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22 - info - june / july 2011
NEWS
CompaniesThe following Company News section covers activities and events of Chamber members. It provides up-to-
date information and coverage, with the intention of promoting their know-how and achievements.
||| Eurostar has launched at the beginning of May a
guaranteed boarding service for its flagship Business
Premier class. The Eurostar Business Premier
‘Boarding Guarantee’, will exclusively offer Business
Premier passengers guaranteed access to the train
of their choice regardless of their reservation. This
means business customers can feel confident that if
they arrive late or even early for their train they will
be able to board another service, without having to
join a stand-by queue.
The ‘Boarding Guarantee’ is available at Eurostar
stations on the same day of travel as the original
booking. Wherever possible, customers will be
accommodated in Business Premier coaches and where
Eurostar launches guaranteed boarding for its Business Premier customers
this is not possible, travel will still be guaranteed in
either Standard Premier or Standard class. �
Eurotunnel Group revenues grow almost a quarter
||| The Eurotunnel Group recorded growth in its
revenues for the first quarter of 2011 driven by an
increase in its core activity, the transport of trucks and
passenger vehicles on board its Shuttles, which grew
by 14 percent to €81.7 million compared to the same
period in the previous year.
Total revenues for the Eurotunnel Group for the
first quarter of 2011 have increased to €179.2 million,
a growth of 24 percent compared to 2010. Revenues
arising from the use of the railway network by Eurostar
passenger trains and train operators’ rail freight services
rose to €59.9 million and also grew, by 5 percent during
the first quarter.
“Eurotunnel has made excellent progress in all its
strategic activities as a result of its long term strengths:
customer service and protection of the environment,
whilst the ferries which use bunker fuel have to apply
fuel surcharges. Our rail freight business is developing
as planned through the efforts of the dynamic teams at
Great Britain Rail Freight (GBRf) in the UK and Europorte
in France” commented Jacques Gounon, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of the Eurotunnel Group. �
info - june / july 2011 - 23
NEWS
Cofely, a GDF SUEZ company, delivers low carbon district energy across Leicester
||| Cofely has signed a 25 year contract with Leicester
City Council (LCC) to link and extend four existing
district heating schemes across the City of Leicester.
The work will be delivered through a new subsidiary
company – Leicester District Energy Company – with an
investment of £14m by Cofely and additional funding
from the Community Energy Saving Programme
(CESP)1. The project will realise a long-held ambition of
LCC to optimise the performance of its existing district
heating schemes and will also significantly broaden
the use of low carbon heating within Leicester.
The low carbon energy schemes are due to go live
during 2012, serving 3,000 dwellings across six housing
estates, as well as 15 civic buildings, through 7km of
insulated pipework. When all of the first phases are
delivered (including the City Council, the University
and the Penitentiary centre), the scheme will use a
combination of over 5 MW of low carbon gas-fired
combined heat & power (CHP) and biomass boilers to
achieve CO2 emissions savings of 12,000 tonnes per
annum. A second phase of the project will extend the
scheme to include HMP Leicester and the University of
Leicester. Cofely will assume operational responsibility
for the existing schemes in late spring 2011. �1 Community Energy Saving Programme targets households across the UK, in areas
of low income, to improve energy efficiency standards, and reduce fuel bills. The
programme is delivered through the development of community-based partnerships
between Local Authorities (LAs), community groups and energy companies.
||| For the fourth year in a row PSA Peugeot Citroën
has been recognised as France’s leading patent
applicant. The company released 1,152 patents in 2010.
Innovations included hill assist devices, grip control
traction for slippery surfaces, and windshield head-up
vision displays of speedometers. In addition PSA, the
second largest car maker based in Europe and sixth
Peugeot nabs patent accolade again
throughout the world, introduced the novel “stop and
start” system shutdown to reduce CO2 emissions. Plus
it patented new features to protect pedestrians and
improve emergency braking systems.
Sales of Peugeot cars rose by 8.8 percent in March
2011 compared to a year earlier, while Citroën sales
climbed 19.2 percent over the same period. �
•
Recommended offer by KSE for Arsenal Holdings
||| As part of the offer KSE, which is a company
owned by existing Arsenal Director Stan Kroenke, has
committed to continue to operate the Club in line
with our existing self-sustaining business model.
Mr Kroenke has a proven track record of successful
long-term investment in sport and has confirmed that
he has asked the existing Board to remain in place.
This includes Mr Peter Hill-Wood as Chairman. Mr
Kroenke is also fully supportive of Manager Arsène
Wenger whom he has stated is a wonderful manager.
KSE has also stated that the offer will not be funded
by debt finance secured against the Club.
The Independent Directors of Arsenal comprising of
Mr Hill-Wood, Ivan Gazidis, Ken Friar, Sir Chips Keswick
and Lord Harris of Peckham have considered these
confirmations as well as the offer price and, having
received advice from an independent adviser, Rothschild,
are recommending that shareholders accept the offer. �
The Emirates Stadium
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24 - info - june / july 2011
NEWS
EDF Energy signs 2 partnerships with London Landmarks:The London Eye and Tower Bridge
||| On the 25th of January, before sunrise, the iconic EDF
Energy London Eye cast a brilliant light across London
to symbolise a low carbon vision for the Capital and
beyond. It marked the launch of EDF Energy’s three-
year sponsorship with Merlin Entertainment’s iconic
attraction - the London Eye.
This symbolic sunrise aims to help Britons to take
action against climate change and sign up to Team
Green Britain (teamgreenbritain.org), a growing group
of people, schools and communities engaged in tackling
climate change. Joining the team is TV personality
Myleene Klass who has pledged to start living a more
sustainable lifestyle and support EDF Energy’s low
carbon vision for London.
As well as using its expertise as Britain’s largest
producer of low carbon electricity to help Merlin
reduce the London Eye’s overall carbon footprint, EDF
Energy will guarantee that every single unit of energy
used by the EDF Energy London Eye is matched with
energy generated from low carbon sources.
On the 21 April, the Mayor of London has also
announced a deal between City Hall, City of London
Corporation, EDF and GE to install a state-of-the-art
energy-efficient lighting system on Tower Bridge. As
well as helping to cut carbon and reduce energy costs,
the project will enhance this global icon’s architectural
features at night.
If given planning permission, this will deliver LEDs
and flexible lighting and a new cabling system to
complement the bridge’s features - such as its gothic
turrets, central aerial walkway and suspension chains - in
colours sensitive to its listed building status. The lighting
system will be flexible, allowing for both varying colours
and intensity of light, enabling Tower Bridge to respond
to special events in a unique and spectacular manner.
The project must now obtain the necessary planning
permissions but if successful, work could start by
September and be completed by spring 2012, in time for the
Olympic and Paralympic Games. Commercial agreements
have now been signed between all relevant parties and a
detailed planning application is being drawn-up.
Vincent de Rivaz, Chief Executive at EDF Energy
said “As Britain’s largest producer of low carbon
electricity, EDF Energy is leading the energy change.
We are working with Government, transport providers,
attractions, business and institutions to help create a
city, and country that’s more sustainable and enjoyable
for visitors and residents alike. �
TV Personality • Myleene Klass
info - june / july 2011 - 25
NEWS
Saint-Gobain central to MediaCityUK
||| Overlooking The Lowry and Imperial War Museum on
the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, the landmark
MediaCityUK development is Europe’s biggest dedicated
media centre. It is set to become the new home for the
BBC in the North following a decision to relocate key
London-based departments, including BBC Sport, BBC
Children’s and Radio 5 Live to the site in 2011.
The new facility will house TV and radio studios, a
five storey office building and a mix of commercial and
residential areas. As part of the multi-million pound
project, a number of Saint-Gobain companies were able
to provide systems to meet acoustic high standards. Saint-
Gobain PAM supplied its Ensign above ground drainage
system. Used throughout the MediaCityUK complex, this
consists of lightweight cast-iron socket-less pipes and
fittings in 50 to 600mm diameters which are connected
by a unique, two-piece ductile-iron coupling.
The system was chosen for the project as it is the
quietest above ground drainage system available on
the market. �
||| French drinks giant Pernod Ricard has bold plans
for UK tipplers to sip more premium spirits. To that
end it has launched its “Premium Edge” initiative.
Aimed at both the on-and-off trade and operating on
both sides of the Channel, the campaign offers special
displays, limited edition packs and educational
material to retailers who seek higher margins during
parched times.
In the British context premium implies bottles
worth £13 or more. Currently premium consumption
makes up 31 percent of the spirits market in Britain
Pernod Ricard hopes the spirit is willing…
compared to 46 percent in the USA. To reach that
Stateside target the company will stress attributes of
heritage, quality, exclusivity and style.
Tastes differ, however, depending on whether
you are standing in a pub or shopping for a special
occasion in an off-licence. According to market
research, bartenders favour pushing premium scotch
whereas consumers prefer to spend more for pricier
vodkas. Pernod Ricard owns such legendary brands
as Chivas Regal cognac, Absolut vodka, The Glenlivet
whisky and Beefeater gin. �
The new MediaCityUK development is set to house key departments of the BBC
26 - info - june / july 2011
NEWS
Renault - rolling out new electric vehicle range
||| 100 years ago, electric vehicles (EVs) were a common
sight in the streets of Europe and the USA. In fact, their
reasonable cost and the absence of unpleasant smells,
noise, and most importantly the need to hand crank,
made them perfect city cars and delivery vans. This was
until mass production methods and the invention of the
electric starter brought about the internal combustion
engine-dominated (ICE) world that we know today.
After decades, which saw EVs confined to golf
buggies and milk floats, they came back onto the scene
when General Motors built and trialled its EV1 in the
mid 1990s. The 2006 documentary film ‘Who killed the
Electric Car’ narrates its short but busy life. It seemed
that EVs’ time was yet to come, but in the last few years,
we have seen a major increase in interest.
Main Breakthrough
So, why are EVs now returning to the market? The main
breakthrough is probably the development of Lithium-
Ion batteries, which are already widely used in laptops
and mobile phones. And the reason for this is what
is known as ‘energy density’ or the capacity to store
energy relative to the weight of the battery (measured
in kWh/kg) which is vastly superior to conventional
Nickel-Cadmium or Lead-Acid batteries, allowing range
over 100 miles (160km).
A range of 100 miles is not a limitation that we have
traditionally experienced, and it gives rise to the so-
called ‘range anxiety’. It is clear that EVs will not suit
every usage profile, but data proves their relevance:
32 percent of Clio-sized cars will never make journeys
longer than 150km1 and 90 percent of car journeys
in London are less than 10 miles2. Delivery vans and
commuters are obvious targets, and early field trials
show that drivers quickly overcome their anxiety, as
they become accustomed to specificities of an EV, and
start enjoying the inimitable driving experience. A firm
belief in the relevance and mass-market affordability
of EV’s is the foundation of Renault-Nissan Alliance’s
strategy to offer ‘pure’ electric vehicles rather than
hybrid vehicles, which while negating the range issue,
are inherently more expensive .
Many of the major car manufacturers now plan to
sell mass-market electric vehicles, all with similar quality
and performance as a conventional vehicle. Mitsubishi,
Citroen, Peugeot and Nissan are already offering cars in
the UK, with BMW, Ford and Volkswagen likely to launch
products in the next couple of years. Even established
hybrid manufacturers Toyota and Honda have developed
EV-versions of their products. All manufacturers are
forecasting significant growth in the EV sector, with
Renault amongst the most bullish, projecting that they
will take about 10 percent of the market by 2020. Even
if it seems a bold figure, this is still not enough to reach
the target of 1.7 million vehicles on the road by 2020 set
by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) in order to
meet the UK’s carbon-reduction targets.
Significant developments
EVs allow significant CO2 savings, even when taking
into account the emissions from electricity production:
typically 40 percent less than the equivalent diesel
model. The growing pressure to decarbonise electricity
means bigger future savings: the target of 300g/kWh
(again, set by the CCC) in 2020 translates into 42g/km,
well below what will be achievable by combustion
engines. However, there are more than just CO2
reductions to consider - EVs also offer significant
improvements in noise and air pollution, at a time
where cities and states struggle to meet European
targets on nitrogen oxide levels and risk heavy fines.Source charging stations will give a full charge in 6-8 hours
info - june / july 2011 - 27
NEWS
DRIVE THE CHANGE
RENAULT’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE RANGE.REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN THE FUTURE
AT RENAULT-ZE.COM
DON’T BE THE LASTTO CHANGE WITH THE TIMES.
Zero emissions in use.The production of electricity in the UK generally produces CO2.
AVAILABLE IN 2012
AVAILABLE IN 2011
AVAILABLE IN 2012
AVAILABLE IN 2012
28 - info - june / july 2011
NEWSNEWS
Whereas most manufacturers are still offering one
EV model, Renault are diving in with both feet and
launching four vehicles in the space of 12 months.
First comes Kangoo Van Z.E. in November; followed by
Twizy, a striking two-seater city car, in the first Quarter
of 2012. Later in 2012 Renault will launch Fluence Z.E.,
a saloon family car, before what is expected to be the
best-selling model, a 5-door super-mini (B-segment
hatch) named ZOE. With its partner Nissan looking
to introduce further products following the launch of
Leaf, already European Car of the Year 2011, the Renault-
Nissan Alliance clearly aims at being the leader of the
fast-growing EV market.
Affordability is essential for EVs to move from niche
to mass market. The UK government has recognised
this issue with the introduction this January of the
Plugged-in Car Grant (PiCG), a consumer incentive of
25 percent of the purchase cost, up to £5,000. The PiCG
is available, subject to certain safety and performance
criteria, for cars, but vans and quadricycles such as
Twizy are excluded.
Even taking into account this welcome help, the
upfront cost of an EV can still be a barrier, with a typical
net price of £25,000. Renault has addressed this through
an innovative battery rental scheme, starting at around
£70 per month and consequently the car is priced in-
line with its conventional counterpart. Whether you
pay upfront or rent the battery the additional cost of an
Save on Congestion Charging by driving an EV
EV is balanced by savings on maintenance, congestion
charge and crucially by the very low running costs:
under 3p per mile, typically a quarter the cost of diesel,
and the gap is likely to widen further.
Charging may be a concern, but manufacturers’
agree that most charging is expected to take place
at home. The safest and most efficient solution is to
use a Wall-box, allowing a full standard charge in 6
to 8 hours, preferably overnight when electricity is
plentiful and often cheaper. Public infrastructure
retains a key role, especially as not everyone enjoys
off-street parking. Employers, retailers and local
authorities have already started to install charging
points, including ‘fast charge’ points allowing 80
percent of full charge in 20 minutes. The government
has committed £30m funding in 8 key regions to
support this infrastructure roll-out through their
Plugged-in-Places scheme, initially in London, the
North East and Milton Keynes, with a second wave
comprising the Midlands, Greater Manchester, East of
England, Scotland and Northern Ireland announced
in December 2010.
Electric vehicles now have a level of range and
performance suitable for a significant proportion
of road users. They make sense economically and
environmentally by reducing CO2 emissions and
improving air quality. Above all, they are now a reality
on the UK’s roads: this is why 2011 could well be the
beginning of a new chapter for the motor industry.
For more information on Renault’s forthcoming
range of Electric Vehicles and to register your interest,
please visit renault-ze.com
Renault is showcasing 22 vehicles at this year’s
Company Car in Action - Millbrook (28-29 June 2011),
including the first manufacturer built electric LCV,
New Kangoo Van Z.E. and Fluence Z.E., the electric 4-
door family saloon. To register for this exciting event,
please visit renaultbusiness.co.uk/fleet-events �
Andy Heiron, Head of Electric Vehicle Programme, Renault UK.
1Source: Renault research (Europe) / 2Source TfL
The new electric vehicle range from Renault.
(L to R) Twizy • ZOE • Fluence Z.E. & Kangoo Van Z.E.
info - june / july 2011 - 29
NEWS
Thales wins Queen’s Awards for Enterprise
||| Thales UK is proud to
announce that Her Majesty
The Queen has conferred on
April 21, two of its business
units with the Queens Award
for Enterprise.
The awards are in the
International Trade category
and are being conferred
on Thales UK’s optronics
business and its missile
electronics business.
Thales UK’s optronics business designs and
manufactures electro-optic day and night-vision
equipment for use in land, sea and airborne applications.
Thales UK’s missile electronics business designs
and manufactures target detection devices, fuses and
safety arming units, which are installed in a range of
missiles. With origins tracing back to the First World
War, the business has risen to being a recognised
world leader in its areas of operations. Both parts
of the business have been selected for the award for
more than doubling their overseas revenues over the
last three years. �
Last year, Thales won the Jury’s special Award at the
Franco-British Business Awards (FBBA) ceremony that
was organised by the French Chamber of Commerce
in Great Britain in partnership with the Franco-British
Chamber of Commerce & Industry in France.
This year the FBBA will take place in Paris in November.
||| These moves will reinforce the Group’s positioning
on two particularly dynamic markets in France, and
will contribute significantly to its growth program.
Capgemini will acquire a 100% stake in Artesys and
Avantias. These acquisitions amount to a combined
total of €40 million and will be financed by the Group’s
net cash. Artesys is one of the leaders in France in the
conception of IT infrastructure solutions. Avantias
specialises in the implementation of ECM (Enterprise
Content Management).
Capgemini makes two acquisitions in France in high growth markets
Paul Hermelin, Chief Executive Officer of the Capgemini
Group commented “It is important that we invest in
the French market, which represents more than 22
percent of Group revenues, and which is gradually
seeing a return to growth. Our ambition is particularly
to become a global player in cloud computing on the
French market. We are also planning on recruiting
over 4,500 new hires in France this year, which will
contribute to the Group’s growth in what is one of its
more traditional markets”. �
||| Three contracts in early April gave the French energy
and transport group Alstom considerable cheer. First it
won a €650m contract to provide equipment for a coal
plant in Malaysia, as part of a consortium with China
Machinery Import and Export Corporation.
Alstom also received orders for trams from Systral, the
main transport syndicate for the Rhône and Lyon region.
The contract could be worth up to €58m once completed
in autumn 2012. Lastly the firm won a €27m contract with
the region “Pays de la Loire” for eight trams that will link
Nantes and Chateaubriand by 2014.
In the third quarter of 2010-11 Alstom saw orders in
its energy sector grow by 6.9 percent over the previous
quarter, and by 4.1 percent in its transportation division.
Triple hat-trick for Alstom
Total orders for Q3 thus
stood at $4.4bn, which
spelt encouraging news
after the firm lost out
to Siemens on a deal to
provide rolling stock for
Eurostar last October. �
The pink Citadis tram in
Reims, manufactured by
Alstom
30 - info - june / july 2011
NEWS
||| Nespresso achieved sales of more than £2 billion
and organic growth above 20 percent in 2010. The
booming portioned coffee segment continued to
grow, while still representing only 8 percent of the
total coffee market in terms of volume. In the face
of a burgeoning competitive landscape, Nespresso
maintained its double-digit growth trend.
Additionally, Nespresso continues to grow its leading
market share in coffee machines (including filter and
pad coffee machines) to about 20 percent. The number
of Nespresso Club Members grew by over 35 percent
to 10 million. To maintain its personalised services, the
number of Nespresso employees increased by nearly 30
percent to 5,500. More than 70 percent of the teams in
Nespresso’s markets are customer facing. In 2010, the
Nespresso: Continuing leadership through passion for quality
company opened 36 new boutiques – from Munich to
Miami and from Shanghai to Sydney – bringing the total
number of boutiques in its global retail network to 215. �
Nespresso lead the way in coffee machines
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||| The 5th May 2011 saw Ligne Roset launch their new
collections of modern furniture at the National Theatre
on London’s South Bank. More than a hundred guests
attended the event which took place on “The Deck” at
the theatre, where the company has already furnished
and decorated the VIP Lounge with its distinctive and
forward thinking style.
Those present on the night made up a spectrum
from the architecture, hotel and design industries;
among them were Michel Roset, Creative Director
of Ligne Roset and Bruno Allard, Ligne Roset’s UK
Director, along with Matt Turner, editor of “Sleeper”
magazine.
Ligne Roset unveils its new collections at The National Theatre
Pernod Ricard kindly supplied the cocktails, and
these were all made using varieties of Absolut Vodka
(Absolut Expresso Martini, Absolut Long Cosmopolitan
and Absolut Pears & Elderflower Fizz).
Among the products on display at this year’s
event were Inga Sempé’s “Ruché” bed, and the highly
contemporary, organic form of the “Ploum” sofa by 2011’s
Red Dot award winning designers Ronan and Erwan
Bouroullec, an item of furniture that the brothers liken
to a “ripe, voluptuous piece of fruit”.
Both these products are part of the Ligne Roset’s
new 2011 collection, which was launched to acclaim at
Maison et Objet in Paris earlier this year. �
Ligne Roset’s new collection featuring the “Ploum“ sofa
info - june / july 2011 - 31
NEWS
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Hermès launches its first ever furniture range in Milan
||| Hermès and Dedar, the Italian textile firm, are
pleased to announce the creation of a joint subsidiary,
Faubourg Italia, specialising in the production and
distribution of furnishing fabrics and wallpapers.
This partnership fuses the experience and know-how
of Dedar with the richness of the Hermès creative
universe, on a foundation of values cherished by both
houses: the constant quest for excellence and a strong
family spirit.
The collections designed under Hermès’ artistic
direction are now available from selected Hermès
stores.
Hermès has unveiled its new furniture line at the
Milan’s International Furniture Show (Salone dei
Mobili) which took place from 12 to 17 April.
The company has thrown open its doors and
invited the designers Enzo Mari, Antonio Citterio and
the RDAI studio (Rena Dumas Architecture Intérieure)
to chart a new page in its history in the domain of
furniture. “These collections are an opportunity to
demonstrate a contemporary expression of Hermès,
faithful to its craftsman spirit and imbued with values
of functionality and comfort” says Pierre-Alexis Dumas,
artistic director of Hermès.
Among these creations are collections of carpets,
furnishing fabrics and wallpapers. Today Hermès puts
its signature to a complete world for the home. �
Hermès launches its new furniture range
32 - info - june / july 2011
NEWS
The Dorchester celebrates its 80th anniversary
||| The term “legacy” acquired a double meaning this
April when The Dorchester celebrated its first 80 years
as a London landmark. Looking back to past glory, the
hotel revived an exclusive commemorative cocktail,
last tasted 60 years ago. Looking forward to a greener
tomorrow, The Dorchester will plant 80 trees – one for
each of its illustrious years.
The first 15 will soon form The Dorchester
Anniversary Walk in Mayfair and St. James’s; another
65 will appear across London in areas to be chosen by
the community-led charity Trees for Cities (TfC) and
Westminster Council. As the hotel’s general
manager Roland Fasel remarked: ‘We are
creating 80 living monuments to be enjoyed far
into the future.’
‘Trees deliver a range of benefits to improve
quality of life’, added Mayor of London Boris
Johnson, ‘[so] this fantastic commemoration
will leave a wonderfully leafy legacy for
generations’. It should also boost Johnson’s
plan to grace London’s streets with 10,000 new
trees by 2012.
A majestic Plane outside The Dorchester’s
entrance was named one of the Great Trees of
London in 1997. Over eight decades it has witnessed
the hotel’s 1931 launch event for “aristocrats
and industrialists, ambassadors and statesmen,
pleasure-seekers and the Beautiful People”, Prince
Philip’s stag party 16 years later, the Beatles’ Variety
Club award in 1964, and numerous stay-overs by
film-stars and world leaders.
The Dorchester’s green award-winning
Corporate Responsibility team came up with
the tree-planting idea. Commented Sharon
Johnson, CEO of TfC: ‘The gift of 80 long-living,
large canopy trees will provide clean air and
enhance the London cityscape for hundreds of
years to come.’
Besides reviving Harry Cradock’s inimitable
‘Dorchester of London’ cocktail, made with
a still-mysterious ‘Forbidden Fruit’ liquor,
the hotel will this year renovate its ballroom, and
sumptuous suites representing the acme of classical
English elegance.
Constant renewal seems key to the Dorchester
concept. In 2006 it refurbished its bar; in 2007 it opened
the three Michelin starred Alain Ducasse French
restaurant and added three modern roof suites; and
in 2009 it transformed its Art Deco spa. The Mayfair
flagship heads a Dorchester Collection of outstanding
international hotels. Now its reputation should
blossom yet further with its innovative ecological
contribution. �
The Dorchester celebrates its 80th anniversary
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
info - june / july 2011 - 33
NEWS
St Pancras Renaissance London celebrates its grand opening with a star-studded party
||| The eagerly anticipated St Pancras Renaissance
Hotel London’s grand opening took place on 5 May,
138 years to the day after the original Midland Grand
Hotel opened its doors in 1873.
Some of the celebrities who drank Laurent Perrier
Champagne on the Grand Staircase and nibbled from
macaroon trees in the hotel’s grand lobby included
Adrien Brody (pictured) and Sophie Ellis Bextor.
Nearly 1,500 guests enjoyed the hotel in all its glory,
drinking Victorian-inspired cocktails and enjoying
canapés including Haggis bonbons with Whisky sauce or
Colston Basset stilton doughnuts with smoked chilli jelly.
Having been lovingly and masterfully restored to
once again become one of London’s most iconic hotels,
the spectacular seven year, £150 million transformation
by the hotel’s owner, Manhattan Loft Corporation,
was officially revealed. The event showcased the very
best of Sir George Gilbert Scott’s historic masterpiece,
including areas of particular historical importance
that have been carefully renovated. These include the
‘Ladies Smoking Room’, the first place in Europe where
women could smoke publicly, the Booking Office,
now a glamorous bar and restaurant, and the famous
grand staircase, widely revered as the most majestic in
England and host to the Spice Girls ‘Wannabe’ video. �
Actor Adrien Brody was one of the many stars that graced
the grand opening of the St Pancras Renaissance
The facade of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
The Chamber, present at the event, wishes a bright
future to the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
and congratulates their team, particularly, Kevin
Kelly, General Manager and Ed White, Director of
Sales and Marketing for organising such a fantastic
event.
34 - info - june / july 2011
NEWS
Ines de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet
Launch of Inès de la Fressange’s style guide « Parisian Chic » at the London Roger Vivier boutique on 5 April
||| Sophie Charbonneau, manager of the Roger Vivier
boutique in Knightsbridge and very active member
of the French Chamber, hosted the launch party of
supermodel and businesswoman Inès de la Fressange’s
style guide, Parisian Chic, co-authored with Sophie
Gachet, a fashion journalist for Paris Elle, on 5th April.
Inès de la Fressange started working in the fashion
world as a runway model in the late 1970s; she became
Karl Lagerfeld’s muse and the face of Chanel during
the 1980s, posed as the Marianne face of France and
launched a clothing line in the 1990s. Today she is a
wife, the mother of two daughters, and a creative
consultant with Roger Vivier shoes.
The guests at the launch showed a very positive
reaction to the book with over 110 copies sold and
signed during the evening. Among the guests at the
glamorous event were French actress Jeanne Marine
and the singer Bob Geldof, along with designer Allegra
Hicks and Priscilla Waters.
The interior of the shop was decorated to evoke a
French atmosphere with miniature Eiffel Towers and
the colouring of the Tricolore throughout. The chairs
were borrowed from Café Rouge which has embodied
French style since its opening in 1989.
Parisians are renowned for their sense of chic, not
only in fashion but in lifestyle, and who better to define
that approach than Inès de la Fressange? It would seem
that the French have style in their DNA! So here, in this
handy red, flexi-bound volume, are all the tips that any
woman, of any age, will need to keep a bit of that je ne sais quoi in her life.
Inès de la Fressange tells readers that ‘a smile’ is
the best accessory a woman can have and provides 16
points on what to wear for every occasion, along with a
superb guide of fashion faux pas aimed at the over-50s.
But not only does Inès de la Fressange reveal ‘how’
to do things, she also tells ‘where’, with her own ‘black
book’ of fashion and decorating finds; at the end
of each section there is a dream directory of shops
to visit and information on hotels, restaurants and
venues for family-based activities. She also provides an
outstanding array of shopping websites for the reader
to visit covering both the home and fashions.
Inès de la Fressange’s guide is vibrant and essential
and exudes that quintessential Parisian chic that all
readers will undoubtedly find irresistible. �
(L to R) Jeanne Marine • Ines de la Fressange • Bob Geldolf
info - june / july 2011 - 35
NEWS
Ariel Eckstein, new Managing Director of LinkedIn EMEA
||| The main contact of the Chamber, Guillame Larronde-Larretche
has now returned to Paris where LinkedIn has opened a new office
offering local support to the growing number of French companies
using the company’s recruitment and marketing solutions. Ariel
Eckstein is the newly appointed London based Managing Director
of LinkedIn EMEA. �
hello, goodbye...
The French Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome the new representatives of existing member
companies. We would also like to express our gratitude to members who have made outstanding
contributions to the Chamber, but who are now moving on to different destinations. We wish them all the best
in their new posts.
Ici Londres appoints new Manager
||| Rachel Benessiano is taking up the role of Manager of Ici Londres
Magazine, replacing Emilie Coulette who is leaving the UK for new
opportunities.
Rachel has been with Ici Londres for 2 years and before becoming
Manager she was Sales and Marketing Executive. �
Rachel BenessianoEmilie Coulette
Guillame Larronde-Larretche
Ariel Eckstein
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