Archive – Banking & Fintech

No ordinary village

This content was published on Jan 2, 2003 But what makes it different is that its 84-strong community is entirely made up of mentally handicapped people. This unique project based at Bernex in the Genevan countryside, aims to promote the independence of the mentally handicapped by giving them jobs and encouraging them to live on their own. The village has been constructed around…

Switzerland seen as top test market for Europe

This content was published on Dec 30, 2002 In its latest survey of export markets, the US department of trade rates Switzerland above most of its neighbours as a place to do business. The US department of trade’s Country Commercial Guide (CCG) describes Switzerland as “an excellent test market for businesses hoping to introduce new products to Europe”. It cites the country’s highly…

More foreigners move into Swiss boardrooms

This content was published on Dec 30, 2002 Critics say Anglo-Saxons in particular have changed the culture at Swiss firms leading to more uncertainty and discontent among employees. Foreign bosses are nothing new to Switzerland – indeed Nestlé and Roche are headed by Austrians Peter Brabeck and Franz Hümer. But the number of top executives without a Swiss passport has increased markedly this…

Art market weathers financial storm

This content was published on Dec 29, 2002 Influenced by global economic and geopolitical insecurity, financiers have been looking to invest in the more stable art market. The worldwide art market is still relatively small compared to its financial counterpart, with an estimated value of €26 billion (SFr37.8 billion), according to the European Fine Art Foundation. Switzerland’s art market, with sales of €625…

Gretag sacks 400 on Christmas Eve

This content was published on Dec 28, 2002 Once a stock market favourite, Gretag last week filed for insolvency after falling victim to the digital revolution. Patrick Jung, the Gretag chief, issued severance notices taking effect from December 24, that were delivered on Friday. The company’s board president, Felix Bagdasarjanz, said the decision to sack staff on the 24th had been taken by…

Swiss get set for new passport

This content was published on Dec 27, 2002 After more than 40 years of tradition, the Swiss are scrapping their current passport – a slightly ungainly document – for a smaller, sleeker model that can be read by a computer. While the new passport has been welcomed as a step forward – especially by police and airport authorities – there are concerns that…

Elite club of investors to eye Swiss tech

This content was published on Dec 27, 2002 The two-day jaunt is the 11th in a series of events run by the European Tech Tour organisation. It opens with a dinner on March 5 in Zürich where organisers expect 250 of Switzerland’s high-tech leaders. This will be the second time that the tour has travelled to Switzerland. The event will be launched with…

Engadine and Crans-Montana offer skiers new services

This content was published on Dec 26, 2002 It has been made possible with the “EngadinCard”, which has been unveiled this winter and is being billed as a world first. It is being marketed as a credit card, ski lift pass, bus, train and parking ticket in one. Anyone planning a holiday in the Upper Engadine can order the card and services by…

Wings bar revives spirit of Swissair

This content was published on Dec 26, 2002 With a small crew of former Swissair staff, Schröder has opened a bar with the feel of a airliner but a lot more atmosphere. And Wings Airline Bar and Lounge has a prime location – it’s on the ground floor of the building that houses the city’s renowned Saffran Guild. It’s run mainly by people…

Back from the brink

This content was published on Dec 24, 2002 Pro Specie Rara (PSR) has clocked up notable successes in its two decades, thanks to the work of a sea of volunteers. Twenty-one breeds of farm animals, 1,600 different varieties of fruit and 700 varieties of cereal and vegetables have been saved from extinction. Nineteenth century Swiss literature refers to green fields upon which animals…

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