Monday, October 30, 2006
Teaching English vacancy
For those of you looking for work in Sardinia, there is a vacancy to teach English in Alghero, starting within the next month, so if you aren’t yet qualified you still have the chance to do so.
Send me an email and I’ll forward on your request.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com and the co-author of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese.
Send me an email and I’ll forward on your request.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com and the co-author of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese.
Grill Mario on starting a business in Italy
Our Skype chats on Saturday were so successful, that we've decided to extend them.
From now on, everyone that buys a copy of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese will get the chance to take part in that month's 1-hour Skype chat on starting a business in Italy.
Our business guru and Italian chartered accountant Mario Berri also participates in the chats so you get the chance to grill him for free.
All you need to do is send us your order number, where you bought it from, your address and your Skpe user name (if you don't already have Skype, download it for free from www.skype.com) and we'll send you the details of the next Skype chat that you can take part in.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com and the co-author of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese
From now on, everyone that buys a copy of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese will get the chance to take part in that month's 1-hour Skype chat on starting a business in Italy.
Our business guru and Italian chartered accountant Mario Berri also participates in the chats so you get the chance to grill him for free.
All you need to do is send us your order number, where you bought it from, your address and your Skpe user name (if you don't already have Skype, download it for free from www.skype.com) and we'll send you the details of the next Skype chat that you can take part in.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com and the co-author of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Turning the Italian dream into reality
Isn't it great when you see people moving towards their dreams?
That happened just now in the first of our free Skype chats for those people who have bought our book Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese.
With the numbers kept deliberately small, we could find out about each person's plan for becoming an expatreneur in Italy and offer tips and suggestions for working on their plan.
Next week Mario, who is the general director of a company as well as a chartered accountant registered in Italy, will also be sitting in on the Skype chats meaning we'll be stepping up a gear and offering top notch advice and inspiration on the nuts and bolts of businesses in the Bel Paese to really get things moving.
It's also inspired us to offer mentoring sessions on Business Building in Italy. More details coming soon.
And if you haven't read Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese, why not get your copy? Here's what three readers have had to say:
'Having realized that the career I wanted didn’t exist in Italy, I felt compelled to start my own business. Panic was my first initial reaction; Where do I start? How much will it all cost? Is it possible? The information in Starting a Business in Italy is easy to understand and Mario's Pearl's of Wisdom have been invaluable. I am now filled with excitement rather than Panic. Thank you' - Nicky Payne, Dorset, UK.
'The hard work that Emma Bird has invested into this incredibly creative and informative book is evident in every page. For every person that has ever had a dream of living, investing, working, etc. in Italy ... this book has your name written all over it. Every page will answer yet another question that perhaps you had doubts with. Every page will bring you closer to your dream ... good luck! Enjoy!' - Stephanie Scotto, Cagliari, Italy.
'As far as the book, I really have enjoyed reading it so far. I brought it to Nashville with me this weekend and set it down before going out, only to come home and not finding it where I left it- apparently my father found it just as interesting as I did! Ciao! - Laura Buonanno, Louisville, USA.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com and the co-author of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese
That happened just now in the first of our free Skype chats for those people who have bought our book Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese.
With the numbers kept deliberately small, we could find out about each person's plan for becoming an expatreneur in Italy and offer tips and suggestions for working on their plan.
Next week Mario, who is the general director of a company as well as a chartered accountant registered in Italy, will also be sitting in on the Skype chats meaning we'll be stepping up a gear and offering top notch advice and inspiration on the nuts and bolts of businesses in the Bel Paese to really get things moving.
It's also inspired us to offer mentoring sessions on Business Building in Italy. More details coming soon.
And if you haven't read Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese, why not get your copy? Here's what three readers have had to say:
'Having realized that the career I wanted didn’t exist in Italy, I felt compelled to start my own business. Panic was my first initial reaction; Where do I start? How much will it all cost? Is it possible? The information in Starting a Business in Italy is easy to understand and Mario's Pearl's of Wisdom have been invaluable. I am now filled with excitement rather than Panic. Thank you' - Nicky Payne, Dorset, UK.
'The hard work that Emma Bird has invested into this incredibly creative and informative book is evident in every page. For every person that has ever had a dream of living, investing, working, etc. in Italy ... this book has your name written all over it. Every page will answer yet another question that perhaps you had doubts with. Every page will bring you closer to your dream ... good luck! Enjoy!' - Stephanie Scotto, Cagliari, Italy.
'As far as the book, I really have enjoyed reading it so far. I brought it to Nashville with me this weekend and set it down before going out, only to come home and not finding it where I left it- apparently my father found it just as interesting as I did! Ciao! - Laura Buonanno, Louisville, USA.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com and the co-author of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese
Friday, October 27, 2006
What is going on with the tax reforms?
The tax reforms are all back up in the air again, and this time it seems that only those who hit Eur150,000 annual income will now be eligible for income tax at 45 per cent.
No one really knows what is going to happen. But I will keep you posted.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com and the co-author of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese.
No one really knows what is going to happen. But I will keep you posted.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com and the co-author of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
New Diary Dates
The latest additions to our diary are as follows:
Dec 28, 29, 30, 2006
January 2,3,4,5, 2007
Both Mario and I will be available for 1-hour, 2-hour or all day sessions to work on your business plan for Italy. These sessions will take place in Wimborne, Dorset.
Business Building Bootcamp
May 11-13, 2007
No matter how vague your ideas at the start, by the end of this workshop, you'll have come up with a strategy plan for your new business in Italy and have all you need to know to make it a success.
Starting a Business in Italy is not for the faint-hearted. It takes guts, courage, hardwork, energy, commitment and a leap of faith. But get it right and you'll be living the life of your dreams in the Bel Paese.
Lesley Dever, who took part in our course last year, has now moved so far forward she has already published her brochures and her website will be launching soon.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com and the co-author of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese.
Dec 28, 29, 30, 2006
January 2,3,4,5, 2007
Both Mario and I will be available for 1-hour, 2-hour or all day sessions to work on your business plan for Italy. These sessions will take place in Wimborne, Dorset.
Business Building Bootcamp
May 11-13, 2007
No matter how vague your ideas at the start, by the end of this workshop, you'll have come up with a strategy plan for your new business in Italy and have all you need to know to make it a success.
Starting a Business in Italy is not for the faint-hearted. It takes guts, courage, hardwork, energy, commitment and a leap of faith. But get it right and you'll be living the life of your dreams in the Bel Paese.
Lesley Dever, who took part in our course last year, has now moved so far forward she has already published her brochures and her website will be launching soon.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com and the co-author of Starting a Business in Italy: how to set up and run a successful business in the Bel Paese.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Move to Bolzano if you want a better standard of living
Legambiente, the Italian environmental organisation, has published its league table into the health of Italy's 103 capoluoghi di provincia (main town in each province).
Cycle paths, green spaces, recycling facilities, smog levels, traffa>
c moi et la star "Daniel Gilbert"
elle esttp simpas
Cycle paths, green spaces, recycling facilities, smog levels, traffa>
c moi et la star "Daniel Gilbert"
elle esttp simpas
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Forget the cappuccinos and chianti
It's true that Italy is the land of chianti and cappuccinos and leaves an indelible print on your heart but it's important not to forget the 'dark' side of Italy.
And Thursday night's edition of Anno Zero on Rai2 presented by journalist Michele Santoro made sure viewers didn't as he explored the link between politics and the mafia and the Calabrese 'ndrangheta', which means 'courage' or 'loyalty'.
The accusations were startling. For instance, in Calabria all 'imprenditori' have hand outs from the regional goverment, that 33 out of every 100 employees works in the public sector, that there are more than 400,000 employees than the number of residents in the region and that organised crime groups effectively run the ASL (local health authority) as this gives them the power over the whole region.
It's a timely reminder that when it comes to planning your move to Italy, make sure you aren't nostalic for the Bella Vita, which, while great on holiday, doesn't actually exist in real life.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
And Thursday night's edition of Anno Zero on Rai2 presented by journalist Michele Santoro made sure viewers didn't as he explored the link between politics and the mafia and the Calabrese 'ndrangheta', which means 'courage' or 'loyalty'.
The accusations were startling. For instance, in Calabria all 'imprenditori' have hand outs from the regional goverment, that 33 out of every 100 employees works in the public sector, that there are more than 400,000 employees than the number of residents in the region and that organised crime groups effectively run the ASL (local health authority) as this gives them the power over the whole region.
It's a timely reminder that when it comes to planning your move to Italy, make sure you aren't nostalic for the Bella Vita, which, while great on holiday, doesn't actually exist in real life.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
I stumbled across this blog by American Melinda Gallo by accident while I was surfing the internet for some information.
http://melindagallo.com/blog/
Her observations of daily life in Italy are insightful and apt and really make you feel as if you are there on the streets of Florence with her.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
http://melindagallo.com/blog/
Her observations of daily life in Italy are insightful and apt and really make you feel as if you are there on the streets of Florence with her.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
latest tax legislation in Italy
I've just been interviewed by a journalist on the Observer for a piece she is writing on the cost of living in Italy and the new tax laws that are being discussed in parliament.
Of course, I was glad to help, and not only because I've been there and done that and know how hideous it is at times to write an article on a subject you know nothing about. I read the Italian papers and watch the Telegiornale every day but it's complicated enough even for me and I live in Itay.
In case you weren't aware of the new tax bands, here they are:
Income up to Eur15k per annum: 23 per cent
Income between Eur15-28k per annum: 27 per cent
Income between Eur28-55k per annum: 37 per cent
Income between Eur55-75k per annum: 41 per cent
Income over Eur75k per annum: 43 per cent
If this law is approved, the old tax bands will no longer be valid:
Income up to Eur26k per annum: 23 per cent
Income between Eur26-33.5k per annum: 33 per cent
Income between Eur33.5-100k per annum: 39 per cent
Income over Eur100k per annum: 43 per cent
With 50 per cent of the Italian economy held up by the black market, it's a drastic step to get the country back in line with the rest of Europe and to recoup the Eur35billion lost through tax evasion.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
. Out now!
Of course, I was glad to help, and not only because I've been there and done that and know how hideous it is at times to write an article on a subject you know nothing about. I read the Italian papers and watch the Telegiornale every day but it's complicated enough even for me and I live in Itay.
In case you weren't aware of the new tax bands, here they are:
Income up to Eur15k per annum: 23 per cent
Income between Eur15-28k per annum: 27 per cent
Income between Eur28-55k per annum: 37 per cent
Income between Eur55-75k per annum: 41 per cent
Income over Eur75k per annum: 43 per cent
If this law is approved, the old tax bands will no longer be valid:
Income up to Eur26k per annum: 23 per cent
Income between Eur26-33.5k per annum: 33 per cent
Income between Eur33.5-100k per annum: 39 per cent
Income over Eur100k per annum: 43 per cent
With 50 per cent of the Italian economy held up by the black market, it's a drastic step to get the country back in line with the rest of Europe and to recoup the Eur35billion lost through tax evasion.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
. Out now!
Friday, October 06, 2006
beautiful collages
What a week.
It's been one of those where everything happens all together and you're left reeling. That's the book out, editorial commissions (yay!), business plans, writing next book, and then finding out that easyJet may have pulled out of Sardinia and will no longer be flying from Olbia back to London Gatwick. That really does put the dampner on things and means a lot of revised plans if it's true.
Admittedly, it's not too bad as Alghero airport is less than two hours away. But still. When you've got an airport a 20-minute drive away, you get rather spoiled.
On the plus side, I've been enjoying reading this blog by Katie Greenaway which charts her determination to get back to Italy at all costs and her struggle to claim Italian citizenship so that she can work in the country without needing a hard-to-get work visa.
Plus it's got some great visuals, including her beautiful Italy-inspired collage which embodies her Italian dream.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
It's been one of those where everything happens all together and you're left reeling. That's the book out, editorial commissions (yay!), business plans, writing next book, and then finding out that easyJet may have pulled out of Sardinia and will no longer be flying from Olbia back to London Gatwick. That really does put the dampner on things and means a lot of revised plans if it's true.
Admittedly, it's not too bad as Alghero airport is less than two hours away. But still. When you've got an airport a 20-minute drive away, you get rather spoiled.
On the plus side, I've been enjoying reading this blog by Katie Greenaway which charts her determination to get back to Italy at all costs and her struggle to claim Italian citizenship so that she can work in the country without needing a hard-to-get work visa.
Plus it's got some great visuals, including her beautiful Italy-inspired collage which embodies her Italian dream.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
help wanted from fellow expats
This one is an appeal for help.
I need to profile the following:
ANY expat living in Sardinia
Young expats (aged 27 and under) who graduated in the EU and are willing to be interviewed in English
Any expat who has bought a property in Italy and is willing to be interviewed
Any expat in Italy who has wants to be profiled for the business page of Italy mag (www.italymag.co.uk)
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
I need to profile the following:
ANY expat living in Sardinia
Young expats (aged 27 and under) who graduated in the EU and are willing to be interviewed in English
Any expat who has bought a property in Italy and is willing to be interviewed
Any expat in Italy who has wants to be profiled for the business page of Italy mag (www.italymag.co.uk)
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
Monday, October 02, 2006
Get your Italy query answered for free
I've now become the expert for Italy at the Guardian newspaper's new site www.guardianabroad.co.uk for all things expat.
So if you have a quick query and want it answered for free there, I'll be answering it for you.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
So if you have a quick query and want it answered for free there, I'll be answering it for you.
Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com
