The willingness to change jobs is made up of two categories: those employees who are specifically planning to change employer in the current year (12 %) and those who are open to changing jobs but have not yet taken any concrete steps (44 %).

In an international comparison, the Swiss are significantly more open to a job change than their neighbors: while 36 percent of respondents in Germany and 44 percent in Austria are willing to change jobs, this figure is 56 percent in Switzerland.

Too little pay, a desire for variety and poor management

The willingness of employees in Switzerland to change jobs is not necessarily an expression of dissatisfaction. Overall, around 85% of those surveyed stated that they were very or fairly satisfied with their job. Even among those willing to change jobs, the majority (76 %) are basically satisfied.

At 43 percent, too low a salary is at the top of the list of reasons for not wanting to stay in the current job, followed by a general desire for variety (34 %), dissatisfaction with the direct manager (24 %) and dissatisfaction with the strategic direction of the company (24 %). It is particularly striking that women are significantly more likely than men to cite salary as a reason for changing jobs: 52% of women feel that their salary is too low and see this as a motivator for changing jobs, compared to 35% of men.

For those who want to stay with their employer in the long term, the most frequently cited reasons are collegial cohesion (58 %), job security (55 %), work-life balance (53 %) and the work tasks (53).

More money and flexible working hours

What respondents want most from a new employer is a higher salary (58 %), flexible working hours (54 %), job security (53 %) and an attractive company location (53 %). Good management behavior is also important (48 %).

Nevertheless, money is not everything: when asked which aspects would prevent respondents from applying to a company despite better pay, they mainly mentioned an unfavorable company location (47 %), poor management culture (41 %) and a fixed-term contract (36 %).

When asked which additional offers would make a potential employer more attractive, the 4-day week with the same weekly working hours comes out on top (52 %). The possibility of a sabbatical (34 %) and pay transparency (33 %) follow at a distance.

"The results clearly show that while a higher salary and flexible working hours are still the main incentives for changing jobs, more and more employees are attaching importance to a good management culture and an attractive working environment. Employers who stand out not only through salary, but also through working conditions and company values, can attract the best talent in the long term," says Thomas Kindler, Managing Director Xing.

Swiss employees are optimistic about the future

Confidence in finding a new job quickly is high among employees: more than half (57 %) are convinced that they will be successful within six months. In addition, the vast majority of respondents (81 %) had a positive experience with their last change of employer. For 42 percent, their expectations were fully met, for 39 percent at least partially. Concern about losing their current job remains low at 86% - a significant increase compared to the previous year (75 %), which indicates growing confidence among employees.

Employees in German-speaking Switzerland generally have a positive attitude towards work: the majority of those surveyed plan to remain in employment at least until the normal retirement age. 43% (men: 41 %, women: 46 %) would like to work until the age of 65. A further 22% would like to stay in work even longer, with this figure rising to 27% in the 50+ generation.

Money plays a role here, but not the decisive one: 55% hope to stay fit, 47% are looking for personal fulfillment and 41% want to maintain their social contacts. However, more than one in three of those surveyed (38 %) are extending their working life out of financial necessity, for example because their monthly pension is not enough.

"The willingness to work longer shows that employees in Switzerland want to remain active not only for financial reasons, but also out of a desire for personal fulfillment, mental fitness and social contact. Employers should see this as an opportunity to retain their employees in the long term and create a working environment that supports these needs," concludes Thomas Kindler.

More information

The sponsor and initiator of the Prix SVC awards is the SVC. An independent association for the promotion and support of SMEs in Switzerland, which was founded in 2001. With the Prix SVC Zentralschweiz, it honors exemplary companies that impress with their innovative products and services, their corporate culture, the quality of their employees and management and their sustainable track record.

It is not possible for SMEs themselves to apply for a nomination for the Prix SVC. The selection of companies and the nominations for the Prix SVC are made exclusively by an independent jury of experts with strong regional roots.

The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, 22 May 2025, at the KKL Culture and Convention Center in Lucerne. Around 1,100 guests from the worlds of business, science, politics and culture are expected to attend. The Prix SVC Central Switzerland was first awarded in 2006 and 2025 marks an anniversary - the tenth time that a successful SME from the region has received the Prix SVC winner's prize.

The 2025 finalists: five success stories from Central Switzerland

Axon Active Group, Lucerne

The Axon Active Group develops solutions and products that open the doors to successful digital transformation for customers worldwide. The company's headquarters are located high above Lucerne on the Wilhelmshöhe. A kind of "Silicon Valley of Central Switzerland" is being created in the historic Schlössli Schönegg. With interdisciplinary teams, Axon Active supports companies and organizations in various industries - from mobility providers to financial service providers and energy suppliers - in transforming and optimizing their business processes with innovative and scalable digital solutions. The company is characterized by agility, sustainability and customer proximity.

Impact Acoustic AG, Lucerne

The Impact Acoustic AG is specializes in innovative acoustic solutions and interior design. Since its foundation in 2019, the Lucerne-based company has been developing recyclable products that improve room acoustics in offices, restaurants, hotels and public buildings. Impact Acoustic combines sustainability, design and high functionality to create optimal acoustic environments. By developing environmentally friendly, reusable materials and creative design elements, the company ensures effective sound absorption and sound quality that promotes well-being and productivity. 

Obrist interior AG, Inwil

The Obrist interior AG from Inwil develops and realizes high-quality store and interior fittings worldwide. The company attaches great importance to design, quality and functionality and implements exclusive projects that are precisely tailored to the wishes and needs of its customers. From concept to implementation and furniture production, Obrist interior combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technologies and services to create aesthetic, functional and sustainable room concepts - and has been doing so with great success for 130 years.

Schiltrac Fahrzeugbau GmbH, Buochs

The Schiltrac Fahrzeugbau GmbH has specialized in the development and construction of special transporters for various industries. With many years of experience, Schiltrac offers customized solutions for a wide range of applications, from agriculture and municipal vehicles to fire engines. Thanks to innovative technology, the transporters from the Nidwalden-based company can also be used in areas where conventional vehicles have to capitulate. Schiltrac is known for its high manufacturing quality and flexibility, which enables it to respond to individual customer requirements and produce efficient, durable and powerful vehicles that meet the highest demands.

Stadler Form AG, Zug

The Stadler Form AG based in Zug, is a leading company in the field of household appliances for optimizing the indoor climate. Since its foundation in 1998, Stadler Form has been developing and producing innovative products that impress with their timeless design and high-quality technology. The company is known for its humidifiers, aroma diffusers and dehumidifiers, which are both aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient. With a clear focus on sustainability and user-friendliness, Stadler Form offers solutions that improve the indoor climate and increase the comfort of its customers. The focus is always on quality and innovation.

Source: www.svc.swiss

Metrology plays a crucial role in addressing today's environmental and digital challenges. This year, the focus will be on how metrology can support sustainability in numerous oral and poster presentations as well as in the main plenary session during the congress. In addition, the digitalization of metrology, one of the biggest challenges of the next decade, will be addressed in three conference sessions and three roundtable discussions.

"This year we chose the title "A New Metrology for a Sustainable Industry and Society" because the program highlights how metrology is changing and how our community is trying to find new ways to contribute to the sustainability challenge," says Martin Milton, BIPM Director and CIM2025 President.

Four days to get off to a flying start

For four days, participants will have the opportunity to deal with all the important topics of international metrology.

The goal? To give every attendee the opportunity to get the most out of the event, whether it's to expand their knowledge, grow their network or discover the latest technological advances. From the latest innovations in various technical fields to the optimization of measurement and quality processes, nothing is left out at CIM.

This issue also celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, a historic milestone not to be missed.

What is on the program?

• 200 conferences, divided into oral and poster presentations
• Five rounds of talks:
  • IoT and metrology: on the way to an Internet of Metrology?
  • Quality infrastructure in a digital world
  • Combating new pollutants for a healthier future
  • Quantum sensor technology: the next industrial revolution
  • Metrologists: an endangered species?
• Plenary session: "A new metrology for a sustainable industry and society"
• Workshop QI-DIGITAL: Metrology in the digital transformation of the international quality infrastructure
• Short course: Ensuring the traceability of measurements in ISO/IEC 17 025 laboratories - New in 2025
• Numerous networking activities (coffee breaks, catering service, gala evening, MyGI...)
• The CFM Metrology Village, the ideal meeting place for exhibitors, congress participants and visitors.

Almost 800 m² of exhibition space in the heart of the universe of the measurement, control, image processing and measuring instrument industry - here the list of exhibitors.

All presentations on site will be held in English. You can find the complete program here.

The audience consists of 650 participants from 45 countries:

• 65 % representing end users from various industries
• 35 % from authorities and research laboratories

Online registration now possible

Registration includes access to the CIM conference program for 2 or 4 days, possibility to participate in the workshops, possibility to attend the gala at Cique Imagine, lunch and catering service, free access and visit to the Global Industry Trade Show, direct and online networking, free checkroom service. To the registration.

More information

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/was-steht-auf-dem-programm-des-internationalen-metrologiekongresses-2025/

In order to focus on its core business and provide customers with broader access to expertise and know-how, MTF Solutions AG, a subsidiary of Swisscom and leading provider of IT services for SMEs, is handing over its entire Abacus business to Axept Business Software AG, the leading provider of Abacus ERP solutions in Switzerland, which is also part of the Swisscom Group. This strategic move allows MTF Solutions AG to focus its resources on the areas of consulting, IT services and the further development of its private cloud solution.

Strengthening the Schaffhausen region through Axept Business Software AG

Axept Business Software AG, the leading provider of Abacus ERP solutions as well as digital construction management and business intelligence solutions in Switzerland, is not only taking over the experienced Abacus team at MTF Solutions AG Schaffhausen, but also customer support and the further development of Abacus solutions. The close collaboration between Axept and MTF will continue. MTF will continue to provide the cloud infrastructure for the Abacus solutions, ensuring that customers benefit from a powerful, stable and modern platform. At the same time, Axept will continue to expand the Abacus business and exploit synergies in the Schaffhausen region.

"The integration of the Abacus team from MTF Solutions AG Schaffhausen is a significant step for Axept Business Software AG. Together we can bundle our synergies, offer our customers an even better service and at the same time strengthen our market presence in the north-eastern region of Switzerland," says Raphael Kohler, CEO of Axept Business Software AG. "We look forward to combining the expertise and innovative strength of both teams."

Dario Cardone, Head of Abacus at MTF Solutions AG Schaffhausen, adds: "We are proud to become part of the Axept family. The collaboration opens up new opportunities for us and our customers to continue to operate successfully in a dynamic and growing SME market environment."

Shared vision: focus on customer orientation

The handover of the Abacus business will take place gradually over the coming months. This will ensure a smooth transition for employees and customers.

Advantages for customers:

• Access to comprehensive expertise and an expanded portfolio: Customers benefit from extended know-how, innovative software solutions and customized consulting services.
• Stronger regional presence: The increased local presence of Axept Business Software AG ensures faster and more personalized support.
• Continuity and expansion: Existing services remain fully intact and will be expanded in a targeted manner thanks to the new partnership's extended possibilities.

Florian Meier, CEO of MTF Solutions AG in Schaffhausen, emphasizes: "The needs of our customers are our top priority. We are doing everything we can to ensure a smooth transition so that our customers can continue to benefit from first-class support and innovative solutions in the future. At the same time, we want to fully exploit the synergies from our close collaboration with Axept and MTF in order to create sustainable added value and support our customers' digital transformations even more effectively."

This reorganization strengthens the market position of Axept Business Software AG. It allows MTF Solutions AG to focus more strongly on its core competencies.

Source: www.mtf.ch

The weak European economy and the strong Swiss franc are slowing down the Swiss economy, which is also having an impact on the labor market. In 2024, a total of 10% fewer job advertisements were published than in 2023. The decline is particularly evident in the 4th quarter of 2024, in which 13% fewer advertisements were placed than in the same period of the previous year.

"The weak Swiss economy continues to have an impact on the labor market. Employment growth slowed in 2024 compared to 2023, which led to a slight increase in unemployment. At the same time, the number of job vacancies fell. Although this is still above the pre-coronavirus level, it is increasingly approaching it - a sign that the labour market is returning to normal. It remains to be seen what impact the weak economy will have in 2025," says Marcel Keller, Country President Adecco Switzerland.

Decline in demand for skilled workers affects all occupational groups

The reduced demand for skilled workers is leading to a decline in job advertisements across all occupational groups. The STEM and healthcare occupational groups recorded a decline in vacancies for the second year in a row in 2024. At -19 % compared to the previous year, this was more pronounced than in 2023 (-3%). The main driver was once again the falling demand for software developers and analysts. In addition, specialists for ICT, databases and networks, healthcare professions such as doctors and nurses as well as civil and environmental engineers also contributed to the decline in 2024.

Nevertheless, the overall number of vacancies was still above the level before the coronavirus pandemic and above the national average. In healthcare professions, such as nurses, the decline was from a historically high level across Switzerland in 2023 and was less pronounced than in ICT professions. Nevertheless, the number of vacancies in this group remains below that of other top occupations.

At -17%, the office and administration specialist occupational group again recorded a decline in advertised vacancies in 2024 - for the second year in a row. This continued the slightly negative trend that was already visible before the coronavirus pandemic. All sub-categories were affected, including specialists in finance and accounting, financial services, bookkeeping, human resources as well as office and secretarial staff and office staff in customer service.

Also declining in technology, business and services

The following three occupational groups recorded a moderate decline of -7% to -8%. These include technical specialists with a decrease of -8%, which include electrical engineers, webmasters and process engineers. This is closely followed by the occupational group of university professions in business and social services with a decrease of -7%. These include teachers, lawyers and financial analysts, for example. Similarly, service and sales professionals recorded a decline in job advertisements of -7%. This group includes professions such as health and care specialists, cooks and retail specialists.

At -3%, the occupational groups of managers and skilled trades and unskilled workers experienced the smallest decline in job advertisements compared to the previous year. Executives include managing directors, HR managers and chief financial officers. The number of job advertisements in these positions has been trending downwards since 2020. Skilled trades and unskilled workers recorded the second-highest number of advertised positions in Switzerland. This occupational group includes skilled trades such as carpenters and bakers, as well as poly, production and machine mechanics and fitters, and construction and finishing specialists. Despite the decline, skilled trades and unskilled workers have a historically high level of vacancies throughout Switzerland.

"The 2024 figures reveal two key issues for the Swiss labor market: the international economy and technological change. While professions in the service and sales sectors are benefiting from strong domestic demand and remain stable, the number of vacancies in export-dependent sectors such as the watchmaking and MEM industries is falling. The lower demand for IT professions such as software developers could be an indication of long-term changes due to technological change, particularly AI," says Johanna Bolli-Kemper, Job Market Monitor Switzerland.

 Automation-related declines in occupations with many routine activities, e.g. in the office and administration sector, are well documented by studies. However, it remains to be seen how technological change will affect the demand for IT professions in the long term. "According to the OECD, this depends on whether these occupations are replaced by new technologies or made more productive and how many new jobs are created as a result," says Bolli-Kemper.

Nationwide decline in job advertisements in 2024 with regional bright spots

The negative developments on the Swiss labor market affected all major regions in 2024. Zurich is particularly affected, with a decline in job advertisements of -15%, closely followed by Espace Mittelland with -14%. Central Switzerland and Northwestern Switzerland recorded slightly smaller declines of -9%. Eastern Switzerland (-3%) and Southwestern Switzerland (-2%) were the least affected.

In Central Switzerland, business and social professions recorded the sharpest decline at -27%. In Zurich and Espace Mittelland, on the other hand, the STEM and healthcare professions were hit particularly hard (Zurich: -26%; Espace Mittelland: -20%). In Eastern Switzerland and Northwestern Switzerland, the occupational group of office and administration specialists recorded the largest decrease in job advertisements (Eastern Switzerland: -26%; Northwestern Switzerland: -20%). In Southwestern Switzerland, which recorded the smallest decline of all the major regions, service and sales specialists and university professions in STEM and healthcare led the negative trend with a decline of -14% each.

Despite the negative overall situation, there are also rays of hope: managers are experiencing a significant increase in job advertisements in Central Switzerland (+29%) and Southwestern Switzerland (+20%), while only a slight increase of +1% is recorded in Northwestern Switzerland. In Eastern Switzerland, advertisements for specialists in services and sales increased by +20%, and in Northwestern Switzerland, demand for technical specialists grew by +15%.

Although the results show a clear trend in the Swiss labor market, it varies by region and occupational group.

More information

As a flagship project of the Swiss Digital Initiative, work on the Digital Trust Label started in 2020 with a clear mission: to address the growing challenge of digital trust by establishing a new standard for digital services and giving users a clear signal of trustworthiness. With the official launch in January 2022, the initiative gained significant momentum and was quickly adopted by leading companies such as Swiss Re, Swisscom, Swiss Post, Cisco, Wefox and others. An important milestone was reached in 2024 with a comprehensive update of the criteria catalog, which particularly addresses the crucial role of artificial intelligence for digital trust and ensures the future viability of the label.

In addition, the Swiss Digital Initiative has published a self-assessment tool to support digital service providers in the trustworthy implementation of AI. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence - particularly generative AI - has proven to be a transformative force in shaping digital services. As organizations rush to integrate these technologies, the need for thoughtful implementation has never been more important. While the potential of generative AI to improve digital services is immense, the regulatory landscape is still in flux and standards are still emerging. Companies need to navigate this complexity while gaining the trust of their end users - a challenge that requires careful consideration of opportunities and risks.

Building a future of verifiable digital trust

The Swiss Digital Initiative announces the transfer of the Digital Trust Label to SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company and a long-standing partner of the project. The transfer to SGS represents a natural evolution in the label's journey from an innovative concept to a verifiable standard. Under SGS's leadership, the Digital Trust Label will expand its reach while maintaining its rigorous standards, making digital trust verifiable and actionable for organizations around the world.

"The Digital Trust Label fits perfectly with our strategic vision for digital trust services," says Jan Meemken, Sub-Regional Manager DACH at SGS. "We have supported this initiative from the very beginning and recognized its potential for digital trust. We are committed to spreading this Swiss innovation internationally while maintaining its high standards and credibility."

Doris Leuthard, President of the Swiss Digital Initiative, looks back on the journey: "I am proud of how our vision of creating a 'fair trade label for the digital age' has evolved from concept to concrete reality. This achievement would not have been possible without the commitment of the Swiss Digital Initiative team, our supporters, partners, customers and experts who have contributed their expertise and passion."

Source: www.swiss-digital-initiative.org

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/start-des-naechsten-kapitels-fuer-das-digital-trust-label/

Best paid positions*

Commodity trading, legal and sales have the highest wage increases

Metal traders recorded the highest wage increase at 25 percent. Tax lawyers saw a 20% increase and multilingual sales managers saw an 18% increase. Geopolitical events, supply chain disruptions and fluctuations in demand have led to significant volatility in the commodity markets. This volatility enabled traders to make higher profits. This has led to higher wages as it is crucial for companies to secure their supply chains in such volatile times.

Legal experts and their employees are in demand due to the weakening economy, as only moderate growth is forecast for 2025. As a result, there is a high demand for applicants in legal departments to handle the associated growing legal challenges. This increased demand has led to upward pressure on salaries for these positions.

In addition, companies are expanding their sales teams in order to increase turnover and cushion the impact of the economic downturn. Positions such as sales managers, sales engineers and technical sales specialists are in high demand.

Other positions that have seen a ten percent pay rise in the last twelve months are mainly in the financial sector. The average salaries of compliance officers and accountants in banking rose by eleven percent. Average salaries in key roles in the insurance industry, such as senior insurance account managers and internal pension fund managers, have also risen by eleven percent.

Most wages will stagnate

With geopolitical tensions on the rise and inflation expected to fall to one percent, employers are very cautious when it comes to staff numbers and wages. At the same time, applicants are cautious about starting a new job in an uncertain environment. As a result, wages for most jobs will stagnate.

Yannick Coulange, Managing Director of Michael Page Switzerland, explains: "There is a strong demand for candidates who can help overcome business challenges and achieve ambitious sales targets. The demand for specialists in critical areas such as IT, who focus on cost savings and optimizing business processes, remains high."

Source: www.michaelpage.ch

"Three decades of Wifo - three decades of exchange, impetus and shared visions." Roland Günther from Abacus Research AG, representing the main sponsors, opened the 30th Rhine Valley Economic Forum with these words. The event not only impresses with the diversity of companies and personalities that it brings together year after year, but also shows how crucial the interplay between location and strategy is. Continuity and the courage to constantly reinvent oneself are key factors - not only for a successful forum, but for every future-oriented company.

Roland Günther was followed on stage by Susanne Hartmann, President of the Government of St. Gallen. She emphasized the urgency of investing in securing the future of the Rhine Valley: "Secure the future, because the future is uncertain." Innovation is the key to the successful further development of the region. Hartmann was confident: exciting prospects were open to the Rhine Valley and she hoped to be able to report on initial successes at the next Wifo.

The trophy stays in Switzerland

This year's "Prize of the Rhine Valley Economy" went to Leica Geosystems - a pioneer of modern measurement technology and a synonym for precision and innovation. The company has made a decisive contribution to establishing the Rhine Valley as "Precision Valley" and remains firmly rooted in the region even 20 years after its acquisition by Hexagon. The late honor of Leica Geosystems with the award raised the question: Why only now? Jury president Klaus Brammertz took it with humor and said: "I've asked myself that too." CEO Thomas Harring was relaxed. He lifted the heavy sculpture with a smile and assured: "The trophy isn't going to Stockholm or to my house." Instead, the trophy will find a place of honor with the employees.

Guy Parmelin focuses on innovation and neutrality

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin quickly won over the audience with his charm and humor. "The hall is sold out. That's certainly not just down to me, but maybe a little bit," he joked at the beginning. He then turned his attention to the question: "How do we make Switzerland attractive as a business location and keep it that way?" According to Parmelin, this question has rarely been as topical as it is today, as times are more uncertain than ever. He emphasized the importance of education, research and innovation and stressed that innovation is not a matter of course, but requires continuous care. This also includes the protection of intellectual property, the real asset of a company.

Parmelin described neutrality as one of Switzerland's greatest strengths. It allows us to remain objective in difficult geopolitical times. In conclusion, the Federal Councillor emphasized that Switzerland can only be successful if it actively shapes the future itself. This avoids unnecessary assumptions, fear and passivity and is the key to mastering challenges and seizing opportunities.

Hilti CEO on the future of the construction industry

Jahangir Doongaji, CEO of the Hilti Group, spoke about the challenges facing the construction industry. Low productivity, a shortage of skilled workers and increasing demands on sustainability and safety were shaping the industry. "Construction is getting better - faster, safer and greener," explained Doongaji, emphasizing how digitalization and robotics are driving change.

Hilti relies on clear strategies based on the company's core competencies as well as long-term investments in innovation and employees. "It takes courage to make decisions," emphasized Doongaji. With the vision "Making Construction Better", Hilti wants to make construction more productive, safer and more sustainable and continue to assert itself as a trustworthy partner in the industry.

Corporate strategy in uncertain times

The panel discussion with Jahangir Doongaji, Franziska Tschudi Sauber, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Weidmann Group, and Alfred Felder, CEO Zumtobel Group, shed light on the challenges facing international companies in the face of geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Franziska Tschudi Sauber recalled a guiding principle from her student days at the HSG: "You should build tents instead of palaces. For her, flexibility and the ability to adapt are crucial in entrepreneurship. Jahangir Doongaji compared today's corporate management with a video game and explained that everything changes quickly and companies have to react accordingly. Alfred Felder added that innovation is crucial in such times: "It always pays to invest in the future - even in difficult times.

In addition to strategy, corporate culture plays a decisive role. Doongaji emphasized: "The strategy says what we do and the culture says how we do it." He emphasized how important it is to actively live the culture. At Hilti, managers are therefore not only judged on results, but also on how they develop employees. Tschudi Sauber added that it is sometimes necessary to part ways with high-performing but not team-oriented employees in order to protect the culture. All three agreed that in a tight labor market, it is crucial to attract and retain qualified specialists.

Generation change: women in management

After the break, moderator Sonja Hasler held a discussion with Antje von Dewitz, CEO of Vaude Sport, and Diana Gutjahr, President of the Board of Directors of Ernst Fischer AG, about their experiences with the generational change in family businesses. The focus was particularly on the challenge of taking on a management position as a woman - a role that was not a given for either of them. Their fathers had not originally intended them as successors. Gutjahr was closely involved with her father's company from an early age, but she was not initially seen as a successor: "Steel and metal are not typical female domains."

According to von Dewitz, family businesses are "very passionate and family-run, which also entails risks, especially when different systems collide". The change towards more sustainability at Vaude after her takeover was a major transformation process: "We changed a lot of materials, switched everything to sustainable and recycled and made the supply chains transparent." The concept was initially met with skepticism, but she remains convinced: "Sustainability costs money, but it makes companies innovative and fit for the future."

Farewell to Reinhard Frei

At the end of the 30th Rhine Valley Economic Forum, Reinhard Frei, who shaped the forum for many years, was bid farewell. Karl Stadler, former President of the Employers' Association, paid tribute to his achievements and described Frei as the driving force behind numerous projects that have made the Economic Forum a permanent fixture in the Rhine Valley. The anniversary forum ended with great applause and a ceremonial handover of the baton to Karin Krawczyk.

The results of the 2024 company survey show that the general mood among companies in the Winterthur economic region is largely positive. However, satisfaction with the general economic conditions has fallen noticeably. Satisfaction with the location has decreased significantly compared to the previous year. Just under 70 percent of the companies surveyed stated that they were somewhat to very satisfied with the general conditions in the Winterthur economic region. In the previous year, this figure was still around 87 percent.

"This development underlines the need to stand up for the companies based here and their needs," says Jakob Bächtold, Managing Director and Head of Business at House of Winterthur. In order to draw better conclusions about the reasons for the decline in satisfaction, House of Winterthur will increase the number of company and member visits in 2025 and conduct more discussions with business representatives.

Skills shortage keeps companies busy, willingness to invest increases

In the survey, companies named the shortage of skilled workers as the biggest challenge for the coming year, followed by political regulations, price pressure, the order situation and consumer behavior. Despite the challenges mentioned, a good three quarters of companies expect a rather positive to very positive business trend for 2025, which is slightly below the previous year's figure of 80%. The willingness to invest has once again increased slightly, reaching a new high of over 55% and showing that many companies will continue to develop at the location.

Proximity and real estate situation as important location factors

Decisive factors for companies when choosing a location are mainly proximity to customers (19.9 percent) and private residence (17.2 percent), followed by proximity to private networks, availability of real estate and lower rents and property prices.

To the company survey

House of Winterthur has been conducting the company survey among companies in the city and region of Winterthur for seven years. The survey covers topics such as satisfaction with the location and current challenges. Around 150 companies took part in the survey in late fall 2024. Four fifths of respondents were members of the management.

Source: www.winterthur.com

Thomas Liechti has extensive experience in cybersecurity and the IT industry. As a proven expert in the field of data security, he has made a significant contribution to protecting Swiss companies from a wide range of digital threats over the past ten years. His expertise makes him a valuable asset to the strategic direction of Brevit AG.

 "With Thomas Liechti, we are gaining an expert who will further advance our mission of securing SMEs at the level of large companies," says Roger Hiestand. He is the founder, Co-Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Marco Hiestand, also founder, Co-Managing Director and member of the Board of Directors, adds: "His many years of experience in cybersecurity and corporate management will make a decisive contribution to optimally positioning Brevit AG for future challenges."

With the support of Thomas Liechti, Brevit AG is increasing its focus on sustainable, organic growth and the targeted further development of its cybersecurity portfolio for SMEs.

Brevit's mission: cybersecurity for SMEs at the highest level

With the appointment of Thomas Liechti, Brevit AG is underlining its commitment to further expanding its leading position in the field of cyber security for SMEs. Today, cyber security is an indispensable prerequisite for the long-term success of companies - regardless of industry and size.

Source: www.brevit.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/brevit-ag-staerkt-verwaltungsrat-mit-erfahrenem-cybersecurity-experten/

The creation of the "Auto-Schweiz Chair of Mobility" is made possible by a generous grant of CHF 2.68 million from the Association of Swiss Automobile Importers to the University of St.Gallen Foundation. The cooperation agreement provides for a term of eight years.

Transformation in the automotive industry

The automotive industry is facing major challenges worldwide and is in the midst of the biggest transformation process in its history of well over a hundred years. Megatrends such as digitalization, electrification and automation offer enormous potential for future business models, but also harbour risks for established structures, for example in the vehicle trade or mobility. With a grant totaling 2,680,000 Swiss francs, Auto-Schweiz wants to enable in-depth scientific research into these topics by the University of St.Gallen (HSG). The "Auto-Schweiz Chair for Mobility" created with the grant is to be established in the near future and filled with the help of an appointment procedure.

"The HSG is one of the most progressive and innovative business universities in Europe," says Auto Schweiz President Peter Grünenfelder. "At the same time, the automotive industry is the engine of the economy and, with its unshakeable belief in the future, invests billions in research and development of new technologies every year. Our collaboration and the HSG's research into future topics is therefore nothing but logical. With the new auto-schweiz Chair of Mobility, automobility, as one of the most important Swiss economic sectors, will receive sound scientific support in mastering the challenges of today and tomorrow."

Diverse research topics at the new mobility chair

With this partnership, Auto-Schweiz is enabling the HSG to build up additional capacities and expertise in the field of mobility management, where important future issues are arising. The chair includes one assistant and one secretarial position (100 and 50 percent respectively). "We are very grateful to Auto-Schweiz for supporting us in developing promising solutions for the optimal interaction of all mobility services," says Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann, President of the HSG. The HSG only enters into such partnerships if the freedom of research, teaching and publication is fully guaranteed at all times. Accordingly, Auto-Schweiz has no influence on the appointment process or the content of the new chair to be created.

The variety of topics from which the HSG's "Auto-Schweiz Chair for Mobility" can select its future research areas is almost inexhaustible. For example, the future development of electromobility and its contribution to reducing emissions is currently a key field of activity for the automotive industry, explains Auto Schweiz Director Thomas Rücker. "At the same time, however, other solutions will also have their place and the differences in the needs of the various vehicle types in the overall transport and mobility system should not be underestimated. There are also spatial planning challenges, especially when it comes to the interaction between different modes of transport, as well as trends towards digitalization and automation." The affordability and unrestricted availability of mobility for society as a whole is also an important issue for the future.

Source: www.auto.swiss

After graduating with a degree in economics from the University of Pavia and a master's degree in applied economics from the University of Grenoble Alpes, Fabio Cella (48) began his career in the food and beverage industry. Cella initially gained extensive management experience at Danone, where he made a significant contribution to growth and efficiency improvements, before moving to Coca-Cola in 2021. As Country Manager at Coca-Cola Austria, he increased system sales, deepened the partnership with the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company and led innovative projects such as "Shelf of the Future" with leading retail partners.

In his new role as Country Manager at Coca-Cola, Fabio Cella will focus on the sustainable development of the company and strengthening cooperation with partners. "I look forward to working with our team and our partners to drive forward projects that strengthen togetherness and bring about positive change in local communities," explains Fabio Cella. Vincent Rameau is leaving Coca-Cola after five years to pursue a new career path.

Source: www.coca-colacompany.com