Italy
UK
PARTNERSHIP
ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY FOR THE UK
WINTER 2015
INTERVIEW WITH PAOLO GAUDINO,
MANCHESTER UNITED FITNESS
COACH AND CO-FOUNDER OF
‘THE PASTA FACTORY’
Introducing the
handmade pasta
company based
in Manchester
CHAIR GAME
An overview of the Italian wood and furniture sector and
the opportunities in the UK
PRESENTING BRE INNOVATION PARK, WATFORD
A leading research centre for sustainable, low-carbon design
and construction
With our best wishes for a 2016 tailored to your dreams.
Con i nostri migliori auguri per un 2016 cucito a misura dei vostri sogni.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Auguri di Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo.
www.belluzzo.net
Dear Members
A
s we approach the end
of the year we are busy
planning a full and varied
programme of events for
the coming New Year. Not
only a series of our informal
networking evenings, but
we will also be organising
informative seminars on legal
matters, tax updates, HR
issues and other sector specific
topics. We will be present at
many UK trade fairs, creating
Italian Pavilions for Italian
companies wishing to explore
the UK market. In particular,
our presence at Ecobuild, the
world’s biggest event for
sustainable design, construction
and the built environment, has
grown considerably and we
are confident of once again
creating a unique space of Italian
excellence.
In 2016 we will continue to
develop our services to provide the
best value to all our Members and
clients. It is more important than
ever for our Chamber to offer a
solid platform for the exchange of
ideas between Italian and British
businesses. In turn, we welcome
your comments and input and
would like to hear from you if you
have any ideas on how we can
develop further our services which
will help businesses with an AngloItalian interest grow.
We welcome your comments
on our magazine and if you are
interested in placing an advert or
advertorial, please do not hesitate
to contact us.
Helen Girgenti
Secretary General
Contents
7
A Taste of Scotland
Interview with Fiona
Richmond, Project Manager
of ‘The Year of Food & Drink’
8Master’s Success
Stories
Celebrating the
achievements of the
Chamber’s past Master’s
students
9Are you a
chocoholic?
The origins and benefits of
the adored, indulgent treat
10Reinventing
Investing in the UK
Interview with Paolo
Gaudino, Fitness Coach
for Manchester United and
co-founder of ‘The Pasta
Factory’
12Young Italians in
London
Why England’s capital
attracts so many of Italy’s
youth
14La Pizzica restaurant
review
A slice of Salento in London
SW6
16BRE Innovation Park
Presenting the world-leading
building science centre in
Watford
18Chair Game
An outline of the Italian wood
and furniture sector in the UK
13Focus on Falkirk
A look at the upcoming
centre of tourism, design and
business in Scotland
3
PARTNERSHIP
Chamber
The President’s Perception
T
his year’s Annual Conference
organised by the Italian Chamber
for the UK was a great success, and
proved that the work of the Italian
Chambers of Commerce abroad
is useful not just on a daily basis
in assisting Italian SMEs in their
attempts to be active in foreign
markets, but also in a general
sense, favouring not only trade but
investments as well.
The prestigious panel of the
conference comprised of Tony Barber,
European Editor, Financial Times, Bill
Emmott, Journalist and Editor, Carlotta
de Franceschi, Former Senior Economic
Advisor to Italian Prime Minister Matteo
Renzi, Robin Grimes, Chief Scientific
Advisor, Foreign and Commonwealth
Office, Robert Leonardi, Professor at
LUISS Guido Carli University, Rome,
Fabio Marazzi, Senior Managing
Partner Marazzi & Advisors and Ex
Board Member of EXPO 2015 S.p.A,
Roberto Maroni, President, Regione
Lombardia, Guillaume Nebout, Head
of International Professional Services,
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Romano
Prodi, Former Italian Prime Minister and
President of the European Commission,
Luigi Pio Scordamaglia, President,
Federalimentare, Leonardo Simonelli
Santi, President The Italian Chamber
of Commerce & Industry for the UK,
H.E. Pasquale Terracciano, The Italian
Ambassador and Matteo Zoppas,
President, Confindustria, Venezia. The
panel discussed the various aspects of
the conference theme “Beyond EXPO:
Innovative and Sustainable Approaches
to Health, Energy and the Environment”
showing not only the success of the
event but the need to build on the new
approach of feeding the planet.
Our commitment is proven by
the results of our activities, but our
enthusiasm is tempered by the small
recognition that we receive for our
efforts, when the already very small
resources dedicated to our system by
the public finance funds have been
dramatically cut. We are certainly in
favour of the spending review, but in
order to cut inefficient spending as
opposed to spending which would be
beneficial.
However, in light of the tragedy in
Paris, with once again many victims of
an inhuman terrorist attack, together
with an obvious sense of compassion for
those affected, we are obliged to reflect
on how a civil coexistence of different
civilisations is essential, and how useful
reaching this goal is in the effort to
achieve global economic cooperation.
The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK
The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK is an independent,
non-profit making network organisation, and has been dedicated to its
members since 1886. Today, the Chamber has around 400 members.
Representing not only Italian companies, but also British and European,
interested in strengthening their ties with Italy or expanding to a new market.
The Italian Chamber hosts many events for its members and the Italian
community here in the UK.
Helen Girgenti
Verena Caris
Luisa Rizza
Francesco Dell’Anna
Federico Dellafiore
Eleonora Vanello
Elisabetta Pilati
Caterina Cotugno
Secretary General
Deputy Secretary General
For more information about the Chamber and membership, please see:
www.italchamind.eu or contact the Secretariat by phone on 0044 (0) 207 495
8191, or by email to: [email protected]. Join our online networks today
on Facebook, and follow us on: Twitter.com/italianchamUK.
Project Coordinator
Trade Fairs
Cover photo courtesy of istockphotos.com
Design by WordLink
www.wordlink.co.uk
Project Coordinator
Trade Fairs
Project Coordinator
Trade Fairs
Scottish Branch Manager
JOIN THE ICCIUK
To request a membership application form
and company brochure please visit
www.italchamind.eu
Lucrezia Chiapparino Laura Carrer
Manchester Branch
Manager
4 PARTNERSHIP
Members Relations &
Events Officer
Project Manager – Master
in Hospitality and Hotel
Management
Innovation, Investment &
Communications Manager
Season events
DECEMBER
3 Discover the world of Dodo – Christmas Event
Dodo UK, in collaboration with
the Italian Chamber of Commerce,
will host a special evening event
at Dodo’s Boutique. Join us and
discover the unique world of
Italian charms during a special
presentation. Cocktails & canapés will be served.
Guests will be entitled to an exclusive surprise!
*Strictly by invitation only!*
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Venue: Dodo Boutique, 31 Sloane Square, SW1 8AQ
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
TBC Wineteca 2016
The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for
the UK invites Italian wine producers and UK wine
buyers to take part in Wineteca 2016, an exclusive
event, dedicated to the promotion of Italian wines in
the UK.
Wineteca is a fantastic opportunity to take a splash
in the world of Italian fine wines. Throughout the day
importers, distributors, buyers, agents and sommeliers
will meet Italian companies who will present and discuss
some of their best wines.
The 2016 edition is sure to be a central event in the
London wine tasting scene. Many of the exhibitors at
Wineteca will have won the Tre Bicchieri and l’Oscar
Qualitá Prezzo awards. The event aims at promoting
Made in Italy abroad, and so the wines on show will
be of an excellent quality, many of which will be either
great value for money, or have that certain something
which makes them unique, such as pure Italian grapes
or organic ingredients.
For more information and updates, please contact:
[email protected]
Time: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Venue: TBC
MARCH 2016
8-10 Ecobuild 2016
Ecobuild UK is the world’s biggest event for sustainable
construction, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The fair will take place at ExCel Exhibition Centre in
London from 8th – 10th March 2016.
Ecobuild brings together professionals from across
different sectors in order to learn, share, experience
and discover the future of sustainable building and
renewable energy. The event, consistently attended
by over 40,000 visitors, is an important showcase for
exhibitors as it offers excellent visibility, the opportunity
to present a wide range of sustainable products and
innovative materials to a qualified audience, as well as
an educational programme with dozens of interactive
attractions and free seminars, held by highly regarded
speakers.
Thanks to its reputation and growth over recent years,
Ecobuild has become an ideal meeting ground for local
authorities, architects, business professionals, companies
and contractors coming from all over the world.
For more information on Ecobuild 2016, please
contact the Italian Chamber of Commerce.
Time: Ongoing
Venue: ExCel Exhibition Centre, London
5
PARTNERSHIP
Where the sea
speaks for Italy
Signa Maris is a project of the Italian Ministry of cultural heritage
and activities and tourism (MiBACT) Intermediate Body for Cultural,
Natural and Tourist Attractions (POIn) that promotes the cultural,
naturalistic and enogastronomic riches of the Italian territory, via a
new tourism strategy that envisages the port as gateway.
Download Signa Maris App
Interview
A taste of Scotland:
the land of food and drink
An interview with Fiona Richmond, Project Manager of
“The Year of Food & Drink – Scotland 2015”
What does the Scottish Year of Food
& Drink consist of?
Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink 2015 is
a 12-month celebration of the country’s
outstanding produce and the people
behind it, helping to develop our
reputation as a Land of Food and Drink
yet further. We have been telling the
world, as well as those closer to home,
about the superb larder that we have
here, and also encouraging businesses
to source more Scottish produce,
consequently boosting the visitor
spending on food and drink.
How has the promotion of this
special year been carried out?
Which initiatives did you organise
or are you organising to promote
Scotland and its food and drink?
The Year builds on the momentum of
the Homecoming cultural celebrations
in 2014 and is a Scottish Government
initiative delivered by VisitScotland in
partnership with Scotland Food & Drink
and Think Local.
VisitScotland have led an extensive
UK and international promotional drive
as part of their ‘Brilliant Moments’
campaign, encouraging the Scottish
people and visitors to enjoy delicious
food and drink experiences across
the country, whether that be at one
of the many events, visiting a ‘Taste
our Best’ restaurant, tucking into any
of the fantastic products that Scotland
is famed for, or exploring one of the
superb food trails featuring items such
as berries, ice cream, whisky and
cheese.
Scotland Food & Drink and Think
Local developed monthly themes, from
Summer Fruits and Berries to Delicious
Dairy, Brewing & Distilling and
Sustainable Shores, which have proved
to be a great way to involve the industry,
from retailers and contract caterers to
hospitality businesses, farm shops and
markets. We have seen some excellent
activity across the board, enabling
products and producers within each of
these themes to shine, supported by
extensive social media activity as well
as our Eat Scottish blog.
More than 180 events have been
held so far this year, up and down the
land, from Orkney & Shetland to Argyll,
Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and
the central belt. We have been working
hard to ensure that the standard of
catering has been high, with organisers
encouraged to source quality Scottish
produce in line with the Food Charter
for events, a legacy document from the
Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Scotland was very proud to be part
of EXPO Milano 2015, an exceptional
showcase for the world. It was a great
opportunity to promote our country
and its produce to a global audience.
Scotland and Italy have a very strong
historical relationship, and a mutual
affection. Our country would be all the
poorer without the incredible role that
the Italians have played in our culture
and economy.
Considering institutional events
such as EXPO Milano 2015, how
was the relation between Italy and
Scotland developed?
For further information on the
Scottish Food & Drink sector,
please contact Eleonora Vanello at:
[email protected].
Do you think Italy is a target
market for Scotland for the food
and drink sector? If so, what is the
future of this trade relationship?
Although Italy is not one of our priority
countries, where we have employed
in-market specialists on the ground,
many of our Scottish food and drink
companies do indeed export to Italy,
such as Mackays, Deans and Walkers,
not to mention our seafood, whisky
and craft beer sectors, and this is not
going to go away. I feel confident
that there will always be a market for
quality Scottish products in Italy, and
indeed vice versa. We would actively
encourage future trading relationships
for the right companies.
7
PARTNERSHIP
Article
Where are they now?
Keeping up with our alumni’s successes – part 2
T
he XVI edition of the Master
in Hospitality and Hotel
Management has successfully come
to an end and our current students
are now ready to undertake the
most important part of the course,
a 3 to 6 month internship in one of
the most prestigious luxury hotels in
the English capital.
Their work experience will be
invaluable both from a professional
and a personal point of view; they
will come to clearly understand how a
specific department works, meet new
people, make new contacts and achieve
important goals.
We would like to celebrate the
success of some of our students who
have excelled since completing the
Master’s course, and have gone on to
start brilliant careers in this competitive
industry after their very first experience
in London.
LUCA BORNOFFI, former intern in
Saint Barthélemy – French West
Indies (10th edition)
After the Master’s, I got an incredible
opportunity for an internship in the
Caribbean, in a luxury hotel in Saint
Barth (French West Indies). Then I
returned to Italy to continue with the
management and development of Sales
& Marketing strategies at my Farm
Resort (Agriturismo Beatilla). Thanks
to my training, the business has grown
year on year. In addition to this, I started
my own business (Luca Bornoffi) which
organises workshops and lectures about
8 PARTNERSHIP
the hospitality industry. At
the beginning of 2015, I
was contacted by a famous
Luxury Lifestyle Magazine,
called Unique St Barth, and
they offered me a position
as ‘Freelance International
Business Developer’, where
I now manage the S&M
and PR departments. I’m
currently based in Italy
where I take care of the
general management of my
Farm Resort, and I’m often
travelling around the world
for my freelance collaborations.
SONIA MATTANA, former intern at
the Millennium Mayfair Hotel (11th
edition)
My experience at the Millennium
Mayfair Hotel started in April 2013 as
a HR intern. During the last 3 months
of my internship I did some work in
the Reservations department so as to
gain some experience and to learn how
to use the Opera program. After the
internship, I was offered a receptionist
position. Nine months later, the Shift
Leader position came available and I
was promoted to this role. After just six
months I then put myself forward for
Duty Manager. I’m currently still in this
role whilst at the same time studying
for the NVQ Hospitality Management
course.
ROBERTA SALUTE, former intern at
the Millennium Mayfair Hotel (12th
edition)
Initially, I was offered a six month
internship in the HR Department at the
Millennium Mayfair Hotel in London.
Three months later, they gave me the
opportunity to move to the Meeting
& Events and Sales Department. At
the end of my internship, I was hired
as a contractor to cover the position
of Marketing Coordinator, a brand
new job tailored to my role, as well as
dealing with HR management. After
five months, I was offered a permanent
position as Sales & Marketing Executive
and awarded employee of the month.
After 6 months, I received another
promotion and today I’m Senior
Marketing Executive.
MATTEO GIRELLI, former intern at
the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel –
Hyatt (13th edition)
The Chamber’s Master’s was a real
springboard for my career and the
Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel has given
me the essential skills to pursue my
dream job: a concierge at a Golden Key
hotel. After a year in the English capital,
I moved to Milan’s Park Hyatt Hotel, a
luxury brand of the Hyatt group. I’m
very excited about this new experience;
I know I still have a lot to learn but I
also know that I could have never have
got to where I am today without the
Master’s and my internship at the Andaz
Liverpool Street hotel.
MASSIMILIANO LUCCHESI, former
intern at the Sheraton Hotel –
Starwood (13th edition)
Once I’d completed the Master’s I was
offered a position at Starwood, one
of the biggest American hotel chains.
I started as an intern, but after just 4
months they offered me a permanent
contract. Nine months later I was
offered work at the Plaza Premium
Lounge at London Heathrow. Whilst
working here I have developed my
knowledge of the HR department and
employment law in the United Kingdom,
which is something I’ve always found
interesting. If you are looking for a
stepping stone for your career, don’t
miss this fantastic opportunity to
impress future employers.
These stories are the concrete proof
that luck is not found, but made by
those who are really determined and
driven.
The Italian Chamber of Commerce
and Industry for the UK would like
to send all our former students the
warmest of wishes for all their future
endeavours.
The 17th edition of our Master’s is
due to start in Spring 2016. For any
further information, please send an
email to: [email protected]
Article
Are you a chocoholic?
Chocolate and its benefits
In general, chocolate is something you need at certain
moments in order to find happiness, but is not considered
particularly healthy. Well, this is not completely correct.
Chocolate is nice, tasty and healthy. Obviously it depends on
the type; lots of varieties have arisen since the first production
of chocolate began, and not all of them provide the same
benefits. The darker the chocolate, the healthier it is for you.
A study carried out in Sweden demonstrated that 45g of dark
chocolate a week reduces the risk of having a stroke by 20%
for women.
Let’s go back a bit back to the past: when
does the story of chocolate begin?
The first usage of cocoa was by the Olmeca civilisation, in
Southern Mexico and Central America.
The Mayas were the first to start planting cocoa in the
Yucatan region. Cristoforo Colombo discovered cocoa on his
fourth trip to America, but didn’t try it. When the Spanish
conquerors invaded the Yucatan, they soon discovered the
value of the cocoa plant’s fruits. They used it to prepare drinks,
but it was also used as an item for exchange, for trading with
slavers (1 slave was the equal of 100 cocoa fruits) and for
other services.
The seeds were roasted in crock pots and crushed with
stones. The drink was fatty and bitter, usually seasoned with
spices, vanilla or honey, but the Spanish didn’t appreciate it.
In terms of the name “chocolate”, it probably derives from
“xocoatl”, which was the name of this drink.
The cacao bean begins life inside a fruit, called a pod,
on a tree in the tropics, primarily in remote areas of West
Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America. These
delicate, flower-covered trees need much tending, and grow
together in tropical forests beneath other cash crops such as
bananas, rubber or hardwood trees. Grown on small family
farms, the beans leave the cocoa farms by hand, in carts, on
donkeys or on rugged trucks to be sold to a local buyer and
then to processors abroad.
Once in the factory, they are ground, pressed, heated and
stirred to create tasty chocolate. There are around 14,000
varieties of cocoa all coming from Africa, Asia and America.
There are different stories about the diffusion of eating and
drinking chocolate. According to the widely accepted version,
the diffusion was started by the Europeans, even though the
cultivation of cocoa occurs on other continents. From the year
1600 to 1650, chocolate started becoming popular in Europe,
in the form of a drink consumed by the upper classes of Spain,
Portugal, England, France, Germany, Austria, Holland and Italy.
By the end of the 18th century, the diffusion of this luxury
food had increased even more, and the first commercial brand
of chocolate was born.
The birth of the first chocolate made to be eaten rather
than drank is estimated to have been around 1820. Many
of the processes have now been mechanised, and we can
find huge varieties of chocolate with unusual additions and
flavours.
Milk chocolate was created by Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter
in 1875 after he spent 8 years trying to find the right recipe.
In 1929 his company merged with Nestlé. The ‘Gianduia’
chocolate (from which we get the famous Gianduiotti
chocolate pralines) was born because of a problem with the
delivery of chocolate during the Napoleon period and as such,
some Turin chocolatiers decided to replace the chocolate with
nuts. The first chocolate made into bars was introduced in
1847 in Bristol by Fry and Son.
Curiosity
During World War II the American soldiers were given
three chocolate bars as part of their daily ration, each one
containing 600 Kcal. Chocolate turned out to be an important
source of nutrition that could easily be consumed during
combat and has been used by the American forces ever
since. Together with Hershey they improved the heat-resistant
chocolate to withstand the hot sun during Operation Desert
Storm in the Gulf War. These chocolate bars remain solid at
temperatures up to 60° C (140° F).
Recent research has shown that chocolate contains
flavonoids, which are good for your heart and assist in
preventing the onset of cancer. However, it is important to
note that the higher the chocolate content, the better it is
for you. Some studies have shown that only dark chocolate,
in moderate doses, can really give you a significant boost in
antioxidants. Researchers found that dark chocolate was great
for reducing blood pressure, but that washing it down with
milk, even if you didn’t eat milk chocolate, would cancel out
the beneficial effects. According to a study by the University of
Copenhagen, eating 70% dark chocolate helps keep hunger
at bay longer than the milk variety.
Looking at the way in which we eat chocolate, it is possible
to consider it not just a kind of food, but also a way of
treating ourselves either when we are happy, but more often
when we are a bit sad... sometimes “Chocolate says “I’m
sorry” so much better than words.”
In the end we can consider chocolate in an even more
philosophical way, and yet… “Life is like a box of chocolates,
you never know what you are going to get.”
9
PARTNERSHIP
Interview
Reinventing Investing
in the UK
An interview with Paolo Gaudino, sport scientist and fitness
coach for Manchester United first team and co-founder of
The Pasta Factory.
T
he number of Italians who
decide to invest capital and
skills in the UK is constantly
growing.
Over the past three years, the flow of
Italian investment overseas totalled £1.2
billion with an increase of 44% (Fifth
Survey of Italian Investments in the UK).
Those responsible for the trend are
mainly young people, often graduates,
eager to “reinvent themselves” in
a market where Italian quality and
creativity are, in many cases, emerging
successfully.
Paolo Gaudino, 28, Sports Scientist
and Fitness Coach for Manchester
United Football Club talks about his
latest “reinvention” project in the UK,
The Pasta Factory.
From football to restaurants, how
and when was The Pasta Factory
born?
10 PARTNERSHIP
It may sound like a cliché but those
are the fields in which Italians excel:
the football pitch and the kitchen! To
be fair, as Italians, both football and
food are in our blood. In my case that
is particularly true. I moved to the
UK 4 years ago in order to finish my
Ph.D. in Sports Science, as part of a
collaboration between the University
of Milan and Liverpool John Moores
University. Once I had completed
the Ph.D., I got a permanent job at
Manchester United in the first team
Sports Science department. At the
same time 3 friends and schoolmates
of mine from Torino (Elisa Cavigliasso,
Alberto Umoret and Enrico Princi)
decided to leave Italy and join me here
in order to learn English properly and
gain a new experience aboard. They
integrated quickly into the English
culture and they found Manchester a
really nice place to live. This city offers
a lot and they liked it. They quickly
found jobs in the food industry (wine
bars, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.)
and they started to realise how well
these types of business were doing
here in Manchester. After a while, they
started thinking about opening their
own business and they asked me to
join them in this adventure. We started
thinking about what we were able to
do, what we could bring from Italy and
from our families’ traditions and, the
most important thing, what we missed
whilst in Manchester. As a result of this
thinking, came The Pasta Factory.
As well as being a core
ambassador for Made in Italy in
Manchester, what are the other
reasons behind the choice to make
handmade pasta?
In the late 1800’s, thousands of Italians
made new homes amongst the mills
and factories in the run down area
of Manchester city centre called
Ancoats, or “Little Italy” as it became
affectionately known. Whilst the
inhabitants became the pioneers of the
modern day British ice cream industry,
they also introduced generations of
Mancunian Italians to the city. Today
there are over 120 Italian restaurants
and pizzerias in Manchester and the
surrounding area. The challenge was
to find something new, something that
was not available in Manchester and
something that we ourselves (and as
well probably all the Italian residents
in Manchester) missed from Italy.
Handmade fresh pasta was the answer.
We saw similar businesses starting up
and doing well in London, and this gave
us some confidence. There was nothing
like that at the time in Manchester. We
think that over the last few years, not
only the Italians but also the English and
Europeans in general have improved
the quality of their diet by looking
for fresh ingredients and traditional
recipes.
In addition, we decided to find a
place in the Northern Quarter, or
NOMA, since this area had begun an
unbelievable redevelopment. The stats
below show the tremendous growth of
the NQ4 area; 1,700 apartments in
1998 compared to 14,900, and still
growing, in 2015. Finally, in the NQ4
area there are no commercial chains,
only independent businesses, and
no Italian restaurants at all... so we
definitely thought it was the right place
for us.
What were the fundamental steps
for opening The Pasta Factory?
The bureaucracy in England is really
simple, even for someone like us
dealing with our first experience,
with no knowledge in this field at
all. On the government website
everything is really well explained
(e.g. how to register a new company,
set everything up with regards to the
HMRC, registering the trademark,
etc.). The first step was to contact a
solicitor who quickly explained to
us the steps that followed. We then
registered the company, we registered
the trademark, opened a business bank
account, contacted an accountant and
in the meantime we started looking
for premises to rent. It was difficult
for me to manage the time between
my work in football and preparation
for the business. Football schedules
can change at any time; there is a lot
of travelling involved, working during
the weekends, etc. It was not easy to
arrange all the meetings, phone-calls
and so on.
What were the main difficulties
encountered?
The main problem has been, without
any doubt, finding premises to rent.
We looked around the city centre and
the Northern Quarter in particular for
more than a year. We also asked for
the support of proper experts in this
field but nobody could help us. There
weren’t too many premises available for
rent and few of them wanted to rent to
a start up.
Looking to the future, how might
the business evolve?
Our aim is to create a nice place, with
proper Italian food and a real, Italian
dining atmosphere. We don’t care about
opening quickly in different cities. We
don’t want to create a chain. We want to
keep it simple and authentic. Obviously
we want the business to run well; we
have various options like providing
fresh pasta to other small restaurants
and delis, becoming a UK importer
of food, handcrafted beer and wine
from Piedmont where we have direct
contacts with the vineyard and artisan
producers.
However, our aim is to keep it a place
where we would like to go with friends
or family for a relaxed dinner, enjoying
proper Italian food and wine. Our aim
is to keep it FRESCO, TRADIZIONALE,
ITALIANO.
As a fitness coach, is the
consumption of pasta important
in the human diet? Does The
Pasta Factory menu propose a
balance between taste and optimal
consumption of pasta?
Of course pasta is important in
the human diet. The World Health
Organization, Mayo Clinic, Harvard
Medical School, US Best Diets, EFSA
and many others have established
that pasta is a healthy and nutritious
food and one of the pillars of the
Mediterranean diet, recognised as
having World Heritage status by
UNESCO. Football players (in Italy as
well as aboard) eat pasta almost every
day after training sessions and as part
of their pre-match meal. Getting the
right amount of carbohydrates every
day is very important, especially if you
practise intense physical activities.
So the only thing I can suggest is to
regularly practise any kind of physical
activity, and then together with your
team mates enjoy a nice, fresh “piatto
di pasta”.
The Pasta Factory
77 Shudehill
Manchester
M4 4AN
+44 (0)161 222 9250
www.pastafactory.co.uk
For more information about
business opportunities in
Manchester, please contact
Lucrezia Chiapparino at:
[email protected]
11
PARTNERSHIP
Article
The Italian invasion of
London
T
he first Italians to invade London were the Romans
2,000 years ago. London is now the target of a
different kind of Italian invasion. From the times of
the Roman Empire, through to the 18th century and
the Industrial Revolution, London has been the heart
of progress and innovation, a city that has constantly
renewed itself. The new century sees the UK capital
as the powerhouse of the British economy, as well as
being one of the world’s capitals for finance, fashion,
arts and entertainment, to name but a few. Its booming
economy shows no signs of decelerating and this is one
of the reasons why it has attracted people from every
continent, making it one of the most multicultural cities
in the world.
Simply by walking through the multi-ethnic metropolis
that is London, one can perceive how specific cultures have
had an impact on the city’s different boroughs. From the
vibrant streets of Chinatown in Soho (a sort of Little Italy,
as in Clerkenwell) to the elegant French patisseries in South
Kensington, it is clear how each neighbourhood has a distinct
history and is influenced by the culture of their communities. It
is a cultural melting pot that has no rivals in Europe. A recent
survey has shown that 57% of residents in London originate
from a foreign country, and today almost 3% of the capital’s
entire population is Italian.
The last few years have seen an enormous increase in
Italians moving to London and other parts of the UK territory.
In 2014, the number of Italians registered in London was
234,082, probably an underestimate of the actual figure, as
less than one in two people actually register themselves at
the Consulate. It is a phenomenon that does not seem to be
slowing down; in 2014 45,000 Italians applied for National
Insurance, 16% more than in 2013. If London were part of
Italy, it would be the nation’s thirteenth most populated city,
approximately the same population size as Verona.
Surveys have shown that the majority of the Italians that
move to the UK are under 30 years of age. These young
Italians come mostly from Northern Italy and have university
degrees; they leave their country to seek new opportunities in
the British capital. London has a head start on other European
cities in attracting ambitious young Italians as it boasts a
good job market and because, compared to other languages,
English is generally understood better and spoken by most of
the individuals choosing to move here.
I have interviewed young people representing a variety of
sectors, asking them what attracted them most to London,
in order to shed light on the different motivations that young
Italians may have for moving here.
Here are some of their answers: “I chose to continue
my studies in London because as far as my field of study,
neuroscience is concerned, it is the location of many of the
top-ten universities in the world. In particular, I admire the
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international and practical approach of teaching proposed
by British universities, which is challenging and supportive at
the same time. In the end, I think London is a city that has
much to offer, in terms of professional possibilities but also
for personal growth, being one of the most international
destinations where you can meet people from all over the
world”, says Giulia Grande, UCL neuroscience student.
“My decision to come and live in London has been the
outcome of various things; firstly to try and pursue a career in
the music industry, and secondly to open my mind, meet new
people, and compare different cultures and living habits”, says
Filippo Barbieri, music producer.
“For me it was a very easy choice: London is the financial
centre of Europe, everything happens here. It offers a window
to the world. Meritocracy is a further motivation, as in this city
you know you will be rewarded if you work well and bring
home good results,” says Alessandro Namor, working in a
bank.
“London is a very young and meritocratic city that offers
a lot of opportunities. Moving to London for me was also a
great way to learn English. These are the reasons why I came
to live here”, says Flavia Fornasini, interior designer, looking
for a job in London.
Some move to learn the language better and just to be
in London, even at the cost of living in far worse conditions
than back home in Italy. Others are attracted to the topranked British universities and the knowledge they can acquire
there. Others move because there are job opportunities in
London that sadly Italy cannot guarantee in terms of quality.
Unfortunately, the recognition of meritocracy, or lack of it,
seems to be one of the recurring aspects that lead people to
abandon Italy and lead them to London. Unlike the Romans,
young Italians are now welcome here.
London seems to be a trampoline for young Italians looking
to create a successful career path. In this way, it also acquires
the contribution of their talents to its own growth. It is a
phenomenon that could benefit all involved, if Italy manages
to bring them back home after a while. Otherwise, London’s
gain will be Italy’s loss.
News from Scotland
A postcard from Falkirk:
centre of tourism, innovation
and business
T
he Kelpies, the 30m tall horse
statues designed by Scotland’s
leading sculptor Andy Scott, have
become a symbol for the country.
They are now easily recognised
and associated with their home
town, Falkirk. A scaled-down
copy of the iconic horses has been
travelling around the world for
the past few months, and recently
came back from New York to find
accommodation at the University
of Edinburgh.
Falkirk has surely benefitted from
them, as the tourism sector has grown
over the last few years; Lonely Planet’s
Best Travel 2014 ranked this city as
the third top destination globally. The
Kelpies, completed in late 2013, are
housed in Helix Park, the biggest park
in the Falkirk area, where visitors can
spend their time pursuing leisure
activities or attending the many events
that the park organises and hosts. Since
it opened, the Helix Park has been
visited by over 1.2 million people.
The awe-inspiring Antonine Wall
serves as a reminder of the 2000
year history of the region. Today it is
a UNESCO heritage site belonging to
the Roman era, built around 142 AD.
Indeed, the area of Falkirk lies on the
border of what would have been the
most northerly frontier of the Roman
Empire. On the other hand, the Falkirk
Wheel, the only rotating boat lift of its
kind in the world, is a symbol of the
area’s modernisation and of great
Scottish engineering.
Depending on their interests, visitors
will find Falkirk a great destination for a
weekend getaway. Tourism contributes
£11bn to the Scottish visitor economy,
and Falkirk is set to become a more
tourism-centred city in the upcoming
years due to its outstanding and unique
attractions.
Home to a mix of history, heritage,
culture and indeed innovation, the
Falkirk area is situated between
Edinburgh and Glasgow,
in the heart of Scotland. It
has a growing population,
as over 60% of Scotland’s
inhabitants live within a 60
minute journey. With its fast and reliable
transport systems, along with rail and
sea connections and Edinburgh airport
only 20 minutes away, this area is one of
the easiest to reach in Scotland.
The Falkirk area has great potential to
stimulate growth and new investments,
and is at the heart of the Scottish
communication services. The town has
completely reinvented itself, supporting
local economies and enterprising
communities.
It is no surprise, then, that Falkirk has
become one of Scotland’s first Business
Improvement Districts (BID). Financed
by the Council and by BID members,
BID’s business plan is based on market
research; all the businesses involved
can vote every year whether to stay
within it or not. The city will be able
to develop its projects and evolve into
a good investment for tourism, with
BID’s aim that of creating responsible
entrepreneurs.
A £67 million investment will help
make the ambitious Falkirk a more
international city, whose foundations are
tourism, manufacturing, logistics and
energy. The £67 million economic plan
was welcomed with growing optimism
in the local economy, as the strategy
includes commercial and leisure sites,
the development of the Falkirk Gateway
and works at Abbotsford Business Park.
Falkirk is taking a long-term view of
economic strategy.
One of the most outstanding
investments is the £70 million
planned investment in a new college
headquarters, that bonds together
school, college, community, local
employers and university interests to
multiply the value of economic and
social regeneration. The new facility will
open in 2018, and will focus on science
and engineering, with advanced level
courses in high-demand skills-based
subjects, since these are fundamental to
economic growth.
With vast land resources, Falkirk is
indeed a leader in the manufacture,
chemical and logistics sectors. The
Falkirk area is the hub of petrochemical
and chemical science industry,
Scotland’s second largest export sector,
generating £3.7 bn annually with the
major Scottish oil refinery based in
Grangemouth.
Grangemouth is also one of the
largest ports in Scotland and handles
more than 150,000 containers
each year, representing one of the
major gateways to the world for the
import and export of goods. Over
30% of Scotland’s GDP comes from
Grangemouth’s port; more than £6.2 bn
worth of goods passes through this port
annually.
Because of its GVA growth (+67%
since 2001), Falkirk is the place to do
business. Infrastructures, connections,
innovation, market and quality of life are
key elements investors should keep in
mind when thinking of Scotland. Falkirk
can boast being a dynamic city, in
addition to its connections with Italy.
One of the most famous Italian
businesses established in this area is
run by Michael Lemetti of Clan Italia.
After studying how to develop an Italian
Tartan, his design was worn by the
Italian Rugby Team and many other
celebrities. Managing to merge Italian
and Scottish elements, Mr. Lemetti
demonstrates how Falkirk is versatile
and open to new business ideas.
For further information on
investments in the Falkirk area,
please contact Eleonora Vanello at:
[email protected]
13
PARTNERSHIP
Food
La Pizzica
T
raditionally a dance from
Puglia in Southern Italy, ‘la
pizzica’ is upbeat, energetic and
deeply rooted in this region’s
history, the fast movements
mimicking the way poison was
shaken from a tarantula bite, the
so-called ‘pizzica’ or ‘pinch’.
On stepping through the door, it is
easy to see how this Fulham restaurant
came to its name; the restaurant brings
the idea of movement and passion from
the pizzica dance to the dinner table.
Opened in 2013 by brothers Gianluca,
Rocco and Ivan D’Aversa from Salento,
Puglia, this year La Pizzica received
the Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana. The
prestigious award acknowledges only
the best Italian restaurants all over the
world, recognising quality, authentic
Italian cuisine.
Some restaurants do well to give
you an impression of Italy, but La
Pizzica, with a menu dedicated to
turning quality produce into genuine
Italian dishes, does not just take you
to Italy but to Salento and the town of
Lecce that Gianluca, Rocco and Ivan
call home. The air has a certain buzz
to it, and the number of Italian diners
serves as testimony to La Pizzica’s
authenticity. The place is immersed in
regional heritage; everything has been
considered, from the menu and the
wine list, right down to the restaurant’s
14 PARTNERSHIP
façade, made of ‘pietra leccese’, a type
of limestone brought over from the
brothers’ hometown.
We are greeted as old friends, and
immediately settle in for a night of
magnificent hospitality. The evening
begins with a glass of Maiano, a red
wine from Salice Salentino, a village
in Puglia. The Maiano is made from
a blend of two Pugliese grapes,
negroamaro and malvasia nera. The
wine is sweet, smooth and light with
warm vanilla flavours; an absolute
delight. Instead of following the
traditional Italian order of service, I
am more than happy to let Gianluca
- manager, head chef, front of house
and our brilliant host for the evening
- handpick the evening’s gastronomic
programme. We settle on a mish-mash
of seasonal dishes, all inspired by the
Puglia and Salento regions, located in
the very tip of Italy’s “heel”.
Antipasto is up first; an extraordinary
selection of traditional Pugliese
starter dishes including mussels
in an oil, garlic and tomato sauce,
zuppa di legumi (celery, chick peas,
carrot and potato soup) and frittini
(tiny fried bites). The zucchine alla
mentuccia (minty courgettes) and the
beef polpette (meatballs) in tomato
sauce are personal favourites of mine,
taking me back to my summer in Italy
and nonna Rosa’s cooking. These
uncomplicated dishes, considered
humble at home, are executed
perfectly. Needless to say, we clear
everything and are eager for more.
Next we are brought a pizza to share,
the ‘Zio Pasquale’, named in honour of
Gianluca, Rocco and Ivan’s uncle. The
‘Zio Pasquale’ is made without tomato,
and topped with mozzarella, Italian
salsiccia, olives and, in a seasonal twist,
cime di rape (turnip tops). Not what
you’d expect on a pizza, but the chefs
know what they’re doing and it works
wonderfully with the sourdough base,
producing a lovely, rustic flavour.
The atmosphere in La Pizzica is one
of instant ease. Gianluca sits with us
while we eat, sharing personal tales
and his expert knowledge over a glass
of wine, as if we were sat at the kitchen
table in his family home. He tells us that
not all of La Pizzica’s ingredients are
imported from Italy; meat and fish are
proudly sourced from local suppliers,
as is some fruit and veg, to guarantee
only the freshest makes it onto a diner’s
plate. However, in order to offer a
genuine experience of Italian cooking,
certain traditional ingredients including
wine, pasta, oil, and mozzarella remain
exclusively Italian.
Flavour-wise we remain rocked back
contently on Italy’s very heel, and in
true Puglian fashion we sample the
burratina next. Having left the rest of the
decision making over food and drink
to Gianluca, this is my only request of
the evening and our host is happy to
indulge. A typical starter dish, burrata
is made of shredded, left over scraps
of mozzarella and cream wrapped in
a sheet of mozzarella. It is fresh, rich
and utterly delectable, successfully reigniting my memories of Italy.
Next we are presented with a typical
Pugliese pasta dish; orecchiette (“little
ears”) in a tomato sauce made with
basil and fresh ricotta. The sauce is
thick and full of natural flavour; the pasta
is some of the best I’ve ever tasted.
The orecchiette are accompanied by
a second red wine, a ‘primitivo’ or
zinfandel - a Greek grape imported
by the Romans and the last of the three
Puglian grapes on offer this evening.
The wine, Sasseo Primitivo produced
by Masseria Altemura, is again from
Salento and similar to the first; still soft
but fuller, richer and meatier.
We round off the meal with a
classic Salentino dessert, pasticciotto.
This oval-shaped short crust pastry
filled with lemon custard cream was
originally a way for poor people to use
their left-overs.
Crispy outside
and creamy
inside – it is new
to me and I have
never tasted
anything like it.
Singular in its
simplicity and
intense flavour,
the pasticciotto is
a work of art.
After the
obligatory caffè
we are offered a
sweet red wine,
Aleatico to taste, once again from Lecce
and served chilled. This type of wine
is known as a ‘passito’, made with the
late harvest of grapes about the middle
of November. We round off the night
with a glass of limoncello and a toast to
good health!
There is absolutely no doubt that La
Pizzica is an award-winning restaurant;
the hospitality really is outstanding,
and the D’Aversa brothers must be
credited with successfully recreating a
truly Italian atmosphere. La Pizzica is
cosy, vibrant and frenetic, the staff are
warm and attentive. The dedication to
classic, regional flavours and the care
taken over preparation is palpable,
manifested in the sensitively crafted
menu twinned with Gianluca and his
brothers’ passion for their native land.
They offer a real taste of Italy, a genuine
Salento adventure where traditional
cuisine is never compromised. What
you get at La Pizzica is not just an
exceptional meal, it is an experience;
an authentic, intimate setting where a
devotion to cultural heritage and the
desire to produce extraordinary tasting
food make it a unique place to dine.
La Pizzica restaurant
764-766 Fulham Road
London
SW6 5SJ
+44 (0)20 7731 3762
www.lapizzicalondon.co.uk
15
PARTNERSHIP
Article
BRE: Building a better
world together
A presentation of BRE Innovation Park, Watford
N
owadays climate change and
the battle to reduce carbon
emissions are on the minds of all
with an interest in a zero carbon
future. According to research
released by the Global Commission
on the Economy and Climate in the
UK, investing in low carbon cities
could save up to £17 trillion by
2050.
The Climate Change Act was
introduced in the UK in 2008, setting a
target of reducing carbon emissions by
80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels,
and with a reduction of at least 34% by
2020. In December 2006, the Labour
government pledged that from 2016
all new homes would be ‘zero carbon’,
introducing the Code for Sustainable
Homes. The Labour budget in 2008
16 PARTNERSHIP
announced a further intention that all
new non-domestic buildings should
also be zero carbon from 2019.
But what are “zero carbon buildings”?
“Carbon zero” refers to buildings
with zero net energy consumption
or zero net carbon emissions on
an annual basis. It means they use
renewable energy sources on site to
generate energy for their operations,
so that over one year the net amount
of energy generated on site equals the
net amount of energy required by the
building. Recently, low and zero carbon
buildings have attracted much attention
in many countries because they are
considered an important strategy for
achieving energy conservation and
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
New technologies and the specific
know-how to build zero carbon
buildings have been developed over
the last few years. These technologies
have become material, although many
are considered only research projects.
Governments, research, industry
and individuals are required to work
together to make this a global reality.
Some of the world’s most sustainable
buildings, landscape designs and
hundreds of innovative low carbon
materials and technologies are
showcased at the BRE Innovation
Park Watford, a research centre
recognised worldwide and launched by
BRE (Building Research Establishment)
in 2005. The centre attracts thousands
of industry stakeholders who want
to understand the various options
available. BRE is a world leading,
multi-disciplinary building science
centre with a mission to improve the
built environment through research
and knowledge generation. The
organisation has launched different
Innovation Parks (England, Scotland,
China, Canada and Brazil), acting as a
networking and knowledge exchange
hub. Visitors can see emerging and
innovative solutions to sustainable, lowcarbon design and construction while
companies can test their technologies
and capabilities in a live environment.
“BRE Innovation Parks are a test-bed
for innovative ideas and products. They
aim to push forward the boundaries of
knowledge & practice by testing and
showcasing innovations in order to
meet our global challenges, whether
it’s making our buildings more energy
efficient and resilient to climate change,
or become more efficient in the
construction of low-carbon homes”,
says James McLoughlin, BRE Group
Marketing Director. “The role of
the Innovation Parks is to inform the
industry and policy makers on the
viability of construction innovations that
can deliver improved performance
and true sustainability within the built
environment. We want to help educate
stakeholders, form collaborations
and drive change across the built
environment.”
demands, economic efficiencies
and consumer preferences.
The BRE Watford Innovation Park is
divided in different parts focused on
specific topics:
• Buildings: the Park features
a number of buildings
demonstrating modern methods
of construction and different
types of build, from timber
frame, to cross laminate timber,
concrete, clay block and light
gauge steel.
• Landscaping: landscape design
can affect both the cohesion
of a community and the health
and wellbeing of the people
living there. There is a central
open area providing spaces for
children and a meeting point,
with biodiversity-focussed
community gardens containing
different native trees and fruitbearing species, recycled
paving and recycled street
furniture.
• Products: the centre features
a wide range of products
selected to improve buildings’
performance and achieve low to
zero carbon emissions (heating
systems, renewables, ventilation,
lighting and appliance).
BRE always promotes a “Fabric First”
approach to construction, choosing the
best materials for the construction. It
is then necessary to select the optimal
system for heating and hot water,
and then choose which renewable
sources can complement the building
to achieve low to zero carbon
emissions. In addition, ventilation,
lighting, day-lighting and appliance
use can all impact on the performance
of the building, and the embodied
energy of potable water should not be
underestimated.
The Innovation Park is currently
focusing on projects relating to the key
themes of assisted living, dementia
care, healthier homes, connected
& future cities and resilient homes,
including new buildings that aim to
resolve some of those challenges
relating to how we will live in the future.
You can find out more about BRE
Innovation Park by visiting:
www.bre.co.uk. BRE will be
promoting its capabilities in its
role as Research and Innovation
Partner at the next edition of
Ecobuild UK which will be held
in London next March. For more
information about the event,
please contact the Italian Chamber
of Commerce.
This can be achieved by:
• Placing research at the core of
our Innovation Parks;
• Attracting a new group of global
technology partners;
• Ensuring associated research
outcomes are disseminated
effectively - the consistency
and detail in the information
presented will illustrate the
value and benefit of the Park
Network;
• Demonstrating true sustainability
in all activities;
• Ensuring Governments,
industry and supply chain
partners recognise the value
of the Innovation Park network
- innovation is generated by
the industry to meet regulatory
17
PARTNERSHIP
Article
Chair game
An overview of the Italian wood and furniture sector and the
opportunities in the UK market
The Italian wood and furniture sector
The wood and furniture sector is one of the pillars of the Italian
economy. According to data provided by FederlegnoArredo*,
the sector employs 10% of the Italian manufacturing labour
force and includes 17% of the total number of companies
(67,000 comprised of 367,000 employees). In 2014 the sector’s
total production turnover amounted to 26.4 billion Euros;
this value confirmed Italy as the main furniture manufacturer
in Europe but, at the same time, represented a decrease of
2.7% compared to 2013. The sector is in fact still suffering
the consequences of the economic crisis and this is reflected
especially in the domestic market where consumption - despite
the tax incentives provided by the Italian Government - recorded
a decrease of 4.1% compared to 2013.
Despite the crisis in the internal market, trade performance
on the international front registers positive outcomes. In 2014
export levels confirmed the trend of the previous four years
(+2.9%) and accounted for 49.1% of total revenue for the
18 PARTNERSHIP
wood and furniture sector. The main markets are represented
by France, Germany and the UK, which account for a third of
the total export. Among the most important markets also stand
the United States, Russia (third market in 2013), Switzerland
and China, confirming Italy as the first European exporter to
non EU destinations.
The UK furniture market
The recovery of the British economy (+2.6% in 2014) and the
subsequent improvement of the real estate sector triggered
the UK demand for interior products. According to The
British Furniture Confederation, UK furniture manufacturing
turnover has increased since 2011, reaching £7.8 billion in
2013. Over the same period, total imports rose to £4.6 billion
(whilst exports fell from a 2011 peak of £992 million to £958
million). Also, in 2013 consumer expenditure on furniture and
furnishings reached £12.6 billion, which was a 6.4% increase
on 2012.
UK Imports: Furniture and parts thereof*:
2014 main countries of origin
UK Imports: Furniture and parts thereof*:
2010 – 2014 trends (in million £)
1600
12%
China
32%
Italy
Poland
20%
Germany
Vietnam
USA
3%
Other EU
11%
4%
9%
Other Non EU
9%
The last economic crisis – together with the strengthening
competition coming from the Far East – has strongly affected
the UK imports of furniture, revolutionising the chart of the
top 10 supplier countries. Since 2008, traditional furniture
manufacturers such as France, Italy and Germany have lost
important shares (respectively -30.2%, -28.6% and -20.8%),
while Poland, Vietnam and China have seen their shares grow
by 65.1%, 50.8% and 31.6%.
Despite this, Italy is still the UK’s second largest market for
the procurement of furniture and parts, surpassed only by
China. The main products imported from Italy are lighting
and upholstered furniture, which respectively count for 10%
and 17% of total furniture imports from Italy. As well, Italy is
the UK’s second largest supplier of kitchens (28% of the total
kitchen imports) and upholstered furniture (12.4%).
The positive trend of Italian furniture exports is related
primarily to the recovery of the British economy. To this one
must add the known propensity of British consumers towards
the Made in Italy brand, synonymous with exclusive design and
high quality. The product origin and quality continue indeed to
be central elements in the area of consumer goods, especially in
the high-end sector.
Entering into the UK market
Despite the strong British demand for Made in Italy products,
Italian companies (especially the smallest ones) often struggle
to get into the market across the Channel. These difficulties
are due both to unsurprising problems, such as language
barriers, lack of business contacts, inefficient logistics etc., and
more complex issues, such as the unawareness of consumer
preferences or the selection of the wrong entry channels.
Furthermore, many Italian SMEs do not possess the skills
or resources necessary to consolidate stable and lasting
relations in foreign markets. The participation in trade missions
1400
China
1200
Italy
Poland
1000
Germany
800
Vietnam
600
USA
400
Other EU
200
Other Non EU
0
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Source: www.uktradeinfo.co.uk
* SITC 821
and international fairs is indeed a very effective means of
internationalisation; it allows the meeting of potential partners,
the presentation of products and the gathering of feedback as
well as checking competitors, following market developments
and gaining new insights into a specific market. Nevertheless,
once the first commercial relations are established, the
exhibitors are often unable to ensure an efficient follow-up in
order to consolidate their presence in the market and monitor
the business opportunities that may arise.
All these issues emphasise the importance of strategic
planning, efficient business tools and effective assistance by
professionals who know the market and its players.
We are here to help
The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK –
together with Federlegno Arredo SpA Events - are pleased to
announce the creation of the FLA UK Business Development
Desk with the aim of promoting the Italian wood and
furniture sector in the UK. The project aims to consolidate the
Italian companies in the UK market through informative and
promotional activities as well as the creation of new business
opportunities. At the same time, the Desk aims to promote the
Made in Italy brand in the UK and provide Italian entrepreneurs
with the know-how needed to respond quickly to market
changes.
For more information, please contact our London office.
*FEDERLEGNOARREDO is a cornerstone of Italy’s wood and furniture
industry. Since 1945 it has represented the entire sector, from raw
materials to the finished product, in Italy and throughout the world.
The Federation operates out of its Milan HQ, with offices in Rome and
Brussels as well as Desks in Belgrade, Chicago, Moscow, Shanghai and
London. Today it boasts a total of 2,800 member companies, ranging
from industry leaders to small businesses.
19
PARTNERSHIP
Meet British buyers face-to-face at the
leading overseas property events of 2016.
With 2016 set to be a busy year and over 20,000 visitors expected across our
three exhibitions, A Place in the Sun Live provides the ideal environment for you
to meet prospective clients and showcase your company’s properties or services.
For information on current stand availability
email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 20 3207 2920.
aplaceinthesun.com/exhibitions
* based on 2015 attendance figures.
One show
Three venues
22,000+ visitors*
Welcome to NEW MEMBERS
JOIN THE ICCIUK
EGGCELERATE
To request a membership application form
and company brochure please visit
www.italchamind.eu
Corporate
For more information about the Chamber and
Membership, please see: www.italchamind.eu or contact
the Secretariat by telephone (+44) 0207 495 8191 or by
email: [email protected]
ASSIGECO
Benefactor
With over 30 years of experience, Assigeco is one of the most
important brokerage firms within the Italian market.
Assigeco offers its services to professionals and companies of
any size. We excel in delivering accurate risk analysis, in hedge
funds examination and applied taxation.
Mr. Stefano Curioni
+44 (0) 207 337 1315
www.assigeco.it/broker.asp
Is your company ready to expand - but needs help? Perhaps
it’s with strategy, product marketing, business development,
sales across Europe or accessing funding? Eggcelerate can help
with your challenges. We help Technology Growing Businesses
manage their times of change and transition while fostering
growth. Small businesses trust us. We’re practical, realistic,
committed and affordable. We know what it’s like running a
company, so we’ve made our pricing really flexible too.
Mr Stefano Maifreni
Suite 36, 88-90 Hatton Garden
Holborn
London EC1N 8PN
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 3239 1653
www.eggcelerate.com
MASSIMOVILLAS
Corporate
Supporting
Book a Sicilian holiday villa with the Massimo Villa Collection
and tap into a network of local knowledge. Our handpicked
selection of private holiday villas are located in the most
beautiful parts of Sicily, by national parks, beaches and historic
villages, from Cefalu in the north to Noto in the south. The
Collection has been carefully put together by founder and
owner, Massimo Provenza, who is from the historical town of
Cefalu on Sicily’s north coast.
ESA engineering is an international engineering firm providing a
full range of high-quality MEP consultancy services for residential
and commercial building.
Based in Sicily, London and Scandinavia, Massimo’s team
coordinates house management, villa holiday bookings and
promotions.
Mr Ely Mencherini
United House - North Road
London, N7 9DP
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 760 721 75
www.esa-engineering.com
Mr Massimo Provenza
3 Gower Street
London WC1E 6HA
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 203 529 8013
www.massimovillas.com
ONE STOP LANGUAGE
SOLUTIONS
JACOPO BARBARO
ESA ENGINEERING UK
Corporate
Registered supplier to the UN, One Stop Language Solutions
is the UK #1 source for professional, reliable and fast Italian
translators as well as Conference & Business qualified Italian
interpreters.
We work primarily in the UK and Italy and specialise in
English and Italian. However, we can offer over 150 language
combinations to suit your needs. With over 20 years experience
in the industry from SMEs to VIPs and everything in between,
we have a perfect knowledge of both the Italian and the UK
markets.
Our long list of satisfied clients includes government ministries,
small and medium sized companies, legal firms, NGOs,
communications agencies and multinational organisations.
Individual
JB Solution is a multi-tasking professional who offers consulting
services in marketing and communications to companies wishing
to expand their business and optimize their resources, proposing
new solutions, Web contents, and Graphic Design.
Jacopo Barbaro is a dynamic young man, who gives a nod to
innovation and new ideas and has already collaborated with
leading global companies with an excellent knowledge of both
the Italian and International markets.
Mr Jacopo Barbaro
Via Falcone 2/31
Moviglio 20082
Italy
+39 345 3299 354
Ms Luciana Scrofani
222 Regent Street
London W1B 5TR
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 7297 3008
www.onestoplanguagesolutions.com
21
PARTNERSHIP
New Patron Membership
Introducing The New Patron Membership
W
e are pleased to announce that we have
introduced a new level of membership.
Patron membership is now the highest and most
exclusive level offered by our Chamber. It is
the ideal choice for blue chip, well-established
companies or for those medium sized companies
who want to considerably strengthen their
presence in the UK market.
Patron membership provides the widest range of
benefits and services from our Chamber and it is the
best way to maximize your company’s visibility.
The main benefits include:
• P atron members can benefit from extensive brand
exposure through our media, networking events
and conferences.
• P atron membership gives access to Benefactor &
Patron-only events – ideal for forging high-level
business relationships.
• P atron members have the opportunity to stay
connected to a network of influential and dynamic
international companies of all sizes and sectors.
• P ossibility of joining the Chamber’s Board and
actively being engaged in the decision-making
process.
• Possibility of enjoying the highest discounts on all
our services and sponsorship opportunities.
• Patron members benefit from priority access to all
our networking events and can nominate up to 10
company representatives.
To apply for Patron Membership, please contact Laura
Carrer, Members Relations & Events Officer at:
[email protected] or call +44 (0) 20 7495
8191.
Our Patrons
FIAT CHRYSLER
AUTOMOBILES
CNH
INDUSTRIAL
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA), the seventh-largest
automaker in the world, designs, engineers, manufactures and
sells passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, components
and production systems worldwide. The Group’s automotive
brands are: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat
Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Ram, SRT, Ferrari and Maserati, in
addition to Mopar, the parts and service brand. The Group’s
businesses also include Comau (production systems), Magneti
Marelli (components) and Teksid (iron and castings). FCA is
listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“FCAU”) and the
Mercato Telematico Azionario in Milan (“FCA”).
More information can be found on the corporate
website: www.fcagroup.com
CNH Industrial N.V. – formerly Fiat Industrial – (NYSE: CNHI /
MI: CNHI) is a global leader in the capital goods sector with
established industrial experience, a wide range of products
and a worldwide presence. Each of the individual brands
belonging to the Company is a major international force in
its specific industrial sector: Case IH, New Holland Agriculture
and Steyr for tractors and agricultural machinery; Case and
New Holland Construction for earth moving equipment; Iveco
for commercial vehicles; Iveco Bus and Heuliez Bus for buses
and coaches; Iveco Astra for quarry and construction vehicles;
Magirus for firefighting vehicles; Iveco Defence Vehicles for
defence and civil protection; and FPT Industrial for engines and
transmissions.
More information can be found at: www.cnhindustrial.com
FCA N.V., Corporate Office,
25 St. James’s Street,
SW1A 1HA, London
CNH Industrial N.V., Corporate
Office, 25 St. James’s Street,
SW1A 1HA London
22 PARTNERSHIP
Our Benefactor Members
23
PARTNERSHIP
Fiat with
CHIC
STREET
ELITE
BIK
FROM
13% MPG
COMBINED
UP TO
78.5 C02
To find out more and to book a test drive go to fiat.co.uk/fleet
or call our business centre on 01753 519442
EMISSIONS
FROM
88g/km
fiat.co.uk /fleet
Fuel consumption figures for the Fiat 500 Family range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 30.4 (9.3) – 65.7 (4.3); Extra Urban 49.6 (5.7) – 94.2 (3.0); Combined 40.4 (7.0) – 78.5 (3.6). CO2 emissions
163 – 88 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Vehicles shown are New Fiat 500 Lounge, Fiat 500L Trekking and Fiat 500X Cross.