A by-line for me today in the Independent newspaper in London for a story about a company supplying security printing software to the Zimbabwean state printer. An interesting read.
12 pilots. 10 races. 4 continents. The Red Bull Air Race World Series. This weekend we are in Rotterdam.
Smoke on!
This article appeared on Swisster on 4 June, 2008.
Traditional rivals Austria, Switzerland united for Euro 2008
Tom Armitage – Zurich and Vienna
The jokes are legion and the rivalry runs back for hundreds of years: Switzerland and Austria have, however, put their differences behind them for the Euro 2008 championships that they will host between them over the next three weeks. Just how similar are these two Alpine nations?
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This article first appeared on Swisster on June 4, 2008
Zurich’s ETH accelerates technology transfer
Tom Armitage - Zurich
Bringing the products of scientific research to the market can be a difficult job but the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology’s (ETH) Transfer programme is proving that it can be done successfully. The number of spin-offs emerging from the Zurich-based university’s labs is increasing steadily.
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This article first appeared on Swisster on June 3, 2008
Mobility targets more companies, students and expats
Tom Armitage - Zurich
If anything defines the Zeitgeist, then car-sharing might be it: concerns about CO2 emissions, surging petrol prices and a trend towards downsizing among motorists is driving user figures higher at pioneering Swiss car-sharing cooperative Mobility. Small and medium-sized businesses and students are increasingly seeing the green benefits of the bright red pool cars.
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This article was first published in Executive Travel Magazine
Zurich: Old Style, New Edge
Tom Armitage - Zurich
Once the preserve of bankers and insurers, Zurich is shaking off its staid image to emerge as a stylish European centre. The Riviera-like lake and hip fringes of Switzerland’s largest city are attracting a more diverse and international population. Technology, biotech and industrial companies are setting up shop in the area. And the city still ranks number one in global quality of life surveys. It’s time to see what makes Zurich tick.
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This article was first published in INSIDE Switzerland Magazine - October 2007
Swiss Elections Analysis
Tom Armitage - Zurich
Reading about the recent Swiss election abroad, you might be forgiven for thinking the famously tolerant country had just veered hard to the right and become a hotbed for xenophobia and racism. Switzerland’s complex political system means there is no way one party can dominate policy-making, even if, like the Swiss People’s Party (SVP/UDC), it has won the biggest share of the vote. Increased support for the party and its tough-stance on foreigners, however, could be presage trouble ahead as Switzerland is forced to confront the realities of immigration.
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This article was first published in Market500 Winter 2007
Private Jets: No Plane, No Gain
Tom Armitage - Zurich
Global Jet Concept has established itself as one of the leading private aviation companies in Europe in just eight years by offering top-quality service, a first-class fleet and convincing customers that private jets can be a viable proposition. In today’s business world, time is of the essence. Executives need to be able to cross the continent at short notice. They require fast, flexible and safe transport. And they want to organise their schedules with the minimum risk of delays.
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This article was first published in Market500 May 2008
Real Estate: Super Prime Time
Tom Armitage - Zurich
While average real estate values in the United States and the UK soften, the super-prime section of the market shows little sign of slowing down. Luxury properties in London and Manhattan continue to command high prices and are selling as fast ever. Limited supply in the best locations means the values of super-luxury properties are holding up. Oil revenues and buyers from Asia have supported the market in London while an influx of foreign capital, combined with strong demand from locals, is helping to sustain the market for top-end property in Manhattan.
This article was first published by Swisster on May 16, 2008
Wrong side of the tracks: a tour of Zurich’s creative heart
Tom Armitage - Zurich
Hidden behind Zurich’s main railway station and dissected by the rail lines, the Langstrasse is a far cry from the elegance and glamour of the city’s main shopping drag. Notorious for its prostitutes and drug dealers, the neighbourhood has morphed into an edgy and innovative design or fashion hub. Its reputation is starting to spread across Zurich and far beyond the city limits.
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