initiative Spring 2013 - Deutsch

1
Issue 1 • Spring 2013
The magazine for members of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
Survey results
Economic
climate in
Germany
see page 4
legal comment
Neuerungen
im PAYE-System
see page 11
r
u
o
y
e
t
s
a
w
…
e
t
Don’t
s
a
w
n
o
time
Looking for advice and assistance with your environmental
compliance in Germany?
The German-British Chamber can help British exporters with:
packaging waste compliance
certificate of completeness audits (VE)
the deposit scheme for drink containers
waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) compliance
battery compliance
•
•
•
•
•
We work with many schemes and systems to ensure our clients have
the most suitable and cost-efficient contracts in place that fit with
their needs and obligations.
So don’t waste your time, come to the experts for a complete service.
Visit www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk for more information or
contact Marguerite McCaughan – [email protected] /
tel: 020 7976 4183.
contents
initiative
The benefits of being
part of the EU by far
outweigh its costs.
Unfortunately, the long promised return to
growth for the UK economy did not materialise
in 2012 and the outlook for 2013 remains
volatile. Adding further uncertainties by
promising a referendum on Britain’s relationship
with Europe has created even more obstacles
for growth to return any time soon. Approximately one in ten jobs in the UK
is provided by multinationals operating here. The uncertainty about whether
the UK will be able to enjoy all the advantages of the single market in years
to come will definitely influence the decision-making process of global
companies. Of course, not all multinational investment in the UK serves the
European market but as indigenous British companies also need access to the
single market, the medium-term effect of the decision to hold a referendum in
five years’ time should not be underestimated.
All economies in Europe have benefitted tremendously from the single market
and the uniformity of regulations that comes with it. It is a fallacy to believe
that, if one were not part of the European Union, regulations will simply
disappear. Far from it, European regulations would often simply be replaced by
national ones and whether national regulators are better than European ones
remains to be seen.
Europe as a whole needs a strong competitive economy and everybody in
the business world can agree with the Prime Minister on this point. However,
achieving this aim requires a constructive approach to improving the workings
of the European Union. The recent EU Budget negotiations were heralded as a
success in the UK, justifying the current approach of the British government. In
my opinion, the outcome cannot honestly be called a success as the cuts were
largely made to the activities and programmes focusing on the development
and future of the EU and not to the wasteful agricultural support mechanisms.
Instead of simply going for a headline cut in numbers, a redirection of
resources to foster innovation and competition should have been the aim of
the British and all other market-driven governments. Germany and Britain have
a lot in common in terms of their outlook on the world and how economies
should be run. Therefore we hope that, in future, the British government will
play a constructive role at the heart of Europe and realise that the benefits of
being part of it by far outweigh its costs.
Dr Ulrich Hoppe
Director General, German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
CONTENTS
4 DIHK survey results – ec0nomic trends in germany
5annual dinner 2013/chamber golf tournament
6 Chamber & Members' News
7 Chamber Contacts
8 Events Diary
11 Legal Comment
12 special – trade Outlook 2013
14 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
15 Statistics / business news
Cover photo: ©Rainer Plendl/Shutterstock
sustaining members
3
4 DIHK Survey results
Economic trends
in Germany
In February 2013, the DIHK, umbrella organisation for all German
Chambers of Industry & Commerce presented the results of its
latest economic survey. Based on data collected by the 80 regional
Chambers of Industry & Commerce among their member companies
we publish the most important findings below.
At the beginning of 2013 the economy
is picking up again. After a continuous
decline in the course of 2012, the business
situation of companies is stabilising at
a level which remains high. The interim
crisis atmosphere has calmed down. While
domestic consumption is relatively robust,
investment activity at home and abroad has
suffered noticeably in particular. However,
the estimates for all sectors are better than in
the long-term average.
Scepticism with respect to the coming
months is diminishing. Business
expectations suggest a return to a positive
situation. They are becoming somewhat
brighter in all economic sectors, most of all
in the manufacturing industry. The main
effects are coming from the initial successes
in tackling the Euro debt crisis. However,
there is still a certain degree of uncertainty
to be found. For example, more than half
of companies fear setbacks in domestic
demand, as well as additional costs from
increasing energy and raw material prices.
There is a noticeable improvement in
confidence with respect to export
expectations. Fewer companies see
foreign demand as a risk to their business
developments. In individual cases, good
news about production and exports is
already coming from the states hit by the crisis.
However, companies are still not expecting any
significant impetus from the Eurozone. Buoyant
demand continues to be expected primarily
from the emerging markets in Asia. The good
business in the USA remains subject to the
resolution of the budgetary crisis.
The decline in investment intentions has
come to an end. Gradual progress in the
Eurozone is stabilising the planning horizon
of companies across all industries. Although
the investment intentions are not quite as
expansive as in recent years, they remain
positive on balance for the ninth time in
succession. In order to further strengthen this
position, companies are investing not only in
replacement demand, but mainly in product
innovations and rationalisations. Financing is
not currently a problem in most cases.
The employment plans of companies remain
slightly positive. However, it is not sufficient
for a significant increase in recruitment.
Memories of the debt crisis are still too vivid,
the uncertainties too large. Nevertheless,
many companies with expansive employment
intentions consider that their plans are being
held back by the shortage of skilled workers.
A publication containing all results can be
found on www.dihk.de
DIHK GDP Forecast 2013 | Germany
Changes on the previous year, in per cent, use of the gross
domestic product (GDP), price-adjusted, chain-linked
2011
2012
DIHK Forecast
2013
GDP
3,0
0,7
0,7
Final consumption expenditure of private households
1,7
0,8
0,5
Government final consumption expenditure
1,0
1,0
1,0
Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF)
6,2
-2,1
-0,6
Exports
7,8
4,1
4,0
Imports
7,4
2,3
4,3
2011
2012
DIHK Forecast
2013
Unemployment (in millions)
2,97
2,90
2,94
Employment (change in thousand)
+561
+422
+150
Labour Market in Germany
© DIHK Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag e.V., Breite Straße 29, 10178 Berlin. Responsible: Dr Alexander Schumann, Dr Dirk Schlotböller, DIHK February 2013
The German-British Chamber of Industry
& Commerce requests the pleasure of your
company at their Annual Dinner
Monday, 1 July 2013 – 7.30pm for 8.00pm
Sponsored by:
The Waldorf Hilton Hotel, London WC2B 4DD
The Annual Dinner of the German-British Chamber
of industry & Commerce offers the exclusive
opportunity to invite your clients and business
associates for networking and dining. There will
be a three course meal, with pre-dinner drinks at
the prestigious Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London.
Tickets cost £125 (incl. VAT) for members and their guests and
£144 (incl. VAT) for non-members.
Guest of Honour
and Speaker:
Dr Rüdiger Grube,
Chairman of the Ma
nagement Board
and CEO, Deutsch
e Bahn AG and DB
Mobility Logistics
AG
Dr Rüdiger Grube ha
s been Chief Executiv
e Officer of Deutsch
since May 2009. Prior
e Bahn
to this, he was on the
supervisory board of
companies such as
EADS and Daimler AG
, where he oversaw
projects. He has an
major
engineering degree
and also a doctorat
areas of industrial sci
e in the
ence and polytechno
logy from the Unive
of Hamburg and Ka
rsities
ssel.
Company tables for 10 persons are available at £1,100 (incl. VAT) for
members and their guests and at £1,300 (incl. VAT) for non-members
Register online at:
www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
or email [email protected]
Dress code: Black Tie
Invitation to Chamber golf tournament
The 25th Annual Golf Tournament of the German-British Chamber will
take place at Forest of Arden Golf Club, A Marriott Hotel and Country
Club, Meriden in Warwickshire on 18 June 2013.
The Golf course at Stoke Park was designed by Harry Shapland Colt. It
was opened in July 1909 and received immediate acclaim. In 2006, Golf
World selected Stoke Park as one of the “Top 100 Courses in the World”.
The challenging and demanding landscape also provides exquisite views.
Teams will consist of four players, providing the ideal opportunity to spend time
with colleagues or clients.
Play will commence at 10.00am, followed by dinner and the award ceremony.
For more information and registration please visit www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Photo: Marc Darchinger, Deutsche Bahn AG
5
6 CHAMBER & MEMBERS’ NEWS
Scotland region annual reception
The Scotland region of the German-British Chamber hosted their
annual reception on Wednesday, 20 February 2013 in Edinburgh.
The event at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre
attracted around 100 people including Chamber members
and invited guests from a cross section of Scottish business,
manufacturing and the arts.
Keynote speaker was Malcolm Roughead of VisitScotland who
talked about investment in tourism in the region, the importance
of German tourists, and the popularity of the Scottish countryside
for both, business and leisure travellers.
Alumniportal Deutschland
Alumniportal Deutschland is a social networking site for
people from all over the world who have studied, researched,
worked or completed a course of advanced training in Germany.
Participants of training programmes or advanced training courses
abroad with the support of a German organisation are also welcome.
Registration is free and members can use the network to secure and
maintain their skills and contacts for their personal and professional
development. The site contains worldwide events and training
programmes, job vacancies in your region, tips and information on
the German language as well as interesting news on culture, society
and the economy.
Companies, institutes of higher education and organisations of
international cooperation will find alumni, experts and specialists
“trained in Germany”. They can publish job vacancies, expand their
networks and present themselves.
www.alumniportal-deutschland.org
(l-r) Mr Max Scharbert of Nimmo W.S., Mr Hans Grabowski of
Wellwood Leslie Chartered Architects and Mr John Clifford,
Honorary Consul of Austria for Scotland
Join the German-British
Chamber's group on LinkedIn
or follow us on Twitter!
Claim back your German VAT by 30 September 2013
If you went to Germany on a business trip or exhibited at a
German trade fair in 2012, you can potentially save approximately
16 per cent of your business expenses by claiming back the
German VAT you incurred during the trip.
and car fuel, parking, public transport and taxi fares. In order
to qualify for the refund procedure, you must not be resident in
Germany, or have a place of business or domicile in Germany,
nor own property or maintain a branch in Germany.
Since 1 January 2010, British businesses can submit their claims
via a new online system with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Applications can be filed directly via standardised forms and, in
most cases, original invoices will not have to be provided.
More information on reclaiming your VAT can be obtained from
the Tax Services Department of the German-British Chamber of
Industry & Commerce – email them at vat.refund@ahk-london.
co.uk.
Claims for 2012 have to be submitted to HMRC by 30 September
2013. VAT may be claimed back on many products and services,
such as hotel accommodation, training courses, expenses for
conferences and exhibitions, meals and beverages, car rental
The staff can also carry out the whole application process on
behalf of your company: from preparing your application, to
filing it online and responding to enquiries of the German tax
authorities in German.
CHAMBER contacts
„Erfolgreich in Großbritannien“
Seminar der Deutsch-Britischen Industrieund Handelskammer in Berlin
CHAMBER CONTACTS
Honorary Officers /
Präsidium und Vorstand
Patron / Schirmherr
HE Georg Boomgaarden
Ambassador of the Federal
Republic of Germany
President / Präsident
Sir Nigel Broomfield, KCMG
Vice-Presidents / Vizepräsidenten
Robert A Bischof
SCCO International Ltd
George W von Mallinckrodt, KBE
Schroders plc
Franz W Smet
ACI Group Ltd
Prof Barry Stickings, CBE
Teilnehmer des Seminars 2011
Am 29. April 2013 führt die Deutsch-Britische Industrie- und
Handelskammer erneut ein Seminar „Erfolgreich in Großbritannien“
in Berlin durch.
Ab 13.30 Uhr erwarten Sie im Automobilforum der Volkswagen AG Unter
den Linden verschiedene Vorträge zu Besonderheiten des britischen
Marktes, zu Markteintrittsstrategien, aber auch zur Unternehmensgründung und –besteuerung sowie Informationen zum Wirtschaftsstandort London. Abgerundet wird das Seminar durch den
Erfahrungsbericht eines deutschen Unternehmens. Das Seminar richtet
sich sowohl an Firmen, die einen Markteinstieg in Großbritannien planen,
als auch an solche, die bereits über erste Erfahrungen im britischen
Geschäft verfügen.
Im Anschluss an das Seminar lädt die Deutsch-Britische Industrie- und
Handelskammer um 18.00 Uhr zu einer Vortragsveranstaltung mit
anschließendem Empfang in den Räumen des Automobilforums ein.
Ehrengast und Referent wird Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann sein, Mitglied des
Vorstandes der Volkswagen AG, Geschäftsbereich ‚ 'China‘.
Die Teilnahme an der Seminarveranstaltung und am anschließenden
Empfang ist kostenfrei, jedoch ist die Teilnehmerzahl begrenzt.
Weitere Informationen erteilt Sven Riemann, Tel. +44 (0) 20 79 76 41 85,
E-Mail: [email protected].
German-UK-Business
German UK Business is an online directory for companies wishing to find
new customers in both countries. Individual support as well as translation
services are available. The company also offers a direct marketing service in
both countries. German UK Business's aim is to encourage more European
inter-trading and networking between German and UK companies.
www.german-uk-business.com
See advertising feature on pages 12 & 13.
Councillors / Vorstandsmitglieder
Chairman / Vorsitzender
Dr Klaus Peter Fouquet
Robert Bosch Ltd
Vice-Chairperson / Stellv. Vorsitzende
Patricia Godfrey
Nabarro
Councillors / Vorstandsmitglieder
Roland Aurich
Siemens plc
Marcus Breitschwerdt
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd
Armin Brestrich
KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, London
Martin Dawkins
Bayer plc
Jean-Louis Evans
TÜV Süd Product Service Ltd
Dr Stefan Georg
Delta Economics
Dr Ulrich Hoppe
German-British Chamber of Industry
& Commerce
Frank Kuhnke
Deutsche Bank AG, London
Chris J Maidment
Clemens M Richter
CMR Controls Ltd
Carsten W Scheffel
Allianz Global
Corporate & Specialty
Marc Starzmann
Commerzbank AG, London
Holger Wessling
DZ Bank AG, London
Nigel R Wood
The Wilkes Partnership
Company Secretary
Chris Putt
Speechly Bircham LLP
Honorary Auditors
PKF (UK) LLP
Management / Geschäftsführung
Dr Ulrich Hoppe
Director General /
Hauptgeschäftsführer
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4110
Thesy Lobitzer
PA to Director General / Assistentin
des Hauptgeschäftsführers
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4112
Finance & Organisation
Sabine Marland
Manager Finance & Organisation /
Finanzen und Organisation
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4120
Kai Daniel
Finance & Organisation /
Finanzen und Organisation
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4187
Marketing Services
Sven Riemann
Manager Marketing Services
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4185
Marguerite McCaughan
Marketing Services
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4183
Jana Lindner
Press & Public Relations /
Presse- & Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4188
Members’ Services
Evelyn Mensah
Manager Membership & Events /
Mitgliedschaft & Veranstaltungen
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4145
Katja Ludwigs
Membership & Events /
Mitgliedschaft & Veranstaltungen
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4146
Legal & Tax Services / Rechtsund Steuerabteilung
Angelika Baumgarte
Deputy Director General / stellv.
Hauptgeschäftsführerin
Head of Legal & Tax / Leiterin der
Rechts- und Steuerabteilung
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4140
Dr Ann-Catrin Theisen
Legal Services / Rechtsabteilung
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4141
Friederike Uebing
Payroll Services / Lohnbuchhaltung
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4144
Katrin Albrecht
Manager Tax Services / Steuerabteilung
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4168
Anja Reeves
Manager Tax Services / Steuerabteilung
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4161
Michaela Böttcher
Verena Gronewold
Kay Köhnkow
Gunnar Pohl
Tax Services / Steuerabteilung
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4160
For details of the Chamber’s regional committees, email: [email protected]
7
XXXXX diary
8 events
CHRISTMAS PARTY 2012
The annual Members’ Christmas Party was celebrated at the
German-British Chamber on Thursday, 6 December 2012. As
popular and vibrant as ever, members and guests met with
business partners and associates and enjoyed traditional
Glühwein and other festive treats.
H.E. Georg Boomgaarden, Ambassador of the Federal
Republic of Germany was Guest of Honour and addressed
the audience. The event was kindly sponsored by Nabarro
LLP and Xmas Markets Ltd.
Mr Stephan Buck of Preiskel & Co LLP and Ms Annette Woods of
Menzies LLP
H.E. Georg
Boomgaarden,
Ambassador
of the Federal
Republic of
Germany
Mr Kuan-Neng Foo of Stickerholics and Ms Alexandra Uhr of the
European College of Business and Management
Mr Benjamin Senouillet and Ms Christine Vial of French Selection, Ms Natasha Hayiannis and Mr Gregory Vanderputten of Language Recruitment Services Ltd
events XXXXX
diary
Mr Niroshan Balasubramaniam of HSBC Bank plc and Mr Dirk Schäfer
of University of Warwick Science Park Ltd
Mr John Ingham of Archer Business Group Pty Ltd and Mr Neil
Douglas of Deutsche Leasing (UK) Ltd
NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION 2013
The German-British Chamber welcomed the New Year
with a reception on Tuesday, 8 January 2013.
Around 120 members and guests listened to a speech
by the Minister Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the
Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Rudolf Adam, discussing
the challenges ahead. Members and guests also took
the opportunity to nurture and encourage new business
contacts.
Mr Thilo Drewitz of Deutsche Leasing (UK) Ltd and Ms Susanne von
Müller of Helaba London Branch
Dr Rudolf
Adam, Minister
Plenipotentiary,
Embassy of the
Federal Republic
of Germany
Dr Stefan Kordasch of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of
Germany and Mr Gregor Kleinknecht of Klein Solicitors Ltd
9
10 events diary / Events Calendar
NEW YEAR RECEPTION
EVENTS
CALENDAR
Thursday 18 April 2013
Visit and tour of Bosch Thermotechnology
facility
Venue: Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd, Cotswold Way, Warndon,
Worcester WR4 9SW
Time: 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm, followed by refreshments
Cost: complimentary
Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Big Data is the new oil – learn how to use data
to drive market strategies
Mr George Vassiadis of the British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, Mr Nigel
Wood of The Wilkes Partnership and Ms Gitta Altmann of Pritchard Englefield
A Member’s Seminar with IOVOX Ltd
Venue: German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce,
16 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6LB
Time: 5.15 pm – 6.30 pm, followed by refreshments
Cost: complimentary – for member and their guests only
Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Monday, 29 April 2013
Erfolgreich in Großbritannien
Venue: Volkswagen AG Automobilforum, Unter den Linden 21,
10117 Berlin
Time: 13:30 - 17:30
Cost: complimentary
Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Monday, 29 April 2013
Volkswagen presentation with evening reception
Venue: Volkswagen AG Automobilforum, Unter den Linden 21,
10117 Berlin
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Cost: Complimentary for members and participants of
“Erfolgreich in Großbritannien”
Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Ms Natalie Bartram of Baker Tilly and Dr Gillian Horrocks-Taylor of
TaylorMade Communications
25th Annual Golf Tournament
Venue: Forest of Arden Golf Club, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden,
Warwickshire CV7 7HR
Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: £145 (incl. VAT) for members and their guests, £170 (incl. VAT) for
non members; Team of four: £580 (incl. VAT) for members, £680 (incl.
VAT) for non members
Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Monday, 1 July 2013
Annual Dinner of the German-British Chamber
Guest of Honour and Speaker: Dr Rüdiger Grube
Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Bahn AG
Venue: The Waldorf Hilton Hotel, Aldwych, London WC2B 4DD
Time: 7.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Cost: £125 (incl. VAT) for members and their guests, £144 (incl. VAT) for
non-members. Company table: £1100 (incl. VAT) for members, £1300
(incl. VAT) for non-members. Dress Code: Black tie
Further information and registration: www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
Mr Jost Wahlen of Allianz Insurance plc, Ms Maxi Serena Graf of Luther
Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH and Mr Richard Bills of the European
College of Business and Management
Please see our website for registrations
and updates on events:
www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk
legal comment
Advertise
in initiative
Initiative magazine is the perfect
vehicle to reach decision makers
connected to the German-British
Chamber both here in the UK and
in Germany.
As well as reaching clients and
partners of the Chamber, the
magazine is read by key people in
government departments, associations and other companies within the
German-British business community.
Neuerungen im Steuerrecht:
Umstellung auf Real Time
Information für die Meldung
der Lohnbuchhaltungsdaten
Mit Beginn des neuen Steuerjahres am 6. April 2013 wird HMRC das
PAYE-System zur Erfassung der Steuerdaten auf Real Time Information
umstellen. Dies wird erhebliche Auswirkungen auf die Meldung der Daten für die
Lohnbuchhaltung haben. Wir möchten Ihnen hier die wichtigsten Änderungen im
Überblick vorstellen
Published three times a year with a targeted circulation of
1,500 you can be sure that your advert will be highly visible
as we restrict advertising space.
You can buy half, quarter and whole pages… or for maximum
exposure, exclusive sponsorship of one issue (members only),
which includes two one-page adverts and a one-page article
(page 11) plus a suitable ‘company picture’ (1/2 page) on the
front cover.
To discuss your advertising needs in detail, please contact:
Jana Lindner
German-British Chamber of Industry
& Commerce
16 Buckingham Gate
London SW1E 6LB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4188
Fax: +44 (0)20 7976 4101
Email: [email protected]
Bei dieser Umstellung handelt es sich um die größte Änderung seit Einführung
des PAYE-Systems (Pay As You Earn) im Jahre 1944. Mit dem PAYE-System werden
die Lohnsteuer, die der Arbeitgeber direkt vom Gehalt der Arbeitnehmer abzieht,
sowie die Sozialversicherungsabgaben (National Insurance Contributions) an HMRC
gemeldet und abgeführt. Es findet daher nur auf Arbeitnehmer Anwendung,
nicht auf Selbstständige.
An der Berechnung und der Art und Weise, wie der Arbeitgeber Lohnsteuer
und Sozialabgaben abzuführen hat, ändert sich mit der Neuerung nichts.
Insbesondere die Fälligkeitsdaten für die Zahlung der Steuern und Sozialabgaben
bleiben gleich. Nur die Meldung der dafür relevanten Daten (PAYE reports) an die
britischen Steuerbehörden wird mit dem neuen Steuerjahr 2013/14 durch die
Übermittlung mithilfe der so genannten Real Time Information („Information in
Echtzeit“) ersetzt.
Die Meldung der Steuern und Sozialabgaben durch den Arbeitgeber erfolgte
unter dem alten System bisher nur einmal jährlich mit der Jahresendabrechnung
(Formulare P35 und P14) nach Ablauf des Steuerjahres. Dieser Teil der
Jahresendabrechnung wird nun durch die über das Jahr verteilte Datenmeldung
in Echtzeit ersetzt.
initiative is the official membership magazine of the German-British Chamber
and is published three times a year.
Publisher:
German-British Chamber
of Industry & Commerce
16 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6LB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4100
Fax: +44 (0)20 7976 4101
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ahk-london.co.uk
11
Editorial & Advertising
Jana Lindner
Tel: +44 (0)20 7976 4188
Email: [email protected]
The reproduction in whole or in part of any material published in initiative
requires the prior written consent of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept
any liability for the accuracy or the completeness of any material published in
initiative. Opinions expressed in initiative do not necessarily reflect the views
of the German-British Chamber.
The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
is supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and
Technology in accordance with a Resolution of the
German Parliament.
Ab Einführung der Real Time Information am 6. April 2013 muss der Arbeitgeber
die Lohndaten zwingend monatlich an HMRC melden. Auch für andere, ganzjährig an HMRC zu meldende Lohndaten, z.B. die Anzahl der wöchentlichen
Arbeitsstunden, hat diese Neuerung Auswirkungen. Vom Arbeitgeber ist sicherzustellen, dass HMRC die relevanten Daten der Arbeitnehmer immer rechtzeitig
und vollständig zur Verfügung gestellt werden.
Real Time Information bedeutet für den Arbeitgeber auch, dass die
Lohndatenmeldung an HMRC nun zwingend elektronisch im Rahmen der so
genannten Full Payment Submissions (FPS) erfolgen muss. Dazu bedarf es
spezieller Software. Nur für Arbeitgeber mit weniger als neun Arbeitnehmern
bietet HMRC mit HMRCs Basic PAYE Tools ein frei verfügbares Programm zur
elektronischen Meldung der Lohndaten an.
Arbeitgeber mit mehr als neun Arbeitnehmern müssen ab dem neuen Steuerjahr
2013/14 die laufende Übermittlung der Lohndaten an HMRC aus eigenen
Mitteln gewährleisten, sei es durch den Einsatz geeigneter Software oder durch
Einschaltung eines englischen Lohnbuchhaltungsservices.
Dr Ann-Catrin Theisen
Mag iur, LLM, Rechtsanwältin
German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
12 Special – Trade Outlook 2013
Trading in 2013:
Markets started 2013 behaving as if economic difficulties were
behind them. What economic crisis? The threat of potential currency
wars worries policy makers; US and European GDP slowed down in
the fourth quarter of 2012 while German growth in Q4 2012 slowed
by 0.6 per cent. The Italian elections were inconclusive and the UK
is threatening to slip into a Triple Dip Recession. Yet none of these
appear to have dampened spirits permanently.
The Delta Economics Trade Outlook published recently is forecasting growth
in world trade of 2.3 per cent during 2013. Europe’s total trade is forecast
to increase by 1.3 per cent in comparison, which is at least positive but still
insufficient to fuel real growth in the Eurozone.
Germany’s trade will increase at above average for the world and Europe at 4.5
Growth predicted for
world and European
trade, says latest
Delta Economics
Trade Outlook
Advertising feature from german-uk-business.com
per cent while the UK’s will be just under the average for the world and Europe
at 1.1 per cent. As Germany accounts for nearly eleven per cent of world trade,
a figure which is set to increase over the next three years, the reasons to be
concerned about the UK, which accounts for less than four per cent of world
trade, are manifest.
Economic fundamentals however, as every economist will tell you, are
important in determining future growth. Delta Economics runs a World Trade
Index (WTI) which tracks over time how the underlying trade conditions in
Special – Trade Outlook 2013
13
light at the end of the tunnel?
each country are affecting the trade environment. This matters because it
Indeed, Germany’s top ten fastest growing export partners over the next
measures the outlook for the real economy; trade means goods are being
four years are all outside of the EU with the notable exception of Poland
shipped around the world. If the WTI improves, then underlying conditions
and the Czech Republic.
in an economy are creating more trade. If it deteriorates, then underlying
conditions are getting worse.
The UK has a trade deficit with imports greater than exports but, as we are
forecasting that exports will grow marginally more quickly than imports
Applying the index, Germany and Britain have seen their trade environment
during 2013, exports will play a role in stimulating growth in the UK
improve at a very similar rate between October 2012 and January 2013: by
economy.
37 base points (Germany) and 35 base points (UK), respectively. Compared to
Given the prevailing economic gloom, it is encouraging to be able to say
France (24 base points improvement), or Italy where conditions have declined
something positive about trade, even if it is a positive statement made with
by just over one per cent, the picture for Germany as well as the UK looks
some reservation. Some business sectors in both Germany and the UK, and
relatively healthy.
indeed across Europe, enjoy a particularly strong growth.
On a global level, with China’s trade conditions rising by 123 base points, or
The fact that non-European trade is growing suggests that manufacturers
Turkey, where improvement is at 442 base points, these figures seem small.
are responding to the crisis by increasingly seeking opportunities abroad.
It is however important to remember that the depressed state of European
This will continue and gather pace during 2013. More encouragingly is
markets means that businesses have to look outside Europe for revenues
simply the improvement in trade conditions in Germany and the UK. This
which is necessarily a slow and painful process. As an example, Germany’s
represents an opportunity for businesses in both countries: put simply, if
exports to China is forecast to grow by over five per cent per annum until
trade conditions are improving, then so too will business prospects be.
2016, the UK’s should increase by nearly four per cent over the same period.
These estimates suggest that increasing trade with markets outside Europe is
Rebecca Harding
a priority for businesses and government alike in both countries.
Delta Economics
14 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
initiative provides a regular listing of companies in both the UK and
Germany who are seeking B2B partners and representatives
Business Partners from Germany / Geschäftspartner aus Deutschland
Domestic Appliances & Wellness Products
An established 30-year old manufacturer and brand of small domestic
appliances and wellness products is looking for a Freelance Key Account
Manager to attend its long-time, first-class client in North London area.
Preferably candidate already works with similar but non-competing
accounts. Tasks: Interact, communicate and meet with the client’s
decision-makers on a regular basis to conduct effective negotiations
and sales strategies. Expected time to invest: about 1 day per week. Your
CV with cover letter is welcome. Contact: Marguerite McCaughan,
German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce; Tel: 020 9796
4183; Fax: 020 79764159; Email: [email protected]
Laboratory Competence
We are searching for commercial agents and distribution partners to
promote our laboratory supplies in the UK. OMNILAB-LABORZENTRUM
is a German wholesaler of laboratory equipment, consumables and
chemicals. Since 1935 we have grown to a solid mid range, family
owned company with 165 employees, our own 1200 p. catalogue,
e-commerce and an effective infrastructure (stock, direct shipments
to endusers). Contact: Stefan Jaschek, OMNILAB-LABORZENTRUM
GmbH & Co. KG, Robert-Hooke Str. 8, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.omnilab.de
High Quality Soap
Who wants to represent a quality soap producer from Germany?
The company was founded in 1848 and is part of the biggest soap
producing group in Western Europe. The company is known for its
innovative, fashionable products of high quality, produced with high
ecological standards. We are looking for a partner with good contacts
to all relevant customer groups (department stores, health & beauty
retailers, pharmacies etc.) Our website: www.kappus-seife.de will give
you an indication of our capacities. Contact: Ms Khederzadeh, M.
Kappus GmbH & Co. KG, Luisenstrasse 42-52, 63067 Offenbach
am Main, Germany. Tel: 0049 698297010; Fax: 0049 698297010;
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.kappusseife, www.kappus-soap.com
% USA
Statistics / Business News
British direct investment abroad 2010
15
Direct investment in the UK by foreign companies 2010
18%
USA
18%
USA
14%
14%
Netherlands
Netherlands
China
China
(inc.(inc.
Hong
Hong
Kong)
1%1%
Kong)
Germany
2%
Germany
2%
China
(inc.
China
(inc.
Hong
Kong)
3%3%
Hong
Kong)
Luxembourg
8%8%
Luxembourg
5%5%
France
France
Direct investment in Germany by foreign companies 2010,
by selected countries
22% USA
22% USA
Other 35%
Other 50%
China
China
(inc. Hong
(inc. Hong
%
Kong) <1% Kong) <1%
15%
herlands Netherlands
France 9% France 9%
United
United
Kingdom 9% Kingdom 9%
9% USA
10% United 10% United
Kingdom
Kingdom
London (gtai) - Je nach Quelle spielen zwischen 33 und 54 Prozent aller Briten
Computerspiele - mehr als in vielen anderen EU-Ländern. Auch bei den ProKopf-Ausgaben für Computerspiele ist das Vereinigte Königreich europaweit
führend. Allerdings bedroht der Trend zu Online-Spielen und dem direkten
Herunterladen von Spielen aus dem Internet viele Einzelhandelsketten, die auf
den Vertrieb von Computerspielen spezialisiert sind. Sie hoffen auf frischen
Wind durch die Markteinführung neuer Konsolen.
+++
Branche kompakt - Chemie-, chemische Industrie Vereinigtes Königreich, 2013
London (gtai) - Der britische Markt für chemische und pharmazeutische
Erzeugnisse hat mehrere schwere Jahre hinter sich. Zunächst ist 2013 mit
einer Stagnation zu rechnen, bevor sich die Konjunktur 2014 wieder beleben
dürfte. Der deutsche Export von Branchenprodukten entwickelte sich 2012
vorläufigen Angaben zufolge trotz des schwierigen Marktumfelds stark. Die
britische Regierung führt das steuerliche Anreizprogramm "Patent Box" ein,
durch das der Pharmastandort attraktiver werden soll.
6% Netherlands
6% Netherlands
4% France 4% France
4% Luxembourg
4% Luxembourg
China (inc. China (inc.
Hong Kong) 3%
Hong Kong) 3%
9% USA
Briten sind Vorreiter bei mobilen Computerspielen
Weitere Artikel und Branchen-Trends unter
Other 50%
15%
15%
Luxembourg Luxembourg
Business News
www.gtai.de
9% 9%
France
France
German direct investment abroad 2010, by selected
countries
23% Netherlands
23% Netherlands
ance
15%15%
Netherlands
Netherlands
Germany
7%7%
Germany
13%
Luxembourg
13%
Luxembourg
27% USA Other 35%
27%27%
USAUSA
Other
31%
Other
31%
Other
44%
Other
44%
German trade increases more than expected
Germany's trading activities got off to a strong start this year with exports
and imports rising in January, official data showed. Europe's biggest
economy exported €91.9 billion (£76.8 billion) worth of goods in calendar
and seasonally-adjusted terms in January, an increase of 1.4 per cent from
December, the national statistics office Destatis said. On a 12-month basis,
the unadjusted trade surplus expanded slightly to €13.7 billion in January
compared with €13.2 billion a year previously. (TheLocal.de)
+++
Big boom in bathroom business
No longer the stepchild of kitchen or living room renovations, bathrooms
have become the top focus for many German home owners with sales rising
to €21.5 billion last year from €16.3 billion in 2005. This is in sharp contrast to
years ago, when the bathroom was seen as a purely functional place that was
no more than five square meters, which was considered huge, weekly paper
the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported. (TheLocal.de)
More Business News from Germany:
TheLocal.de
This section is provided in
co-operation with Germany
Trade & Invest and TheLocal.de.
Other
35%35
Other
China
Ch
(inc. (inc.
Hong
Ho
Kong)
<1%<
Kong)
France
Fr
Corporate Banking
Borders divide.
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