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S P E C I A L I S T M A G A Z I N E F O R M E M B E R S A N D F R I E N D S O F A B R A

Feature Interview: Edith Vervliet

Real Estate, Art & Champagne

A new school year

Member’s News

As the new school year gets underway we decided to go creative here at ReLocate. We’re delighted to not only bring you the latest from two of our member schools - proving once again that international educa-tion is at the forefront of innovation and success - but to also take a walk on the wild side in Brussels’ Oud Korenhuis. We spent a most delightful afternoon with Edith Vervliet, Direc-tor of the Flanders Fashion Institute discussing what Belgium has to offer the international world of fashion and design and how

she views international relations. Staying with the creative theme we were pleasantly surprised by the brand new EXPArT gal-lery in Brussels, supported by domoXim real estate.

And yes, you may have noticed from the content that due to the summer recess there will be no Society Page in this issue, but we promise to make up for it next time! Enjoy, welcome back and I look forward to seeing all of you very soon indeed.

ABRA President

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Edito 2

Expatriation: a look at

the future

Last places available!

2

European Peace &

Securities:

A brand new programme

3

BSB

Student success kicks off

the new school year

3

FFI: Edith Vervliet

Feature Interview

4-

5

Real Estate, Art &

Champagne

domoXim joins the arts

crowd

6

Member’s News

7

Dates for your Diary 8

With special thanks to our sponsors for their continued support

Cover photograph: Fiona Klomp ‘MoMu’

EDITO

Expatriation: a look at the future

Interest in this very first ABRA event for HR Professionals has been impressive and only a

few places remain.

“We look forward to an informative and fun day at BoZar on October 12th,” says Eddy

Bonne, president of ABRA. “The line-up of guest speakers is pretty impressive, even if I say

so myself. Be sure to reserve your place and join us during this very special day.”

“Preparing for the rebirth of confidence”

12 October, Bozar, Brussels 09h30 – 10h00: Registration 10h00 – 10h45: Trends in expat policies: first signs of economic recovery

Mike Wincott, Partner at Deloitte Global Employer Services 10h45 – 11h30: Attracting and retaining top talent in Belgium Practical case study: UCB

Ann Gudiens, Associate Director International Mobility at UCB 11h30 – 12h15: Trends of the future

Nathalie Bekx, Trendwatcher

12h15 – 14h00: Lunch with the US ambassador in Belgium, Mr. H.E. Howard Gutman

For further details and to register: visit www.abra-relocation.com

European Peace and Securities Programme

“Vesalius College Launches European Peace and Security Studies Pro-gramme”

Finding this header in our inbox was reason enough to contact Wil-lemijn Nieuwenhuys, Director of Recruitment and External Relations and EPSS Academic Director Dr Joachim Koops, and find out a little more about this groundbreaking programme.

As Willemijn tells us: “Starting in Fall 2010, Vesalius College Brussels will offer a new and exciting programme as part of its International Affairs major. The European Peace and Security Studies (EPSS) pro-gramme offers in-depth and unique insights into the changing nature and fundamental challenges of contemporary peace and security issues from a distinctly Brussels Perspective.

By bringing together the Conflict Studies Department of the Belgian Royal Military Academy (RMI), the Institute of European Studies (IES) and the University of Kent at Brussels, Vesalius College will take the lead in providing students with cutting-edge teaching and analyses required for understanding and assessing today’s complex causes of war and multi-dimensional approaches to peacekeeping and crisis management in Europe and beyond.”

The programme includes five interrelated courses: European Peace and Security Studies, The European Union’s Common Security and De-fence Policy in Theory and Practice (both taught by Vesalius College); Military Approaches to Security (taught by the RMI); Civilian Ap-proaches to Security (taught by Kent University).

The IES, finally, will provide a course exploring the major conflicts NATO and the EU and are currently involved in – from Af-ghanistan and Africa to the Balkans, the Caucasus, Middle East and Asia.

The courses are complemented by weekly guest lectures delivered by expert analysts and leading practitioners from the European Union, NATO, the United Nations and related security organizations. This al-lows students to deepen their knowledge of practical aspects of Euro-pean peace and security issues.

At the end of the EPSS semester, successful students will be awarded the Diploma in European Peace and Security Studies.

As EPSS Academic Director, Dr Joachim Koops, stresses, “The EPSS pro-gramme will not only offer students comprehensive and in-depth knowledge on a wide range of peace and security issues, but will also help candidates to establish crucial contacts in high-level policy-making circles in Brussels. Both will serve as a major advantage for their future career paths.”

Vesalius College Brussels offers 3-year Bachelor programmes in Busi-ness, Communications and International Affairs, all taught in English. Founded in 1987 by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Boston Univer-sity, Vesalius College offers American-style education that includes small classes, high teacher/student ratios and participatory classroom experiences. With a diverse student body drawn from all corners of the globe, Vesalius College provides an enriching academic and cultural experience.

Further information on the programme can be found on the Vesalius College website: www.vesalius.edu or by contacting willemijn.nieuwenhuys@vub.ac.be

The British School of Brussels (BSB) also comes with some excellent news to get the new school year off to a great start. BSB is delighted at this summer’s crop of IB and A Level results and the success that this year’s students have had in reach-ing the universities of their choice. “I am so pleased at the numbers of students - especially in this difficult year in the UK for university placements - who have reached the destination of their choice this year; almost 100%” said Sue Woodroofe, Head of Secondary School. “From Harvard to the London School of Economics, from Medicine to Architecture, our students have achieved some super results and are heading for top universities worldwide.” This year has seen the introduction of the A* grade at A Level and we are thrilled for the students who have achieved this new, top grade. “In the Art Department, all candidates received a grade A and over 50% scored the new A* grade, for example – a wonderful achievement,” she added. There were also A*s awarded in English, Mathematics, Biology, Geography and Sociology. In the IB Diploma, BSB is delighted that a third of all students achieved a score higher than 36 points and over two thirds achieved a score of over 30 – a massive comparative percentage against the worldwide averages. At 34, the mean Diploma points score is also very impressive. BSB’s Principal, Dr Brenda Despontin, shared her delight with the results overall as well as the university destinations of BSB students. “This has been a very competitive year, as we have all seen and heard in the press, yet our students have worked with dedication, inspired by a committed group of teachers and support staff, to achieve their very best and we are very proud of them.”

R E L O C A T E P A G E 3

Dr Brenda Despontin

Principal

British School of Brussels

Flanders Fashion Institute: an international approach Edith Vervliet began her career with the Dutch publishing company Kluwer. Towards the end of the nineties she continued with Biblo Publishers and Roularta as project manager and combined this position with inward investment at Antwerp Business Center where foreign companies looking to invest in Belgium receive advice and support during their start-up. Mostly these were European companies, but some came from further afield and their areas of expertise ranged from HR and ICT to medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

In 2006 Edith Vervliet was appointed general manager of the Flanders Fashion Institute where an overhaul was urgently needed. Her organizational mind and practical view of business led to a new life for the non-profit organization charged with promoting the Belgian fashion industry at home and abroad.

One of the many changes to grow from her directorship included the joining forces of the FFI with the Flanders District of Creativity npo. Together they were able to increase the level of funding that would help them reach new heights. Flanders DC’s mission statement went from ‘stimulating creativity in business’ to incorporate FFI’s mission to ‘stimulate entrepreneur-ship in the creative industry’. ReLocate is delighted to bring you this interview with a most charming force and mind.

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RL: The reorganization of FFI and the joining of forces with Flanders DC brought about a number of exciting national and international initiatives, which have been the most memora-ble?

EV: “At the start of this year we brought the Flanders Show-room to New York Fashion Week for the first time. We’ve taken part in Paris Fashion Week a few times before, but New York is totally different. The aim of the Flanders Show-room is not just to promote upcoming talents but also to pro-mote the Flemish fashion industry itself. Once you are no-ticed by the big designers, buyers and press the ‘regular’ pub-lic will follow. On a more local level initiatives such as the Antwerp Fashion Walk have been a big success, introducing the public to some great shops and designers.” RL: Moving from the corporate world into such a creative industry may seem a big change, but has it really been so dif-ferent?

EV: “I approach the fashion industry just like I would any other area of business; it’s just another part of our economy. Clothing needs designing, producing and selling; people de-pend on the industry for their income. Yes, it’s a creative business, but just like gaming, performing arts and audio-visual arts it is a commercial enterprise. At the end the out-come needs to find an audience or a client who buys it.

Often it’s the smaller entrepreneurs and organizations that need support and guidance, which is where FFI comes in. These designers have studied for years perfecting their craft but have never been confronted with the harsh reality of business.

FFI doesn’t just help designers by promoting them both here and abroad, but also with a more general career guidance. Guidance ranges from finding a final year student a good in-ternship or the right job after graduating, right through to the development of their first real collection. A business plan needs to be written and the concept must be commercially viable, so really the fashion industry is just like any other; the business elements are universally applicable no matter what the industry.

The difference really lies in the fact that, however sexy and interesting it appears as an industry, fashion is actually a very risky business. The designer must make a name for him or herself - the branding aspect - and the collection depends on this for its success. It’s a very fragile industry that requires much support and nourishment.

Pre-financing for a collection takes much longer; you’re look-ing for an entirely different type of investor to help launch a designer or brand. The investor has to realize that the return on investment takes much longer than in other sectors. You don’t invest for financial enrichment; you invest for an intel-lectual enrichment.” RL: In working abroad have you noticed many differences in the workplace?

EV: “There are huge differences between nations; each coun-try has its own culture. Just look at the difference between the Dutch and the Belgians; even at such a small geographical distance the change in thinking and style of doing business is noticeable. As we like to say: ‘Nederlanders zijn plannen-makers, Belgen zijn plantrekkers.’ Working with someone from the Far East requires an entirely different approach than someone from the West.” RL: What character traits do you feel a person would need in order to successfully navigate doing business or working abroad?

EV: “I think more than anything you need to be adaptable, flexible. You have to be open to the culture of the person sitting opposite you. Experience of different backgrounds and cultures is something that you carry with you, it gives you the kind of baggage that you will always be able to fall back on.”

RL: The Belgian fashion industry enjoys a good reputation abroad. Does this mean a lot of international students come to Antwerp?

EV: “Most certainly, around 90% of the fashion students studying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp come

R E L O C A T E

from abroad. I think the student body of the academy repre-sents some 27 different countries. Each year 12 to 14 stu-dents graduate in fashion, of which maybe one or two are Belgian. A number of these international students will return home again after their studies, but some will stay here to live and work.

The fact that these students come from another country means they experience their surroundings in a completely different way. Often they’re a bit older, more mature; they may have already studied in another field such as architec-ture or history.

This international character is part of what gives Antwerp her cosmopolitan vibe; it fuels some very independent and strong designs and brings about exactly that ‘stubborn’ style that Flemish design is best known for.” RL: What do you feel Belgium has to offer the expat?

EV: “Belgium enjoys unique positioning; it really is the gate-way to Europe. It’s small and easy to navigate but is an excel-lent market to test a product or concept before introducing it to the rest of Europe. It straddles the cultural boundaries between Germanic and Latin Europe.

And of course Belgium is home to the EU and NATO as well as other international organizations. It’s cosmopolitan without being too large and offers great food and arts. It’s easy to integrate into the social fabric of life here.” RL: Over the last few years many industries have relo-cated to Asian countries which has had a massive im-pact on the market both here and abroad. Is this the case in the fashion industry as well?

EV: “Very much so, a lot of manufacturers have moved their factories to places like northern Africa or Eastern Europe, some even further to China or India.

It’s irreversible and has had a great impact on employment as well as production. Essen-tial materials such as fabrics and production may be a lot cheaper, but we mustn’t for-get to cherish our local manufacturers as they are paramount to our success.

It’s not just local jobs that are affected, but the creative process itself is too.

You need a minimum of products available locally. Much can be achieved through modern technology but not everything and always. At the end of the day it’s just like a building site: an architect also has to visit his wharf site daily. Fabrics, pat-terns, toile’s, everything has to be touched and seen. A lot of communication is needed between the designer and the manufacturer to bring a collection to life.” RL: You clearly cherish Belgium. Is there anywhere in the world you could not imagine living? And conversely, which places still hold an appeal?

EV: “I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many places and have always enjoyed my travels, but if I must choose: I don’t think I could ever live in Moscow. Perhaps it was the time of year that I visited, but it was minus 20 degrees and every-thing was covered in this brown soot from the coal fires. The people didn’t seem very happy. Manila was also an experi-ence: very chaotic, lots of criminality…

Somewhere near the water really appeals to me though, where the people are friendly and open. Maybe Asia…, but somewhere less exotic and closer to home would also do.” (laughs) RL: Edith, it’s been a real pleasure speaking with you today and thank you again for taking the time out for us. We wish you and the FFI all the best with your endeavours in support-ing and promoting the Flemish fashion industry and look for-ward to following your designers in their careers.

“You don’t invest for financial

enrichment: you invest for an

intellectual enrichment”

Brussels has become the home of EXPArT Gallery: a gal-lery aimed not just at the regular ‘art crowd’ but more specifically aims to bring together all expatriates, diplo-mats and the Belgian public in an artistic and cultural venue through public and private events.

As Walter Vermeeren of domoXim explains: “We heard about the concept and really liked the idea of bringing something different to our clients. A new atmosphere of relaxation and discovery; an international meeting point at the heart of Brussels. It is good to support bright, new ideas and concepts.

We’re very excited about EXPArT; as a platform for both expat and local artists to exhibit, but also as a meeting point. When arriving somewhere new, one of the biggest challenges is finding a social circle that you can really connect with.

With events such as Thursday’s Martini Apero’s - in the spirit of an after works party - and a Sushi and Taste Gal-lery on Fridays we feel EXPArT offers that special some-thing that will help our clients settle in their new home-town.”

So where did the concept originate from? As organizers Didier Hannecart, Marc Eulaerts and Carlos Romao ex-plain: “Marc and Carlos came from the same background, the automotive business. Where before they assisted Expats and Diplomats in their “motor” mobility needs for a large corporation, they decided to launch Brussels Capi-tal Concierge; to take what we call personal assistance a

step forward and open up avenues to an unlimited variety of services to the International and Diplomatic community of Brussels. Our “product” is a time saving and efficient personal assistance program. “

Didier and Carlos on the other hand, were already friends when ‘Art Champagne’ was launched; a series of events aimed at bringing the corporate and artistic crowds to-gether through Art Openings, After-works and cultural events.

“After a very successful diplomatic event, we decided that an Artistic Gallery in a prestigious venue in the heart of Brussels would bring an added value to both our busi-nesses. Art Champagne would then have a fixed venue and we would base our HQ office behind the scenes of a unique artistic house.”

The gallery is open to all internationals wanting to experi-ence and enjoy the artistic way of life in Brussels. Exhibi-tions, after-works mixers, private events, wine-tastings and many other happenings still to come will be held at the gallery throughout the year.

“The idea is to incorporate art into everything we do. The gallery will still keep the traditional concept of an art gal-lery, by exhibiting art, organizing “Vernissages” and pro-moting new and notorious artists in all areas. In résumé, our doors are open to all of you art lovers out there. “

For a full listing of events visit www.expartgallery.be

For many Belgians, some parts of the Brussels city centre stand for the harder city life, too frequently wrongly repre-

sented in the press. But just take the street uphill at Manneken Pis, passing in front of the Brussels Parliament, and

you will find a very inviting and lively neighbourhood at the place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés or the Oud Korenhuis:

many new restaurants including the trendy La Brasserie de Bruxelles, the Jacques Brel Foundation and the newest

Delacre deli-shop. Many of the new business make use of the very old Brussels buildings used centuries ago as corn

storages, which explains the name of the place.

So what then would the connection be for domoXim Real Estate and why become involved in such a completely dif-

ferent area? A quick word with Walter Vermeeren, Managing Director at domoXim sheds light on a bright idea.

Real Estate, Art & Champagne

R E L O C A T E P A G E 6

R E L O C A T E P A G E 7

ReLocate magazine is always delighted to be able to bring you the very latest in what our members have been up to. This section will be a regular feature in our new look newsletter, so please be sure to keep us updated of your news! Any items for inclusion may be sent directly to Fiona Klomp via fiona.klomp@telenet.be

In order to give our customers more comfort in their short term rental packages, coat hangers will now be provided with each coat stand. IN-Lease, The Furniture Rental Company

domoXim has been up and running for 555 days and will be celebrating this milestone with a special eve-ning.

domoXim is delighted to invite all ABRA members to their event on Thursday 7th October, hosted by comedian Dirk Denoyelle for a re-freshing view on the world today.

RSVP or further information: events@domoxim.be

The Arass Suite hotel has the pleasure to announce the fol-lowing: in addition to our traditional temporary housing, we are proud to offer you some unique properties for long or short term rent in the Antwerp region. Our exclusive selection of brand new 1,2 & 3 bedroom apart-ments are ideally located in one of the most wanted areas of the Antwerp Region. For any further information, please visit our website www.arasshotel.be ( permanent residences ) or contact Kristoffel Verstreken at 03 206 71 00. Cocktail Reception to celebrate BSB’s 40th Anniversary

The British School of Brussels (BSB) will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with a cocktail reception at the British Ambassa-dor’s Residence on Thursday 21 October 2010. Please visit www.britishschoool.be to find out more.

If you are involved in expatriate assignments and international mobility and would like to attend, please send an email with details to: 40years@britishschool.be Royal La Rasante would like to invite all ABRA members and their families for a free wellness day in our Aspria clubs. Please contact Gregory Marlier at gmarlier@apsria.be

Kiddy & Junior Classes absl will be organising an information day at their offices on September 11th from 12.30 to 5 pm. There are ten languages offered: Dutch, English, French, Span-ish, German, Italian, Chinese, Greek, Russian and Arabic and seven timetable possibilities. Holiday courses are also offered during the traditional school holidays. “Our methodology, based on important psycho-pedagogical research and constantly refined since 1980, aims to train the child to pick up and reproduce the sounds of another language and to express him- or herself in that language. The variety of techniques and activities provides constant stimulation for each child.”

For further information please contact: Alice at info@kiddyclasses.net NEW OPENING: PARTENAMUT Business & Expats opens its first agency dedicated to people arriving from abroad as well as to companies employing foreigners.

Our dedicated corporate team is going to move in very soon and will carry on dealing with requests of our VIP clients.

As you know, managing health for foreigners is our main con-cern as well as helping new comers to Belgium to safely settle down. Now they will have their own agency to get information from.

Partenamut Business & Expats also provides companies with health and wellness solutions to get motivated and healthy employees enjoying their workplace.

Our agency will open at the end of September in the European area: Rue Montoyer 41 1000 Brussels

Do not hesitate to come and visit us! We will be much pleased to welcome you. corporate-relations@partenamut.be www.movetobelgium.be Antwerp International School is proud to announce the student per-formance of Walt Disney’s musical CABARET at the AIS theatre.

Shows are on 26th and 27th of November, your complementary tickets can be ordered through: marketing@ais-antwerp.be

Dates for your Diary

Tuesday 21st September 2010 - ABRA Members Meeting Location: KBC Bank, Havenlaan 2, 1080 Brussel - ENSOR Room Time: 15h00 onwards.

12th October 2010 - BOOK NOW! “Expatriation: a look at the future” an exclusive event for top management and HR professionals brought to you by ABRA

FURTHER ABRA MEMBERS MEETINGS: Tuesday 14th December 2010 - location and speakers to be announced

NEW DATE 13th - 15th April 2011 12th International Relocation Congress Palma de Mallorca “Inspiration, Dedication, Re:Creation” visit www.eura-relocation.com for further details

If you would like to see your event listed in ReLocate,

or for further information on advertising, please contact

admin@abra-relocation.com with the details.

ReLocate is published quarterly, in March, June, September and November.

www.abra-relocation.com

Expatriation: a look at the future

12th October 2010 - BOZAR, Brussels.

The very first ABRA event for HR Professionals!

With an outstanding line-up of guest

speakers

including US Ambassador

Mr Howard Gutman.

Limited places available so book now!

www.abra-relocation.com

With thanks to our sponsor