London - Paris

www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=10849106&fsrc=nwlgafree

With living experience in both European cities I can only recommend reading this article from the Economist. It provides a broadview with specific insights on why London and Paris are what they are in 2008, why they are different, and why these differences will continue to exist...because its in the city's dna, in their roots and linked to the culture!

Its clear to me that these differences are identical to for instance companies and their corporate culture, afterall its the history, the people and future vision which reflects the true nature of a company and its place in the market. Ability to change, adapt, attract investors and foremost attract managers and talent will be easier if the surroundings are more cosmopolitan rather than national or... even provincial!

From that perspective there is today a clear competitive advantage for London versus Paris. If Paris is able to create an "entrepreneurial climate", attract investors, reduce the costs of running a business and in particular the various company and personel charges , simplify procedures for starting business and have more flexible labour laws... I am sure it will become a more competitive market place.

What continuously strikes me is the limited knowledge of the French in people in dealing with the English language. Even younger generations seems still very uncomfortable in speaking english! Despite language influencers such as music, movies, travelling abroad and the internet, my feeling is that there is still a strong barrier. As a result we noticed a strong growth for English language institutions such as the Wall Street Institute. I have no information if these new companies are succesful or not, but they certainly create "noise" with radio, billboard and subway advertising!

An old saying: En France on a pas de petrol, mais on a du bon vin et des ideas! Or in France we don't have oil, but good wine and ideas!