Archive – Banking & Fintech

Watchmakers wallow in the doldrums

This content was published on Dec 22, 2003 International sales have been sluggish since the beginning of the year, but analysts believe some markets still have growth potential. At the beginning of June, Cartier shed 180 jobs, while Ebel, a maker of middle- to high-end watches slashed 24 jobs at the end of the month. And nobody seems sure whether the job cuts…

Traditional toys make a Christmas comeback

This content was published on Dec 22, 2003 Sales of board games are outstripping all other toys, leaving perplexed retailers scrabbling for an explanation. “We can already confirm that traditional toys have claimed the best part of the market,” Reto Zurflüh, spokesman for the Swiss society of toy suppliers, told swissinfo. Two of the country’s leading retailers, Manor and Franz Carl Weber, have…

The Swiss Army knife is still a cut above the rest

This content was published on Dec 21, 2003 If anything is a real symbol of Switzerland, it must surely be the Swiss Army knife, the little red prodigy that stands for precision and quality. Its image is so polished that it is frequently used in advertising for products that have absolutely nothing to do with a pocket tool. But to keep that reputation,…

Toy store offers bear necessities

This content was published on Dec 20, 2003 At the Bear Factory, customers can select a bear, pick out a snappy outfit, record a message – and give the toy a heart. It may be pure kitsch, but it seems to be hitting the spot among the sophisticated shoppers along Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse. The voice chip, in particular, appears to have won over adults…

Medical records go online

This content was published on Dec 20, 2003 The Médicentre in Balexert claims the move is a world first. The project is a pilot study involving 50 patients, who can access their records spontaneously without having to ask for them or justify themselves. Research is continuing into the consequences of such a move – in particular how it affects the relationship between patients…

Electorate split over road transport vote

This content was published on Dec 19, 2003 According to a poll released on Friday by the GfS research institute, a popular vote on the issue – scheduled for February 8 – is too close to call. The government plan – a counter-proposal to the so-called Avanti initiative first launched in 2000 and subsequently withdrawn – includes reference to the possible future construction…

Spin-off helps farmers find green alternatives to pesticides

This content was published on Dec 19, 2003 Atlas Agro is a spin-off of a program that promotes Indo-Swiss Collaboration in Biotechnology (ISCB) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Algerian-born Mounir Hassani, founded the firm one year ago to provide consulting services and to distribute sustainable insecticides to farmers in developing countries. Hassani spent four years developing mycoinsecticides within the ISCB, which…

Swiss firm finds a place in the hearts of the young and investors

This content was published on Dec 18, 2003 Unlike existing valves, it grows with them. The heart ring is called Kalangos Biodegradable Ring, named after the surgeon who invented it, and works to reinforce the valvular orifices of the heart. Normally, multiple surgeries are required to replace outgrown rings, which increase the risks of early patient mortality. It is a biodegradable cardiovascular prosthesis…

A feel-good recipe

This content was published on Dec 18, 2003 This version of the quintessential Swiss dish is perfect for a cold winter’s evening, especially after a day on the pistes. Serves 4: 800g cheese (eg 400g Gruyères, 200g Emmental, 200g Fribourg Vacherin)1-3 cloves of garlic2 tablespoons of cornflour2 tablespoons of kirschApprox. 500g bread4dl white wine (Valais fendant or other dry white wine)NutmegPaprikaFreshly ground pepper…

Blocher proves slow to sell his shares

This content was published on Dec 17, 2003 Critics complain that although he has stepped down from the helm of EMS Chemie, he has yet to sell his majority shareholding, which could lead to a conflict of interest. After being elected to the cabinet on December 10, Blocher said he would be handing over operational control to his daughter, Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, when he…

Archive – Banking & Fintech

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Archive – Banking & Fintech

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Watchmakers wallow in the doldrums

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Traditional toys make a Christmas comeback

More

The Swiss Army knife is still a cut above the rest

More

Toy store offers bear necessities

More

Medical records go online

More

Electorate split over road transport vote

More

Spin-off helps farmers find green alternatives to pesticides

More

Swiss firm finds a place in the hearts of the young and investors

More

A feel-good recipe

More

Blocher proves slow to sell his shares

Popular Stories

Most Discussed