Café Wolseley Bangkok, Jo Malone London offer fragrance and culinary experience

Café Wolseley Bangkok and Jo Malone London have launched a fragrance and culinary experience that brings together the best of British luxury, combining Café Wolseley’s culinary expertise with Jo Malone London’s signature fragrances.

Source: Café Wolseley Bangkok. Café Wolseley Bangkok's Through the Grapevine menu is inspired by the aromatic notes of Jo Malone's Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense.

This unique collaboration marks the introduction of Jo Malone London's new product, Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense. From 1 July to 31 August, guests can enjoy the Through the Grapevine lunch menu at Café Wolseley Bangkok. 

The three-course menu, which is inspired by the aromatic notes of Jo Malone's Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense, highlights classic British dishes including dressed Dorset crab, Manzi’s fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a specially designed dessert, Grape Expectations. 

To enhance their experience, guests can take advantage of:  

Complimentary Jo Malone London gift 

With every purchase of the Through the Grapevine three-course menu at Café Wolseley, guests will receive a complimentary 15 ml Body and Hand Lotion from Jo Malone London, available in either the English pear & freesia or wood sage & sea salt scents. There is a limit of one item per person per set.  

Jo Malone Boutique offer

Customers who purchase any item at Jo Malone Boutique (exclusive to Siam Paragon, Emporium, Central Chidlom, and Central World branches) and present their receipt from Café Wolseley will receive a cologne (9 ml), body and hand wash (30 ml), and a mini pouch.

Details

Café Wolseley is located in the Parichart Court at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and is open Monday through Saturday for lunch from 12 pm to 2.30 pm and Monday through Sunday for dinner from 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm. 

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Anantara Siam Bangkok at +662 126-8866 or by email at dining.asia@anantara.com.

N&N Agriculture visits UK farm to observe cage-free egg production in action

Source: HSI. Ma (left) and Gordon Alexander, Manager at Heal Eggs (right).

Humane Society International (HSI), a global animal protection organisation, has organised a trip to Europe to show Asian farmers more about cage-free egg production.

Ma Chin Chew, CEO of N&N Agriculture, joined other farmers from Asia at Heal Eggs, an egg farm in Shrewsbury, the UK, where he learned about new types of cage-free housing systems, techniques and procedures for managing hens in cage-free environments, and the benefits of such systems for hen welfare.

Heal Farms has been awarded the RSPCA Assured certification, which prohibits the use of cages and provides guidelines for hen health, diet, environment and care. RSPCA operates this ethical food label dedicated to farm animal welfare.

As part of HSI’s farm animal protection campaign, the organisation helps the food industry adopt higher standards for the care of animals in farms, including by connecting companies like N&N Agriculture with the technical training and resources they need to transition to cage-free egg production.

Around the world, including in Asia, the majority of egg-laying hens spend nearly their entire lives confined in battery cages too small for the birds to spread their wings, let alone express natural behaviours like perching, dust bathing, and laying eggs in nests. This practice is changing in response to growing consumer concerns about the treatment of animals raised for food, make it increasingly clear the future of egg production is cage-free.

According to HSI dozens of countries have national or local restrictions on the use of battery cages, and a growing number of multinational companies have pledged to eliminate eggs from caged hens from their supply chains globally, including in Asia, by 2025. Last month, hospitality company The Lo and Behold Group became the first Asian company to adopt a cage-free egg policy.

Dawn Neo, Corporate Outreach manager for HSI Farm Animals in Asia, said: “The cage-free movement has already begun to take root in Asia. We look forward to helping food companies and egg producers meet consumer expectations for eggs produced with higher standards for animal welfare.”

Ma said: “Asian consumers are increasingly concerned about the treatment of animals used for meat and eggs. We are thankful to Heal Eggs for sharing their expertise on cage-free housing with us.”
RSPCA Senior Scientific Officer Mia Fernyhough said: "We are delighted to support HSI with this initiative, and that this meeting was a success. It's fantastic that Mr Ma Chin Chew made
this journey to see firsthand the RSPCA's higher welfare standards in practice at Heal Farms. We hope that his visit to an RSPCA Assured farm proved informative and insightful for his future ventures with his own business.”

RSPCA Head of international, Paul Littlefair said: “In recent years we have seen a surge in interest particularly from East Asia in the RSPCA Assured scheme, and members have welcomed on their farms officials, scientists and producers from Korea, Japan, Taiwan and (mainland) China, so we are especially pleased that Heal Farms are now able to show best practice to HSI's partners in Singapore.”

Tony Heal, owner of Heal Farms said: “At Heal Farms, we have invested in the latest technology and equipment to enhance the management and welfare of our birds. We are delighted to have the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience with other producers wishing to make the switch to higher welfare free-range egg production.”

China remains UK Automotive's third-biggest export destination

The latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that more cars are now being exported from Britain than ever before. Global appetite for British-built cars rose by 10.3% to an all-time high of 1,354,216 units - a second consecutive annual record.

China, the world's largest car market, remained the UK's third-biggest trading partner after the EU and US, with demand growing 3.1% after falling 37.5% the previous year. Almost 90,000 Chinese car buyers chose British brands in 2016 - all of them from the premium sector.

Significant uplifts were also seen in Japan and Turkey. Japan remains a key trading partner with the UK, with demand for British-built cars increasing by 14.8% in 2016 to nearly 26,000. 

India is now the eighth biggest Asian market for UK car exports as an increasing number of affluent buyers take advantage of a range of all new premium and luxury British-built cars. UK car exports to the country grew 15.8% to 3,372 in 2016.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, "The tremendous growth in UK production is testament to the global competitiveness of the UK automotive sector. High class engineering, advanced technology and a workforce committed to quality have helped turn around the industry, making the UK among the most productive places in Europe to make cars. China remains a vitally important market for the UK automotive industry, as well as a crucial trading partner in terms of materials and components - relationships we wish to see thrive in the future."

The top five British bestsellers in China

1. Range Rover Sport
2. Land Rover Discovery
3. Jaguar F Pace
4. MINI
5. Range Rover

"India and the UK have a great history of collaboration in the automotive sector and it is essential we secure a mutually beneficial trade relationships in the future," Hawes added.

Top five British bestsellers in India

1. Land Rover Discovery Sport
2. Range Rover Evoque
3. Jaguar XF
4. Jaguar XE
5. Jaguar F-Pace

Top five British bestsellers in Japan

1. MINI
2. MINI One
3. Jaguar XE
4. Toyota Avensis
5. Range Rover Evoque

China accounts for 6.5% of total production in 2016, followed by Turkey (3.1%), Australia (2.5%), Japan (1.9%), and Korea (1.7%).

InterContinental Dubai Marina opens advance bookings for Marina Social

Source: InterContinental
Dubai Marina. Atherton.

The InterContinental Dubai Marina has shared the official opening date and advance bookings for Marina Social and The Social Room, UK Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s debut restaurant in the region. Bookings are now accepted for the restaurant and bar opening in the heart of Dubai Marina, which opens on 4 September.

Marina Social will bring Jason Atherton’s deformalised fine dining to the recently opened InterContinental Dubai Marina. Atherton’s growing portfolio of 'Social’ restaurants include locations in London, Hong Kong, New York and now the first in the Middle East.

“Simply put, I love Dubai,” said Atherton. “I first worked in Dubai more than 10 years ago and the city holds a lot of special memories for me, especially because it’s where I met my wife Irha – so it was always an ambition to return and open up my own restaurant.

“Dubai has such a vibrant lifestyle scene as well as fantastic food, and I want Marina Social to be a destination for both, whether you’re having dinner in the restaurant or sundowners on the terrace. I’m hoping Marina Social will become one of the best restaurants in Dubai.”

Marina Social will offer British-Mediterranean styled dishes that use the finest ingredients with the creative flair and culinary expertise that Atherton’s restaurants are known for. Leading the team is chef patron Tristin Farmer and general manager David Vindis, both of whom have been with the ‘Social’ family in London.

“Marina Social and The Social Room are as vibrant and cosmopolitan as the Dubai Marina,” said Michael Martin, General Manager at InterContinental Dubai Marina. “At InterContinental Dubai Marina we are very proud and excited to house such an exquisite dining concept, promising an atmosphere that will blend perfectly with the hotel’s contemporary vibe and Marina neighborhood,” he concluded.

Marina Social will open daily for dinner with indoor and al fresco terrace seating. 

Interested?

Advance bookings for dinner at Marina Social can be made from 2 August 2015 by calling +971 (0) 4446 6664. The first tables are available from 6pm to 11.30pm from Friday 4 September 2015.

New Balance adds to men's and ladies' collections in Singapore this February

Source: New Balance. The M1500.

For Summer 2015 New Balance is introducing the Flying The Flag collection, its latest Made in UK themed pack, to Singapore.

The Made in UK Flying The Flag collection is available in the men’s classic 1500, 577 and CT300 in February 2015 with a suggested retail price range of S$229 to S$289. As its name suggests, the Made in UK Flying The Flag collection’s colour story and material execution are inspired by the Union Jack. Each shoe in the pack will come with a New Balance branded drawstring bag featuring the Union Jack and “Flying the Flag” text.

The shoes are done in pigskin with a perforated pigskin vamp and collar. Additional distinguishing details include a “Flying The Flag” liner and the standard woven label to highlight 'Made in UK'.

Source: New Balance. The Fresh Foam
Zante.

For the ladies, New Balance will add to the Fresh Foam collection with the Fresh Foam Zante, an everyday running shoe for runners seeking a smooth underfoot feel and a fast feeling transition through their stride. Applying the same software aided design process as the Fresh Foam Road and Trail, the New Balance design team took Fresh Foam Zante to the next level by studying foot strike and impact tendencies of runners, while running at a slightly faster pace. 

Engineered on a new, more form fitting last with a 6mm midsole offset, Fresh Foam Zante aims to provide runners with a more aggressive toe spring while bringing them slightly lower to the ground compared to its Fresh Foam 980 counterpart. A bootie construction delivers a smooth, sleek wrap on the foot with no-sew overlays and a breathable air mesh to complete the clean, technical upper design.

The soft, lightweight and flexible Zante will launch in February 2015 with a suggested retail price of S$169. 

LBS and Fudan offering new Global Masters in Management double business degree

London Business School (LBS) and Fudan University's School of Management (FDSM) have jointly launched a Global Masters in Management (MiM) Double Business Degree.

Sir Andrew Likierman, Dean of London Business School, said, "This memorandum of understanding with Fudan is responding to a rising demand for talented people who understand how to do business in both the East and the West, and also demonstrates our commitment to working closely with Chinese corporate partners. The programme will give its graduates a 'two-world' mindset, combining direct exposure to China and the West. The balance of theory and practice will ensure students gain a head start in the competition for the world's best business jobs."

Professor Lu Xiongwen, Dean, FDSM, said in his speech at the signing ceremony that the collaboration between two strong and leading institutions combines the essence of management systems from the East and West. The double degree programme also integrates local practical experience with global vision to accommodate the demands of globalisation trends. He anticipates the programme will cultivate real elites with global vision in the business world.
 
Both institutions offer a strong, international background, unique education systems and rich resource networks. Participants will study at Fudan University and London Business School for one year, respectively, learning both first-class management concepts and practical commercial knowledge. Graduates will acquire master's degrees from both institutions.

Australia, Singapore, and UAE on top 10 for relocation wishlist

The fifth Global Professionals on the Move Report from Hydrogen Group, a leading global recruitment company, has found that the number of people willing to work abroad has doubled over five years (16% in 2010 to 35% in 2014), and 40% believe that there are no barriers to moving abroad. 

While the US and UK were top on relocation wishlists, followed by Australia at no. 3, Singapore was the top Asian country of choice at no. 7, and the UAE topped the Middle Eastern region at no. 8.

In key Asian markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, governments have tightened controls in job markets to favour home-grown talent rather than overseas executives, which favours the 'return homers' - those returning home after an international opportunity, Hydrogen Group said. 

Companies and countries are recognising the value of this hybrid solution to talent shortages, looking to retain these nationals with international experience to help develop local economies and stem the over-reliance on expatriates.  

City-wise, Sydney was no. 3 on the wishlist, Singapore was no. 5, Hong Kong no. 9 and Melbourne no. 10.  

Key findings: 
· Singapore remains the top destination in Asia to relocate to, followed by Hong Kong and mainland China 

· The percentage of people who want to work abroad has more than doubled from 16% (2010) to 35% (2014) 

· 27% surveyed were 'return homers'; 34% of Asian return homers were female, and 82% were aged between 31 and 50 

· 40% working abroad said there were no barriers to moving abroad, compared to 0% in 2010 

· Only 17% of people working abroad in 2014 have a professional qualification over and above a degree compared to 30% in 2010. 

· 98% of Asian respondents would work abroad again 

· 48% of respondents were likely to move on to a new country rather than return home - this figure compared to 38% five years ago. 

Simon Walker, Hydrogen Group COO, APAC, said: "We now have a worldwide talent pool to draw candidates from. The return homers are of particular interest in Asia, where countries are legislating to ensure their local talent is developed, retained and attracted back." 

The report was compiled alongside ESCP Europe, the university, with 2,444 respondents from across industries in 99 countries. Click here to access the report. 

*All images from the 2014 Global Professionals on the Move report 

Etihad shares initial destinations for Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner craft

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the first destinations for its first Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. 

Source: Etihad. The Boeing 787-9.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s first A380 will fly to London's Heathrow from December 2014, while a second A380 will operate on the same route from Q1 2015. By the end of 2015, Etihad Airways will have five of the same aircraft in operation, with plans to also introduce A380 operations to both Sydney and New York's JFK.

The first Etihad Airways B787-9 will enter commercial service in December 2014, with a second aircraft entering service in January 2015. As with the A380, by the end of 2015, Etihad Airways will have five of this type of aircraft in operation. The first B787s will initially be deployed on Washington DC, Düsseldorf and Mumbai, with further route announcements to follow.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The A380 will be used to provide additional seats on existing routes where there is a need for increased capacity, and in particular, high demand for First and Business Class travel.”

Etihad Airways has a total of 10 A380s on firm order. Four A380s will arrive in 2015, three in 2016 and two in 2017.

Each aircraft is designed to carry 498 guests in four living spaces on the aircraft. This includes two VIP guests in The Residence by Etihad, nine guests in the innovative First Class Apartments, 70 guests in the new Business Class Studios, and 417 guests in Economy Class.
 
Baumgartner added: “We are the fastest growing airline in commercial aviation, and by unveiling our plans for this magnificent aircraft and setting new benchmarks in onboard product, service, hospitality and style, we have redefined what flying is all about.”

Etihad Airways also has major plans for the B787 which enters the fleet in Q4 2014.

In December the mostly composite aircraft will be deployed first on routes between Abu Dhabi and Düsseldorf, and services to Washington DC and Mumbai will commence in January 2015. Services to other cities will be confirmed in 2015 as more B787s enter the fleet.

The airline has a total of 71 B787s scheduled for delivery between the end of 2014 and 2023, including 41 B787-9s and 30 B787-10s, making it the largest operator of the aircraft type in the world.

Two B787s are scheduled for delivery in Q4 2014 with three due to arrive in 2015, three in 2016 and nine in 2017. All five initial B787 deliveries will have three living spaces aboard the aircraft, configured to carry 235 guests.

There are eight First Suites in First Class, 28 Business Studios in Business Class and 199 Economy Smart Seats in Economy Class.
 
“Over the coming years this next-generation aircraft will be used by Etihad Airways to launch flights to new destinations, add capacity in existing markets and progressively replace existing, less-efficient aircraft,” said Baumgartner. 

Some of the initial Etihad Airways A380 and B787 flights may be booked online at etihad.com, through the Etihad Airways contact centre, or via travel agents.

Men and women react to office temperatures differently: Andrews Sykes

A survey in the UK has found that less than a quarter of office workers find the temperature in their office comfortable, with more than a third suggesting they take at least 10 minutes out of work each day due to temperature alone. 

One Poll surveyed 2,000 people on behalf of heating and ventilation specialists Andrews Sykes in a bid to discover how much the temperature affected workplace efficiency and output. The results suggest that around 2% of office hours are wasted due to the temperature alone*.

• Only 24% agreed that their office was an ideal temperature for working throughout the year.
• Women wasted an average of 33% more time (around 9 minutes, compared to 6.5) than men trying to acclimatise themselves to inadequate office conditions.
•  70% of women have needed to bring in additional clothing to the office to keep warm, and 50% resorted to excessive cups of tea, while fewer men; 44% and 28% respectively, needed warm clothing or a hot drink.
• Surprisingly, nearly 10% of women have resorted to bringing in a hot water bottle to work.

The ramifications of this are larger than may be expected: 29% of people surveyed estimate they spend between 10 and 30 minutes each workday not working due to an uncomfortable office temperature.  A surprising 6% believe they spend more than half an hour each day not working well for this reason.
This means that an office of 100 people will have at least 8 hours wasted each day, due to the temperature alone. The full figure could be more like 18 hours - the equivalent of more than 2% of staff members never turning up to work.

Helen Pedder, Head of HR for ClearSky HR, said there are various steps that an employer can take to prevent a dip in productivity and performance. "Relaxing dress code requirements where appropriate and providing heating and/or cooling devices are effective methods that help to regulate thermal comfort," she said.

Some further findings:

• 27% of women have complained to management about the temperature, compared with 17% of men
• 48% of women have complained to a colleague about the temperature, compared with 31% of men

*Assuming a 228-day working year.