Insider trading

Looking for new business abroad? We've asked experts from new spots within the network to provide executive guides to their cities

Featured December 11 Words by Simon De La Torre
Insider trading

IT'S NOT ALL economic doom and gloom right now. While these are indeed tough times in the world at large, there are some cities that are laughing in the face of the current downturn (or at least not exactly weeping).

These regions of success are actually attracting new custom from abroad, becoming business hot spots to rival the more established corporate centres in Europe. But while most execs know where to enjoy a power breakfast in Paris (La Galerie des Gobelins, in case you're wondering) or the correct etiquette when meeting a Frankfurt- based CEO (allow them to initiate the handshake - especially if they're senior to you), different rules apply elsewhere.

That's why we've rounded up some local experts to make sure that today's high-flyers can get the inside track on the markets of tomorrow. And, while there's no doubt that today's technology can enable breathtakingly realistic virtual meetings, it's fair to say that - even in the 21st century - the best way of doing business remains a good old face-to-face. So long as you get it right.

STOCKHOLM

It may be one of the smaller European countries, but Sweden punches above its weight when it comes to business. "North of Berlin, we're the biggest destination for foreign business travellers," says Olof Zetterberg, CEO of Stockholm Business Region development company. The capital has leapt from 21st place to 4th on the fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future list and companies from every (excuse the business-speak) vertical are beating a path to Stockholm. Why? "We've had steady growth for 15 years," says Zetterberg. "There are no safe havens, but here is as stable as it gets."

Your instant office The former site of a downtown bank, the luxury oak-panelled meeting rooms at the Nobis Hotel (nobishotel.se) are ideal for impressing potential clients.

Best spot for a working lunch Erik's Gondolen restaurant and bar (eriks.se) is extremely popular with execs and offers deal-making city views.

Where to celebrate a deal The Cadier Bar at the Grand H�tel (grandhotel.se) overlooks the impressive Royal Palace and harbour, and serves a mean shot of Absolut.

Airport business facilities Fully serviced office space, including a luxurious executive lounge. There's business support 24/7 in the form of a mailroom and general office back-up, receptionist, IT, telecoms, and cleaning and maintenance services (arlanda.se).

Local etiquette Punctuality is extremely important in Sweden, as is politeness. The Swedes speak extremely good English and expect the same in return - so go easy on the slang (and swearing's a no-no).

The phrase that pays "Tack f�r att att du tr�ffade mig. Jag ser fram emot att samarbeta i framtiden." (Thank you for meeting me. I look forward to working with you in the future.)

VIENNA

It might be bathed in aristocratic history, but this is a city that's looking forward. Second only to Paris in the aforementioned fDi awards for Western Europe, Vienna ticks numerous business boxes. "It's a combination of things - we have a very good quality of life, so people want to settle here," says Christian Mutschlechner, director of the Vienna Convention Bureau. "Also, we are ideally positioned geographically, as we link central and eastern European markets to the west."

Traditionally an administrative centre with a history in life sciences, Vienna is now diversifying into other areas. "We are establishing a media centre," says Mutschlechner, "and are developing new areas of industry, like television and digital services."

Your instant office Located in Vienna's central business district, eOffice (eoffice.net) offers high-spec satellite offices and services, such as video conferencing.

Best spot for a working lunch Restaurant Hansen (hansen.co.at) is located right underneath the Vienna Stock Exchange and guarantees a buzzing atmosphere all week long.

Where to celebrate a deal Hit the Sky Bar (skybar.at) for the panoramic views and a large selection of upmarket cocktails.

Airport business facilities Vienna Airport (viennaairport.com) has its Office Park within the grounds of a 50,000m2 business park, with all the conveniences busy execs jetting in and out might need.

Local etiquette Austrian culture is quite conservative and business life can be highly formalised, so be on your best, most polished, behaviour.

The phrase that pays "Es war ein Vergn�gen Sie kennenzulernen." (It was a pleasure meeting you.)

BUCHAREST

Nicknamed Little Paris for its elegant architecture, Bucharest is also closing the gap on Europe's major business capitals. "The cost of operating here is still relatively low, so we're an attractive destination for new and expanding businesses," says Bogdan Frincu, PR and marketing manager of World Trade Center Bucharest.

The Financial Times considers Romania's capital to be one of the most business-friendly cities in Europe, and it's developing rapidly, with new markets opening as a result. "We have established industries in automotive and information-technology sectors, but the construction and retail sectors are growing," says Frincu.

Your instant office Located downtown, the World Trade Center Bucharest building (wtcb.ro) offers both long- and short-term, fully equipped office space with parking.

Best spot for a working lunch Casa di David, in the uptown area, is considered one of the city's best restaurants and a favourite for high rollers (casadidavid.ro).

Where to celebrate a deal Spread out on the comfy leather sofas in the luxurious Bamboo Club (bambooclub.ro), where dressing to impress is de rigueur.

Airport business facilities Complimentary PC use, Wifiaccess, as well as copy and fax services are available in the well-appointed business lounge (bucharestairports.ro).

Local etiquette Romanians are often friendly and social, but reserved when it comes to business. Lunches can be long, so go easy on the wine and maintain a conservative approach.

The phrase that pays "A fost o placere sa va cunosc. Sper sa putem vorbi din nou in curand." (It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can talk again soon.)

ISTANBUL

Turkey's economy grew by 8.9% last year, thereby becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. "It 's the only Muslim country that has had this kind of economic boom," says Frederic Farre, director of business consultants TURnKEY. "It's close to China in terms of growth."

It may not be the capital, but a third of industry, a third of imports and a fifth of exports are from Istanbul, making it the country's centre for industry and commerce. "The people are natural traders - they have a great business spirit," says Farre.

Your instant office Short- and long-term office space, as well as ad-hoc meeting rooms, can be arranged through local experts like TURnKEY (turnkey.com).

Best spot for a working lunch The bustling Vogue restaurant (istanbuldoors.com) sits at the top of an office tower that houses consultancies and advertising agencies.

Where to celebrate a deal The bar at the Bebek Hotel (bebekhotel. com.tr) has long been a haunt for Turkish CEOs. Rub shoulders with local execs before moving to the in-house Les Ambassadeurs restaurant.

Airport business facilities Whether unwinding after a trip or preparing for a meeting, the newly renovated CIP lounge, with wireless internet, at Istanbul International is a good bet (ataturkairport.com).

Local etiquette Much like their southern Mediterranean counterparts, Istanbulites don't clock-watch: they eat late and party even later. Given the city's traffic, allow at least an extra 15 minutes to get to any scheduled meeting on time.

The phrase that pays "Memnum oldum." (It's a pleasure to meet you.)