© Jeff Danziger. Global Geneva Magazine: Off the Wall: Donald Trump’s Global Reset
Since the publication of its 76-page pilot issue last December, 2016, the new Global Geneva Magazine has now come out with its April-May, 2017, print and e-edition.
The editorially-independent English-language publication, which comes out six times a year and focuses on quality reporting with insight on ‘international Geneva’ themes, also provides regular articles online. While the majority of its content draws on its world-wide network of over 2,000 journalists, photographers, cartoonists, film-makers, producers and specialists, Global Geneva also serves as an ‘oped’ platform for members of the Global Geneva Support Community to contribute articles that are non-promotional and meet the magazine’s editorial standards.
“The purpose of Global Geneva is to offer critical reporting with good writing that is compelling and not politically correct,” maintains Swiss-American editor, Edward Girardet. “Our aim is to provoke open debate of key issues in the public interest, such as the potential impact of Trump’s policies on international Geneva and the world or the manner with which France is allowing uncontrolled property developers to destroy local cultural heritage and dictate urban division in the Lake Geneva region. These are issues that concern us all, but which need better and more consistent reporting. We’re trying to support a return to quality journalism.”
If you are looking to buy a property in the French Alps, or indeed you have a property to sell, it can be quite a daunting process if your French is not great, or you don’t know the region well.
If you only speak English, it is tempting to use one of the UK-based firms to manage the process for you, but if they don’t have local people “on the ground”, then you are potentially missing out on a wealth of information, which can make or break a deal, and result in you buying a far from perfect mountain getaway.
Likewise, if you insist on using a local French-speaking agency to search for your ideal property, you risk overlooking the small details – either the agents don’t understand what you are searching for, or you totally misunderstand the small print on the contract!
Clearly the ideal solution is to deal with a company that has agents who live in the region and understand the market like a local, but who appreciate some of the finer points that matter to international buyers, and can take you through the entire process of buying a property from initial search through to signing of contracts – in your own language!
One company, which has been doing this for nearly 20 years, but which has only recently been brought to our attention, is Alpine Property. A web-based, French-registered estate agency, Alpine Property currently has 17 bilingual agents, who live and work in the Haute Savoie region of France.
If you’re considering embarking on a home or garden renovation project this year, then you should take a look at what the Swiss-registered English-speaking building company, PURE BUILD, can offer you.
Working since 2006 and rebranded as 'PURE BUILD' in 2012, Greg Brown will manage the entire project for you, from initial concept and sourcing architects, through to interior design and/or planting trees.
The branding PURE BUILD reflects the aim to be as sustainable and environmentally conscious as possible, using sustainable materials, responsible waste management and efficient transport and work ethics.
PURE BUILD specializes in two main fields: Home Renovations including carpentry, masonry and decoration; and Garden Landscaping, which includes terraces, earth works, masonry, carpentry and plant science.
5% discount for knowitall.ch readers on all orders placed before end of 2017!
If you have a home improvement project in mind for 2017, which involves an element of woodwork, then you should talk to Woodhouse Carpentry in Geneva.
Set up in 2013 by Englishman Sam Woodhouse, a locally trained cabinet maker, the company specializes in bespoke furniture, fitted bookshelves and wardrobes, but is also able to fit internal hinged and sliding doors, install mezzanine beds and undertake external woodwork such as decking and fences.
Asked why he decided to set up his business here in Geneva, Sam told knowitall.ch, “After I completed my training as a cabinet maker at the professional woodwork school in Geneva (CFC Menuisier), it soon became apparent that there were several English-speaking tradesmen and handymen in the region, but few who were equipped with a workshop for quality woodwork and cabinet making. So I decided to set up my own small woodwork business where we could all work together in well-equipped workshops close to Geneva airport. Our workshop is based in a professional woodworking collective in Vernier where the total experience totals more than 70 years."
Alina Pop (left) with one of her staff, Otilia Moise, at the recent Expat Expo fair in Geneva.
10% discount for knowitall.ch readers on their first cleaning session!
If you’ve lived in the Lake Geneva area any number of years, and you don’t have the time to clean your own house, then you will realise just how difficult it can be to find and keep a good, reliable cleaner. Good ones are nearly always fully booked and the rest seem to come and go as they please. The best ones can also get away with charging steep hourly rates, because they know you are desperate!
As a busy international economist and EU lawyer, originally from Romania, Alina Pop knows only too well how hard it can be to keep on top of the housework. Traveling frequently between the States and Switzerland, she has had plenty of time to reflect on the problem and consider how she may help others in a similar situation to herself. So in March 2015, she created Zenali Property Management, a professional service, with trusted employees, who can act promptly to requests, and who won’t charge a small fortune to do so!
Alina told knowitall.ch, “All my team are my employees, not just some names from a list that I call when I have cleaning requests. They are all legal, holders of Swiss working permits, with AVS and paid taxes, health insurance, work accidents and work damage insurance. We are a big family in Zenali. All workers have their own cars, provided by the company, to go to work, in order to be able to serve clients not only in Geneva, but up to Lausanne and also across the French border, where plenty of expats live.”
