In Hong Kong yesterday, the Finance Minister held a press conference about what the government is doing with its surplus. Yes, you heard correctly: surplus! Hong Kong is earning money. They have a reserve of about 60 billion euro, and last year alone they made a plus of seven billion euro. And it is hard to believe (after all, we are not in Europe) that the money is not being senselessly spent. Actually, the taxpayers are receiving refunds, even though no one here pays more than 16.5% in taxes (15% for companies).
Despite this, the middle class is complaining that this year they will not be receiving a check (as in previous years). The money will be deposited into a general pension fund (cash payments would only make inflation worse), and social housing occupants will receive two months rent free. The personal allowance for families with children and dependent senior citizens is also increasing.
But what is even more surprising is that you can ask anyone on the street what is happening with their tax money. The government does not audit itself, so it has ordered a financial auditor together with the KPMG. The resulting report about the distribution or investment of the suplus does not get submitted to the government, but rather, to each individual taxpayer. The report is also critical about, among other things, the sustainability of the fight against inflation.
I wish that there would be more discussion in Germany about such things, especially about how the money from taxpayers is transferred to non-taxpayers. Thanks to the low tax rates in Hong Kong, it is perfectly normal for a well-off citizen to donate his tax refund to charity; whether it is a charity ball, a normal donation or a truffle special, as long as the money finds its way to those in need, it does not matter how. And these people say thank you too. I cannot ever remember that the Association for Social Welfare (if that even exists) has ever said thank you to the many workers, employees and companies which have worked so hard to make these transfers possible. Taxpayers can be proud to be able to finance such a generous social system. This social peace is the most important point in Germany's future; otherwise the money goes into foreign countries and everything else will fall apart. Besides, "social peace" should not always mean that funding agencies pay so that the needy stay quiet - a little more interest should come from both sides. I always say thank you when someone gives me something, and never "Is that all?".
Why is good service so important again?
I'm writing to you today from China. Here I have learnt once again why good service is so important....
I'm writing to you today from China. Here I have learnt once again why good service is so important. If you want a customer to pay more than elsewhere, then you have to make the difference! You have to know what they like and anticipate their wishes.
Here in Shenzhen is the Grand Hyatt Hotel – I was here at least six times a year before Corona – and even stored some luggage in Shenzhen, so that I only had to fly with hand luggage. Liquids and such ... that was difficult on the plane.
It’s been over three years since I was last here, and I arrived to be greeted by an armada of hotel staff. My beloved Coke Zero was waiting for me in the car outside the airport. My luggage, which I hadn’t expected to see again, had been stored for three years and completely cleaned for my new stay. Everything was hanging in the wardrobe and the bathroom was neat and tidy. My razor was charged and my chargers stood on the desk. Of course, the fridge was full of Coke Zero and the white wine I had last drunk three years ago. Even the room service knew what I liked to eat.
That’s what hospitality really is. And we have to do the same at Jarltech. Always write down what our customers want and like. And when I go out to dine with a customer, I need to know whether they are vegan or if they don’t like pork, for example. Some customers want to be called and courted on a weekly basis, whereas others find this rather annoying. Some still prefer paper catalogues, others believe it’s environmental pollution. And all the better if a customer returns after three years, and I still have it all written down somewhere. Jarltech may not be a hotel, but we are a service provider that has to differentiate itself The difference is always in the details.
The world's smallest chef gives a guest performance in Usingen
It's finally back on: Our 3D projection dinner show »Le Petit Chef« will be back in our restaurant »Uwe and Uli« (www.uwe-uli.de) from the 11th of October...
It's finally back on: Our 3D projection dinner show »Le Petit Chef« will be back in our restaurant »Uwe and Uli« (www.uwe-uli.de) from the 11th of October 2023 to the 30th of April 2024. Personally, I always have fun enjoying delicious food with a bit of a show. Come by sometime – it's also great for Christmas parties with up to 20 people. And if you're a customer of ours, why not have your sales contact invite you next time you visit Jarltech? 😊
Have fun with the little chef!
Use our know-how power for yourself – free of charge!
We have the largest showroom in the AIDC industry in Europe, plus plenty of training rooms and an event location....
We have the largest showroom in the AIDC industry in Europe, plus plenty of training rooms and an event location. If you like, we will be happy to train your new employees or your customers’ employees here. You will find an overview and a virtual tour of the showroom on our website. We built these facilities for you – but apparently this is not sufficiently known yet. We can work together to make your staff better, or we can make our facilities available to you, and you can organise your own training for your staff or customers. Just as you wish. We are also happy to take care of airport or train station transfers. Just get in touch with your sales representative and we will do something for you!
Pure delight
I am proud of my team! This time I don’t mean the team from Jarltech, but the team from our restaurant »Uwe & Uli – Zuhause bei uns«....
I am proud of my team! This time I don’t mean the team from Jarltech, but the team from our restaurant »Uwe & Uli – Zuhause bei uns«. The gastronomic guide »Frankfurt geht aus« from the Journal Frankfurt and the Genussakademie awarded us first place in the category »Rhein-Main – feine Küche (exquisite cuisine)«. The joke is that we were not even mentioned there before, but achieved first place right from the start, which really doesn’t happen very often. A two-page article was published about us, a pure hymn of praise. For the kitchen, the service, the atmosphere. We awaited the awards ceremony like toddlers, and now we finally hold it in our hands. Years of work, sweat and tears have paid off – finally, the recognition we always strived for. A warm shower on the soul. I am very proud and equally overjoyed to have made this project possible. Initially a necessity, then later a hobby – I am there every day. I am delighted about every comment, and also about the fact that the team constantly works towards providing an even better experience for the guests. Thank you, thank you, thank you – it needed to be said. Feel free to drop by: www.uwe-uli.de