Business
Page 231
Business
A Canadian coffee shop in Kandahar, Chinese internet junkies go cold Turkey, and Jordan gets wired.
Blue-sky thinking
A small parts manufacturer from British Columbia, Viking Air had never thought about building aeroplanes. But acquiring licences for de Havilland’s beloved planes led to overwhelming global demand the firm couldn’t ignore.
Float market
The yachting industry has suffered knocks, with lower attendance at the Cannes boat fair. But there are signs of recovery and a new appreciation for old-school and sustainable boats.
Going logo
In a city known for flashy advertising, Hyundai Card launched a campaign based on subtlety and simplicity. Its Zen-like subway hoardings have entranced passers-by, choosing minimalism over noise.
Warm front
Røros-Tweed has been weaving Norwegian lambswool products since 1939, building on a local tradition that goes back centuries. Rescued from bankruptcy in 1968, it is now supplying some of the world’s top designers.
Bean there done that
Nespresso, part of the Nestlé Group, invented those clever capsules to make a tasty, mess-free cup of coffee in 1986. Today, the company is booming thanks to its Swiss heritage and corporate skill.
Observation
For inspiration to start your own business, take a walk in your local shopping district. That run-down pub or dreary café could be begging to be transformed into your own venture, writes Tyler Brûlé.
Life on the edge
This remote corner of Russia is a land of fire, ice and earthquakes. But with stunning scenery and vast salmon reserves, a seismic shift in its fortunes could be about to happen.
The living is easy
Sweden’s second city is fertile soil for small businesses thanks to its history of maritime adventure, the population’s can-do attitude and its intimate size, which helps keep the co-operative spirit alive and well.
Like a surgeon
With wild sturgeon disappearing, sustainable caviar farms like Germany’s Desietra are taking over. They can now produce even the much sought-after Beluga caviar, winning over the fussiest of chefs.
