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: hkilf@deinternational.co.uk
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
siles@eurocollege.org.uk.
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
members@ahk-london.co.uk
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: press@ahk-london.co.uk
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: mail@ahk-london.co.uk
Web: www.ahk-london.co.uk
11
Editorial & Advertising
Jana Lindner
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4188
Email: press@ahk-london.co.uk
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: h.buehler@mepa.de, 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: info@a-schmelzer.de; 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: peter.speidel@bachmann.com; 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:
renewables@ahk-london.co.uk
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