2010 Top countries 9.5% France 6.9% USA 6.6% Netherlands UK 6.2% Italy 6.1% 5.6% China 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% German imports 2010 Top countries 9.6% China 8.6% Netherlands 7.7% France USA 5.7% Italy 5.5% UK 0% 4.8% 5% 10% 15% Source: Deutsche Bundesbank 2011 TOOLBOX 15