PartnershipPartnershipItaly~UK Year IX, Issue 1

March 2008

Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the UKItalian Trade Commission, London. Italian State Tourist Board, London

with the patronage and support of the Italian Embassy, London.

Joint Quarterly Magazine on Trade, Investments, Tourism and Events.

2 MARCH 2008

ITALY~UK PARTNERSHIP

Editorial Committee: The Italian Embassy London:

First Economic Counsellor, Stefano Stefanile.www.amblondra.esteri.it

The Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the UK: Leonardo Simonelli Santi,

Barry Walker, Helen Girgenti and Christian Fianco.

North-West Branch: Donatello Walt OstiScottish & Northern Ireland Offices:

Immacolata Scirpoliwww.italchamind.org.uk

Italian Trade Commission:Fabrizio Di Clemente.

www.ice.it

Italian State Tourist Board: Valerio Scoyni, Alessandra Smith,

Stefania Gatta. www.enit.it

Istituto Italiano di Cultura London: Pierluigi Barrotta and Luigi Mammolini

www.italcultur.org.uk

Advertising: Helen Girgenti, Giuseppe D’Emilio,Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the UK,

Tel: 020 7495 8191 email: helen@italchamind.org.uk

Published by: Italia UK Limited, 3 Brooklands Place, Brooklands Road,

Sale, Manchester M33 3SDTel: 0161 976 1212

email: admin@italiauk.net

Circulation: 13,000 copies sent free of charge to members of the Chamber and a broad range

of companies dealing with trade, investment and tourism between Italy and the UK.

Front Cover: Presentation of the “Third Survey of ItalianInvestments in the UK” publication at the ItalianEmbassy, London and the sponsors of thepublication

Inside this issue:

03 Editorial

04 Trade

07 Italy’s Foreign Trade in Goods

08 Tourism

09 Activities and Events

11 Cultural Events

12 Activities and Events

14 Welcome to New Members

17 News from the North

18 News from Scotland

Italy~UK Partnership

Partnership Italy-UK`Shadows in the Horizon`

In the last three months an increasing pessimistic view on

the world economic immediate prospect has prevailed.

All the growth forecast has been lowered and sinister

shadows of recession have appeared on the horizon.

The general scenario is also more complicated in the two

countries where partnership is active, Italy and the UK.

In Italy the Parliament was dissolved by the President of the

Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, on 6th February and new elections have been called for 13th

and 14th April. The crisis occurs at a moment when economic growth is still fragile,

notwithstanding the amelioration of public finances and the positive trend of our exports.

The hope is that the electoral campaign and the time needed for the new Government to be

formed and to receive the confidence vote of the Parliament will not delay the efforts to

sustain the economy and to tackle the most urgent social and economic issues.

In UK public finance creates increasing concerns and it has become the main subject of

discussion among the three parties. Very controversial is the plan to increase taxation to

foreign people who live in the UK but are domicile

abroad. On request and on behalf of members,

the Italian Chamber has written a letter to

Mr Alistair Darling, the Chancellor of Exchequer,

which has been amply reported by the Italian and

the English media.

I hope the letter will be useful to favour and still

better understanding of the reciprocal problems and helps to find a just and fair solution.

Anyway life goes on and you are all cordially

invited to attend “La Dolce Vita with Viva Italia

2008” , the ultimate Italian Festival in London,

which will take place at the Grand Hall, Olympia,

from March 13th until the 16th.

MARCH 2008 3

Fabrizio Di ClementeDirettore Italian Trade Commission London

Leonardo Simonelli SantiPresidentItalian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK

Valerio ScoyniDirettoreItalian State Tourist BoardLondon

Editorial

Regione Abruzzo will be exhibiting at the major foodfair Food and Drink Expo which takes place at theNational Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from 6th –9th April. Their presence at this important event hasbeen organised by the Abruzzo Foreign Trade Centre incollaboration with the Italian Trade Commission and willfeature a number of companies displaying the bestproducts from the region.

The Regione Abruzzo companies exhibiting at the Food and

Drink Expo include the long established coffee company

Torrefazione Adriatica who have been marketing their

professional Marcafe bar range of coffee bean preparations since

the 1940’s.

Also present at Birmingham is the liqueur company

Evangelista which has won Gold Medals for Punch Abruzzo

used in tiramisu, cakes and ice creams. It also specialises in

chocolate liqueurs and the famous Limoncello together with

Ratafià and Genziana.

Campepe, another exhibitor on the Regione Abruzzo stand,

recently celebrated its 45th anniversary and specialises in dried

fruit and snack packs including dry roasted peanuts and

pistachios and rice based savouries.

The firm AGRÀ Contado degli Acquaviva is displaying its

comprehensive range of vegetables in oil which are packaged

specifically for the food service industry and retail outlets.

Bioalimenta are exhibiting their dietary gluten free and

OGM free products which are suitable for either those affected by

coeliac disease or health conscious individuals who prefer less

Trade: Food & Drink from Regione Abruzzo at Birmingham Expo

4 MARCH 2008

gluten in their diet.Their

gluten free products are high

quality and are suitable for all

the family.

Established in 1990, the

innovative Fox Italiaspecialises in bar snacks and

specialities appealing to early

evening drinks promotions in

bars and clubs all around the

world.

Delverde are situated in

the Maiella area and manufacture finest durum wheat pastas

renowned for their texture.They produce more than 130 different

shapes of fresh pasta ( including organic varieties) using a low

temperature drying process safeguarding the nutritional quality

of the wheat.

The family owned firm Pescaradolc are also present on the

Regione Abruzzo stand with their chocolate cakes and cantuccini

(almond and chocolate chip biscuits ) and special pastries

together with their well known Cantucci d’Abruzzo biscuits.

Food & Drink Expo is one of five related shows on in

Birmingham at the same time and the whole event

will be the UK’s best attended show for the food

and drink industry this year. It includes the

Foodex/Meatex exhibitions together with Baking

Industry and Convenience Retailing all under the

umbrella of Food and Drink World.

Looking forward to the London Book FairThe Italian publishing industry will be well representedat the 37th London Book Fair which will take place inEarls Court in London from 14-16 April. Italianpresence at the show is being organised by the ItalianTrade Commission, in conjunction with AIE, the ItalianPublishers’ Association and featured nearly thirtymajor publishing houses from Italy.

The London Book Fair is now recognised as a top ranking event

in the publishing calendar and 1000 exhibitors participated in

last year’s show which attracted around 23,000 visitors. This

year the event will focus on children’s books and publishing

together with film and TV tie-ins. It provides an ideal networking

opportunity to establish Italian publishers’ presence both in the

UK and in global markets with booksellers, publishers, agents,

authors, production professionals and journalists involved in the

London Book Fair coming from 109 different countries.

Italian publishing is in good health and worth around ? 5

billion last year experiencing considerable growth over the last

four years. Development has been encouraged by the sale of

over 75 million books per annum which has acted as a driving

force for the whole paper, publishing, print and converting

market sector.

Last year’s Italian exhibitors were unanimous in their

belief that participation in the Italian group pavilion had

strongly contributed to the impact of their presence at the

London Book Fair 2007 and all have confirmed their presence

at LBF 2008 .

MARCH 2008

Organic Products 2008

� AdamoThe farm is entirely aimed at cultivating olive-tree, grapevine and wheat according to strictly biological methods. The factorymanor stretches on a large hilly Sicilian countryside for about 75 hectares inside the Alcamo Doc production area and the DopValli Trapanesi olive and grapes area. The high standard of their products is guaranteed by modern production methods,cultivating with a great respect for the environment and the territory.

� Antico Pastificio RosetanoThe “Antico Pastificio Rosetano“ may well be the best unknown pasta maker of all Italy even though it has been around for morethan a century and its products are all over the market in Italy and in many countries in Europe, either under its own brandname or under some private labels.

� Bema CosmeticsBEMA COSMETICI S.A.S. Italian Company manufacturer of a wide range of natural and organic certified skin care products formen, women, babies; para-pharmaceutical products and products for beauty salons and SPA, cosmetics for face, body, hair fordepartment stores. All high quality products: preservatives and coloring agents free, with extracts from organic agriculture,dermatologically tested, and tested against Nickel, Chromium and Cobalt to avoid any risk of allergies.

� Biodynamic Farm Claudio MenicocciWe are an Italian farm and we apply biodynamic agriculture, Demeter certified, on the whole surface. Our Organic, Biodynamicand Vegan products are: Wine, Hazelnuts, Extra virgin olive oil, Grappa. Certification: Demeter, EC Reg.2092/91, BioSuisse,BioInspecta, USDA, JAS, AVI-Vegan. Surface: 55 hectares. We sell direct because we produce, process and sell exclusively our ownproducts, which are fully checked and certified organic, biodynamic and Vegan.

� Biopiu’ Portioli Lorenzo e PietroThe biological company Biopiu’ is located at Pegognaga (MN) and takes technical advantage of work in the production ofParmigiano Reggiano of various seasonings, hard cheese, plain and with truffles and herbs. Annually the factory which covers 35hectares produces 40,000 kilos of milk, 900 forms of Parmigiano and 8,000 kilos of butter with 60 producing cows and localfodder of our land. All our products are certified appropriately.

� Casa del Balsamico Modenese SrlThe origins of my vinegar firm go back to the 19th century. Our vineyard is situated on the Modenese hills. In order to guaranteeselected and genuine grapes, in 1993 I obtained the certification for organic products, thus making "Casa del Balsamico" the firstvinegar producer to offer certified organic balsamico on the market. Even today all phases of working up are directly handled byour family. After five generations, the company manages over 4500 barrels for the ageing of balsamic vinegar.

� Conserve Manfuso SrlThe Italian tomato company Conserve Manfuso produces, with a family tradition, Organic Tomato – Tomato Peeled – Choppedtomato – Mashed Tomato –Tomato San Marzano DOP. You will appreciate all our regional Made in Italy products when you trythem!

� Fattoria Mondo Antico SasThe farm is located in Rocca susella (Pavia), in the centre of Oltrepo Pavese and it is extended on a surface of approximately26Ha, 5 of which are cultivated to vineyard. Moreover all the vineyards of the farm are certificated DOC by CCIAA of Pavia. Thewines: SINODO - OLTREPO PAVESE ROSSO DOC AGENORE - OLTREPO PAVESE BONARDA DOC PERPOLIO - OLTREPO PAVESECHARDONNAY DOC PERNIONE – OLTREPO PAVESE PINOT NERO DOC

The UK’s largest International Organics products Exhibition Organic Products takes place from the 13thto the 14th of April 2008 at the Grand Hall of Olympia. It is an essential event for anyone interested inorganic products. The Italian Chamber of Commerce, after 7 years of success, will attend the eventcoordinating the Italian companies’ presence in a collective exhibiting space of 102 sq. m. Thecompanies will be presenting their range of products including, pasta, grain, wine, extra virgin olive oil,body care and beauty products, organic Parmigiano Reggiano, tomato sauce, tofu, seitan, tempeh,balsamic vinegar, organic fruit, herbal products, juices and vegetable drinks.

Grand Hall Olympia, London 13/14 April 2008http://www.naturalproducts.co.uk/07/public/enter.aspx

MARCH 2008

� Gruppo Produttori BioloveOrganically grown fruit and vegetables, tasty and healthy, ripened in the sun of Lombardy and Veneto, lands with a thousandyears of agriculture and a solid business tradition. This, in brief, is Consorzio Biolove. Our products are: apricots, asparagus,cauliflower, cabbages, cucumbers, mushrooms, leaves (chicory, radish, rocket), kiwis, apples, melons, olives, peppers, pears,peaches, tomatoes, leeks, grapes, Savoy cabbage, pumpkins, courgettes.

� Il CasellinoAzienda Agricola Il Casellino, whose production is entirely organic, is located in Torri, about two kilometers west of Rignanosull’Arno, Florence. Its land has been devoted to vineyards and olive groves since 1586. Il Casellino covers 38 hectares, 16 arededicated to the production of top quality organic extra virgin olive oil. The oil is slightly veiled green with yellow-goldreflections. Its agreeable smell of green leaves and fresh-cut grass tastes medium-sweet at first, followed by a fruity, spicy finish.

� La Cantina PizzolatoThe Pizzolato family has been working in agricultural sector for more than five generations now, starting their biological farmingin1985, and living in harmony with nature and the environment. The estate covers an area of 58 hectares in the north part ofTreviso and the vineyards are situated on the plains and hillsides, and cultivated following the guidelines of the DOCcertification. Their production covers a wide range of varieties, including: Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet,Pinot Nero, Raboso

� La Jara WinesLA JARA (the “gravel” in our dialect), with 40 HA of vineyards, is a farm located on the hillside slopes of Conegliano andValdobbiadene (TREVISO). The white stones and chalky silt of the Piave river, which make up the soil, accumulate heat the dayand release it slowly during the night, exalting the fresh, floral fragrance of the wines, and delicate notes of flavor, giving it theharmony typical of calcareous soils.

� Mediterranea SrlMediterranea Co. produces Tofu, Seitan and Tempeh, fresh, GMO free, preservative-free and enriched with fresh in-seasonvegetables both naturally flavored and ready to be quickly heated while keeping their original taste. Piece by piece, all of ourproducts are hand-kneaded and made with passion and care since they come daily to your tables as well as ours.

� OM Officinali di MontautoLocated on the coastal region of Tuscany, OM Officinali di Montauto is an organic farm dedicated to cultivation and processingof Mediterranean herbs. From its own extracts and essential oils OM has developed a full line of natural cosmetics, foodsupplements and herbal teas.

� Pellegrino SrlSince 1870, Pellegrino family has been highly committed to the cultivation and production of extra virgin olive oil. Today, Eliaand Mariateresa supervise the whole production process of their olive oil, from the Earth to the bottle, within the “Masseria LaSpineta” farm. Here, 138 hectares host over 23.000 plants. Two are the company’s top range products:“La Spineta Dop Terra diBari Castel del Monte”, extracted from “cultivar Coratina” olives, and “Petraia Organic BIO NOP”. Our company obtained IFS andBRC certifications.

� Poggio TrevvalleUmberto and Bernardo Valle own the Poggio Trevvalle Estate that sits just between the towns of Grosseto and Campagnatico,on top of a small hill (poggio) overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Altogether, the Poggio Trevvalle Estate encompassesseventeen hectares, of which twelve hectares are vineyards. Over 85% of the vines are Sangiovese. The Valle brothers alsocultivate Grenache, Alicante and some Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

� Sunny Land SrlSunny Land s.r.l. is a trade company leading the “Organic Agricultural Food System” project, a business carried on since 2001which extends for 5000 hectares in the northern-central part of Italy. The project, involving many companies, was born toprovide the market with good quality food products and traceability standards capable of overcoming the traditional organicfood certification plans. For more information about the project and our products (wheat, corn, seeds and many others) pleasevisit us at stand 2109.

For more details please visit http://www.italchamind.eu/EN/op.asp

6 MARCH 2008

MARCH 2008 7

Italy’s Foreign Trade in Goods

The exchange of goods within the European Union has

shown a good performance: in the first 11 months of 2007

Italian exports have increased by 10.4% while the imports

have grown by 6.8%.

The Italian National Statitistics Office has recently released the

updated data on Italy’s foreign trade in goods. The first 11

months of 2007 show a favourable trend in the exchange of

goods. Exports have been generally increasing at a higher rate

than imports bringing a marked improvement in the negative

trade balance when compared to the same period of 2006.

Italy – total value of goods exchanged (in million Euros)

Sources: ISTAT – Commercio con l’estero – Comunicato 18/01/2008, amounts in million Euros and ISTAT COEWEB Datawarehouse – 12/02/2008

In the first 11 months of 2007 the total Italian exports have

increased by 11.1% while the imports have grown by 6.2%.

The total trade balance is still unfavourable for Italy

(-7,327 million Euros) but has considerably improved when

compared to the same period of 2006 (-20.523 million Euros).

The main recipient countries of Italian exports have been

Germany, France, Spain, United States, United Kingdom,

Switzerland, Russian Federation, Belgium, Poland, Austria,

Netherlands, Greece, Turkey, China and Romania.

EU countries EU countries Worldwide WorldwideJan – Nov 2006 Jan – Nov 2007 Jan – Nov 2006 Jan – Nov 2007

Exports 181,251 200,025 298,556 331,559

Imports 180,889 193,277 319,079 338,886

Total 362,140 393,302 617,635 670,445

Balance 362 6,748 -20,523 -7,327

For the period January-November of this year a positive

balance of 6,748 million Euros has been recorded which

shows a good performance when compared with the

amount of 362 million Euros of the same period in 2006.

Italian exports have increased significantly towards the

following countries: Lithuania (+30.9%), Latvia (+29.8%),

Poland (+28.5%), Slovenia (+23.9%) and Finland (+22.6%)

while a decrease has been registered in trade towards

Portugal (-5.6%) and Romania (-0,5%)

In the same timeframe, trade between Italy and theUnited Kindom has shown a 6.4% increase inexports from Italy to the UK and a 2.1% decrease inimports from the UK. The estimated trade balancefor the first 11 months of 2007 is + 8,254 millionEuros.In the first 11 months of 2007 Italian exports haveperformed well in terms of categories of goodsexchanged, showing increases in refined petroleumproducts, metals and finished metal products,transport equipment, wood and wood products(excluding furniture) and machinery andmechanical equipment.The highest values of goods imported has been registered in

the categories of machinery and mechanical equipment,

manufactured goods (including furniture), metals and metal

and finished metal products and transport equipment.

There have been decreases in the total value of goods

imported in the fossil fuels category, refined petroleum

products, electricity, gas and water, and leather and

leather products.

(Study edited by the Economic Department of the Italian Embassyin London from data issued online by ISTAT)

The Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the UK isco-operating with Fiera Milano and Fiera Verona topromote the following exhibitions:

VinitalyInternational Wine & Spirits ExhibitionVerona 3-7 April 2008www.vinitaly.it

SOLInternational Exhibition of Extra-Virgin Quality Olive OilVerona 3-7 April 2008www.veronafiere.it

XylexpoInternational Exhibition on Wood TechnologyMilano 27-31 May 2008www.xylexpo.com

Si Sposa Italia CollezioniInternational Exhibition on Wedding Fashions andAccessoriesMilano 20-23 June 2008www.sposaitaliacollezioni.it

For further information kindly contact Daniel De Castrodecastro@italchamind.org.uk

A little Pompei in the heart of Rimini

8 MARCH 2008

Once again the Italian State Tourist Board- ENITLondon has taken part in The Holiday WorldExperience, the most important tourism fair in Ireland that takes place every year at RDS in Dublin.

Open to both public and trade, the 2008 Holiday WorldExperience has seen 714 Exhibitors, amongst themmajor national tourist offices, airlines, tour operators,railway and ferry companies, travel related services,and has been visited by 2.900 people during the dayreserved to the trade and by 51.400 visitors, bothoperators and tourists, during the following three days.Three Italian Regions were present within the Italianstand: Marche, Piedmont, Friuli Venezia Giulia, as well asIn Garda Trentino,

6 personalisedbooths and 9 ClubItalia members.

The Italian standwas well attendedby media, trade andpublic, clearconfirmation of the

Italian Tourist Board-ENIT News: Holiday World ExperienceDublin 24-27 January 2008

continuous interestof the Irish peoplefor our Country.

On the evening ofJanuary 24 in theelegant surroundings of the newly refurbishedShelbourne Hotel in Dublin, the Italian State TouristBoard hosted a Press Conference in co-operation withMarche, Piedmont, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Lake Garda,to illustrate the tourist offer of the Regions and thepresent situation of the Irish tourist market.The presentation, attended by about 60 peoplebetween tour operators, journalists and representativesof the Italian Authorities in Dublin, was followed by abuffet dinner.

Alessandra SmithItalian State TouristBoardENIT London

Medieval settlement, remains of several buildings fromthe 16th – 18th centuries, including a number of stonewells and corn silos originally belonging to thechurches of San Patrignano and the Religious House ofthe “Convertite” (a charitable order of nuns looking afterpenitent prostitutes).

All the uncovered remains, preserved on an on sitemuseum basis, provides the picture of exceptionalhistorical and urban stratification bearing witness to2,000 years of local history.

The Piazza Ferrari Excavations

The archaeological area in Piazza Ferrari came to light in1989, during work on the municipal gardens.The chance unearthing of a number of Roman ruinswas followed, up to 2006, by systematic excavations.Preliminary probes and stratigraphic excavations havebrought to light an area covering a surface measuringmore than 700 square metres.

The most interesting remains are of part of a residentialblock on the northern edge of Roman Ariminum, facingthe Adriatic coast, which, at that time, was more thanone kilometre further inland than in the present day.The area was flanked by two streets at right angles – a cardo and decumanus – and there was also a laterhouse from the Empire period including the sectornow known as the “Surgeon’s House”, followed by abuilding from Late Antiquity.

In addition other finds of archaeological interest wereunearthed, i.e. traces of flooring made of crushedpotsherd fragments probably dating from a LateRepublic period dwelling, as well as evidence of Early

MARCH 2008 9

The Surgeon’s HouseThe northern sector of the excavated area contains theremains of the so-called “Surgeon’s House”, built duringthe second half of the 2nd century a.C., incorporatingthe back peristyle of a previous building, as a two storeyresidential building.

The small entrance hall,giving onto the nearbycardo, led into a servicearea followed by an innercorridor, on one side ofwhich there stood a

garden, and on the ot eral rooms with baked clay wallsstanding on stone bases.

The living quarters, decorated with polychromefrescoes and geometric pattern and figure mosaicflooring included a dining room (triclinium), bedroom(cubiculum) and two reception rooms, the first of whichhad a fine mosaic with Orpheus surrounded by animals.There were also a number of service rooms towards theback, a heated area (hypocaust), latrine, and a kitchenand pantry on the upper floor.

The whole building was destroyed by fire shortly afterthe mid 3rd century, probably at the time of raids by

Germanic tribes during the reign of theEmperor Gallienus. It was also at thistime that the new town wall circuitwas built, a short stretch of which canbe seen at the back of the house.

The sudden collapse of the wallspreserved fittings and furnishings,

unearthed among the rubble on the floors of thehouse. These finds include a remarkable collection ofsurgical and pharmacological items, evidence of themedical profession of the last owner of the house.

Finds from the HouseThe remains of the “Surgeon’s House” preserved on siteare accompanied by the excavated finds on display inthe Rimini Archaeological Museum.

Evidence of the quality of the original architecturaldecoration is thus provided by a selection ofpolychrome frescoes unearthed from the rubble,including parts of coffer ceilings and walls with floraland animal motif decorated sections, a highlight beingthe impressionist style view of the harbour.

A decorative feature is the sophisticated glass pastepanel imported from the east, originally in thetriclinium, showing the sea bottom with three brightlycoloured fish.

The garden yielded a large marble basin and the foot ofa statue of the Epicurean philosopher Hermarchus,evidence of the intellectual leanings of the house owner.

There are a large number of movable items. Apart fromkitchen and tableware and a number of oil lamps, thereis an extraordinary collection of medical itemsconsisting of more than 150 surgical instruments,mortars, scales and containers for the preparation andpreservation of medicines, as well as a thermos typetherapeutical vase madeto fit a foot.

On the basis ofexcavation data it hasbeen possible toprovide a detailed, fullsize reconstruction ofthe original doctor’ssurgery, i.e. a taberna medica domestica

consisting of the room with the Orpheus mosaic andthe adjacent where the surgeon looked after andoperated on his patients. There is also a small hoard ofabout 80 cubiculum coins for daily expenses datingfrom the time when the house was abandoned, i.e. 260A.D., together with spear and javelin points left on thefloors during the violent clashes which will havebrought about the destruction of the house.

The SurgeonThe collection of surgical instruments unearthed in thehouse in Piazza Ferrari leaves us in no doubt about theprofession of the owner living there in the mid 3rdcentury. He was a doctor with considerable experienceand skill, who, as was often the case, will have beentrained in a Greek environment, arriving in Ariminumfrom the east.

The eastern origins of the individual in question, alsosuggested by his adherence to Epicurean philosophicalideals, is clearly proved both by the Greek words heinscribed on two small vases for preserving medicinalherbs, which came to light in the taberna medica andhis very name, which was most probably Eutyches, asscratched on the wall by a patient stretched out on thebed in the cubiculum.

The specificity of the surgical instruments unearthed inthe house (for example, there were no gynaecologicalones), mostly for use in cases of bone traumas andincluding a very rare iron for extracting arrow headsfrom bodies, appears to point to specialist experience ina military environment, perhaps in one of thevaletudinaria, i.e. Roman army infirmaries on thefrontiers of the Empire, the only Roman medicalinstitutions at all similar to a modern hospital.

Stefania GattaPress and CommunicationsItalian State Tourist Board.

10 MARCH 2008

On 17th January at the British International FreightAssociation annual awards dinner, ITAL Logistics won, forthe second time, the BIFA European Logistics Award 2007,having previously won it in 2002. These awards are widelyrecognised as the most prestigious within the logisticsand supply chain industry. Managing Director, PhilDenton said "It is with great pride that we receive thisaward, having entered twice and won twice! It is a greattribute to the dedication and commitment of allcolleagues".

BIFA summarised by saying, "The judging panel felt that Ital

Logistics’ entry stood above the others in terms of

demonstrating, throughout the organisation, their extreme

commitment to customer service, which has gained and

retained many of its customers. It is their culture of honesty and

sincerity which earns their clients’ all-important trust".

ITAL Logistics was founded in the Millennium year, primarily to

specialise in the export and import of freight by road to and

from Italy. It's aim was to provide an honest, reliable, quality and

personalised service with longer term plans to expand their

portfolio of services into other Western European countries. With

it's Head Office in Manchester and a branch office in Romford,

plus receiving facilities in the Midlands, they can cover the

whole of the UK. Their partners in Italy, ITX Cargo srl, with it's HQ

in Milan and branch office in Verona, have just completed their

10th year of operation. Between them, they move an average of

10 trailers each week to, and up to 20 trailers each week from

Italy serving the whole of Italy thanks to an extensive

distribution network.

They also offer services to/from Greece and Spain, as well as

general forwarding services Europe-wide.

For more information, contact their Head office on:0161 491 4911 or Romford office on 01708 331816,or visit their website at www.ital-logistics.com.

Chamber member scoops Logistics award

Phil Denton (centre) receiving BIFA award from Gyles Brandreth (right)and Les Flanagan of Wincanton, sponsors of the category.

MARCH 2008 11

Main Cultural Events at ICI Londonfrom March to May 2008

Yet another programme dense of activity from the ItalianCultural Institute. We pride ourselves to offer a calendar ofevents for all tastes and interests. And may we remind youthat even the events that carry an entry fee for the public arefree to all our members: for only £40.00 a year we can be “yourItalian Salotto in London!”

LiteraryMonday 17 March, 6.30pm Blue ChinaOn the occasion of the UK launch of her book Blue China, the half-Italian half-Chinese writer Bamboo Hirst, meets the Chinese journalistand writer Xinran Xue, author of The Good Women of China.Theevent is introduced by Marion Baraitser. Blue China is an inspiringmemoir of the personal journey of a Chinese girl left by her parents,an Italian diplomat and a Chinese singer, in a missionary convent inShanghai, who is then forced to leave China and fend for herself atfourteen in Italy. As an adult looking for her true identity, she revisitsmodern China to give us, through Italian eyes, a unique picture ofChinese culture as se reconciles her Eastern and Western roots.Free event but booking essential on 020 7396 4430 orrsvp.icilondon@esteri.it

MusicThursday 27 March, 7pmMariangela Vacatello and Giovanni Gnocchi in ConcertPianist Mariangela Vacatello and cellist Giovanni Gnocchi are twooutstanding young Italian musicians. Mariangela is currentlycompleting her postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music.Giovanni is first cello with Camerata Salzburg. Individually, they arewinners of several prestigious international competitions. As a duothey were finalists in the Parkhouse Award International competitionat the Wigmore Hall in March 2007.They will perform a programme ofmusic by Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, Rossini.Entry: £5, free for the members of the Italian Cultural Institute but bookingessential

ArtThursday 3 April, 7pmAndrea Vizzini: Spaces andContemplationIn his most recent works exhibited here,Andrea Vizzini fuses the classical and theabstract in one language, reaching anunusual synthesis of form andcompositional structure, embracing thethree-dimentionality of sculpture. Aimingto express rarefied atmospheres, the artisthas replaced over-layering by subtractionto convey a sense of calm and distancefrom our chaotic lifestyle.These works,executed in oil and acrylics on canvas,depict virtual spaces which exist in thequantum space between Zen and minimalism: islands of silence,almost museums of the imagination.Free event

MusicThursday 24 April, 6.30pmPuccini DayOn the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s birth, aday dedicated to the life and work of this great Italian composer(1858 – 1924), famous for operas such as La bohème,Tosca, MadamaButterfly,Turandot.Free event but booking essential on 020 7396 4430 orrsvp.icilondon@esteri.it

Poetry and MusicMonday 28 April, 6.30pmThe Language of Women: English andItalian Renaissance PoetryWriter Gaia Servadio and actress ClaireBloom will read sonnets by Italian andEnglish women poets of the 15th and 16thCentury, with the musical accompanimentby Christopher Goodwin (Lute). GaiaServadio has been published widely andtranslated into many languages. Her latestbooks include Women in the Renaissance (Tauris 2005) and the novelE i morti non sanno (Flaccovio, 2006). She lectures at universities (fromOxford Union to Delhi) and writes for the cinema. Claire Bloom is oneof the most acclaimed English actresses. She has performed in themain theatres all over the world, as well as starring on the big screenalongside Charlie Chaplin who discovered her, Laurence Olivier,Richard Burton and many others.Entry: £5, free for the members of the Italian Cultural Institute but bookingessential on 020 7396 4406

DanceThursday 1 May, 6.30pm* - On the Edge: The Song of SolitudeDancer-choreographer Marcella Fanzaga and cellist AnnamariaCristian present their latest duo performance.The different worlds andcultures of the two artists meet and create an artistic languageoscillating between ancient and extremely contemporary.Marcella Fanzaga attended the prestigious “Civica Scuola d'ArteDrammatica P. Grassi” in Milan and completed her studies ofcontemporary dance in Amsterdam and New York. Accompaniedhere by the cello of Annamaria Cristian, they will perform a ‘meetingof improvisation for music and dance’.

Cinema and LiteratureWednesday 7 - Thursday 8 May* - Non riconciliati: Politics andSociety in Italian Cinema from Neorealism to This Day Writer and film essayist Maurizio Fantoni Minella presents his bookNon riconciliati in which he revisits the history of Italian politicalauteur cinema from Neorealism to nowadays. A complete historicalfresco, which has among his protagonists some of the most famousdirectors of the Italian film history: Rossellini, De Sica, Pontecorvo, Rosiand many others.There will be screenings of the above-mentioneddirectors.

PhotographyMonday 19 May – 25 May* - Pixel FlowerIn the occasion of the Chelsea Flower Show the Italian CulturalInstitute hosts 13 works of the half-Italian half-British photographerThomas de Hoghton.The 13 exposed shots are inspired by thecolourful and varied world of plants and flowers.

ConferenceWednesday 28 May* - Magdi AllamMagdi Allam, Egyptian-born Italian writer and journalist, will present atthe ICI his latest book. Magdi Allam is considered one of Italy’s mostinfluential voices in the public discourse about the relations betweenwestern culture and values and the Islamic world. In 2006 he wasawarded the Dan David Prize for his outstanding contribution in thefield of journalism and works as op-ed columnist and assistantpublisher for the Italian daily Corriere della sera.

*For all May events,please check at 020 7396 4430 or rsvp.icilondon@esteri.it for further details about possible entry fees and/ortimes.

Puccini Day, Music - 24th April.

Olimpiade by Andrea Vizzini

12 MARCH 2008

The third survey of Italian investments in the UKhas seen for the first time a close collaborationwith the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy

Between 2000 and 2006 the number of companieswhich invested in UK increased from 443 to 681, andthe overall turnover increased from 7.2 to 14.5 billionpounds (more than 20 billions euros) giving jobs tomore than 46.000 employees. According to the latestsurvey conducted on behalf of the Italian Chamber ofCommerce and Industry for the UK, the regions withthe largest number of companies are Greater London(44 %) followed by South England (35%), North England(12%), Midlands (6%), Scotland (2,2%) and Wales (8%).As we can see during these last 6 years there has beena significant increase in Italian investment in the UK.

Between 2000 and 2002 to the growth of the overallturnover (from 7.2 to 12 billion pounds) correspondedthe growth of employees (51.000). Despite the fact thatthe total turnover has increased, the number ofemployees has decreased, driven by advances inproductivity of Italian companies.

The first three sectors per employees (defenceFinmeccanica, appliances with Merloni-Indesit, Hoover-Candy and Kenwood-DeLonghi and vehicles with Cnhand Fiat Iveco) are still the same and their turnover isthe same despite reduced staff.

The Report was based on thedetailed study of Italian companiespresent in the UK has led to thecreation of a Directory of over 680Italian companies with subsidiariesor interests in the UK.

This Directory, constantly updated,comprises company names,addresses, telephone and faxnumbers and a contact name (when available) both forEnglish subsidiaries and for their corresponding Italiancompanies.

The Directory is available in both printed and electronicformat (Excel) Discounts apply for members of theChamber. For further information please contact

Melody Dadon: members@italchamind.org,uk

London Activities and Events of the ItalianChamber of Commerce

Third Survey of Italian Investments in the UKPresented at the Italian Embassy in London on 23 January 2008

Italian BusinessEvening atVinopolisTo celebrate the openingof a new office in Londonby Pirola Pennuti Zei &Associates, specialists intax and legal services, anItalian Business evening was arranged at Vinopolis.A presentation was made by Massimo Cremona to anaudience of members and other guests

Members Prize Draw:Win Tickets to

“MY BROTHER IS ANONLY CHILD”

To celebrate the release of this highly acclaimed filmthe Italian Chamber is pleased to be able to offer theopportunity to members to win one of five pairs oftickets to a screening flowed by Q & A with the Directoron Thursday 27th March at the Renoir cinema. Winnerswill also receive a copy of the book.

From the writers of Best of Youth and in cinemas fromApril 4th the film covers the story of Accio (ElioGermano) who is the cause of his parents’ desperation;irritable and a trouble-maker, impulsive and explosive,fighting every battle like a war. His brother Manrico(Riccardo Scamarcio) is handsome, charismatic, loved byall, but just as dangerous... In the Italian small-town lifeof the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, the two brothers have oppositepolitical beliefs, are in love with the same woman andthrough an endlessconfrontation, they livea period of their livesfilled with escaping,re-tuning, fighting and

great passions. It is astory about growingup, where fifteen yearsof Italian history pass byas we experience theadventures of Accioand Manrico, twobrothers, very different,yet so alike...

MARCH 2008 13

Spring Party at the Pangaeawith DJ Sacha18th April 08

The Chamber will be celebrating Spring at the PangaeaClub, Mayfair, with guest DJ Sacha on 18th April 2008.The party will be open to members of the Chamber. Ifyou are interested in attending please visit the website:http://www.italchamind.eu/EN/events.

Grand Designs Live – Excel 3rdMay – 11th May 2008

The Italian Chamber of Commerce has available specialdiscounted rates for exhibitors to Grand Designs Live.The event being held over 9 days at Excel has thebenefit of being the onlydedicated home and designmarket exhibition that isbased on a successful TVprogramme. It means thatunlike other events/ exhibitions there is already anexisting audience of 5.5 million people that havegenuine interest in attending.

This unique architectural based design event featureseverything for the home design and decorationenthusiast who wants to turn their home into a dreamfor the 21st century and also for the constructiondesign professional.

We would very much like to offer you the opportunityto promote “Made in Italy” design & style and be a partof the Italian Pavilion. For further information andavailable proposals please contact Christian Fianco ontel: 020 7495 8191 or email: cfianco@italchamind.org.uk

Seminar on Employment Law atGregory Rowcliffe Milner1 Bedford Row, London, 14th May 2008

Following on from the success of their previous

seminar Gregory Milner Rowcliffe have pleasure in

inviting interested parties to their office for a seminar

on Employment Law on 14th May 2008. Places will be

limited so we recommend early booking.

For full details on any of our events kindly visit

http://www.italchamind.eu/EN/events

News from Member:

NEW MAJOR PARTNERSHIP FOR 2008:DUCATI AND ENEL TOGETHER INMOTOGP

Ducati and Enel announcetheir new agreement bringingthe top Italian energy groupto the MotoGP championshipfor the first time ever

On the day before the official Ducati MotoGP Team launch, the

Borgo Panigale manufacturer and Enel officially entered into a

new, top-level partnership agreement. The biggest electric

company in Italy, and second listed utility company in Europe by

installed capacity, has decided to link its trade mark and

corporate image with Ducati, the 2007 MotoGP World

Champions famous for their own winning ‘power’.

14 MARCH 2008

Welcome to New MembersPlease log on to our website www.italchamind.org.uk under the section

“Membership/Directory for full details and to download the full list of our members”

Conduit Networks provides flexible, costeffective solutions allowing your businessto integrate your telephone system, visualtechnology, and data networks on one manageable platform.

By using the technology that drives the internet we can offer packagesthat range from full scale integration of all business technologies overmultiple sites, to single site installations. Our converged solutions willprovide substantial cost and efficiency savings.

For further information please contact:Tel: 020 7100 5522Email: info@conduit-networks.co.ukOr visit www.conduit-networks.co.uk

Conduit Networks

Davinci Group & Co RMG & Co

Nicola Caramia& Associates

• Tailor-made Executive Development & Coaching

• Organisational Development & Process Consulting

• Business Training Personalizzati x managers

• Sviluppo Professionale post-laurea e internships

For further information please contact:Email: n.caramia@ncatraining.comTel: +44 020 7602 9383Or visit: www.ncatraining.com

Dr. Frontera is one of the few Italian dentists living andpracticing in London.

He qualified “Cum Laude” in 1992 from Rome University “La Sapienza”and

completed his training attending regularly the Columbia University inNew York.

He is now a member of the Holborn Dental Centre,where he is happy tooffer high quality dentistry, based on the state of the art technology, atan affordable cost. .

For further information please contact:

Dr Alfonso Frontera a.frontera@virgin.netTel: 0044 (0)20 7242 7212 Or visit www.afdentist.com

Serratore Real EstateEditoriale Campi s.r.l. originatedin Foligno in 1892 and isspecialised in quality popular publishing. National success came aboutwith publications connected to the history of the Italian song and theBarbanera tradition. Campi was responsible for creating the well-knownSorrisi e Canzoni TV magazine. Campi currently issues the famousBarbanera publications, including the Almanac and the most famousCalendars in Italy, a collection of volumes and publishing servicesprovided to newspapers and magazines with various periodicities.

For further information please contact:Mariano Bonetto (consulente commerciale U.K.) Email: mbsepino@hotmail.comPietro Pastorello (marketing&sales)Email: marketing@barbanera.it

Editoriale Campi

The experience of the business revolves around the breadth of contactsthroughout London and Europe, which creates an international mood forour clients and their press requirements .

We propose measured initiatives to stretch our clients' goals , assophisticated companies today use 'stretch goals' to challenge peoples'performances beyond what they thought possible; we provide thatchallenging benchmark to do such projects, giving optimal solutions to abrand's renewed exposure and direction.

For further information please contact:rosalind@rmgandco.comTel: 00 44 (0)20 7751 5553Or visit: www.rmgandco.com

Established over 15 years ago, nxo (www.nxo.net) is a UK-wide strategicmarketing and communication consultancy, led by 12 highly experiencedclient-side professionals with strong sector expertise across all marketingdisciplines and pan-European capabilities.

Nxo’s consultants are strategy and brand development specialists withglobal experience.We are business consultants with the ability to deliveron our strategy through multi-disciplinary, integrated marketing andcommunication campaigns and programmes.

For further information please contact:Serena Vento (MCIPR),Director, Nxo London,Tel. +44 7838 366342 orEmail: serena.vento@nxo.net

NXO London

We are a firm of real estate agents based in the UK, specialising inproperties in Tuscany, working alongside local estate agencies on thearea, Our clients are given qualified technical, legal, financial, contractualassistance and above all discretion and professionalism. Our staff, withmore than a decade of experience in the sector, are at the service of thosewho decide to invest, buy or sell properties in Tuscany.

We at Davinci Group represent an prime Italian cooking school,based inMassarosa, Lucca, who teach techniques of Italian cooking and winetastings.

For further information please contact:Tel: 44 (0)77 8872 0162Email: italy@davincigroup.comOr visit www.davincigroup.com

We are an Italian Estate agency, fully licencedby the Chamber of Commerce.

We sell properties both new and to renovate,all located on the Tyrrhenian Coast, the mostbeautiful area of Calabria.

We do take care of the whole buying process.

For further information please contact:info@calabriarealestate-investments.comOr visit:www.calabriarealestate-investments.com

Alfonso Frontera DDS

MARCH 2008 15

Welcome to New MembersPlease log on to our website www.italchamind.org.uk under the section

“Membership/Directory for full details and to download the full list of our members”

TakeLegalAdvice.com is an online legal matching service that allowsconsumers to be paired with the lawyer who best responds to theirneeds.

Consumers go online and complete a confidential questionnaire.Thesedetails are used to find the most suitable law firms, the identity of theclient is not disclosed at this stage.

Within 48 hours, the customer is presented with a range of bespokeresponses from matched law firms. At this stage, the client can contact orinstruct any of these firms but is not committed to instruct any of them.

The service is free to use and without obligation. Available to bothindividual and corporate users in the UK.

E-mail: micheleo'sullivan@takelegaladvice.com Tel: 0044 (0)20 7332 2582

TakeLegalAdvice.comOpacmare, based in Rivalta (Turin), is the leading world producer of topquality deck equipment for yachts and super yachts. Its catalogue todayincludes a wide range of products both standard and customized: glassand watertight doors, windows and weatherboards, gangways, cranes,hard tops, beach and side boarding ladders, pilot seats, windshields andsmall size accessories. Founded in 1995 by Pietro Roberto Sacco, thecompany is present in 35 countries all over the world, with five branches(USA, UK, Spain, United Arab Emirates and Canada) and an extensivenetwork of dealers and after-sales centres. Opacmare UK, based inPlymouth, offers sales and after-sales service to the most important Britishshipyards such as Princess, Sunseeker and Fairline.

Opacmare23 Marsh ClosePlymouth PL6 8LNTel/Fax: 01752 316295www.opacmare.co.uk

Opacmare

16 MARCH 2008

Debt collection is a constant problem for most businessesand if a business cannot recover a debt from a customer afterthe normal credit control procedures are exhausted then itwill need to consider taking further action to recover the sumdue. There are various courses of action available which arelargely dependant on the nature, age and size of the debt.Mediation with the debtor, involving negotiation through athird party, is often successfully used to resolve the position.If the debt is of significant size, it is probably a route that should be followed next. However, if this fails,other more robust measures are available.

Debt collection agencies generally have the expertise and resources

to chase an outstanding payment. However, an agency’s

commission will typically be up to ten per cent of the debt, if it is a

current debt and considerably more if it is aged debt. If you decide

to use a debt collection agency, it is imperative that you ensure that

the company is registered with the Creditor Services Association to

ensure its methods and practices are reputable otherwise you will

be damned by association should the agency use disreputable

techniques.

The other path you can take is to instruct solicitors, although

this does not automatically mean that you have to sue your debtor

to obtain your money. Solicitors can just as easily use mediation

when dealing with your debt, but have significantly more weight as

your debtor will realise that a law firm can take court action

immediately, once they are instructed to do so, whereas a debt

collection agency will very often have to pass the case to their out-

sourced legal panel over which you have no choice, contact or

control. Furthermore, a letter before action from a law firm is more

powerful and likely to result in payment (approximately 80% of

cases).

Formal legal action is generally more cost-effective for larger

debts. Since the Wolfe Reforms, introduced in 1999, small claims

under £5,000 are fast tracked

through the small claims

courts. This is designed to be a

relatively simple process and

may not require legal

representation, although

professional advice is useful

regarding the preparation of

evidence in a suitable form.

Larger debts, exceeding £5,000,

pursued in the courts, do require assistance from solicitors. Once

the claim form has been issued, assuming the debtor does not

defend the claim, judgment in default can be obtained, which

requires the debtor to make payment without the merits of the

case being considered. If the debtor contests the claim, a request

for summary judgment can be made so the court can decide if the

debtor has any legal basis for refusing payment. If the debtor

admits the debt, no court hearing is necessary and enforcement

action can be taken. There are a variety of enforcement options

available and your solicitor will advise you as to which one is the

most appropriate for your debtor. If the debtor forces a defended

action your solicitor will be well placed to assist you to present your

evidence and argue your case.

Debt management is a key function in any organization as poor

debt collection accounts for up to 60% of companies that have

gone into insolvency; with the credit crunch looming it is even

more imperative to reduce debtor days and avoid cash flow

problems.

Gabriele Giambrone is Senior Partner at Anglo-Italian law firm

Giambrone & Law, operating from offices in central London and

Manchester.

For further information, please contactinfo@giambronelaw.co.uk or 0207 353 6800

Gabriele Giambrone, Senior Partner,Giambrone & LawGiambrone & Law

MARCH 2008 17

News from the North

The Italian Chamber of Commerce for the UK organizedthe first Italian Area at Interiors Birmingham. Theparticipating companies were Selva, Fratelli Busnelli,BP Sedie, Luciano Zonta Mobili and Fasolin Mobili.The stand was partly sponsored by ITAL Logistics.

SELVA is one of Italy’s leading manufacturers of high-quality,

hand-crafted furniture. Founded in 1968 by Josef (Peppi) Selva

and now run by his son, the company has grown from a small

family enterprise to a top international brand. Keeping pace with

interiors trends, the product offer has been expanded from

purely classical, period-style furniture to include cutting-edge,

contemporary designs, thus establishing Selva as a major global

company and a trendsetter in furniture design.

FRATELLI BUSNELLI can boast decades of tradition in

the working of wood. New technologies help further increase

the quality of the finished product, whilst carving and

decorations are still realised exclusively by hand. These

peculiarities have made their products known, appreciated and

distributed internationally. At Birmingham 2008 Fratelli Busnelli

displayed its new collection of chairs, armchairs, sofas and chaise

lounge as well as a new and wide selection of fabrics and

finishing.

SELVABP SEDIE founded in 1970, has become an

international leading company in producing indoor chairs, tables

and furniture components. Taking care of the whole productive

process it has reached a steady and reliable quality level for their

products with an excellent quality/price ratio. They produce

more than 300 models, all 100% made in Italy, using oak, beech,

cherry, ash, maple and walnut woods. During the Birmingham

Exhibition, their purpose was to offer visitors an inviting sample

of their Italian style.

LUCIANO ZONTA founded in the Seventies is easily

recognised by a craft-made production of classical furniture. A

decade after its birth by investing in creative and production,

the firm became a strong reality in the Italian market for the

research of articles with personality. At The Furniture Show in

Birmingham, the characteristic KLIMT collection in gold and

silver foils finishing met the multicolour TRESOR table and

lacquered TANSU trunks in a display mixing different feelings

for a unique home concept.

FASOLIN MOBILI is a furniture manufacturer which has

operated in Menà (Verona) since 1895. Fasolin has its own

design department and can cover the entire production process

in house. This allows Fasolin to be extremely competitive and

particular decorations of their products confer to the company

its own identity in the Italian furniture market. Furthermore, the

company has always been careful to innovate, continuously

engaged in creating items in classic and contemporary style.

The fair was an overall success and some of the companies have

already confirmed their presence for 2009. The collective stand

brought together companies with existing presence in the UK

and companies which are looking for commercial agents and

distribution in the country. A common denominator of these

companies is the family management of the business.

All companies exemplify the Italian mentality of retaining

knowledge and passing on the skills acquired generation to

generation. Strong of this experience the Italian Area will grow

significantly in 2009 knowing what type of products are

particularly interesting for the British market.

Italian Area at the Furniture Show

Donatello Walt Osti,North West England Branch9th Floor, Rodwell Tower, 111 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2HYTel: 0161 244 5367 email: Manchester@italchamind.org.uk

18 MARCH 2008

Event ShowcaseThe Italian Chamber of Commerce, under the auspices of theItalian Consulate General and in collaboration with LavazzaCoffee and the Italian Cultural Institute in Edinburgh, arepleased to invite you to special event “The Italian Culture and the art of Drinking Coffee”event on the 11th March 2008 - 6 pm - at the “La Cantina” Restaurant, 72 Commercial Quay,Edinburgh EH6 6LX.

During the event, the Italian designer, TommasoChiarolini will exhibit his sixteen illustrations on canvaswhich represent some of the waysItalians enjoy their coffee On thisimportant occasion there will be theopportunity to liaise withrepresentatives from food, drinks andcoffee companies and importerswhilst sampling the delicious andunique flavours of Lavazza Coffee.

Guest Speaker for the eveningwill be Mr Roberto Monteregge,Head of the Lavazza Training centre.A buffet reception and a live concertmusic of “Pizzica e Taranta”by the “Sangue Vivo” band fromCalabria shall conclude the event.

Immacolata ScirpoliItalian Chamber of Commerce Scottish Branch32a Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7HATel/Fax: 0131 225 3306Email: Scotland@italchamind.org.uk

News from ScotlandVisit by the Italian Ambassador, H.E. Giancarlo Aragona.

On the 17th January 2008, H.E. Giancarlo Aragona, ItalianAmbassador to the United Kingdom, honoured Edinburgh

with his presence, taking part to the conference “Industry andResearch, Scottish and Italian Experience”, organized by the

Italian Consulate General in Scotland and Northern Ireland and

the Scottish Enterprise.

The event, which was held at the Scottish Parliament, hosted

special guest speakers including H.E. Giancarlo Aragona, Mr.

Anton Muscatelli, Chancellor of the Heriott Watt University in

Edinburgh, Mrs. Linda Fabiani, Minister for Europe, External Affairs

and Culture, Mr. Paul Holborne and Mr. Norman Bone,

Capabilities Director and Director General Manager of SELEX

Galileo Group. The conference underlined the significant link in

science and technology between Italy and Scotland and the

importance of partnership working with local and Italian

companies in order to promote engineering in the community.

The case of SELEX-Galileo, 100% owned by Finmeccanica,

employing 7.800 people with a turnover of over £ 1.3 bn.

represents a clear example of the increasingly strong

commercial relationship between Italy and Scotland.

After the conference the Italian Ambassador was hosted to

dinner by Mr. Leonardo Simonelli Santi, President of the Italian

Chamber of Commerce for the UK at the Balmoral Hotel. The

dinner was also attended by Mr. Piergabriele Papadia the Italian

Consul General, Ian Bell, Senior Manager of the Royal Bank of

Scotland, Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber

of Commerce, Leandro Franchi, Italian Honorary in Glasgow,

Comm. Gianni Donfrancesco, President of Ciao Italia and Mr.

Emanuele Serafini, Vice President of Finmeccannica. The guests

were representatives from the most important companies and

institutions in Edinburgh hopefully making stronger the fruitful

commercial connection between Italy and Scotland.

Italian Festival of Styleat The Trafford Centre, Manchester, 23-29 June 2008

The Italian Chamber of Commerce is delighted to present the

first ITALIAN FESTIVAL OF STYLE to be held at The Trafford Centre,

Manchester during the last week of June 2008. The festival will

highlight the many Italian brands and products currently

available at the Centre. This will be supported by various Italian

themed events and promotions, allowing Italian organisations a

chance to introduce their products and services to The Trafford

Centre’s large, upmarket customer base.

The Trafford Centre is the biggest shopping mall in the

North of England with over 200 shops and attracts more than

30million customer visits a year. The visitor profile is amongst the

best in Greater Manchester with 72% of visitors from ABC1

background and an average dwell time in the Centre of 120

minutes.

The ‘Italian Festival of Style’ will cover retailers and brands

concerned with fashion, home and interiors, food and drink,

automotive, travel, film, music and the arts.

A heavyweight advertising and promotional campaign will

take place including TV, radio and media promotions in Greater

Manchester, distribution of 400,000 leaflets to affluent homes

and mailing to 15,000 target customers on the Centre’s

database.

If you would like to participate or receive an informationpack please contact our office on 0161-244 5367 or Manchester@italchamind.org.uk

News from the North - continued