BCC Paper No. 41

Food & Land

Summer 2012 Euromonitor International

Micheal Seaton

Brits dedicate highest share of spend to eating out

Floral Appeal - A Well Landscaped Garden

issue No. 41 Brits in Lithuania

Interview with Rajinder Chaudhary

Gareth Sanderson

The take off of Indian food in Lithuania

page 4

page 5

page 7

page 7

Attractiveness of agricultural land is steadily growing in Lithuania service company says that such trends prevailing in the market are no surprise: “The land parcel suitable for the production of agricultural products is a global asset on the market, in particular taking into consideration the growing economy and increasing population. Therefore, such market activity is not surprising, and it's logical. Similarly, the land price growth in proportion to demand is reasonable“.

Number of agricultural land parcels sold in Lithuania

For quite some time, consistent recovery indicators have been seen in the Lithuanian agricultural land market. In 2011, compared with 2010, the number of sale transactions in this segment rose by nearly 30 percent. A similar increase in transactionshas been recorded when comparing the 1st quarter of 2011 with the 1st quarter of 2012. Remigijus Pleteras, deputy director general of the Ober – Haus real estate

Shutterstock photo

Prepared by Ober-Haus

Q1 2011

Q2 2011

Q3 2011

Q4 2011

Q1 2012

continued on page 5 >

Nutrition: How to Make Healthier Food Choices

Eat for improved performance and success

They are:

• Fruits and vegetables • Starchy foods, such as rice, pasta, bread and

Vaidilė Strazdienė, MD, Baltic American Clinic family medicine physician

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health, and can help you feel your best.

Despite what you see in some diet books and TV programmes, healthy eating can be really straightforward.

When it comes to a healthy diet, balance is the key to getting it right. This means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amout of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. An average man needs around 2,500 calories a day.

For an average woman, that figure is around 2,000 calories a day. These values can vary depending on age and levels of physical activity.

All the food we eat can be divided into five groups. Try to choose a variety of different foods from the first four groups.

potatoes • Meat, fish, eggs and beans • Milk and dairy foods • Foods containing fat and sugar

Eat a wide range of foods to ensure that you’re getting a balanced diet and that your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs.

Base your meals on starchy foods Starchy foods include potatoes, cereals, pasta, rice and bread. Choose whole grain varieties when you can: they contain more fibre, and can make you feel full for longer. Starchy foods should make up around one third of the foods you eat.

Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables Fruit and vegetables are a vital source of vitamins and minerals. There’s evidence that people who eat at least five portions a day are at lower risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

What’s more, eating five portions is not as hard as it might sound. Just one apple, banana, continued on page 4>

Denise Kelly, Consultant, BCS International

In the past the link between nutrition and outstanding health and energy has been ignored by many corporations. Yet nutrition is a key ingredient needed for a successful and thriving business. By optimizing the energy of an individual you can improve the work force on all levels, therefore a better and higher quality of performance and achievement is obtained. This is not only in the business world, but within the personal life too. It has been proved in many studies that a happy personal life creates a better and more productive work force.

These facts are now being recognized by many, and this fast growing trend of education and accurate training around the power of nutrition is the answer corporations all over the world have been looking for. By embracing this concept there is a way of managing the biggest killer that affects the performance of high-powered business executives globally. This performance killer is STRESS! Stress related illness is responsibly for killing or severely affecting the performance of thousands

of people every year. What is life all about? Surely you are not working so hard during your life to die of a heart attack prematurely, or develop a serious disease that will be debilitating and stop you doing the things you love? Or what about the less severe impact of stress on performance on a daily basis – the stress that leads to low energy, poor concentration, ineffective decision making, damaged working relationships and lack of creativity, not to mention absenteeism and lack of motivation.

Nutrition plays a vital role in the success of any individual and it is being introduced more and more into the corporate world to greatly reduce stress related illness and improve the individual’s lifestyle and overall performance. The power of good nutrition is often underestimated, and when the work force is educated properly around the massive benefits of good nutrition employees can develop a clear understanding of the reasons why it is so important and the direct impact it can have on the entire success of a company.

The body is extremely complex. However given the right tools and simple explanations, it is possible to understand very quickly how it can perform to its maximum capability on a daily basis. In an ideal world I am sure we all want to feel healthy, energized, motivated, focused, calm and in control of our lives. Nutrition can not only help all these continued on page 5 >

BCC paper Summer 2012

BCC paper Summer 2012

2

3

Members’ Discount Scheme Updates

From the Chairman Chris Butler, Chairman of the Board, BCC Lithuania

As a member of the British Chamber of Commerce and BCC Membership Card holder you can benefit from the following discounts and special offers: London International School of Languages - 15% for all our services and an initial promotional class or consultation for free NEW! ISM - 5 % for the open-programs (seminars, academies, long-term trainings) NEW!

AVIS rent a car – 25 % discount for short-term rentals within Lithuania and the Baltic states; special quotes for outbound and chauffeur drive rentals; tailor-made full leasing and fleet management offers; corporate Charge and Avis Preferred cards. Please note that these discounts are only valid when making direct orders through the AVIS Lithuania office.

JURIDICON, Law firm– 20% discount for services, no hourly fee.

Kaunas Airport – you can use Kaunas Airport long term parking without any restrictions and at the end of the month you will receive an invoice with a 20 % discount. No cash, queues, paper tickets or special codes – car plate number is your ticket!

Kernaves Bajoryne, Conference and Leisure Centre – Free use of the outdoor tennis court facilities, 10% discount on guest houses for double rooms and separate wooden houses, 10% discount on events and 10% discount on saunas.

Baltic Surveys – 10% discount for market research services in the Baltic states

Le Meridien Vilnius Hotel – NEW seasonal discount - The 10% for Bora Bora Restaurant! 20% discount for “Green fee” at the V Golf Club; 10% discount for one time entrance to the Health Club + SPA Oasis; 15% discount for 3, 6 and 12 month Health Club + SPA Oasis memberships; 20% discount for combined Golf + Health Club + Spa “Oasis” Membership. 15% discount in restaurant “Le Paysage”; 10% discount from the best available rates of accommodation.

Best Western Hotel Vilnius – 10 % discount from the best available rate for accommodation and 10 % discount from the A la Carte Menu.

Montessori pre-School of Vilnius – 15% discount to BCC members for their children pre-school tuition!

Give your child the right head start!

Ąžuolyno klinika, a private hospital – 15% discount for medical consultations Baltic American Medical & Surgical Clinic – 10% discount for all medical consultations

Biuro Pasaulis – 22% discount for stationery Bunnahabhain – 20 % discount for Bunnahabhain; 10 % discount for other products. Discount is valid only at the Wine Boutique (Gero vyno parduotuve) in Subaciaus St. 2, Vilnius and NEW boutique in Jasinskio st. 16, Vilnius Calenberg – 15 % discount for local and international moving, relocation and transportation services for private and corporate accounts Cormack Consultancy Baltic LT Ltd: 15% discount for market research, export strategy, partner search services in the Baltics and the UK Danske Bank A/S Lithuania branch – Bank will be paying 1 ON VILIBOR-0,2 % or 1 ON LIBOR-0,2 % interest for deposits.

Delta Management Solutions – FREE Recruitment; FREE Replacement; ZERO Admin Fee for 1st Month (Waived) for Temporary Staffing Services.

Finreda – 10 % for corporate, accounting, audit organisation, legal, financial, tax and business consulting, and translation services Fiorentino Restaurant – 15 % discount on prices from Restaurant menu (Dish of the day, catering and events services are excluded from this offer) Hotel Vanagupė (Eskom, UAB) – Hotel Vanagupe & Amber SPA ( UAB Eskom) – 20 % discount of rack rates for accommodation in the hotel; 10% discount on food and beverages in the hotel restaurant, terrace and bar; 10% discount for SPA procedures

As summer finally arrives in Lithuania the British Chamber, in common with many other organisations, takes a well-earned break from our regular activities. This gives us time not only to enjoy the summer but also to start to plan for the new season which traditionally starts with a social event in early September.

When we come back in the autumn the main item on the news agenda in Lithuania will be the Seimas (Parliamentary) elections. I mentioned it in my last column but it is well worth thinking about in more detail.

Across Europe in 2011 and 2012 there has been a number of elections that resulted in the incumbent being removed - the French presidential elections, the Spanish and Greek parliamentary elections. Given all the problems in the Eurozone and the pressing need for austerity to balance state budgets, this is hardly surprising.

In Lithuania, where tight budgets have been the norm for the entire 4-year term of the current parliament, it will not be surprising to see the incumbents similarly punished.

Andrius Kubilius is close to achieving what no other Lithuanian Prime Minister has ever done, and that is to serve in that post for a complete parliamentary term. Given the unprecedented nature of the economic crisis that he has had to deal with and the wafer thin majority he has had in parliament for most of that time, it really is an impressive achievement. It has come, almost

inevitably, at a significant cost to his own and his party's popularity and as a consequence it seems unlikely that he will be in a position to form a new administration after the election. Therefore I would like to offer the following brief assessment of this government from the point of view of the foreign investor.

First the pluses. At the BCC we have found this to be probably the most open government we have ever dealt with, and probably the first in which nearly all the ministers not only speak English but have willing to spend their talking to the foreign investor community and explaining their policies.

This administration seems to us to have kept up its interest in attracting new investors and has worked hard to diversify the type of investors that have come.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment has been this government's failure to address what we believe to be one of the major obstacles for foreign investors in Lithuania - the inflexible and outdated Labour Code. In our opinion the regulation and taxation of employer-employee as it currently stands is a barrier to investment and job creation. Furthermore from the financial point of view it punishes those honest companies that try to comply fully whilst encouraging other, less scrupulous ones, to cut corners.

Overall it is fair to say that the BCC and other foreign investor groups have enjoyed good relations with this government and will of course work hard to create similar ties with the new one, whoever will be leading it.

Finally returning to Chamber matters, as many of our members and friends already know our Executive Director Sandra Kundrotė has just celebrated 10 years with the Chamber. On behalf of everyone associated with the Chamber I would like to thank Sandra for her dedication and skill in helping to make the BCC what it is today.

Motieka & Audzevičius, Law firm – free of charge first consultation for BCC members ODONTIKA, Dental surgery – 20 % discount for services Publicum – 10% for all services and free of charge first consultation!

Radisson BLU Astorija hotel – 10% discount for official accommodation rates Radisson BLU Hotel Lietuva – 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks in the Riverside restaurant, Lobby Bar and Skybar; Special accommodation offers at Radisson BLU Hotel Lietuva, as well as REZIDOR Group hotels worldwide.

Shakespeare Boutique Hotel – 20 % discount for Shakespeare Hotel accommodation; - 15 % discount on all regular priced menu items in Sonnets Restaurant and The Globe Bar. AB Ūkio Bankas – special fees for BCC corporate members holding account with the bank. Private members can apply for a set of bank cards using this special offer: a MasterCard Standard including insurance plus a special debit card (Maestro/VISA Electron or Maestro Zalgiris) and a virtual MasterCard card for safe internet purchases - all for a price of one card and no need to pay service charges during the first year.

VARUL, Law firm - free of charge first consultation; 10 % discount for all services Vinkleris and partners, Law firm – 25% discount for the services, no hourly charge, special priority while providing service.

When contacting the companies, please indicate that you are a BCC member, provide your company name and BCC Membership Card number.

For more detailed information about special offers & discounts please visit our website www.bccl.lt

The BCC Paper is a quarterly English language newspaper, with a print run of 4000 copies per issue, covering a wide variety of subjects related to business between the UK and Lithuania. Every edition focuses on a different business sector. It also provides an outlet for the chamber and its members to publish their latest news and offer their professional views on current political, economic, European and cultural topics. The paper is widely circulated: available from Lithuania s two main airports, business centres, hotels and the UK and Lithuanian embassies, in addition to being sent to all BCC members and business contacts, meaning it offers premium advertising space to companies wishing to engage with the Lithuanian business community.

Next publication date: September 2012 BCC paper team: Editor in Chief – Chris Butler Editor – Alistair Day-Stirrat – Alistair.Day-Stirrat@odontika.com Publisher – Geoffrey Cohn – Geoffcohn4747@msn.com Members section and advertising – Sandra Kundrotė, e-mail: Sandra@bccl.lt , tel. +370 5 2690062 Proofreading – Shaun Harvey, Alistair Day-Stirrat

Advert sizes and prices Prices Size Back page 1000 cm²

Size mm 273x366

BCC Member rate 1250 LTL

363 €

BCC Non member rate 1560 LTL

453 €

Full page right 1000 cm²

273x366

1125 LTL

326 €

1400 LTL

405 €

Full page left 1000 cm²

273x366

1000 LTL

300 €

1250 LTL

363 €

½ page 129 cm²

133x368

700 LTL

210 €

850 LTL

256 €

½ page 129 cm²

273x183

700 LTL

210 €

850 LTL

256 €

1/3 page 326 cm²

273x119

420 LTL

130 €

600 LTL

180 €

1/3 page 326 cm²

133x245

420 LTL

130 €

600 LTL

180 €

Small 129 cm²

273x47

200 LTL

65 €

300 LTL

95 €

Small 129 cm²

133x97

200 LTL

65 €

300 LTL

95 €

Small 129 cm²

63x200

200 LTL

65 €

300 LTL

95 €

For further information or to book your ad space, please contact the chamber: Tel. +370 (5) 269 00 62/84, e-mail: Sandra@bccl.lt

BCC paper Summer 2012

BCC paper Summer 2012

4

Food & Land

Brits dedicate highest share of spend Nutrition: How to Make Healthier Food Choices to eating out < continued from page 1

According to Euromonitor International’s consumer expenditure data eating in accounts for the vast majority of the household food and drink budget. On a global level, per capita spend on eating in (all retail food and drink expenditure, including alcoholic drinks) contributed just over 71% of all food and drink expenditure in 2011; while eating out (catering, consumer foodservice) made up the remaining 29%.

Of the countries that took part in Euromonitor International’s Annual Study of global consumers, Japan registered the highest per capita spend on eating in (US$4,523), while the UK spent the most per capita on eating out (US$2,058). Average spend on eating in and eating out remains very low in China and India, where many consumers still live below the poverty line.

Per capita expenditure on eating in grew at a higher rate than eating out over the period

between 2006 and 2011, as people attempted to save money by cocooning or frequenting less expensive eating establishments. Globally, per capita spend on retail food and drink rose by 39% over the period, compared to growth of 31% for catering.

In the UK, per capita spend on catering during the recession declined by 11% in US dollar terms, while that on retail food and drink grew by 6%.

Nevertheless, eating out continued to account for a very high percentage of total UK food and drink expenditure, at 44% – even higher than the 42% recorded in the US. By contrast, foodservice continued to grow strongly in the emerging markets of India, China and Brazil. In these markets, the share of eating in, though still very high, declined to 91%, 75% and 74%, respectively, as the rising middle classes were able to afford to eat out more frequently.

Per Capita Consum er Ex penditure on Eating In Versus Eating Out, 2011 UK

56,5

43,5

US

58,2

41,8

Japan

71,4

28,6

World

72,7

27,3

Brazil

73,9

26,1

China

74,8

25,2

India

90,6 0

20

40 % share

Source: Euromonitor International

Eating in Eating out

9,4 60

80

pear or similar-sized fruit is one portion. A slice of pineapple or melon is one portion. Three heaped tablespoons of vegetables is another portion.

Having a sliced banana with your morning cereal is a quick way to get one portion. Swap your midmorning biscuit for a tangerine, and add a side salad to your lunch. Add a portion of vegetables to dinner, and snack on dried fruit in the evening to reach your five a day.

Milk and dairy foods Milk and dairy foods such as cheese and yoghurt are good sources of protein. They also contain calcium, which helps to keep your bones healthy.

To enjoy the health benefits of dairy without eating too much fat, use semi-skimmed milk, skimmed milk or 1% fat milks, lower-fat hard cheeses or cottage cheese, and lower-fat yoghurt.

Eat more fish Fish is a good source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. Aim for at least two portions a week, including at least one portion of oily fish. Oily fish is high in omega-3 fats, which may help to prevent heart disease. Oily fish also rich in vitamin D, which is key regulator of bone minerals metabolism. Recently, many other positive vitamin D effects on health were discovered. Higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower weight gains, suggesting low vitamin D status may predispose to fat accumulation.

Cut down on saturated fat and sugar

100

We all need some fat in our diet. But it’s important to pay attention to the amount and type of fat we’re eating. There are two main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease.

Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, can help to lower cholesterol and provide us with the essential fatty acids needed to help us stay healthy. Oily fish, nuts and seeds, avocados, olive oils and vegetable oils are sources of unsaturated fat.

of the salt we eat is already in the food we buy, such as breakfast cereals, soups, breads and sauces. Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure.

Even if you don’t add salt to your food, you may still be eating too much. About three-quarters

Floral Appeal - A Well Landscaped Garden

Get active and be a healthy weight

Most of the chemical reactions that happen in our cells need water in order to take place. We also need water so that our blood can carry nutrients around the body and get rid of waste. Drink at least 2-3 litres of fluid – preferably not tea, coffee, or alcohol. Drinking a large glass of water with meals and instead of snacks can reduce the urge to overeat.

• try new foods • join a local cookery

club to boost your

• have a positive attitude about food – it’s one of life’s pleasures

KYe]w<ay Crowns, Bridges On-lays, In-lays & Veneers

Our onsite milling technology now offers one-visit dentistry

things, but also plays an important role in our levels of concentration, improved brain function and the creativity and openness for new and exciting ideas.

This can be, and is, an achievable reality for many companies now and the happiness, success and overall wellbeing of employees is essential when producing the best possible quality of work.

Reduce your caffeine consumption – less coffee!

Caffeine has a number of negative effects on per-

Don’t skip breakfast

Food habits change slowly, but

< continued from page 1

Keep hydrated! Around 85% of our brain is made of water – so we need to keep plenty of water in our system to keep awake and alert. The vast majority of us get energy slumps in the day simply because out water levels are too low. Next time you feel a slump, rather than going for the normal cup of coffee, drink half a litre of water and see how you feel 20 minutes later

Avoid dehydration

Some people skip breakfast because they think it will help them loose weight. In fact, research shows that eating breakfast can help people control their weight. A healthy breakfast is an important part of a balanced diet, and provides some of the vitamins and minerals we need for good health.

If you’re concerned about healthy eating, take comfort in the fact that small changes in your daily life from eating a healthy food to scheduling a regular meals can make a big difference. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. Take prevention into your own hands, starting today. The rewards will last a lifetime.

Eat for improved performance and success

Of course improving your performance through nutrition is best applied on an individual level, but here are some essential tips that will help you today:

Obesity has become a global epidemic. That means many of us are eating more than we need. and it’s not just food: some drinks can also be high in calories. Most adults need to eat and drink fewer calories in order to lose weight, even if they already eat a balanced diet.

Being overweight or obese can led to health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and stroke.

culinary confidence Eat less salt

5

Food & Land

Michael Seaton, Landscape Design Specialist, Owner of Žali arai Living here in Lithuania and especially in my chosen field of Landscape design and construction, the challenges has been to overcome the extremes in weather and provide the clients with designs that are pleasing and maintainable.

As I drive through Lithuania it surprises me how much property development is being carried out, the trend appears to be that the population wishes to move outside of the cities and with what seems on the surface plenty of available land, so larger sized plots are used.

So with larger plots the key is Maintainable an important part to consider as who wants to spend evenings or even weekends cutting grass or weeding, gardens should be an extension of the house and be used as your largest room for relaxing and entertainment, if children are present then an area where they can play in safety.

When I first came to Lithuania some four years ago I decided to purchase a property on the City outskirts, close enough for transport links but giving that country feel. Now throughout Lithuania you will find countless developments from a small group of houses of say 8 to larger scale developments of 50+, land is fairly plentiful so the majority have in excess of 8a (800m2),considerably larger than the new builds in the UK. Unfortunately very few developers here have followed suite to other European countries in providing a fully landscaped show house. Even owner – builders need to make an effort to give the prospective buyers a picture.

All of which is very off putting to any prospective buyer and a collection of part finished houses with associated debris will not conclude a sale.

In the UK I was fortunate to be able to help with designing such show houses and one such developer even went as far as to landscape not only the show house but an additional three properties, all individually designed to allow prospective buyers to see the options available, these costs were recovered by the quick sales.

I have even on occasion here in Lithuania been asked to design a scheme to enhance the property some three plus years after completion as any prospective buyers have been put off by the lack of landscape.

So what do clients want?

Where possible, privacy plays an important part, and even more so where an area is dedicated for entertaining. A shaded seating area can be incorporated here.

Maintainable colour in the planting scheme which

extends from spring to late autumn.

If children are present, a suitable safe area for them to play, but being visible from the home.

A small kitchen garden area for herbs. This maybe placed adjacent to the outdoor cooking area.

But a big plus for any property is either an impressive entrance area incorporating a strategic tree or shrub area which can be lit with ambient lighting or feature which welcomes guests.

First impressions mean so much and feed back from our client’s show that this type of entrance and a zoned garden encourage guests to move through the garden, helping to make a warm atmosphere.

Of course all of this is a cost, however once the plan has been drawn then initial planting can be undertaken to start the framework.

As an when funds become available then more plants can be added.

Suitable plants Of course the list of available plants is smaller than those of more temperate parts of Europe, however that has not stopped us from designing gardens of an English nature, incorporating many common plants to the UK, but taking particular attention to location and the need for some winter protection, in the case of roses I have seen roses grown here of a comparable standard to those in the UK, the growth and colour may be more intense due to the shorter season but the quality is excellent.

Japanese style gardens are a Lithuanian favourite and often requested, easily incorporated, carefully using some of the fine stones found here in Lithuania.

Woodland gardens can be found throughout the country, especially where the local woodlands are used as a backdrop. Here the challenge is to have a garden that enhances the natural woodland beauty, so more native type plants with subtle colours are used.

We have also received requests for Italian, French and Mediterranean style gardens to go with the design of the houses, now it’s difficult to incorporate plants from these regions, but there are plants of comparable shape and colour to give the right feel.

So my advice is if buying, remember to get a good plan and idea and plant those strategic plants early.

If selling, make the garden welcoming, use careful planting and add some ambient lighting. Emphasize the ease of maintenance and the great use of space.

The options are endless and do not need to be costly, the buyers of my home in the UK admitted, they had fallen in love with the property before they had crossed the doorstep.

formance – in the long term it actually reduces brain function if you drink 4-5 cups a day for more than a month. It also dehydrates us.

Cut out the carbs! Most of us eat way too many carbohydrates each day – when a higher dose of protein is what we really need. Cut out rice, pasta, potatoes and bread during your working day and go for fresh living food such as salad or raw vegatables with some protein rich food such as fish or lean meat – notice how your energy changes after a very short time Top up on super foods. Wheatgrass, spirulina and chlorella are just 3 of the energy packed foods we could all benefit from taking.

Denise Kelly is one of the UKs leading nutrition experts, working in the media, including TV and journalism, and running private wellness clinics and fitness camps. She writes and delivers programs for large corporate organizations and government healthy eating programs. She is an active member of the Royal society of Medicine and is registered with the British association of Nutritional Therapists. She is also a trained microbiologist, fitness instructor and executive coach.

Attractiveness of agricultural land is steadily growing in Lithuania The price of agricultural land is most dependent on the land productivity indicator: “There are regions distinguished by their high productivity, for instance, in Pasvalys district, however, the particular land parcel characteristics should always be considered. For instance, the price of a small (up to 5-10 ha), irregular-shaped parcel with uneven terrain and 30 productivity points can be valued as low as 1000 LTL/ha. Land of large area and productivity can cost 10.000 LTL/ha. The medium cost of agricultural land varies between 3500 and 5000 LTL/ha“, says R. Pleteras. According to the representative of Ober-Haus, these prices are significantly higher in the neighbouring countries: in Poland 2 times, in Czech 3 times, and in Denmark as many as 6-8 times. “The numbers indicate that this segment of real estate is more valued in foreign countries, i.e. it is a more attractive asset“, says the expert of real estate.

“Food products have their global markets, therefore, naturally, land prices should become similar everywhere“, considers R. Pleteras. Statistical information of Ober-Haus indicates that over the last two years, the price of agricultural land, depending on its location, was rising for about 10%. “In terms of future prospects of this market, there are reasonable assumptions to believe that the demand will grow and prices will rise by about 7-10 percent“, forecasts the representative of Ober-Haus, and says that potential buyers of

< continued from page 1

agricultural land are farmers and investors. “How will this market segment be affected by granting permission to foreign nationals to buy land in Lithuania? We should not expect radical change.

However, it is likely that the demand will rise“, says Remigijus Pleteras, deputy director general of Ober-Haus.

The growth in the number of transactions was also observed in the forest land segment.

According to information from the State Enterprise Centre of Registers, nearly 30 percent more sales transactions were registered in this segment of real estate in 2011, compared with 2010. Forest land maintained its attractiveness this year as well: in the 1st quarter of 2012 compared with the 1st quarter of 2011, the number of transactions was 11 percent higher.

Number of forest land parcels sold in Lithuania

Q1 2011 Q2 2011 Q3 2011 Q4 2011 Q1 2012

BCC paper Summer 2012

BCC paper Summer 2012

6

7

Chronicle of BCC Events

The take off of Indian food in Lithuania Is it correct you opened the first Indian restaurants in Lithuania and Latvia? Tell us a bit more about history and what has changed since you opened your first restaurant in Vilnius?

The Answer is Yes and No. While I was the first to introduce Indian Food to Vilnius way back in June 1997, Riga got the taste of Indian Food from a Restaurant named Bollywood Chutney from the owners of an Indian Restaurant Zeal which was in Vilnius from August, 1997 to early 2000. Since Bolywood Chutney got shut down within about a year and a half of opening, the General Public gives me the Credit of giving Indian Food to Latvia too when I opened Sue’s Indian Raja in October 2000.

This very restaurant was named as one of the 100 Best Spicy Restaurants in the World in 2001.

An unmistakable figure, Raj Chaudhary, retired Wing Commander of the Indian armed forces, opened his first Indian restaurant in Vilnius almost 14 years ago. A lot has changed since then and we are curious to find out from Raj himself what has changed, have Lithuanians acknowldged Indian cuisine to a satisfactory level for the owner of an Indian restaurant, and would he start all over again, if the clock was turned back 14 years?

The initial setting up period was a nightmare both in terms of renting a suitable place and getting the licenses. I must have lost 15-20,000 US$ as the Laws were not yet in place to safeguard against cheating and fraud. In short the going was tough. Before I could even start my restaurant, my wife died unexpectedly of a cardiac failure and that put the project back by 6 months.

Sues Indian Raja, a befitting tribute to my wife Sue was inaugurated by HE Mr. TT Macan, HM’s Ambassador on 9th April,1998 and a prominent guest among the approximately 100 who attended the inauguration was Chris Butler.

Thereafter I went on to set up 7 other restaurants in Latvia and Estonia all named after my late wife Sue. Today when I look back I see that I was way ahead of the times when I set up my first Indian restaurant as the market was not yet fully ready. It is no wonder, that 3 other Indian restaurants that had opened around the same time in Vilnius were forced to shut down their shop within 2-3 years. Unfortunately, just when the market had considerably developed by 20082009, the Economic Crises struck. Mercifully since 2011, there has been a turn-around for the better and hopefully good days will finally arrive here soon.

When a Lithuanian asks what is the national food of Britain, the answer more often than not is Indian. Are you proud to keep this tradition going with the catering of the annual Queens Birthday Party celebrations in Vilnius?

It has been a proud privilege for us to have done catering at the British Embassy in Vilnius for HM the Queen’s Birthday Party year after year and we are grateful for the trust placed in us. My entire team has excelled in giving full satisfaction to the hosts and at the same time, it has helped us to popularise Indian Food among the majority of the elite Lithuanian guests from all walks of life.

On two different occasions, there were unusual crises though not because of our making, yet we proudly set right the challenge by having

Getting the professional cooks from India, once a bugbear is now a smooth affair thanks to the efforts of the Lithuanian Migration Department and the Lithuanian Embassy in New Delhi, who have taken pains to do away with all the impediments.

To mark the occasion of the Queen Elizabeth II celebrating 60 years as Monarch, on 3rd June, the British Chamber of Commerce and Novotel Vilnius Centre invited members and their families to the Queen’s Jubilee Celebration Lunch.

Dear Members of British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania, We are grateful to all of you who provided prizes for the Charity raffle at Queen's Jubilee Celebration Lunch in the beginning of June, and also to all of you who were so supportive and raised 2050 Lt for emotional support service at Youth Line.

Your support will help us increase the ranks of volunteers who are working 24/7 on phone and e-mail, to help those who need the emotional support.

On behalf of Youth Line volunteers (as in the photo), Director of Youth Line Paulius Skruibis

The most fascinating part of this business is the tremendous opportunity to interact with the clients who over the years have become good friends and close acquaintances.

Another plus point is the recognition and the regards that one gets from the customers while walking on the streets or even while travelling.

On the lighter side, one has the opportunity to eat good food every day and to be able to entertain friends and impress them with the hospitality.

Coincidentally, I was the first to introduce Thai Food to the Pan Baltic Countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia by opening a Chain Sue KO Thai (Vilnius March, 1999), Tallinn (July, 1999) and Riga (March 2000). Likewise I was the first to introduce Asian Multi Cuisine comprising Indian,Thai and Chinese with Sues Asia Parnu (July 2001) and Sues Asia, Jurmala ( March 2002) and Sues Asia, Tallinn (August, 2004).

There lies a Fascinating story behind my ventures.

The idea to set up the Indian Restaurant in Vilnius was that of my wife Suwvarna (Sue) Chaudhary just after I had completed my work Contract in Moscow. We moved to Vilnius in June, 1997 and within a few days we started doing home deliveries and takeaways and we simultaneously organised food festivals in Vilnius and Kaunas to test the market. The late Harry Sherwood was our first customer and remained a close and a caring friend as well as a dependable customer until he passed away.

years of service with us.

Queen‘s Jubilee Celebration Lunch

And finally, what would you do differently in your business if you had the chance to turn everything back 14 years and start all over again?

successfully met the unexpected demands without fuss or fanfare. I have reasons to believe that The British Embassy appreciated our efforts to fire-fight the explosive situation.

In fact, we were always in the good books of the British Embassy in Riga as well as the British Chamber by doing catering for the QBP and other Chamber events.

Regular visitors from the UK will know that the Sue’s Indian Raja menu has many classic dishes of British-Indian cuisine. Was this a conscious decision?

Our Food is absolutely authentic Mughlai Food cooked by the Indian Chefs and the Indian Helpers. Since the British ruled India for over 200 years, they too had acquired the very same taste as that of the Indians. Our aim was to give food which is not a weak variation from the Original. It is therefore not a conscious decision but a realistic outcome of the tastes being common between the two Nations. Our Very Spicy dishes like the Vindaloos, Madras and Jalfrezi are the favourite of the British Customers. We therefore did not formulate the Menu keeping their likes and dislikes but more to give food that the customers would get in India.

Have you subsequently had to tailor some of the dishes to suit Lithuanian tastes? Or would you say Brits and Lithuanians are generally similar.

To our relief the Lithuanians too have began savour the taste of our food. This has finally happened as their travels to India and other Asian countries have been considerable. Another major factor which has led to the widespread acceptance is that there are lots of Lithuanians now living and working in the UK and on their visits to the Homeland, they make it a point to take their family and friends to try the Indian food and their choice is obviously Sues Indian Raja in a majority of cases. I must admit that some of the dishes have intentionally been made milder to cater to the Palate of those for whom even one chilli is a fire-ball. The younger generation has been having tremendous exposure to International cuisine because of their studies in the rest of the Europe

and they are therefore prominent customers from among the Lithuanians whenever on home leave.

Has sourcing spices from India proven a challenge? And what about local suppliers of fresh produces?

Sourcing spices has always been a headache especially in Lithuania. Customs and the Health and the Hygiene Authorities are still less benevolent and the impediments in the clearances are bothersome and frustrating. Lately we therefore prefer to import the spices from the UK and though we pay 30% more by way of the prices, it is free of anxieties and the hindrances. It adds to our costs and makes a dent in our profitability but it cuts the red tape. Latvia and Estonia have indeed simplified the import procedures for items such as the spices and it hoped that Lithuania too will in due course come forward with better procedures as international food is the backbone of tourism as well as many other factors.

In the case of fresh products, the Lithuanian market is indeed very well developed and practically everything is available. Again there are some headaches such as the non availability of good quality lamb all year round and the prices are exorbitant whenever it is available. One has to rely on imported lamb which again makes the prices rather steep and it is not very tasty either when compared with fresh lamb. Furthermore, the essential greens like the coriander, mint and the green (spicy) chillies are available for just a few months. It is hoped that the situation will improve.

What do you see as the most challenging aspect of running an Indian restaurant in Vilnius and what do you see as the positives?

Running a Restaurant-be it be Indian or any other cuisine is always bothersome as it is 24/7 hands on job. Added to that is the shortage of the qualified man-power with the kind of exodus that Lithuania has been experiencing over the last 2-3 years. There is therefore a drop in the quality of the service which was once our strong point though in all humility, we still try to give good service thanks to our dedicated staff with long

It is indeed a very interesting and a logical question but the answer is not that easy. However I will be honest and forthright. Frankly it was my late wife Sue’s dream to have a restaurant in Vilnius and I have fulfilled that. Not only that, I have set up not just one but eight and the credit for that goes entirely to my business partner and later on my wife Dr. Lina Skutaite-Chaudhary who with her untiring zeal stood beside me shoulder to shoulder to have reached the heights where once upon a time the round circle just while entering Kekava (While travelling from Vilnius to Riga is a small town 20KM Short of Riga) had a sign -board indicating Sue’s Restaurants in all the four directions. Vilnius in Your Pocket has named me the "Legend" and they continue to highlight that ours is the Best Restaurant in Vilnius. I was fortunate enough to do a Lunch for the then President of Latvia in 2002 in the Capitol Hill of Washington DC. Likewise we did catering for the party hosted by then British Ambassador in Honour of HRH Prince Charles in Riga in 2001.So these kind of events brought us name and fame.

I have always picked excellent chefs from India as having been an Officer in the Indian Air Force for 22 years I had learnt this lesson very well that if you wish to do something, do it well. Those Chefs have therefore produced food which has become a hallmark of quality and perfection. In fact our reputation for excellence is entirely because of them and our very smart and elegant waiting staff and other people who work behind the scenes. I am essentially a ring master who lays the plans and the artists thereafter performs well and earns the respect of the guests.

But reverting to the main question, yes Indeed if the Clock had to be turned back, I would still set up a restaurant any day but perhaps with a little more wisdom having burnt my fingers in many ways.

Firstly I would always go for the Best Location(Like our present one even though it costs 10,000 US$ a month-up from 7000 US$ Originally) but have the premises of my own and thus be not at the mercy of the landlords who act like sharks when the business starts doing well and they demand not a pound of flesh but a tonne of flesh and lastly I would prefer to have the other staff excluding the cooks from the very country where I am to set up the restaurant where they get their money and satisfaction instead of running away from their motherland (A factor not in my control anyway but that is what I would wish).

Having said that, it is easier said than done as I have worked on a variety of jobs over the past 53 years and it is impossible for me to turn the clock back by 14-15 years in respect of my age to truly answer the question. I can only say that I am happy doing what I am and I have miles to go and promises to keep before I go to sleep forever.

COBCOE Annual Conference and Gala Dinner in London On April 23rd – 24th, the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania was represented at COBCOE Annual Event in London – once-a-year opportunity to share working experience between other British Chambers of Commerce in Europe and elsewhere. This year COBCOE Gala Dinner at the Royal Automobile Club was attended by nearly 200 distinguished guests, including 9 members and close contacts of the BCC Lithuania.

The traditional British Buffet was enjoyed by over 70 attendees, who were welcomed with PIMM’s cocktails, the kids were offered a supervised kids corner with special kids buffet, live music entertainment was fulfilled with famous English songs.

At the Queen’s Jubilee Celebration Lunch the charity raffle tickets were on sale to raise funds for “The Youth Line” (Jaunimo Linija), which provides confidential emotional support to under 18s experiencing despair and distress, to win some great prizes and simply have fun!

Nearly 20 prizes were kindly established by mem-

bers of the chamber, and 2050 Litas (595 EUR) was raised for the Youth Line.

As always, the chamber expresses enormous gratitude to all companies and individuals for their kind support with prizes: Sue’s Indian Restaurant; BCS International; Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Odontika, Amber Staff, Kernaves Bajoryne; COWI Lietuva; Druskos Namai; Le Meridien Villon Resort & Convention Centre; Mr Zilvinas Grigaitis and Mr Geoffrey & Mrs Lina Cohn

The Annual 2 days COBCOE event in London was packed with different events. On 23rd April COBCOE Training Academy Day was led by Peter Byrne, CEO South Dublin Chamber of Commerce and kindly hosted by ICAEW. In the evening, Directors’ Dinner and The President’s Dinner were held in different venues, providing an excellent opportunity to share working experience with other colleagues from the British Chambers of Commerce across Europe.

On 24th April, Annual COBCOE Conference took place at the ICAEW, Chartered Accountants’ Hall and brought a number of acclaimed guest speakers such as Daniel Franklin, Executive Editor of The Economist, Lord Stephen Green, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dianne Cornes, Director at The Prince’s Youth Business International and others.

The 2 days event was traditionally highlighted with extremely well attended Gala Dinner and Chamber of the Year Awards Ceremony, held at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. This year Gala Dinner was attended by nearly 200 guests including members of parliament, journalists, ambassadors, other senior diplomats and government officials as well as business leaders and high wealth individuals from both the UK and other parts of the world. The guest speaker was Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO CBE, Vice President of Business in the Community and Special Advisor to the Prince’s Charities. The Times recently listed her as one of the 50 most influential women in Britain.

BCC Lithuania table at COBCOE Gala Dinner

Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO CBE, Guest speaker at COBCOE Gala Dinner

BCC Lithuania Team: Sandra Kundrote, Executive Director, Chris Butler, Chairman of the Board and Jurga Prakapaitė, Membership Services Manager at COBCOE Gala Dinner

BCC paper Summer 2012

BCC paper Summer 2012

8 Chronicle of BCC Events

Chronicle of BCC Events

BCC New Members Evening

BCC Exclusive “Speaker” meeting in June, hosting Lord Green, UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment

On May 17th, Members of the British Chamber of Commerce were invited to the New Members’ Evening, held at the British Ambassador’s Residence.

As always, new BCC members had the opportunity to meet existing members and make short introductory presentations followed by networking over a glass of wine and delicious snacks. Members of the chamber were kindly welcomed by Mr David Hunt, British Ambassador.

The event was moderated by Mr Sergejus Fedotovas, BCC Board member.

Short presentations were made by the following new (or upgraded) members:

CSC Baltic, Growing Talent, 999 Design, Stress Regress, BCS International, Radisson Blu Astorija, Bright Purple Resourcing, Vinkleris and partners, ISM and London International School of Languages.

The British Chamber of Commerce expresses a great deal of appreciation to British Ambassador David Hunt for kindly hosting an event, BCC Corporate Member Biuro Pasaulis for kindly providing the technical equipment and BCC Corporate Member Fiorentino Restaurant for kindly providing the snacks.

Kęstutis Kazlauskas, Managing Director of Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel and Šarūnas Šiugžda, LitCapital Asset Management

Over 60 BCC Members have attended the New Members Evening

9

The visit of Lord Green, UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment clearly emphasizes the continued renewed British interests in Lithuania and the region as a whole. The exclusive lunch hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania and kindly sponsored by Barclays gave members and non-members alike the opportunity to put questions to the minister, followed by a networking session over coffee. The overriding message is Britain is open for business, for both export and investment. The UKTI are ready to assist you and your business where they can, and British Chambers have an important function to play in growing trade.

Lord Green identified where Britain could

learn from Lithuania in its handling of a severe crises and return to growth. He also identified areas where Britain’s developed economy and Lithuanians youthful, flexible and innovative economy offer compatibility. Mentioning the number of Lithuanians now present and living in the UK – some 1/4 million – the question was poised “why should there not be more trade between the two countries” that are now so very interlinked, and the belief that it will be growth in small and medium sized businesses that will deliver this.

Inga Meškauskaitė and Alfonsas Meškauskas, Managing Director of Baldai Jums, UAB

The event was also attended by the Trade Mission from Yorkshire and Humber region in the UK.

The Chamber expresses its great gratitude to Barclays for sponsoring this event

Photos by Jurga Prakapaitė Kasparas Jurgelionis, Ermgassen & Co

Vidmantas Tomkus, Lithuanian Space Association

Antanas Uršulis, Managing Director of CSC Baltic

Geda Girdvainytė, Vinkleris and partners

Over 70 guests were attending exclusive Lunch with Lord Green

Welcome from Chris Butler, BCC Chairman of the Board

Lord Green, UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment and British Ambassador David Hunt

Ugnius Savickas, Director at ISM Executive School making presentation

Ringailė Savičienė, Ieva Binkauskaitė, UKTI & Vaidas Velykis, Klaipėda FEZ BCC New member Rolands Blezurs, 999 Design talking to Rasa Barisiene and Dainora Kirilevičienė from Carlson Wagonlit Travel

Gintarė Jonaitytė, BSC International, making presentation

New BCC Member Martin Watts, Stress Regress and Dainius Malinauskas, Finreda

Continuing BCC Professional Workshops in May From left: New BCC members Eglė Belzutė & Lina Aduikaitė from Bright Purple and Agnė Janenienė, ISM

In the beginning of May, the workshop on presentational skills “Key ingredients for high impact presentations” was lead by Ben Harvey, Growing Talent. This workshop was orientated on how to prepare and plan your presentation, how to create a right impact, manage the audience and how to manage yourself. The participants also had a chance to practise in small groups.

The workshop was followed by networking lunch at the Riverside restaurant.

The second workshop “Getting the law right in English: Writing” was lead by Malcolm Stewart, London International School of Languages in the end of May, who focused on the most common problems to non-native practitioners in written legal correspondence in English. During the workshop, some practical solutions to these issues were offered. After the workshop, participants have enjoyed networking lunch at the Riverside restaurant.

From left: New BCC members Malcolm Stewart & Simona Didvalytė from London ISL and David Hunt, British Ambassador

Ben Harvey, Executive Coach at Growing Talent

Lord Green, UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment

BCC Members and guests listen to the speech by Lord Green

Nick Price, CEO and Owner of Bright Purple

Photos by Jurga Prakapaitė

Breakfast Technical Briefings BCC Breakfast Technical Briefings continued to be a great success and kept an interest from chamber members and friends alike. In April, the topic “Lessons Learned in “Lisco Gloria” case” was presented by Laurynas Lukošiūnas, Senior Associoate at Sorainen. The topic attracted an interest from insurance companies and involved considerable amount of audience interaction after presentation.

Breakfast Technical Briefing in May hosted

Charles Cormack, Managing Director of Cormack Consultancy Baltic Ltd, who made a presentation on “Doing Business in the UK: the opportunities lost by Lithuanian companies and Agencies”. The speaker analysed the challenges that companies have to face when entering the UK market. The presentation was illustrated with examples of how no strategy, poor language and some bad decisions on practicalities can shut the door even for great products or companies.

Laurynas Lukošiūnas, Senior Associate, Sorainen and the audience

In June, the chamber had the pleasure of inviting members and friends to attend Breakfast Technical Briefing with Arijandas Šliupas, General Manager of Kaunas Airport, who made a presentation on “Structure and management of Lithuanian airports – issues and perspectives”. The speaker covered current situation in aviation business in Lithuania, which according to Mr Šliupas has come to its peek. The questions were raised to the

Charles Cormack, Managing Director, Cormack Consultancy Baltic Ltd

audience, whether the airports in Lithuania should diversify their strategy and commercial offer and should the principles of Free Market be applied in this field at all. These questions raised an active discussion among the participants.

As usually, before presentations, the participants were enjoying networking and English breakfast, served by Sonnets restaurant.

Arijandas Šliupas, General Manager of Kaunas Airport

BCC paper Summer 2012

BCC paper Summer 2012

10

11

BRITS IN LITHUANIA

“Aviva Lithuania” recommends: embrace the best time for investment

Asta Grabinskė, the CEO of “Aviva Lietuva” “Finance markets are very opportune for investment now as share prices stay 25 % lower comparing to pre-crisis period. Furthermore, the ratio of price and earnings is the best since 2009, so now is the best time to invest”, - says Asta Grabinskė, the CEO of „Aviva Lietuva“. - Though we noticed that people often do not embrace the chance and tend to buy the stocks when expensive and sell when cheap.

Moreover, in Lithuania, long-term savings have been promoted by the government. For most customers life insurance products are eligible for personal income tax deductibility: by the law people may return 15 % from life insurance

premium paid every year. “We encourage our clients to retain the agreement for more than 10 years, then they have not to pay taxes for investment profit. Or if a client is older than 55 years and has the agreement for more than 5 years, then all benefit he gets is untaxed – why not to trade upon the state’s support, ” – says A. Grabinskė “Aviva Lithuania” proposes two options for investment: regular payments and single premiums. An advantage of regular investments is discipline for savings and possibility to make profit in volatile financial markets. Single premium is for those who want to invest larger amount of money and save more. “Aviva Lithuania” offers extensive investment options under life insurance umbrella and clients according to their tolerance to risk and return requirements can build investment portfolio out of 15 funds. If people are afraid of market volatility they can choose conservative investment strategy. Conservative investments are directed mainly to government bonds of Lithuania government and historic return is over 4% annually, risk minimized to government credibility rating.

PwC Named the Baltic Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year Interview with Gareth Sanderson, BCC Member, Owner of the newly opened restaurant “Druskos namai” We first met with Gareth Sanderson a few years ago, when he came to the BCC office for a chat.

At that time, he had some vague ideas on what he was planning to do in Lithuania, but it was clear that it would involve food related activities. Two years later, an article appeared in one of the Lithuanian national daily newspapers about the newly opened “Druskos namai” restaurant with a picture of the owner Gareth Sanderson beside it. At that point, we knew who our next Brit for the BCC paper “Brits in Lithuania” column would be. In this edition we ask Gareth about what brought him to Lithuania, why is he keen to work with food and what is his vision for his restaurant in 5 years time:

What did you find most challenging about Gareth, what’s your background back in the UK opening a restaurant in Vilnius? Do you have and why did you choose to come to Lithuania? any advice for potential British competitors in I spent 8 years as a project manager for an this area?

engineering company and 3 years as a Director of Lithuanian House Limited www.headleypark. co.uk. I am married to a Lithuanian national and have been coming to Lithuania for the last 10 years. We have always considered moving to Lithuania and so when the opportunity arose last year for both my wife and I, we decided it was the right thing to do.

Has it always been your dream to open a restaurant or is it a new development?

Sadly my wife has had to put up with me for years, struggling to understand why I always had to criticise the food when we ate out. Our lounge turned into a library for cookery books and our kitchen was packed with gadgets and gizmo's. My passion for food stretches back to my childhood and my grandmother, who was a fine cook inspired me to follow my dreams.

Could you tell our readers, what’s exceptional about your restaurant? What is unique about the menu?

For me what sets Druskos Namai apart from the other restaurants in Vilnius is its frequently changing menu (it can change daily), the seasonality of the produce (I visit the markets most days and try to meet all of our suppliers at their farms) and the fact that we try to source most of the ingredients as locally as possible.

What’s your favourite dish, not necessarily offered at “Druskos namai”?

I am an avid mushroom forager, so for me, my most favourite dish has to be freshly picked wild mushrooms (ceps preferably) sautéed in a little butter with garlic and parsley served on toast. It’s not on the menu at the moment but as soon as they are at the market or in the forest, it will be.

Everything! Hire a good lawyer who knows people.

How would you see your restaurant in 5 years time?

For me this is a great little restaurant and I would like to think that in five years time we will have established a reputation as one of the best places to eat out in the Baltic states. I would love to be in the Michelin red guide too.

A very traditional question – what do you like most about Lithuania?

I like the fact that this feels like a young country, where there can be opportunity for the right ideas.

Do you travel at all in Lithuania? If so, can you recommend any good restaurants outside of Vilnius? ‘ I've travelled to most parts of Lithuania over the last 10 years and it really has a lot to offer besides Vilnius. I can really recommend canoeing down some of rivers or spending a few days at a traditional "Sodyba" for something more relaxing.

In terms of dining, La Cle in Klaipeda is a nice little restaurant if your ever up that way.

What do you miss most about your home country?

Probably my family. Although when the business is settled I do hope to return more frequently.

Thanks a lot for your time and we wish you, your family and your restaurant all the best!

Prepared by Sandra Kundrotė, Executive director of the BCC Lithuania

The International Tax Review has named PwC as the Baltic States Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year 2012. “We are very pleased and proud about this award as it recognises the high level of expertise of our transfer pricing specialists in Lithuania and in the Baltic region” – states Kristina Kriščiūnaitė, Tax partner for Lithuania.

This year is already the second time PwC has received the award. According to International Tax Review, the awards were mainly judged on the size, innovation and complexity of the issues that the firms were facing while servicing their clients. „We were able to achieve the highest results thanks to experience received from PwC global transfer pricing network and our fast growing team which recently performed the projects of high delivered high complexity” – adds Kristina Kriščiūnaitė.

The PwC network was also recognized at the European level. PwC in Belgium, Luxemburg and Portugal granted Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year award and PwC in Poland and Switzerland received Tax Firm of the Year awards.

PwC transfer pricing specialists assist Lithuanian companies to prepare transfer pricing

documentation and methodologies as well as to apply for advance pricing agreements (APA) with tax authorities. „In practice the Lithuanian tax authorities as well as the tax authorities of neighbouring countries mainly focus on those tax payers who have concluded cross border transactions or incurred losses. Currently such management services and loans attract the most attention from the Lithuanian tax authorities. The transfer pricing audits started in Latvia and Estonia almost at the same time as in Lithuania, thus, the tax authorities in all Baltic countries have enough experience in transfer pricing and start more transfer pricing audits each year“ – states Nerijus Nedzinskas, Transfer pricing leader for Lithuania.

From 2012 it is possible for tax payers to apply for APA in Lithuania. The APA would be valid for the current year and for the next five years from the day the tax authorities approve the APA. „The benefits of APA are obvious: the transfer pricing risks will be minimized. It is especially recommended to apply for APA in case the value of transaction to be concluded is significant and even marginal transfer pricing adjustments could significantly influence a company's financial results“ – adds Nerijus Nedzinskas.

Companies at the Klaipeda Free GLIMSTEDT share expertise to Economic Zone Contribute Significantly improve private equity legislation to Economic Performance

Andrius Ivanauskas, Bernotas & Dominas GLIMSTEDT

The companies based in the Klaipeda Free Economic Zone (FEZ) generated as much as a quarter of the Gross Domestic Product of Klaipeda County and 2.8 percent of Lithuania's GDP in the previous year. Total turnover among companies at the Klapeda FEZ amounted to 2.98 billion Litas in 2011.

The export volume of these companies accounted for 37.5 % of Klaipeda County's exports in the last year and was in excess of 5 % of the total exports from Lithuania.

According to the data of Klaipeda FEZ, the companies of the free economic zone made investments in excess of 90 million LTL in 2011, and paid 30 million LTL in taxes to the state budget. Purchases of goods and services from the Lithuanian companies totaled 765 million Litas. The total investment figures made by the FEZ based companies since the year 2002, when Klaipeda FEZ commenced its operations, stands at 1.6 billion Litas.

“It is more than evident that the Klaipeda Free Economic Zone makes a significant contribution to the national economy and, primarily, to the exports of Lithuania. The increase in Lithuania's export potential is particularly important for the health of the Lithuanian economy. We are happy, and the supervisors of the national budget should be pleased by the efficient utilization of the public funds invested into the Klaipeda FEZ – public investment of 1 million LTL generated 99 million Litas of GDP”, said Mr. Povilas Vasiliauskas, Chairman of the Board of the Klaipeda FEZ Management Company.

As Mr. P. Vasiliauskas observed, 21 companies with 1300 staff operating in the Klaipeda FEZ Klaipėdos achieved such impressive results despite receiving only a relatively small amount of public investment allotted by the Government, Municipality and the European Union. The funds received did not exceed 30 million Litas.

Illegal software - direct threat to your business

Laurynas Truncė, CEO „DPA Lietuva“ According to statistics in Lithuania about 54 percent of illegal software is used. However, using pirated software threatens not only the criminal liability but also - it is a threat to business.

IT experts point out that company’s staff without having necessary IT tools and software, just download illegal software directly from internet or data exchange sites. This is a direct threat to the whole organization. International IT company’s “DPA Lietuva” CEO Laurynas Truncė warns, that in this case the creator of specific software is not responsible for the quality of services, software continuity and also for created documents and other data retention.

“It should be clearly understood, that along

with the downloaded illegal software, into the company's IT systems can penetrate viruses and other spying programs, that aim is to disrupt or completely stop the smooth organization’s work”, - says "DPA Lietuva" CEO L. Truncė. He points out that, due to company's business disruption, organization may lose important corporate data and sensitive information.

How could we avoid such a disaster? First of all, IT experts recommend to perform a software audit in all organizations computers and servers.

Then you need to collect all available documents and licenses to compare them with the software list, received during the audit. If you have fewer licenses than installed software, then your business is at risk for using illegal software. So it is advisable to remove all high-risk software and in order not to affect on workers productivity acquire legally licensed software.

"DPA Lietuva" specialists advises: if you're not sure how much and what kind licenses your company has, just consult to software licensing experts or yours information technology service provider. Also do not forget to make sure that they have necessary competencies, certificates and other documents to provide, that kind of service.

Prepared by “DPA Lietuva”

CCB Continues to Expand Kaunas based International Business Development Consultancy Cormack Consultancy Baltic continues its expansion. The company helps business develop and deliver international expansion strategies, and has been working between the UK and Baltic States for the past 11 years. In April the company opened an office in Moscow, and has followed up this month with the opening of an Indian office in Kolkata.

The company plans to continue to grow through the rest of the year with plans already in place to open in Italy, Romania. Commenting on the growth CEO Charles Cormack said “We have been helping companies work in and out of the Baltic for over a decade, and we came to understand the skills and knowledge we had picked up over that time was extremely useful to our clients, and

there was a demand from our existing clients to help them into other markets. Since we have embarked on this project it has become clear that the appetite for expansion is truly global, and we are already working with Baltic companies interested in Russia and Indian and Italian companies interested in investing in the Baltic.

As the business grows we have had to look at our name, and we will be rebranding as Cormack Consultancy Group over the coming few weeks, but as the company grows we will not forget our Baltic routes, and in fact we believe that we are going to be able to offer Baltic companies an excellent chance to penetrate some of the world’s largest and most important markets”.

Andrius Ivanauskas, a senior associate of Bernotas & Dominas GLIMSTEDT, participated in the working group for preparation of the new Law of Partnerships which was recently adopted by the Lithuanian parliament. The new version of the Law is primarily designated to provide a handy instrument for establishing private equity funds.

GLIMSTEDT's partners Remigijus Jakutis and Andrius Ivanauskas have been among the first lawyers to establish Lithuanian private equity funds based on a globally accepted legal form of limited liability partnership. The initiative to

amend the Law on Partnership came up due to a lack of legal certainty in some cases and too rigid regulation in other cases which faced investors and fund managers. The Ministry of Economy upheld the market demand for innovative and flexible legislation and led the legislation initiative.

LT VCA (Lithuanian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association) and GLIMSTEDT provided the necessary market practice which was to be reflected in the new Law. Andrius Ivanauskas commented: ‘To some, the amendments adopted may not look like they were worth the effort. However, we have worked hard trying to conciliate the innovative worldwide practices of private equity funds with current Lithuanian legislation and we faced challenges that sometimes looked impossible to overcome.

After the adoption of the new law the solutions we would like to offer to our clients will have the necessary legal background. Fund managers and investors may start preparing for the new season of private equity starting on 1 September 2012 when the new law enters into force.’

BCC paper Summer 2012

BCC paper Summer 2012

12

13

Enrolling now!

Legal English for practicing professionals This is a needs based 10 week course covering: •

• • •

Legal Writing: all forms of correspondence from contract drafting to Letters of Advice, Memos and everyday emails Presentations: how to effectively present your idea or proposal to your client.

Legal vocabulary: uses and abuses.

What words to use in what context.

Common mistakes: the common mistakes made by Lithuanian lawyers – what they are and how to avoid them.

This course has been compiled from over 5 years experience of working with Lithuanian lawyers.

This means that our lecturers have a wealth of knowledge regarding the specific problems that face highly skilled Lithuanian legal professionals working in English, and can pinpoint and fix these issues with clarity and efficiency.

We provide a value added and tailored service that fits the needs of each individual client.

Contact us now for a free consultation and maximize the potential of your firm.

Mantas Nocius joins Deloitte as Business Development Director Deloitte , one of the four major international audit and consulting companies, is pleased to announce that on 7th June 2012 Mantas Nocius joined the company in the role of Business Development Director.

Prior to joining Deloitte, Mantas was the Managing Director of Invest Lithuania where he assisted companies in entering and achieving business success in Lithuania. He also worked as an adviser to the Prime Minister of Lithuania and has 12 years of experience at the World Bank.

“It is exciting to welcome Mantas to our firm. We are proud of having such an experienced professional. Joining our team Mantas will assist us in our business development and PR activities which take the Lithuanian firm to the next level. Through our AS ONE strategy, I believe that with him being part of our team, we will succeed in our vision of becoming the number 1 Professional Services Firm in Lithuania”, - says Tim Mahon, Deloitte Lithuania Managing Partner.

PwC in Lithuania has two other partners - Rimvydas Jogėla who leads the assurance practice and Vidas Venckus who is in charge of advisory services.

partner at Chambers Awards Ceremony 2012

Chambers Europe, one of the world’s leading and most reputable legal directories, has awarded LAWIN the Chambers Europe Award for Excellence, making LAWIN the first winner of this prestigious award in the Baltic region. The award was presented to Žilvinas Zinkevičius, LAWIN’s Partner and Management Board Member, at the special awards ceremony in Amsterdam in May 2012.

The Chambers Europe Awards for Excellence, honoring outstanding law firms in Europe, have been awarded since 2008, on the basis of independ-

Peeter Lepik, Chairman of the LAWIN Management Board, says that LAWIN is very proud to be the very first winner of these prestigious legal awards that are based mostly on clients’ opinions, our firm’s practices and service quality. “LAWIN has been very active in recent years and we have our clients to thank for these opportunities to work on so many challenging projects. As a single pan-Baltic law firm now using our joint expertise, LAWIN will continue to strive to provide even more benefits to our local and international clients.”

The Award for Excellence from Chambers Europe continues to fortify LAWIN’s position as the highest internationally ranked law firm in the Baltics. The firm was also honored to be the very first Baltic winner of other prestigious European legal awards, including awards from IFLR (International Financial Law Review); The Lawyer magazine; Who’s Who Legal, a well-regarded legal publication and an official partner of the International Bar Association; etc.

Publicum became a member of PROI At the beginning of May, Publicum became a member of the world's largest partnership of independent agencies by fee income PROI and became its partner in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

The PROI (Public Relations Organisation International) network, having 57 partners – PR agencies and groups of agencies – in 54 countries serves

Mantas Nocius joins Deloitte as Business Development Director

SORAINEN partner Jānis Taukačs and Senior Associate Priit Raudsepp

Law firm SORAINEN won the “Baltic States Tax Firm of the Year” award at the prestigious International Tax Review European Tax Awards 2012, the highest-level recognition for the tax community in Europe, held in London yesterday – 16 May 2012. This is the third time that SORAINEN with its regional Tax & Customs Team has been honoured with this international commendation.

The International Tax Review awards credit the

most innovative international and cross-border tax advice in the region. SORAINEN was independently evaluated by the International Tax Review staff, who consulted tax advisers, private-practice lawyers, tax executives and in-house counsel alongside evaluating five other finalists for the award.

“We are honoured and proud to receive this most prestigious acknowledgement for the tax community in Europe. The complexity of client cases increases each year and it is a great achievement to be recognised for the third year in a row among well recognised tax professionals including the Big 4 audit firms,” comments Jānis Taukačs, partner and regional head of the SORAINEN Tax & Customs Team.

The 2012 award winning transaction experience submitted by the SORAINEN Tax & Customs Team included assistance to Hitachi on strategic cross-border investment in the Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant project in Lithuania, winning all the court stages for Stockmann related to tax treatment of cross-border services in Latvia, advice to LatRosTrans on wide ranging excise and customs duties, as well as VAT and CIT questions related to the sale of oil supplied from Latvia by sea, plus advice for DHL in solving customs problems with the help of their EU head of customs and the EU and Latvian authorities.

UK consultants SGandA return to Vilnius and enjoy a party

more than 4,400 clients and has more than 3,200 staff in almost 100 offices around the globe. PROI was established in 1970 and is the oldest global partnership of independent public relations firms, having the biggest communication agencies in France, Germany, Spain, USA, Canada, Australia, Scandinavian and other countries.

In evaluating the performance of EE law firms in the half-year period of 2012, international business news and market research agency Thomson Reuters included those M&A deals which involve both unvalued transactions and transactions with an assigned rank value of up to and including USD 500 million.

Mid-Market Insight provides with the trends and analysis of the M&A markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Kristina Kriščiūnaitė, new Country Managing Partner for PwC Lithuania

Kristina Kriščiūnaitė was appointed as Country Managing Partner for Lithuania from 1 July 2012.

Kristina is taking over from BCC Chairman Chris Butler, who has led the company for 9 years.

Kristina will focus on growing revenue and profit-

Mike Kubena, Managing Partner for CEE region, said: “Chris Butler made a significant contribution to Lithuania over the past 15 years. He has been CMP since 2003, during which time the practice has grown by three times, with a strong market position in all three lines of service. When he started as CMP, Chris was the only partner in the practice. Since then the Lithuanian leadership team has admitted three new partners, all of whom have grown up through the business. We appreciate his long-term leadership and development of the Lithuanian practice and wish Kristina success in her new role”.

UAB „Grontmij Lietuva” have designed a 3D building model for the reconstruction of Žalgiris Odontology Clinics and Hospital in Vilnius The objective for the reconstruction of „Žalgiris” Clinic and Hospital buildings was to insulate the outer walls, to install a metal structure for pitched roofs with modeling of the new atrium, to install lightning and rain water collection, fire alarms in the attic as well as modernizing the heating and hot water systems UAB„Grontmij Lietuva“developed the main project parts - architectural, structure and systems engineering, in 3D (on Revit software platform). A 3D project is much easier to read and analyze than 2D drawings, especially when Clients are not experts in the field, i.e. not Designers, Contractors or Professional Construction Managers. Therefore the whole project idea was visual and easily understandable for the project's partners.

Grontmij Lietuva's architects, structure and building systems engineers developed the 3D model according to the BIM - Building Information Modeling concept, which allows convenient information

management as the entire project's visual information, drawings and specific documentation is placed in one central file, i.e. in the BIM model.

Due to the new design method important and correct decisions were made at an early stage, during the technical project design, it helped to avoid mistakes, common in 2D drawings, because changes in the project were reflected in all the technical project parts and project documentation; The project is currently being implemented, with construction work expected to be finished in the autumn, before the heating season starts.

After the reconstruction, the complex of four buildings will be adapted to better customer service and convenient work space for employees.

It is one of the first projects in the health care sector in which the building's design was prepared in 3D.

Celebrating Summer with Odontika

„Becoming a PROI member gives Publicum great opportunities to share unique international experience and know-how during meetings with agencies from all over the world. Hence, Publicum clients can now benefit from the PROI network’s experience, proficiency and resources,” – stated Publicum director Artūras Jonkus.

Thomson Reuters: Raidla Lejins & Norcous is ranked second in Eastern Europe’s M&A market According to the latest Thomson Reuters M&A Mid-Market Insight, published in May 2012, Raidla Lejins & Norcous law offices operating in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have been ranked second by volume amongst law firms which advised on M&A transactions in the Eastern Europe region in the period covering January–May 2012. Since that period Raidla Lejins & Norcous law offices have advised in 10 more deals with a total value of USD 36.7 million.

Kristina started working in PwC Lithuania in 1996 and has been a partner for 4 years. She has been leading the Tax & Legal Services there for 8 years. She specialises in M&A and international tax structuring services and holds a masters degree in law and a diploma of post-graduate studies in economics from the Vilnius University.

simona@londonisl.com Tel.no. 2125292

ent research carried out by Chambers Europe. The awards reflect a law firm’s pre-eminence in key practice areas and notable achievements over the past 12 months including outstanding work, impressive strategic growth and excellence in client service. This year, for the first time, these prestigious European legal awards included the Baltic States.

Mike and Terry with the HM ambassador David Hunt, Renata Garckija, a university colleague, and Ian Watson the Scots piper Following their successful visit in April to present a workshop at the Vilnius University Psychology Conference, Mike Guttridge and Terry Gregory returned in June. They had important meetings with both Vilnius and Mykolas Romeris universities about continuing collaboration and will be returning in the Autumn to deliver more workshops.

The highlight of their visit however was the British Embassy garden party. Having missed the jubilee

Summer Weekend in Copenhagen

ability in Lithuania by maintaining a high quality of service to the clients and expanding the scope of services offered.

Furthermore, she will continue the development of people welfare programmes and support social initiatives.

SORAINEN has received its third LAWIN wins the first Chambers Europe “Baltic States Tax Firm of the Year” Award for Excellence in the Baltics award in a row

Žilvinas Zinkevičius, LAWIN

New CMP for PwC Lithuania

celebrations in the UK and watched the jubilee concert on Lithuanian TV they were delighted to be invited to the garden party to celebrate the Queen’s birthday. Apart from the warm hospitality shown by HM ambassador, David Hunt, and his wife and staff they were pleased to be able to meet, at last, other members of the BCCL (and prove to them they really existed after missing so many chamber events).

Bring a copy of the BCCL paper with you and teeth whitening in-clinic will be 350Litas instead of the normal price of 600. Odontika customer service manager Vaida Vanagaitė will help you to book an appointment at a time that suits you.

It’s the time of the year when ice cubes are put in drinks and ice creams are unwrapped. At this time many people become aware of sensitive teeth.

Sensitivity can be caused by a variety of things, tooth decay in the early stages can manifest itself as sensitivity before the tell tale sign of a throbbing ache.

Usually tooth sensitivity (dentine hypersensitivity) presents as temporary tooth discomfort or pain after eating cold food, drinking cold liquids, or breathing cold air. Remember pain lasting more than a few seconds needs investigation by a dentist.

Summertime for many of us means holidays.

Some of us enjoy long breaks, while others opt for short escapes. Thus, Scandinavian Airlines SAS invites you to spend an enjoyable weekend in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. „Copenhagen is our main hub and getting there is now easier than ever. There are many direct flights between Vilnius or Palanga and Copenhagen. One can get there on Saturday morning and get back in the evening of the following day," says Rūta Jucienė, SAS Representative Manager, Lithuania.

Summertime is a great season for visiting Copenhagen, the city of castles, canals, Royal palaces, beautiful parks, great shopping and incredible food tasting opportunities. Denmark’s capital offers diverse architectural surprises: amid the historical heritage of copper roofs and domes, the impressive spires of Borsen, former Stock Exchange and Vor Frelsers church stand out, while the modern Royal Library nicknamed the “Black Diamond” or the mar-

vellous Opera house bring us into the present.

If you are travelling with children, visiting Tivoli amusement park is a must. It is one of the most famous places in Denmark and is much loved by the Danes themselves who consider the park to be one of their national treasures.

Art lovers will also be pleased in Copenhagen: The Danish National Gallery houses the country’s greatest collection of European and Danish artists, while the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek boasts over 10 000 art exhibits worth seeing.

Shoppers will not leave Copenhagen without a purchase as the city offers a great variety of Danish interior design, jewellery, household appliances’ brands, as well as fashion designer items worth a sin. Also, over the last decades Danish cuisine has gained a world-class reputation, therefore everyone will find their “cup of tea” here.

The Little Mermaid, a tiny symbol of Copenhagen will smile goodbye. Make sure to drop a coin into the waters to come back again.

TARK GRUNTE SUTKIENE crowned the best Baltic law firm for women in business law In June Euromoney Legal Media Group, a part of one of the world's leading financial publishers, at the second annual Europe Women in Business Law Awards 2012 recognized TARK GRUNTE SUTKIENE (TGS) as the best Baltic law firm for women in business law.

For the second year Euromoney Legal Media Group elected the firms setting the standard in terms of female-friendly work practices as well as nominated individual female lawyers leading the field in the sector across Europe. This year TGS was picked as having set the best work conditions for female lawyers across the Baltics. The award was given to the firm for showing outstanding achievement in supporting the development of women in the legal profession and providing innovative work/ life programmes to enable women to pursue legal careers. In particular, it was recognized that TGS offers not only a financial support, but also provides

assistance in harmonizing work and family time for its women lawyers. Upon the initiative of Eugenija Sutkienė, the Managing Partner of TGS Vilnius office, female lawyers with children under 3 years of age are offered flexible working hours and friendly environment in TGS. Moreover, it was also noted that Eugenija Sutkienė, in cooperation with the Lithuanian Bar Association, achieved the simplification of the procedures for receiving maternity leave compensations and the settlement of the conflict between the State Tax Inspectorate and lawyers on maternity leave.

BCC paper Summer 2012

BCC paper Summer 2012

14 Presenting New BCC Members BCC Corporate Member ISM Executive School

BCC Corporate Member Leinonen

Mr Ugnius Savickas, Director

ISM University of Management and Economics was established in 1999 as the first private owned institution of management education in Lithuania.

Founders of ISM are “BI Business School”, one of the largest business schools in Europe, and “Innovation Norway”, Norwegian Governmental organisation for innovation and development of Norwegian companies.

ISM Executive School being proactive in the education industry for more than 16 years provides double diploma Master’s degree programme and broad range of training programmes for managers and companies, with everyday focus on close ties among academic knowledge, lecturing experience, innovative learning methods and business practice.

ISM Executive School is the environment where business and knowledge professionals together cocreate new knowledge and its derivatives, develop new insights and find new opportunities for their own and business (r)evolution.

BCC Small Company Member (upgraded!)

Growing Talent

Ben Harvey, Executive Coach

Ben has been working as an executive coach and learning & development consultant for over twelve years with senior executives and board level clients.

Operating under his own brand, Growing Talent, Ben provides a range of services which fall under the umbrella of leadership and talent development: • One to one, Executive Coaching • Design & delivery of skills development workshops on topics includinginfluencing skills, business development, relationship management, team working, and coaching • Facilitating live meetings to improve team effectiveness and decision-making Before starting his own business in 2005, Ben spent thirteen years with one of the Big 4 consulting firms, both as a client facing consultant and as an internal consultant. He therefore understands the dynamics of business and the challenges that exist for its

BCC Social Member James McGeever

Mr James McGeever

Jim has returned to Lithuania after a three year absence during which time he headed the London European Partnership for Transport; a team of European transport and mobility project specialists funded by Transport for London and promoting the priorities the Mayor of London’s Strategic Transport Plan set out for the city. He developed and delivered projects on a range of themes including city cycling schemes, shared space/urban realm improvement, pedestrian routes, electric vehicles, travel planning for schools and businesses, and public transport services.

However, this is Jim’s third time in Lithuania each time living and working in Kaunas. His initial foot into Lithuania came in 1999 as a volunteer NGO

List of BCC Members

Based on the concept of lifelong learning, the ISM Executive School focuses on the development of management and leadership skills by applying different forms: Master of Management degree programme; Non-degree executive training programmes; Research and consultancy.

Today we have firm expert competences and training traditions in all management areas: ISM Executive School in numbers: • More than 16 year in the market; • 10 Master of Management modules for executives and over 600 Alumni; • More than 3 400 training programmes; • More than 52 000 training participants.

Company Contact Details: ISM Executive School Address: Arklių st. 18, Vilnius, Lithuania Tel. +370 5 212 3954 E-mail: ism@ism.lt www.ism.lt/executiveschool

Leinonen Group is an accounting and auditing company with over 20 years of experience and expertise in international and Eastern European markets. Today we are present in 10 countries – Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Ukraine, Sweden and Russia.

We take care of establishing companies and handling all reports, tax declarations and tax returns, statistics, payroll accounting, registers and payments.

Everything to give our clients the security required to focus on their core business.

Safe and convenient Make your business safer and more convenient by using our specialists’ expertise in accounting and consultancy.

We guarantee • a service package tailored to your needs

BCC Small Company Member London International School of Languages

Malcolm Stewart, Director of Studies

people and leaders. As a coach and facilitator Ben aims to provide an appropriate balance of support, challenge and feedback to facilitate learning in his clients, enabling them to find practical actions to take forward in how they manage themselves, their teams and their own clients.

Over the years, Ben has developed a wide range of knowledge & experience from working with different types of organisations in different countries, as well as by investing in his own development. For example, Ben has graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Coaching and became an accredited coach with the Academy of Executive Coaching (UK).

This programme is currently recognised as the most highly accredited in Europe. Ben is also qualified to work with and administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI), two personality type tools.

Ben works mainly with clients based in Central & Eastern Europe and has a network of colleagues to draw on for projects of all sizes. His clients include companies such as PwC, L’Oreal, Carlsberg, Cameron Mckenna, DLA Piper, SEB, SBA Group, Deloitte, Swedbank, and Cushman & Wakefield.

Company Contact Details: Growing Talent Mob: +370 6984 8896 E-mail: ben@growingtalent.eu www.growingtalent.eu

Specialist under the VSO programme sponsored by the British government. He helped to develop what was then a fledgling NGO sector in Lithuania and worked with all of the major international aid agencies working in Lithuania at the time. His second coming was late in 2003 where this time he spent four years as an EU Project Coordinator for the Kaunas City Municipality Administration on several innovative EU multi-partner transport and mobility projects. During this time Kaunas achieved several high profile awards for the work it was doing in sustainable transport. Alongside the Transport projects, Jim has also spent time delivering NGO related projects in Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia.

Jim’s time outside of work is kept busy with his young daughter and son: both are fluent in English and Lithuanian, and although Jim considers himself to have what he calls a fairly solid pragmatic level of Lithuanian, his daughter puts him to shame with her knowledge and ability to rrrroll her ‘R’s’.

Jim looks forward to bringing his experience of working with over 20 EU states on major sustainable transport and mobility projects to Lithuania.

Contacts: E-Mail: jamesmcgeever@yahoo.com Tel: 8653 78522

London International School of Languages, located on Islandijos street in the heart of the city, is not your traditional kind of language school. We are not providers of a one size fits all service, wherein a teacher is sent with the same textbook to every client, irrespective of their individual needs.

Here at London International School of Languages, we are aware that each client is different, and, as such, each client has their own particular needs. Therefore, we begin each course with a consultation, and then design the course around the student.

Whatever the clients need may be, from Law, to Finance, to Marketing, Social English, and every stop inbetween, we can supply a language solution to fit their need. Our team of native and non-native professionals understands that the development of certain skills is more important for professionals who

BCC Small Company Member Druskos Namai

Gareth Sanderson, owner

Established in early 2012 Druskos Namai “Salt House” has been 3 years in the making by the owner Gareth Sanderson and his Head Chef Sarunas Paskauskas. The overriding philosophy behind the restaurant Druskos Namai “Salt house” is one that concentrates ideas about great food and how it should be served.

We are aiming to become one of the best

• liability insurance • up-to-date knowledge of local taxation and financial legislation • communication in local, English and Finnish languages • expert knowledge on the economic situation in the region • reliable partners in other business fields that we can recommend.

Outsourcing accounting services to Leinonen Group is a saving. No salary costs, social taxes, office space, computers, special software and accountant training on your expense. We are a safe and convenient solution.

Focus on your core business and let Leinonen Group take care of the accounting.

Company Contact Details: UAB „Leinonen“ Labdarių str. 5, LT-01120 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel: (+370) 5 237 5040 Fax: (+370) 5 261 7374 E-mail: leinonen@leinonen.lt www.leinonen.eu have little time and very specific needs, and this is why we place great emphasis on such aspects of English as e-mail writing, presentations, report writing, telephoning etc.

Our courses are dynamic and communicative, offering the student plenty of opportunties to speak and contribute to the learning process, and our teachers all have considerable experience within the field and are able , therefore, to guarantee a premium service.

We not only offer courses, we are also able to offer • One day seminars on key business skills such presentation and email writing.

• Short term consultations on presentation preparation, document drafting etc.

• Checking and editing of professional documents.

• Social events and team buliding in English.

• Language advice on any professional matter or issue.

Our mission is simple: to make each client a more effective and successful communicator!

Company Contact Details: London International School of Languages Islandijos 4, LT-01117 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel: +370 5 212 5292 E-mail: Simona@londonisl.com www.londonisl.com restaurants in the Baltic States through hard work and constant learning. Using various European cooking methods helps us to obtain the best out of the freshest, local and in season produce. Our menu is short but changes regularly depending what is in season and available at the time.

This small and cozy restaurant is located in the bohemian district of Vilnius called Uzupis just up the hill from the statue of the Angel. We cater for all events and tailor each one to the customers wants, needs and desires.

Company Contact Details: Druskos Namai Uzupio str. 30 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel: (+370) 215 3004 E-mail: info@druskosnamai.lt www.druskosnamai.lt

15

BCC Sponsor Members BARCLAYS IT Centre Lithuania (http://www.lifeintechnology. co.uk/global-locations/vilnius-lithuania/) / one of strategic IT engineering centres providing support for Barclays business activity worldwide.

Bunnahabhain rep. by Mineraliniai vandenys, UAB Production of single islay malt Scotch Whisky www.bunnahabhain.com

BERNOTAS & DOMINAS GLIMSTEDT (www.glimstedt.lt) / Legal services Best Western HOTEL VILNIUS (Naujasis Vilnius, UAB) (www.vilniushotel.eu) / Centrally located Hotel, restaurant, conference centre, fitness centre, swimming pool and sauna BITĖ LIETUVA, UAB (www.bite.lt) / Telecommunications BIURO PASAULIS, UAB (www.biuropasaulis.lt) (www.elektromedia.lt)/ /Office supplies, printing management and IT solutions

Baltic Legal Solutions Lithuania Full service law firm www.blslawfirm.com

Carlson Wagonlit Travel Corporate travel management www.carlsonwagonlit.lt www.kalevatravel.lt

BNTP, UAB (www.bntp.lt) / Private equity investment; real estate development and investment; asset management; project management; facilities management Bright Purple Resourcing (www.brightpurple.co.uk) / Technology and financial services recruitment specialists British Council (www.britishcouncil.lt) / the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

Calenberg Vilnius (www.calenberg.lt )/ International moving/ relocation and dealership of the office furnitureSTEELCASE CAMIRA FABRICS Ltd (www.camirafabrics.com) / Contract seating & transportation fabric manufacturer COWI LIETUVA, UAB (www.cowi.lt) / Consulting and engineering services related to building design & engineering, energy, environment, territory planning, topographic survey, hydraulic engineering, technical supervision, water and sewage systems design

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals www.gsk.lt

PricewaterhouseCoopers Assurance, Actuarial, Advisory, Tax and Legal services www.pwc.com/lt

BCC IT Partner

BCC Corporate & Group Members ARIJUS (www.arijus.lt ) / Transport and Logistic services AVIS Rent a Car & Leasing Company (Litideal, UAB) (www.avis.lt) / Car rental and leasing AVIVA LIETUVA, Joint Stock Limited Life Insurance and Pension Company (www.aviva.lt) / Life insurance and pension funds ĄŽUOLYNO Clinic (www.azuolynoklinika.lt) / The first private clinic in Lithuania for psychological problems, psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, long – term nursing. Patients can be consulted or hospitalised Baldai Jums, UAB (www.BaldaiJums.eu) / Solid wood furniture production

PUBLICUM, UAB (www.publicum.lt) / Public Relations, Public Affairs, Management consulting and training PZU Lietuva, UAB DK (www.pzu.lt ) / Insurance QUANTUM CAPITAL (www.qcapital.eu ) / Investment banking & strategic advisory boutique Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva (www.radissonblu.com/ lietuvahotel-vilnius)/ Hotel, biggest centre located Conference and Event centre, Riverside restaurant, Skybar, Lobby bar, fitness centre and sauna

Growing Talent (www.growingtalent.eu/) / Providing executive coaching, and delivering training for leadership and talent development INOVA BALTIC, UAB (www.inovabaltic.com ) / Real estate and private equity investments, property and asset management LONDON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES (www.londonisl.com) / Business courses, specialized training for both IELTS and TOEFL university admission exams NEW! STRESS REGRESS (www.stressregress.com) / A business partnership dealing with stress issues, including testing, measurement and treatment, and offering advice for a healthier lifestyle including exercise, diet and supplements, among other options.

MICHAEL LITTLE IR KO, UAB (www.mikelittle.lt) / ACCA accountancy tutors REENPRO, UAB (www.reenpro.lt) / We develop and construct Your solar energy park. Turn-key services. Green-field, roof-top, building integrated photovoltaic solutions

Tauragė Industrial Park (www.tip.lt)/ Industrial premises for rent in Southwest Lithuania

DELTA MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, UAB (www.deltamanagement.lt )/ Recruitment, Executive Search, Temporary Staffing, Personnel Assessment, Outplacement, Greenfield Staffing Support DPA LIETUVA (www.dpa.lt) / IT infrastructure solutions, IT security solutions, Solutions for Education, software deployment and management, information and document management system, customized IT projects

SCAENT Baltic, JSC (www.scaent.lt) / Investment Enterprise

Vilnius MONTESSORI pre-School (www.vms.lt) / English Language pre-School

Scandinavian Airlines SAS (www.flysas.lt) / Aviation SHAKESPEARE Boutique Hotel (Olizarų rūmai, UAB) (www.shakespeare.lt) / Boutique hotel, Sonnets restaurant, Globe bar, conference halls SIMEON, UAB (www.simeon.lt ) / Transport & Logistics SORAINEN (www.sorainen.com) / Legal services in all fields of business law in the three Baltic countries and Belarus

GrECo JLT Lietuva, UADBB (www.greco.lt ) / Insurance intermediation

Storebrand Baltic , UAB (www.storebrand.com) – Shared service centre for Storebrand ASA in Norway and SPP in Sweden. Financial services within life- and health insurance, banking and asset management Sue’s Indian Raja (www.sues-lt.com) / Indian Restaurant SWEDSPAN Girių Bizonas (www.swedspan.lt) / Particle board production TARK GRUNTE SUTKIENE, Law Firm (www.tarkgruntesutkiene. com) / full-service commercial law firm with offices in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, mainly focused on providing advice on commercial transactions in the Baltic region and Belarus TRANSCOM Worldwide Vilnius (www.transcom.com) / International provider of outsourced services and solutions in the field of customer contact (client relationship management & credit management). Near shore outsourced services from Lithuania to UK and other European countries ŪKIO BANKAS, AB ( www.ub.lt)/ Banking Ūkio Banko Investicinė Grupė, UAB (www.ubig.lt ) / Investment projects; real estate; banking; life insurance and other financial services; industry, industrial engineering; logistics and sports

Grontmij Lietuva, UAB ( www.grontmij-carlbro.lt )/ Engineering consultancy and design projects

VARUL, Law firm (www.varul.com ) / Legal services in all fields of business law in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Belarus

HIGHLIFE, UAB / Manufacturing for export timber components for the furniture and construction industries HOTEL VANAGUPĖ (Eskom, UAB) (www.vanagupe.lt) / 5* Hotel, Modern Conference centre and luxury GOLDEN Spa centre, gourmet cuisine restaurant L’Ambra Rossa

WARTA GLASS PANEVĖŽYS (www.wartaglass.lt) / Glass processing & container glass manufacturing Western Union Processing Lithuania UAB (www.westernunion.com) - Financial Services WorldOne (www.worldone.com) / Global healthcare research and highest quality data collection solution.

ZABOLIS PARTNERS (www.zabolis.com) / Finance and Real

EFT Lithuania, UAB (www.eft-group.net )/ Electricity Trading Company EKO RIVI, UAB (www.ekorivi.lt) / Consultancy in municipal and environmental infrastructure EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL (www.euromonitor.com ) / Provider of strategic market research on countries, consumers and industries

FIORENTINO RESTAURANT (Altomondas, UAB) (www.fiorentino.lt) / Restaurant/ Catering Services G4S Lietuva, UAB (www.g4s.lt) / Security Solutions covering cash handling, guarding, electronic security, system maintenance, installation, courier service

ISM University of Management and Economics (www.ism.lt) / Higher education JURIDICON, Law Firm (www.juridicon.com) / Legal services, tax consulting, corporate services, legal project & risk management. Member of Warwick Legal Network.

Estate Žemaitijos pienas (www.zpienas.lt/) / Production and sales of milk products

KAUNAS AIRPORT (www.kun.lt ) / Airport KAUNAS FREE ECONOMIC ZONE MANAGEMENT COMPANY (www.ftz.lt ) / Real estate development KERNAVĖS BAJORYNĖ, Conference and Leisure Centre (www.kernavesbajoryne.lt )/ Conferencies, leisure and other activities KLAIPĖDA FREE ECONOMIC ZONE MANAGEMENT COMPANY (www.fez.lt) / Management and development of Klaipėda Free Economic Zone

BALTIC SURVEYS (Baltijos Tyrimai, UAB) (www.gallup.com) / Market research BANKSERVIS, UAB (www.bankservis.lt) / Bank and office equipment, security products and solutions

LEINONEN, UAB (www.leinonen.eu) Accounting services NEW! LE MERIDIEN VILNIUS & V GOLF CLUB (VILLON, UAB)

Baltic American Medical & Surgical Clinic

PERITUS SPRENDIMAI (www.peritus.lt) / EU funding, Project Management, Public Procurement, Strategic Research, PPP

GENCS VALTERS, Law Firm (www.gencs.eu ) / full service, general practice international business law firm with offices in Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius focused on tax, litigation, M&A, corporate, immigration, finance and intellectual property law

REGUS (www.regus.lt ) / The world leading provider of pioneering workplace solutions, with a large range of products and services from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the largest network of videoconference studios

KPMG Baltics, UAB (www.kpmg.com/lt ) /Audit, Tax, and Advisory services LAUTUS Holdings, UAB (www.lautus.lt ) / Asset management (mainly, private equity investments) and related strategic business advisory services (incl. insolvency management, legal consulting, fundraising (private placement), CPF

(www.bak.lt )/ Health Care

ODONTIKA (www.odontika.com) / Dental surgery

FINREDA, UAB (www.finreda.net) / Corporate services provider. Legal, financial and business consulting & services including translations to Lithuanian and foreign companies

CSC Baltic, UAB (www.csc.com) / IT services DANSKE BANK A/S LIETUVOS FILIALAS (www.danskebankas.lt) / Banking services DELOITTE (www.deloitte.lt) / Audit. Tax & Legal. Consulting.

Financial Advisory. Enterprise Risk Services

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GROUP, UAB (www.fmg.lt) / Accounting, tax consulting, legal advice

BCC PR Partner

Ober Haus Nekilnojamas Turtas (www.ober-haus.lt )/ All real estate services

DRUSKOS NAMAI (www.druskosnamai.lt) / Restaurant NEW! Eurocontinental Limited / Textiles

CORMACK CONSULTANCY BALTIC LT Ltd (www.ccbaltic.eu)/ Business development, export development, market researches, consultancy in investment, innovation, management

EVERSHEDS SALADŽIUS (www.evershedssaladzius.lt) / Legal services

CID Baltic

NOVOTEL VILNIUS CENTRE (Hekon, UAB) (www.accor.com) / Hotel services

DEKONA, Evaldo Darškaus IĮ (www.dekona.lt ) / Management Consulting: Operational efficiency, Lean, Six Sigma, process improvement

Radisson Blu Astorija hotel (www. radissonblu.com/hotel-vilnius) / Hotel, V & V Restaurant, Astorija Bar, Meetings & Evants center, Catering services Raidla Lejins & Norcous law offices (www.rln.lt) / Legal services in all fields of business law in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Belarus

DPD LiETUVA (www.dpd.lt) / Parcels delivery for business and private customers within Lithuania & EU countries, logistics solutions for business Strategic Staffing Solutions International Provider of information technology solutions.

Recruitment Services www.strategicstaff.com

(www.lemeridienvilnius.com) / 5 star Hotel, 8.000m2 Conference Centre, Catering Services, Spa, Fitness Centre, Leisure, PGA design Golf course, Over the water restaurant, Real Estate LawIN (www.lawin.com) / LAWIN is a leading and internationally highest ranked business law firm in the Baltics.

Monetų Namai, UAB (www.monetunamai.lt) / Collectable coins and medals MOTIEKA & AUDZEVIČIUS, Law Firm (www.ma-law.lt) / Legal services MIRROR SUPPORT SERVICES, UAB (www.mirroraccounting.lt ) / Accounting services

BCC Small company Members 999 Design Group (www.999design.com/) / Branding, Communications, Marketing, Packaging, Event, Digital media, Web Design Agency A Hostel ( www.hostelsvilnius.lt) / Accommodation Services Upgraded!

BALTIC HOLIDAYS (www.balticholidays.com) / Tour operator in the UK specializing in Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia BCS International Ltd (www.bcsinternational.net) / The Behaviour Change Specialists, are an international people development organisation, dedicated to the practical use of emotional intelligence to improve individual and team performance.

Celtic Asset Management, UAB / Real estate

SMITH GUTTRIDGE & ASSOCIATES (www.smith-guttridge. eu) / Business Psychology & HR Consulting including training/ coaching, career management and team and leadership development

Vilnius International School (www.vischool.lt) / International Baccalaureate World School. Early childhood education, primary and middle school

VINKLERIS and partners (www.legalconsulting.lt/) / international law firm providing legal advice regarding taxes, company establishment and competition, as well as family and labor law issues

BCC Social Members Christian Ranft Geoffrey Cohn Graham Keith Hugh Miles Thomas OBE, FCA Dr Helene Ryding James McGeever NEW! Jūratė Rusteikaitė – Bakšienė Mark Whittle Mervyn Richardson Richard Wernick Ron Sheppard Serge Gandzumian Sigitas Žutautas

BCC Board 2011-2013 Honorary President David Hunt, HM Ambassador to Lithuania Chairman Chris Butler Deputy Chairman Mike Little, Michael Little & Ko, UAB Algirdas Pekšys, SORAINEN Field of interest in the board - lobbying Alistair Day-Stirrat, Odontika Field of interest in the board - BCC paper Amit Majithia, Cormack Consultancy Baltic Lt Ltd Field of interest in the board - membership Geoffrey Cohn, Social member Field of interest in the board - BCC paper Robertas Juodka, Law Firm VARUL Field of interest in the board - lobbying Rimantas Tuskevičius, EKO RIVI, UAB Field of interest in the board - lobbying Sergejus Fedotovas, Ūkio banko investicinė grupė, UAB Field of interest in the board – membership Tim Mahon, Deloitte Field of interest in the board - finances Observer Ieva Binkauskaitė, British Embassy, UK Trade and Investment Section

BCC paper Summer 2012

AAbeautiful beautifu face face is is an an index index of of one’s one’s personality personality and and class class AND LIKEWISE LIKEWISE A beautiful restaurantAND is an index of its quality and class

A beautiful restaurant is an index of its quality and class

Bears the hallmark of both the characteristics indicated above

So VISIT VILNIUS’ MOST AUTHENTIC INDIAN RESTAURANT AT ITS EXOTIC LOCATION WHERE THE FOOD IS PREPARED

BY PROFESSIONAL INDIAN CHEFS Odminiu Street 3 (opposite the Cathedral), Vilnius LT 01122, Tel. (370 5) 2661887 / 2661888, Mobile (+370 6) 5599510 / 7771720 www.sues-lt.com, email: suesrestaurants@gmail.com