50 years Goethe-InstItut London - Deutsch

50 years Goethe-InstItut London - Deutsch

1
Issue 1 • Spring 2012
The magazine for members of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
Britain Invests
Survey results
SEE PAGE 12
50 years
Goethe-Institut London
"...British-German encounters in all cultural
disciplines including lectures, debates, film
screenings and exhibitions."
Sabine Hentzsch,
Director Goethe-Institut London
SEE PAGE 4
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Die Bildungsakademie der
Deutsch-Britischen Industrie- und Handelskammer (AHK UK)
contents
initiative
The outlook is improving
Looking forward to the rest of 2012, there is still
some uncertainty about the direction of our
economies. Will we see a double dip recession
in the UK? Will Germany be able to generate
a growth rate which creates higher demand
for imports? If so, can the more troubled Euro
members take advantage of this to export more
to Germany to offset weak growth at home?
My prediction is that the UK will start to grow again relatively soon as the
prudent policies of her government will instil confidence in the long–term
competitiveness of her economy. As this will also lift the sentiment of
businesses and consumers, some increase in demand can be anticipated.
Germany will also do better than originally forecasted. Expectations by
businesses are already on the up and recent figures suggest a reasonable
growth rate for 2012. This will result in lower unemployment in turn leading
to higher consumer confidence. This virtuous circle may, of course, be
interrupted by a worsening of the Euro-crisis but I hope politicians from
all over Europe will take the necessary steps to avoid such a circumstance.
Germany gets heavily criticised for “forcing” austerity on to the more
“profligate” countries in the Eurozone but without all of us subscribing to
the concept of “living within one’s means”, we will not be able to create
a viable future for the Euro. There is also widespread agreement that
substantial supply side reforms are necessary in a number of countries so
that markets are freed up and the economies in question can truly become
more competitive. If we honestly accept this need, past experience shows
that countries cannot be relieved too early of this pressure. And without
far reaching reforms in some countries, we will not be able to achieve the
lasting change necessary for the long-term success of the Euro. The recent
film, The Iron Lady, reminded us of the stamina needed to drive through
reforms in difficult economic times in order to change a country and society
so that it is more adaptable and can prosper in an ever-globalising world.
Let us hope that even the most challenged governments of the Eurozone
can gather the support of their electorates and parliaments to take the steps
necessary in this respect.
Leaving the Euro issue aside, I am confident that most of us will have a
reasonably good 2012 and I hope to see many of you at some of our
functions during the year.
Dr Ulrich Hoppe
Director General, German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
CONTENTS
4 50 years Goethe-Institut London
6 Chamber & Members' News
7 Chamber Contacts
8 Events Diary
11 Legal Comment
12 Britain invests – survey results
14 BUSINESS NEWS
15 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS – German businesses seeking representation
Cover photo: Stuttgart: “Think partner” by Hans-Jörg Limbach
German National Tourist Office / Jochen Keute
sustaining members
3
4 50 YEARS GOETHE-INSTITUT LONDON
Tate Modern, Sadler’s
Wells and the Barbican –
Goethe-Institut London
celebrates 50th anniversary
with a cultural marathon
The Goethe-Institut in London is
marking its 50th anniversary in 2012
by supporting a variety of cultural
projects in line with its focus on
contemporary German culture.
We are delighted that as part of the
celebrations, we will re-open the GoetheInstitut’s historic building in Exhibition Road
to the public on 20 May 2012 following
extensive restoration and modernisation,
featuring a specially commissioned art work
by German artist Gloria Zein, winner of the
2011 Cass Prize for Sculpture. The whole
building has been restored. For those who
come to the Goethe-Institut to learn the
German language, we offer state of the art
classrooms along with a brand new library for
the general public. In the autumn, we hope
to open a meeting space on the building’s
ground floor.
The anniversary celebrations also include
a series of special events focusing on
contemporary German culture, including
Bauhaus Building by Walter Gropius, Dessau
panel discussions with the artist Tino Sehgal,
chosen for the 2012 Unilever commission in
Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, and an education
programme on the Bauhaus, the world’s most
influential modern art school, which is the
subject of a new exhibition at the Barbican
in May.
In addition, the Goethe-Institut is supporting
the exhibitions of Thomas Schütte and HansPeter Feldmann at the Serpentine Gallery and a
workshop by the choreographer Pascal Merighi
from the Pina Bausch Tanztheater Wuppertal. The
Goethe-Institut further supported the creation of
four of the ten productions coming to London as
part of the Pina Bausch Tanztheater Wuppertal:
World Cities 2012 at Sadler’s Wells and the
Barbican Theatre: Bamboo Blues (Kolkata); Der
Fensterputzer (Hong Kong); Água (São Paulo)
and Wiesenland (Budapest).
The Goethe-Institut in London has been a focus
of contemporary German culture in the UK for
the past 50 years. Founded in 1962, it proved
to be a milestone in Anglo-German post-war
cultural relations and has become the centre for
German culture and language in the centre
Sabine Hentzsch, Director
Goethe-Institut London
of London. Its wide-ranging programme
includes British-German encounters in all
cultural disciplines including lectures,
debates, film screenings and exhibitions.
The Institute provides German language
classes at all levels, and public access to its
unique multi-media library covering all areas
of German culture, with a particular focus on
contemporary German literature and fine arts.
Over the years, we have introduced British
audiences to the work of many emerging
German authors and artists who are now
recognised as some of Germany’s leading
modern artists, including Pina Bausch and
Gustav Metzger, Gregor Schneider, Thomas
Schütte, Thomas Struth, Andreas Gursky
and Ricarda Roggan.
With the re-opening of our newly restored
and modernised building and our series of
cultural events throughout the year, we hope
to continue the intercultural dialogue with
our partners across the United Kingdom.
Sabine Hentzsch
Chamber & Members' News
5
The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
requests the pleasure of your company
at their Annual Dinner
Wednesday, 4 July 2012 – 7.30pm for 8.00pm
The Landmark Hotel, London NW1
The Annual Dinner of the German-British Chamber of
Industry & Commerce offers the exclusive opportunity
to invite your clients and business associates for
networking and dining.
There will be a three course meal, with pre-dinner
drinks at the prestigious Landmark London Hotel.
Guest of Honour and Speaker:
Martin Blessing, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors
of Commerzbank AG
Martin Blessing has been Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors
of Commerzbank AG since May 2008. He has an MBA from the University
of Chicago and has also held senior posts at McKinsey, Frankfurt am
Main and Dresdner Bank.
Company tables for 10 persons are available at £1,100 (incl. VAT) for
members and their guests and at £1,300 (incl. VAT) for non-members
Register online at www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
or email events@ahk-london.co.uk
Dress code: Black Tie
Invitation to Chamber golf tournament
The 24th Annual Golf Tournament of the German-British Chamber
will take place at Stoke Park Club, Stoke Poges in Buckinghamshire
on 20 June 2012.
The Golf course at Stoke Park was designed by Harry Shapland Colt. It
was opened in July 1909 and received immediate acclaim. In 2006, Golf
World selected Stoke Park as one of the "Top 100 Courses in the World".
The challenging and demanding landscape also provides exquisite views.
Teams will consist of four players, providing the ideal
opportunity to spend time with colleagues or clients.
Play will commence at 8.00am, followed by lunch
and the award ceremony.
Supported by BDO LLP
For more information and registration please visit
www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Photo: Marc Darchinger, Commerzbank AG
Tickets cost £125 (incl. VAT) for members and their guests and
£144 (incl. VAT) for non-members.
6 CHAMBER & MEMBERS’ NEWS
Round-up of
Chamber events
The last months have seen a variety of seminars offered to
Chamber members in London. All seminars provided opportunities
for discussions as well as networking.
On 20 October 2011, Nasoul Gopal and David Alexander from
member firm Smith & Williamson gave a seminar, updating some
20 members and delegates on the new law and practical issues
regarding the UK Bribery Act, including the compliance measures
needed and implications for foreign companies operating in the
UK. The seminar took place at the German-British Chamber.
Member company Blick
Rothenberg hosted a seminar
on “PAYE & Income Tax risks
and opportunities for German
owned businesses in the UK”
on 24 November 2011. More
than 30 members listened
Mark Abbs and Stephen Bruck
to speaker Mark Abbs who
of Blick Rothenberg
specifically highlighted
the possibility of attractive tax savings for expatriate employees
and directors coming to the UK.
The 2012 seminar programme
was opened on 25 January by
member company Fladgate
LLP, who hosted a seminar
on the issues surrounding
cloud computing. Around 30
participants received practical
Speakers Anthony Lee
tips on contracts and service
and Arnd Böken
level agreements by Anthony
Lee and Arnd Böken. Participants also learnt how best to avoid
and manage the riskswhen using remote computers (rather than
local machines) to store data and software which can then be
accessed by the internet. (i.e. “the cloud”) as and when required.
“Virtual teams don’t come out of the blue – but what if…” was
the title of an interactive seminar on 28 February 2012, held at
the Chamber’s premises by member companies m-reindl Human
Capital Ltd and Change Training Ltd. Speakers Matthias Reindl
and Armin Biller gave an insight to the new emerging form of
collaboration and managing teams, consisting of people based at
different locations around the world. Around 20 participants also
took part in test exercises to enhance their teamwork skills.
Claim back your German VAT
by 30 September 2012
If you went to Germany on a business trip or exhibited
at a German trade fair in 2011, you can potentially save
approximately 16 per cent of your business expenses by claiming
back the German VAT you incurred during the trip. Claims for
2011 have to be submitted to HMRC by 30 September 2012. For
further information contact the Chamber's Tax Services team
on 020 7976 4160 or email vat.refund@ahk-london.co.uk.
David March CBE (c.) and guests
On 17 November 2011 the Midlands committee of the GermanBritish Chamber hosted a business luncheon in Birmingham. David
Marsh CBE, co-chairman of the Official Monetary and Financial
Institutions Forum (OMFIF), gave a highly interesting speech on
the Euro, looking to the past and the future. This luncheon was
followed by an evening reception in the Birmingham City council
house, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and attended by
the German Ambassador and representatives from the GermanBritish business community. Coinciding with these events was the
opening of the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham town
centre where many German specialities could be enjoyed.
The Northern England regional committee of the GermanBritish Chamber welcomed some 30 members and guests
to their Annual Dinner in Manchester on Thursday, 12
January 2012. Guest of Honour and key-note speaker was
the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, His
Excellency Georg Boomgaarden (left).
German Language Coach™
at new premises
German Language
Coach™ has relocated
to new office facilities at 60
Lombard Street in the City of London. With an office in the heart
of the City, the company will have even better access to visit their
clients across London. German Language Coach™ specialises in
on-site German lessons and courses for individuals and groups
making learning German instantly accessible without the client
having to leave their office or home. For more information, please
visit www.LanguageCoach.co.uk
CHAMBER contacts
Pioneering in the UK
One of the most
successful management
consultation tools in
recent years is now
available in the UK. Miss
Heike Noack of member
company pacesetter
for changes is the first
certified Facilitator of
Heike Noack of pacesetter
System Constellation in
for changes
Organisations based in
the UK. She offers her services both online and in person in
the UK and Germany. System Constellation of Organisations
is an effective tool to analyse and verify business issues,
e.g. to develop new ideas for products and services or to
improve teamwork. Its effectiveness in saving time and
money is unrivalled and the method is scientifically proven.
pacesetter for changes is shortlisted for a "The Spirit of
Enterprise Award 2012" in the Great New Innovative Product
category. www.pfc-global.com
Germany is “Best International
Youth Destination”
Germany has been voted ‘Best International Youth
Destination’ at the 2011 British Youth Travel Awards. The
German National Tourist Office (GNTO) entered the awards with
its current ‘TravelMeister’ Facebook campaign, which was
designed to find the ideal candidate to become the student
ambassador to Germany. The main aim of the campaign is to
stimulate young people’s interest in Germany as a fun and
exciting travel destination. Further information about
TravelMeister, which was commended for its dedication and
success in promoting the destination to the British youth market,
can be found on GNTO’s official Facebook page at www.germany.
travel/facebookcompetition
Bowler International launches
2012 placement scheme
Chamber member Bowler International launched their 2012
APIK campaign (International placements – intercultural skills)
in December 2011 at the Principal Hayley Conference Centre
in Milton Keynes. The scheme places apprentices from the
German federal state of Saxony with UK businesses for a
period from one to three months. Fully funded by the European
Social Funds and the federal state of Saxony, it is entirely free
for UK host companies. Last year, Bowler International placed
24 interns with UK businesses in the engineering, electronics,
materials, hospitality and training sectors. The company hopes
that in 2012 even more UK companies will be taking part in the
programme. www.bowlerinternational.co.uk
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
Barry Stickings, CBE
Councillors / Vorstandsmitglieder
Chairman / Vorsitzender
Alan Wood, CBE
Siemens Holdings plc
Vice-Chairperson / Stellv. Vorsitzende
Dr Klaus Peter Fouquet
Robert Bosch Ltd
Patricia Godfrey
Nabarro
Councillors / Vorstandsmitglieder
Andreas Berger
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty
Robert A Bischof
SCCO International Ltd
Marcus Breitschwerdt
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd
Martin Dawkins
Bayer plc
Jean-Louis Evans
TÜV Süd Product Service Ltd
Dr Stefan Georg
Bayern LB, London Branch
Dr Ulrich Hoppe
German-British Chamber of
Industry & Commerce
Chris J Maidment
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Franz W Smet
ACI Group Ltd
Marc Starzmann
Commerzbank AG, London
Holger Wessling
DZ Bank AG, London
Nigel R Wood
The Wilkes Partnership
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
Finance & Organisation
Sabine Marland
Manager Finance & Organisation /
Finanzen und Organisation
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4120
Karolin Witter
Finance & Organisation /
Finanzen und Organisation
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4187
Marketing Services
Ian Wivell
Deputy Director General / stellv.
Hauptgeschäftsführer
Head of Marketing Services /
Leiter Marketing Services
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4150
Sven Riemann
Manager Marketing Services
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4185
Marguerite McCaughan
Marketing Services
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4183
Jana Lindner
Press & Public Relations /
Presse- & Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4188
Members’ Services
Evelyn Mensah
Manager Membership & Events /
Mitgliedschaft & Veranstaltungen
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4145
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
Ann-Catrin Theisen
Legal Services / Rechtsabteilung
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4141
Alexander Altmann
Head of Tax Services / Steuerabteilung
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4166
Anja Reeves
Manager Tax Services / Steuerabteilung
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4161
Michael Dickert
Manager Tax Services / Steuerabteilung
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4168
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
XXXXX diary
8 events
Christmas reception 2011
The annual Members’ Christmas Party was celebrated at the German-British Chamber on Thursday, 8 December 2011.
As popular and vibrant as ever, members and guests met with business partners and associates and enjoyed traditional
Glühwein and other festive treats. H.E. Georg Boomgaarden, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany was Guest of
Honour and addressed the audience. The event was kindly sponsored by Xmas Markets Ltd.
Mr Timm Sonnenschein of Timm Sonnenschein Photography, Ms Stefanie
Schnur of Zahnarztpraxis Schnur and Mr Thomas Pack of JTC Security
Services Ltd
Ms Grace Pizzaia of Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch and
Mr Edward John of Hogan Lovells International LLP
Mr Alan Cooper of the European College of Business and Management, Ms Annette Woods and Mr James Allen of Menzies LLP
Mr Stefan Becker and
Mr John Newman of DZ
Bank AG, London Branch
H.E. Georg Boomgaarden, Ambassador
of the Federal Republic of Germany
events XXXXX
diary
9
Mr Georg von Mallinckrodt KBE of Schroders plc, Mr Martin Dawkins of Bayer plc and Mr Alan Wood CBE of Siemens Holding plc
NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION 2012
The German-British Chamber welcomed the New Year with a reception on Thursday, 5 January 2012. More than 100 members
and guests discussed the challenges ahead as well as nurtured and encouraged new business contacts. The event was kindly
sponsored by CMR Controls Ltd and Lufthansa German Airlines, with raffle prizes of a pair of flight tickets.
Mr Dirk Schreier of Lufthansa German Airlines, Mr Stephen Mitchell
of Linde CryoPlants Ltd and Dr Ulrich Hoppe, Director General of the
German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
Mr Clemens Richter of CMR Controls Ltd, Mr James Babbage
of E-Volution Office Services Ltd and Mr Wulf Schroeter of IBA
International Business Academy Ltd
Mr David Owen, Ms Léonie Brooker and Ms Kim Carsok of Pattern (Trade Fairs) Ltd, Mr Steffen Kretzschmar of German Shows Ltd and Ms Celine Wilcock
of Aquaforest Ltd
XXXXX diary / Events Calendar
10 EVENTS
EVENTS
CALENDAR
Wednesday 9 May 2012
Conference and Trade Mission Renewable
Energy with Emphasis on Geothermal
Energy/Heat Pumps
Venue: One Great George Street, London, SW1P 3AA
Time: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: complimentary
Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Ms Andrea Ludwig of andrea ludwig pr, Ms Juliane Diefenbach and Ms
Laura Whiting of Hogan Lovells International LLP
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Europa-Forum Bayern 2012
Venue: Münchner Künstlerhaus, Lenbachplatz 8,
80333 München, Germany
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: Euro 125.00
Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Thursday 17 May 2012
Mergers & Acquisitions Evolution: Strategies
for the New Deal Landscape
A Member’s Breakfast Seminar with Hogan Lovells
Venue: Atlantic House, Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2FG
Time: 8.00am – 10.00am
Cost: Complimentary
Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Wednesday 20 June 2012
24th Annual Golf Tournament
Ms Julia Tarvin of Watson, Farley & Williams LLP and Mr Colin Ritchie
of Hauni London Ltd
Ms Vanessa Fox and Mr David Pratt
of Keim Mineral Paints Ltd
Supported by BDO LLP
Venue: Stoke Park, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG
Time: from 8am
Cost: £220 (incl. VAT) for members and their guests, £260
(incl. VAT) for non members; Team of four: £880 (incl. VAT) for
members, £1040 (incl. VAT) for non members
Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Wednesday 4 July 2012
Annual Dinner of the German-British Chamber
Guest of Honour and Speaker: Martin Blessing,
Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors,
Commerzbank AG
Venue: The Landmark Hotel, 222 Marylebone Road,
London NW1 6JQ
Time: 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Cost: £125 (incl. VAT) for members and their guests, £144 (incl.
VAT) for non-members. Company table: £1100 (incl. VAT) for
members, £1300 (incl. VAT) for non-members
Dress Code: Black tie
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
Initiative magazine is the perfect
vehicle to reach decision makers
connected to the German-British
Chamber both here in the UK and
in Germany.
Arbeitsrecht: Neues zum
Kündigungsschutz im
Vereinigten Königreich
Ab dem 6. April 2012 wird die gesetzliche Voraussetzung für die
Geltendmachung eines unfair dismissal von einem auf zwei Jahre
Betriebszugehörigkeit verlängert!
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
Zu den wichtigsten Neuerungen im Arbeitsrecht für 2012 gehört das Reformpaket
der britischen Regierung im Hinblick auf das Kündigungsschutzrecht. Hintergrund
hierfür sind unter anderem die politischen Bemühungen, die britische Wirtschaft
wieder auf Wachstumskurs zu bringen, indem Arbeitgebern die Kündigung von
Arbeitnehmern erleichtert wird. Dies betrifft insbesondere die Voraussetzungen für
Klagen gegen ungerechtfertigte Kündigungen, so genannte unfair dismissals.
Spricht der Arbeitgeber dem Arbeitnehmer die Kündigung aus, wird diese
im englischen Arbeitsrecht unter dem Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA 1996)
grundsätzlich auf ihre fairness hin überprüft. Der Arbeitnehmer hat das Recht,
nicht unfair entlassen zu werden. Daher muss der Arbeitgeber zunächst spezielle,
potenziell rechtfertigende Kündigungsgründe (dazu zählen zum Beispiel mangelhafte Fähigkeit/Qualifikation des Arbeitnehmers, verhaltensbedingte oder
betriebsbedingte Gründe) darlegen. Diese sind in § 98 Absatz 2 des ERA 1996
festgelegt. Allerdings musste der Arbeitnehmer bisher mindestens für ein Jahr
durchgehend beschäftigt gewesen sein, um überhaupt gegen seine Kündigung
als unfair dismissal vorgehen zu können und vor dem Employment Tribunal klagen
zu können.
Diese Wartefrist für den Kündigungsschutz soll ab dem 6. April 2012 auf
zwei Jahre angehoben werden. Damit kann der Arbeitgeber in Zukunft auch
gegenüber Arbeitnehmern, die mehr als ein Jahr bei ihm beschäftigt waren, eine
Kündigung aussprechen, ohne dass diese im Rahmen eines Unfair-DismissalVerfahrens vor dem Employment Tribunal angegriffen werden kann. Dies erleichtert es dem Arbeitgeber, sich von Arbeitnehmern zu trennen.
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.
Es ist jedoch weiterhin zu beachten, dass in einigen Fällen Kündigungsschutz
bereits vom ersten Tag des Arbeitsverhältnisses besteht Dies gilt zum Beispiel,
wenn der Arbeitnehmer geltend machen kann, dass die Kündigung auf einer
Diskriminierung beruht oder dass die Kündigung wegen einer Schwangerschaft
oder Geltendmachung von Mutterschutz erfolgt ist. Eine solche Kündigung
wird automatisch als unfair dismissal eingestuft, und die Wartezeit findet keine
Anwendung. Somit bleibt der Kündigungsschutz in diesen Fällen von den
Änderungen unberührt. Die neue Regelung gilt nur für Arbeitsverhältnisse, die ab
dem 6. April 2012 abgeschlossen werden. Arbeitnehmer, die zu diesem Stichtag
weniger als zwei Jahre, aber mehr als ein Jahr beschäftigt waren, verlieren ihr
Recht zur Geltendmachung eines unfair dismissal daher nicht.
Längerfristig ist auch die Einführung einer Gebühr für die Erhebung einer
Kündigungsschutzklage vor dem Employment Tribunal geplant. Darüber hinaus
ist beabsichtigt, ein vorgeschaltetes Güteverfahren für arbeitsgerichtliche
Streitigkeiten einzuführen. Dieses Güteverfahren soll vom ACAS (Advisory,
Conciliation and Arbitration Service) durchgeführt werden, um so die Anzahl der
Verfahren vor dem Employment Tribunal und damit die Kostenlast zu reduzieren.
Das Reformpaket, insbesondere die Verlängerung der Wartefrist, hat bereits viel
Kritik erfahren. Es bleibt abzuwarten, ob nicht die Neuregelung Arbeitnehmer
dazu verleiten wird, bevorzugt gegen eine Kündigung wegen Diskriminierung
vorzugehen, um sich den vollen Kündigungsschutz zu erhalten. Arbeitgeber
jedenfalls sollten sich dieser Möglichkeit immer bewusst sein.
Rechtsanwältin Ann-Catrin Theisen, Mag.Iur., LL.M.
12 BRITAIN INVESTs
Britain Invests
Trends and Views on Direct Investment by British Companies in Germany
The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce promotes trade and investment between the United Kingdom and Germany. Building on
its role to inform the wider economic and political world about British-German trade and investment, the Chamber carried out its third survey on
the trends and views of British subsidiaries in Germany. Investigating factors such as market focus and trends in future developments, UK parent
companies with operations in Germany completed a comprehensive questionnaire. The results highlight the current trends in direct investment by
British companies in Germany.
I Sectorial distribution of British companies in Germany
Since 2008, British manufacturing in Germany has grown from 18 per
cent to over 30 per cent at the end of 2011. Continued growth can also
be seen in the sector of Wholesale, Retail and Logistics (2009: 9%, 2011:
22%). On the other hand, Business
Services has declined from its peak of
Sector Distribution
35 per cent in 2009, although this sector still represents the second largest
activity for British companies in Germany.
III Unique selling propositions of British companies
in Germany
The unique selling propositions for British companies in Germany
remain quality and service. However, price does not seem to be as
important a factor for British companies as only 5 per cent see this
as their unique selling proposition (2009: 9%).
Other categories
7%
Price 5%
Other
12%
General manufacturing
27%
Location
5%
Business
services
and Real
Estate
23%
Manufacture of
electrical &
optical
equipment
8%
Quality
45%
Service
33%
Financial
Services
5%
IT &
Telecommunications
8%
Wholesale/Retail &
Logistics 22%
II Development of main business activities of British
subsidiaries in Germany
Over the next three years, British companies expect to continue to
grow their sales and distribution activities as well as increasing their
services. Only a minority of companies will actually reduce their
activities in Germany. Despite the volatile economic climate, the vast
majority of British companies are planning to continue to invest in
research and development in the next three years.
IV Profitability
Compared to previous surveys, profitability seems to be reached
quicker than before. Around 70 per cent of companies reached
profitability after 3 years, compared to 60 per cent in 2008.
Furthermore, 2008 results showed that 16 per cent had not yet
reached profitability. This percentage was drastically reduced to
just over 7 per cent.
70%
62%
64%
Increase
59%
60%
Decrease
50%
47.5%
55%
Remain
50%
40%
40%
40%
34%
33%
30%
30%
27%
22.5%
20%
17.5%
20%
9%
10%
5%
7%
10%
0%
Manufacturing
Sales/ Distribution
Services
7.5%
5%
Research/ Development
5%
0%
after 1 year
after 3 years
after 5 years
after 7 years
noch reached yet
BRITAIN INVESTS
13
VII Company performance compared to other
German companies in the same industry sector
V Governmental support
British companies investing in Germany would appreciate support from
the German government or regional development agencies, especially
with regards to financial support, advice on skills availability and
corporate training. Trade associations and local chambers in Germany
can also play an important role as 18 per cent of respondents identified
networking and contact to potential partners as essential.
As in previous surveys, the majority of British subsidiaries stated that
their labour productivity and financial performance is as good as or better
than their German counterparts’.
80%
69%
70%
60%
54%
50%
Labour Productivity
Financial Performance
40%
Other
15%
30%
22%
20%
Financial
Support
30%
Advice on
skills availability
and training
support
27%
10%
0%
21%
14%
11%
6%
3%
Largely above
average
Above average
Average
Below average
VIII Impact of the current economic climate
in the UK
Real Estate
Advice 10%
Connecting with
local partners 18%
In comparison to our 2009 survey, British companies are more confident.
In 2009, 52 per cent of British subsidiaries in Germany believed that their
operations in Germany had been very severely affected by the economic
downturn in the UK. Now over two-thirds of the respondents state that the
economic situation in the UK does not affect their operations in Germany.
Positively affected
3%
VI Reasons for investing in Germany
As in the previous surveys, market driven factors remain the main
reasons for British companies to invest in Germany. Compared to 2009, the
availability of a skilled workforce now seems equally important. The focus
of Germany as an export base into other markets has shifted from Western
Europe (2009: 30%) to Eastern Europe (2009: 15%), reflecting
current economic trends.
Very severely
affected
13%
Severely
affected
8%
Not at
all affected
76%
Labour skills
IX Impact of current economic growth in Germany
Technology
Export potential with Germany as
an export base for Eastern Europe
Export potential with Germany as
an export base for Western Europe
The majority of British subsidiaries in Germany have been positively
affected by economic growth in Germany over the past year. Only a small
minority felt negatively affected.
Economic power
70%
Target increase in market share
in Germany
Overall importance of
Germany as a market
60%
Other
48%
50%
40%
Negatively affected
5%
59%
Not at all
affected
21%
39%
32%
32%
30%
20%
18%
9%
10%
9%
Positively
affected 53%
0%
(More than 1 answer possible)
Very positively
affected
21%
14 BRITAIN INVESTS / BUSINESS NEWS
XI Future trends – Threats
X Future trends – Opportunities
Compared to the last four years, British subsidiaries see continued
growth in the German economy as an opportunity to further invest in
the country. Moreover, Germany’s central European location is still seen
as a valuable factor for future expansion.
Continuing from our 2009 survey, a slowing down of growth is still seen
as the major threat by British subsidiaries in Germany. Also, a shortage
of labour skills is now seen as a key factor for the future development of
British companies in Germany (2009: 19%).
70%
70%
64%
61%
60%
60%
55%
50%
50%
40%
40%
30%
27%
45%
30%
25%
20%
27%
27%
20%
16%
10%
11%
10%
7%
5%
2%
0%
0%
Continued growth Labour Market
of the German
economy
Technology
Advantageous
operating costs
Location in
Central Europe
Other
Business News
Discounter mischen britischen Lebensmittelmarkt auf
London (gtai) - Die Lebensmittelumsätze im Vereinigten Königreich waren
2011 leicht rückläufig. Auch 2012 dürfte angesichts des relativ unsicheren
Verbrauchervertrauens ein schwieriges Jahr für den Lebensmitteleinzelhandel
werden. Britische Konsumenten achten mehr denn je auf ein gutes PreisLeistungsverhältnis und kaufen zunehmend in Discountern wie Aldi und
Lidl ein. Auch Tiefkühlkost der Supermarktkette Iceland wurde zuletzt
stark nachgefragt.
+++
E.ON, Veolia und Skanska bieten um riesiges
Abfallentsorgungsprojekt in London
London (gtai) - In der britischen Hauptstadt geht der Bieterwettstreit um ein
drei bis vier Milliarden GBP schweres Abfallentsorgungsprojekt in die heiße
Phase. Zwei Großaufträge werden vergeben. Es geht um die Erzeugung
von Ersatzbrennstoff aus Abfällen sowie um dessen kommerzielle Nutzung.
Augean Plc will in Northamptonshire auch radioaktive Abfälle behandeln.
Mit Spannung erwartet wird die Reform des Beschaffungsmodells PFI
(Private Finance Initiative). Investoren befürchten niedrigere Renditen.
+++
Britische Pkw-Produktion soll 2012 um
acht Prozent steigen
London (gtai) - Entgegen dem Negativtrend bei den Neuzulassungen
kletterte die Produktion von Pkw im Vereinigten Königreich 2011 um
5,8 Prozent auf 1,34 Mio. Einheiten. Für rund 52 Prozent des Ausstoßes
zeichneten japanische Hersteller verantwortlich. Branchenexperten fordern
eine höhere Fertigungstiefe in dem Sektor, der bei Vorleistungen stark auf das
Ausland angewiesen ist. Förderprogramme im Bereich alternative Antriebe
und Investitionsprojekte bieten deutschen Unternehmen Geschäftschancen.
Weitere Artikel und Branchen-Trends unter www.gtai.de
+++
Decline of
growth in
the German
economy
Lack of
localdemand
Shortage of
labour skills
Lack of
Lengthening
governmental supply chain/
assistance
geographical
distance
Increase in
regulations
Other
Court: young workers deserve more holidays
Public workers under 30 years of age should have the same amount of
holidays as their older colleagues, and a clause which set up different
entitlement should be abolished, the German Federal Labour court ruled
on 20 March 2012. The court said the clause violated age discrimination
laws. While service workers’ union Verdi said the ruling would affect 850,000
employees, some of whom would get four more days off than now –
amounting to 1.6 million days nationwide - employers are worried
about the cost, which they estimated at €250 million. (TheLocal.de)
+++
Deutsche Bank reduces food-price betting
Germany's biggest bank, Deutsche Bank, says it will slow its food-price
betting business after almost admitting trade in staple foods was linked
to higher food prices and the growing number of hungry people. "We
recognise that the proper functioning of agricultural markets (has) wide social
ramifications," the bank said in its annual social responsibility report. It said
it was "concerned by the growing number of people who find themselves
in food poverty." Other German banks known to bet on food prices are
Commerzbank and, to a lesser extent, Sparkasse. (TheLocal.de)
+++
Pensioners will be allowed to earn more
As the German population ages, leaving fewer working people to support
the growing number of pensioners, rules governing how much they can
earn on top of their pension are set to be relaxed. The plan would allow
early pensioners to earn as much as they did while working full-time via a
combination of retirement payments and money they earn in the workforce.
Current rules limit them to earn an additional €400 a month, with anything
on top of that taken out of their pensions. (TheLocal.de)
More Business News from Germany:
TheLocal.de
This section is provided in
co-operation with Germany
Trade & Invest and TheLocal.de.
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
15
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
Jewellery Boxes & Display Stands
Sanitaryware Accessories
We are looking for a sales agent (commission basis) in the area of Great
Britain and Ireland. Our customers are retailers in the jewellery and
watch industries. We manufacture boxes, cases and displays with plants
located in Germany and China. The ideal candidate is a sales agent for
jewellery or watches, who is looking for an additional business and who
will visit jewellery and watch retailers. For further information please
contact Mr Guido Strobel, E. Wilhelm GmbH, Fabrikstrasse 25,
77966 Kappel-Grafenhausen, Germany; Tel: +49782 27690;
Fax: +49782 2769550; Email: guido.strobel@wilhelm-etuis.com;
Web: www.wilhelm-etuis.com
We are a successful, owner-managed company headquartered in
Menden, Germany. Our main focus lies on development production
and distribution of premium taps, cosmetic and illuminated mirrors
and bath accessories for the sanitary market. Therefore we’re looking
for an independent sales agent in the UK. Your main tasks: acquisition
of new customers; networking with existing customers; contact for
property developers, architects, planners and consultants; customer-/
sales meetings; product presentations. For further information,
please contact: Ms Carolin Schulte, SAM Schulte Vertriebs GmbH,
Horlecke 102, 58706 Menden, Germany; Tel:+49 02373 909000;
Fax: +49 02373 9090108; Email: carolin.schulte@sam.de ;
Web: www.sam.de
Perfect Milling, Turning & Drilling
For more than 125 years the name Monforts is synonymous for
machine tools on the highest standard of performance. The
tradition of the company, founded in 1884 secures a high degree
of continuity, flexibility, innovation and new impulses. A. Monforts
Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG manufactures an extensive
range of CNC-controlled turning-lathes – flexible turning centers
and twin-spindle-lathes, all with a ten year warranty for the wearfree hydrostatic Z-guide. For further information, please contact:
Mr Wolfgang Müller, A. Montforts Werkzeugmaschinen
GmbH & Co. KG, Schwalmstraße 301, 41238 Mönchengladbach,
Germany. Tel: +49 2161 9461 448; Fax: +49 2161 9461 490;
Email: Mueller@monforts-wzm.de; Web: www.monforts-wzm-de
www.monforts-wzm.com
Neutralisation of Condensates
Market leader of neutralisers for condensing boilers/ customers like
Viessmann, Vaillant, Buderus, is searching for agents in the heating
industry to distribute our products in Great Britain. Requirements:
favourable references in distribution of condensing boilers, heating
equipment, water treatment or condensate pumps. We offer high
margins with innovative products, easy handling and excellent function
to avoid damage from corrosion within the canalisation. For further
information, please contact: Ms Stefanie Wanner, Mommertz GmbH,
Daimlerstr. 8, 89312 Guenzburg, Germany. Tel. +49/ 8221/ 82 38,
Fax: +49/ 8221/ 38 616, email : stefanie.wanner@mommertz.de,
Web : www.neutrakon.de
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Looking for advice and assistance with your environmental
compliance in Germany?
The German-British Chamber can help British exporters with:
packaging waste compliance
certificate of completeness audits (VE)
the deposit scheme for drink containers
waste electronic and electronic equipment (WEEE) compliance
battery compliance
•
•
•
•
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We work with many schemes and systems to ensure our clients have
the most suitable and cost-efficient contracts in place that fit with
their needs and obligations.
So don’t waste your time, come to the experts for a complete service.
Visit www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk for more information or
contact Ian Wivell – recycling@ahk-london.co.uk / tel: 020 7976 4150.