Lyon’s 2000 years
of history illustrate the ability of this city to adapt to the changing
circumstances. Lyon was the first French city to
exchange currency and the first centre of banking within France.
Lyon and its hinterland form a dynamic
economy, accounting for some 10 per cent of French Gross Domestic
Product. This makes it an attractive European site and the largest
area for development outside of Paris. Other factors behind its
success include its geo-strategic position, excellent communication
network and the interplay between the private and public sectors
of the economy.
Lyon has excellent research
facilities, such as several universities, Grandes Ecoles
and research laboratories, such as the National Scientific
Research Centre (CNRS) and the National Institute
for Health and Medical Research (INSERM).
The city is home to a diverse range of businesses. Those that enjoy
an international reputation include textiles, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
The urban areas of Lyon have attracted several renowned IT companies,
such as Cap Gemini France and Infogrames.
Lyon and the surrounding area are home to more than 100 hi-tech
companies employing some 2000 people. The region is also considered
the French and European capital for interactive leisure. Outside
Paris, Lyon is also the main centre for business and management
consultancy services, including companies such as Ernst
and Young and Altran. The service sector
as a whole represents about three-quarters of the total jobs in
Lyon.
Most hi-tech companies are located in the Garland
area, while Part-Dieu is the more general business
district of Lyon, where large restructuring is currently underway.
To the northeast of central Lyon is La Cité Internationale,
which has been home to INTERPOL, the international
police organisation, since 1990.
Compared to the national average of 8.7 per cent, unemployment in
the Rhône-Alpes region is about 7.2 per cent.
For the past couple of years, Lyon itself has steadily had one of
the highest rates of job creation in France, particularly in the
service sector.
Business Etiquette
Offices hours are normally Monday to Friday
0900-1800 hrs, with an hour lunch break between 1300 and 1400.
Since the introduction of the 35 hour week in France, some people
are not available in offices on Friday afternoons. Suits and ties
are the norm in the financial sector, while the dress code in other
businesses tends to be more relaxed.
The French always exchange business cards at meetings. It is best
to address people for the first time with their full title. If speaking
French, it is advisable to use the polite ‘vous’ form
when meeting for the first time or if the relationship is formal.
The informal ‘tu’ should only be used once the other
person has started to use this him/herself.
Meetings may be booked for before or after lunch but will often
occur over lunch or dinner, where wine will play a big part in the
meal. Normally, the person who organised the meeting settles the
bill. More social dinners are often long and leisurely affairs in
Lyon. At formal dinners, diners must wait for the most important
guest or the host to give the signal to start eating. |
