In the winter of 2022/23, the economic slowdown has arrived in the Swiss MEM sector. High energy prices, rising interest rates, the weak foreign economic environment and high uncertainty are weighing on demand for capital goods. The exchange rate and labor shortages are also affecting the MEM sector. The SMEs surveyed in January are nevertheless cautiously confident that things will soon improve.
Editorial - 28 February 2023
Fig. 1: The biggest challenges for SMEs in the MEM sector. (Graphic: Swissmechanic)
Order intake, sales and exports in the MEM sector rose only slightly in the fourth quarter of 2022. Even though the peak in energy and raw material prices has already been passed, the still high prices compared with pre-pandemic levels are reducing MEM customers' willingness to invest. The higher interest rates with which central banks are trying to tame inflation, the weak foreign trade environment and the high level of geopolitical uncertainty are also dampening demand for capital goods. The strong Swiss franc is a further headwind in the European sales market. Although production capacity utilization in the MEM sector and the order backlog secured for the medium term were still relatively high in January 2023, they are showing slight downward trends. Moreover, on balance, the SMEs surveyed expect incoming orders and sales to fall in the first quarter of 2023 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. This is shown by the latest quarterly survey conducted by Swissmechanic, the employers' association for SMEs in the MEM sector.
Swissmechanic business climate index in the green again
Although supply chains are still tighter than average in a longer-term comparison, the survey shows that the situation has improved noticeably. The shortage of labor, on the other hand, has become more important and is now the number one challenge (see Fig. 1).
Despite the slowdown in economic momentum due to various negative factors, SME-MEM businesses are cautiously optimistic in January 2023: 57 percent of SMEs consider the current business climate to be rather or very favorable, while 43 percent consider it to be rather or very unfavorable. This means that the Swissmechanic business climate index is back in the green after its dip in the last quarter (cf. fig. 2).
Fig. 2: The business climate index is back in the green. (Graphic: Swissmechanic)
BAK Economics also shares this optimism. Following the economic slowdown in the winter of 2022/23, more momentum is also expected in the MEM sector from the second quarter of 2023. Behind this is the fact that various negative factors, some of which are already showing signs of weakening, will increasingly fade into the background.
SMEs in the MEM sector show themselves fit for the future
INNOTEQ 2023 will be held in Bern from March 7 to 10. The leitmotif of the event is "Fit for Future". The focus topic "Swiss Manufacturing" is about deglobalization, local sourcing and backshoring, Switzerland as a center for manufacturing and innovation, as well as productivity and competitiveness. The special theme "INNOTEQ Talents" is dedicated to the topics of education and training, promoting young talent and the shortage of skilled workers. Swissmechanic is present with a joint stand covering 800 m2. 24 SMEs from the MEM sector will be presenting themselves there.
Gender Gap: Women's abilities doubted twice as often
Women are exposed to greater pressure than men; among other things, their abilities are doubted twice as often. AXA's international mental health study further reveals that young people in particular suffer from online addiction.
Editorial - 28 February 2023
There is also a gender gap in mental health: women face greater pressure than men. (Image: Keystone / AXA)
Last fall, AXA surveyed around 31,000 people between the ages of 18 and 74 from 16 different countries about their mental well-being. The results show: Even before anxiety and depression, stress troubles the respondents. Although Switzerland ranks in the middle of the international stress statistics, more than half (55 percent) suffer from moderate to severe symptoms - in the same survey a year ago, it was only one in three people.
In an international comparison of countries on mental health, however, the Swiss are doing well overall: after Thailand, France and Mexico, Switzerland follows in fourth place. Turkey, Japan and Italy bring up the rear. Switzerland is also in the middle of the pack when it comes to mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety, although around one in four people (26 percent) complain of mental health problems in this country. Mental health problems are most common among respondents from the USA (40 percent).
Gender Gap: Women are under greater pressure
With the exception of China and Japan, the study reveals stark differences between women's mental health and men's in all regions, with women respondents across all age groups reporting poorer well-being. For example, 24 percent more women than men reported feeling lonely, and 22 percent more female respondents suffer from stress. In addition, women find it more difficult to meet the demands of their environment (+29 percent) and on average report slightly lower levels of self-acceptance and enjoyment of life.
Infographic 1: Mental well-being of women (Image: AXA)
The study found an important reason for this gender gap in the decidedly greater pressure to which many women are exposed in various areas of life: Because of their gender, for example, they are almost twice as likely to receive unwanted comments, and their abilities are regularly doubted to the same extent. In the survey, 69 percent of women who are subjected to pressure because of their gender said they felt lonely. By comparison, the figure for non-affected women was not half as high, at 30 percent. At the same time, affected women are almost three times as likely to have a negative body image and have around a quarter lower self-acceptance and joie de vivre scores. At the same time, the stress factor is fueled among affected women in that they suffer more than three times as often from unfairly distributed domestic responsibilities and thus have less time for themselves (see infographic 1).
Online time harms young people in particular
In addition to the differences between the sexes, the new study also reveals clear trends between the age groups surveyed. For example, the results across all regions show that mental well-being also increases with age. Self-acceptance increases and the risk potential of mental health problems decreases at the same time. While older people are generally more stable in both their private and professional lives, almost two-thirds of young people between 18 and 24 are particularly troubled by an uncertain future and loneliness. Almost half of all respondents in this age category have a negative body image (see Infographic 2). They are also more concerned about advancing climate change than the older study participants.
Infographic 2: Age differences in mental well-being (Image: AXA)
As the study results also reveal, these concerns are additionally influenced by another factor. For example, 38 percent of young people between the ages of 18 and 24 said their mental health was being severely negatively affected by technological dependency, i.e., by the time they spend online and on social media. Among those over 45, just under a quarter of respondents still feel stressed by online media; among those over 55, the figure is just 18 percent.
Infographic 3: Mental well-being of young people (Image: AXA)
The comparison of young people with and without negative technological dependency makes the strong influence of this factor on general well-being clear: The number of lonely young people increases by almost half when they are negatively affected by their time online and in social media, and around a third more see themselves facing an uncertain future. They are also more than twice as likely to have a negative body image and their self-acceptance is also significantly lower (see infographic 3).
PUBLIREPORTAGE Shortage of skilled workers, unfilled apprenticeships, high fluctuation are a challenge for many companies. Companies with systematic occupational health management (OHM) have an advantage here.
A targeted commitment to employee health is becoming increasingly important, especially among employees of the younger generations. Accordingly, BGM has a positive impact on employer branding. At the same time, it promotes motivation, productivity, and the physical and mental health of existing employees.
Leadership task employee health
One company that has recognized this added value is Achermann ICT-Services AG. Systematic occupational health management is integrated into a corporate culture that is focused on the well-being of employees. Gregor R. Naef, owner and CEO of the IT service provider headquartered in Kriens, explains: "Our employees generally play a key role for me. We can only achieve the goals we have set together and ideally in good health. To achieve this, my management team and I are happy to go the extra mile. In this context, we learned in 2016 about the potential of systematic occupational health management, and the decision to implement it was made."
The development of the BGM was based on the criteria of "Friendly Work Space", the BGM of Health Promotion Switzerland. In 2017, Achermann ICT-Services was awarded the BGM quality label "Friendly Work Space" for the first time and successfully completed the re-assessment in 2021.
BGM - a benefit for all
The 85 employees benefit from a broad-based annual health management program. The program ranges from a variety of sports activities to a twice-monthly joint lunch event. The latter is a popular opportunity for professional and private exchange and a pool for new ideas. A member of the "Feelgood Management" team, which was set up specifically for BGM, provides a healthy lunch for these events. This is a five-person interdisciplinary team that is responsible for BGM planning and implementation in coordination with the management. The ideas for this come from the employees, who are also happy to lend a hand with the organization.
The members of the SME's management are crucial to the overall success of the health management system. They are committed to health-promoting leadership based on trust and are trained in this thanks to regular further training.
Raising awareness from the start of the career
This attitude also benefits the eight apprentices. From the moment they start work, they are made aware of and trained in how to maintain their health and their own part in it. "The focus is on promoting important skills for a healthy working life, e.g. personal resilience. At the same time, they learn how to deal with responsibility and transparency at an early stage as firmly integrated team members," says Simon Peter, Head of ICT Service Management at Achermann ICT Services, outlining his task as vocational training manager.
External suggestions for the targeted promotion of learners' mental health are welcome. This is provided by the "Apprentice" offer from Health Promotion Switzerland with a variety of case studies and background information. Other content includes regular ERFA meetings for the cross-sectoral exchange of vocational educators as well as specific further training and individual advice.
SMEs in the Middle East - Impressions from Ras Al Khaimah
There are countless SMEs all over the world. They face different challenges, but they also have a lot in common. The Ras Al Khaimah Special Economic Zone in the United Arab Emirates regularly hosts networking events that bring together local and international entrepreneurs, as the following report shows.
Editorial - February 27, 2023
In Ras Al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates), SME entrepreneurs regularly share their experiences. (Image: RAKEZ)
Over the past few months, hundreds of entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have gathered at the Compass Coworking Centre in Ras Al Khaimah to share their insights, success stories and business opportunities. Launched in 2022, the monthly B2B networking series hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) continues to welcome members of the SME community to share experiences about their concerns and successes on their journey to the top and learn from each other in a conducive environment.
Diversify the economy: Away from oil
The B2B events address various topics such as improving customer experience, the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey, optimizing user experience and web presences, building a culture of innovation in the workplace, and the impact of corporate tax in the UAE. Compass Coworking Centre also offers casual networking sessions over coffee and breakfast every Friday, open to freelancers, entrepreneurs, digital nomads and other members of the business community. It has also recently hosted informative seminars on UAE labor law and taxation. In addition, some of the events bring together stakeholders from different industries such as automotive, construction, F&B, chemicals and manufacturing to develop new methods of collaboration.
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, "The entrepreneurial journey is not an easy one, and this is where we come in. As a hub for thousands of SMEs, we provide a platform for them to meet and collaborate," he said. "Our B2B events are designed to help new entrepreneurs gain knowledge and expand their networks, which will facilitate their growth and, in the long run, help diversify the UAE economy away from oil - something that is essential for our future growth and development."
International mix of entrepreneurs and customers
In the age of virtual networking, many business meetings take place online. However, as we all know, it is of great advantage to be able to meet in person as well. Accordingly, after the pandemic, many founders, entrepreneurs and students took the opportunity to once again shake hands and exchange ideas in a lively and welcoming physical space - the Compass Coworking Centre. "Face-to-face meetings are an enriching experience compared to social media or digital media contacts, as you don't really know the people behind the screens," says Ernesta Puodzuilaityte, Sales Manager at F&S Real Estate Building. The Lithuanian brokers exclusive apartments in the emerging economic zone. "Establishing relationships is one way to attract long-term clients," she says.
Participants in the RAKEZ community events, such as Ras Al Khaimah-based grocer Eun-Jin Shin, greatly appreciated the opportunity to network and learn: "Startups need a coworking community where they can access B2B events. Many may not know how to do everything right, and that's where being in a community helps." Naina Kaur of Jersey Real Estate Brokers agrees, "The most important thing we take away from startup networking events is sharing stories about our journeys and learning from each other's mistakes." Rakhi of Desert Art Collective echoes this sentiment, "Sometimes you feel very alone when you're trying to get your business off the ground, but when you meet and share with others, you realize that they too are struggling with similar obstacles. RAKEZ's community events have changed my life because I've connected with many entrepreneurs from different industries here."
Ras Al Khaimah: Attracting new businesses
With a packed schedule of social and professional events, the center has been a platform for experts in real estate, digital transformation and finance to inspire those planning or just starting their ventures since its inception in 2021. At the same time, Compass Coworking Centre members benefit from sharing space with a community of like-minded people who support each other. Such an established ecosystem helps new entrepreneurs find the right support they might not otherwise have found in the vast, competitive and fast-moving marketplace.
Tim Wicker of The Compliance Connection is one of the center's frequent visitors. "Compass is a fantastic place," he says. "As a small business owner, you're very much on your own. So when you're working in an open space, it's easy to connect with other entrepreneurs, share your experiences over coffee, and build not only friendships, but strategic partnerships. I look forward to more events where special topics - like compliance, what do you need to know from an accounting or regulatory perspective - can be highlighted to help small businesses.
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a special economic zone in the United Arab Emirates. It was established in 2017 by the Ras Al Khaimah government and is one of a total of 37 such free zones in the UAE. It is currently home to over 16,500 companies from more than 100 countries operating in more than 50 industries - and the number is growing. There is talk of a projected growth of 20 percent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, RAKEZ also moved strongly toward digitalization. RAKEZ offers entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and manufacturing companies a wide range of solutions, including free zone and non-free zone licenses, customizable facilities and various other one-stop services. In addition, RAKEZ has specialized zones tailored to the specific needs of investors: Al Nakheel and Al Hamra Business Zones for commercial and service companies; Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila Industrial Zones for manufacturers and industrialists; and an Academic Zone for education providers.
Eating well without your own staff restaurant? It's possible - with gustav.
PUBLIREPORTAGE The Smartfridge gustav is a smart catering solution for companies that care about employees and sustainability.
Editorial - February 24, 2023
The Smartfridge gustav provides healthy catering at the workplace. (Image: SV Group)
"Food waste" is on everyone's lips. Not literally, of course. But the topic of food waste has been a hot topic in Switzerland - at least since reader reporters sounded the alarm at "20 Minuten" in September 2022: terrible pictures of waste containers filled to the brim with baked goods and hundreds of spoiled, still packaged menus at a disposal site caused a lack of understanding.
The concern is well-founded: 91.8 kilos of food thrown away per capita each year is no laughing matter. Around 750,000 tons of food waste per year, whose food, climate and monetary value is forfeited, is a clear call for more sustainability in food management.
Private individuals are responding to the need for action with targeted purchases and even cooking courses to prevent food waste, such as those offered by the Aargau municipality of Kirchdorf. But employee catering also has a responsibility.
How to perceive them shows the SV Group with its smart fridge gustav. The smart fridge is not only the simplest autonomous food station, where employees can select and consume up to 300 delicious and healthy snacks, seasonal, nutritious or international SV menus and drinks 24/7 using "Tap, Grab & Go" (while billing and payment take place automatically on the app). A key benefit of gustav is also that it reduces food waste.
(Image: SV Group)
➜ The intelligent Smartfridge analyzes and knows the culinary preferences of its guests. This enables SV to plan the filling and delivery of the popular menus precisely, in line with demand, and individually. This results in less food waste - because at gustav, what people like to eat is put on the table.
➜ High-quality fresh produce from SV-Manufaktur is ideally protected against contamination and recontamination during production in the pressurized clean room and thus has a longer shelf life. This additionally reduces the likelihood of throwaway.
➜ Items with use-by dates are offered at half price 10 hours before expiration, i.e., starting at 2 p.m.; customers receive push messages via app about the anti-food waste discount.
➜ Unsold food is collected in German-speaking Switzerland before midnight and placed on the food platform toogoodtogo.com at a further reduced price.
➜ The very last food leftover is recycled for biogas production in accordance with the Swiss Food Ordinance - which means that even leftovers that are no longer edible can still be turned into something good.
gustav and SV have an overall sustainability record that is impressive.
gustav's latest version cools with propane. Propane has a global warming potential value of 3, conventional refrigerants in competitor refrigerators have one of 1036.
At its sister company, Office Delivery gustav, SV relies fully on reusable tableware. The delivery service's means of transport operate in a certified climate-neutral manner.
In addition, the use of recycled and further recyclable cardboard packaging is a unique selling point of SV. Unlike competitors, plastic is reduced to a minimum - for the benefit of the environment.
Finally, SV systematically measures and reduces food waste in all its restaurants; at SV events, guests are kindly invited to take home leftover tidbits.
The non-profit SV Foundation and majority shareholder of SV supports projects and organizations working to promote healthy nutrition and reduce food waste (e.g. Foodsave Bankette, Schweizer Tafel, Madame Frigo, Partage Foundation and Tischlein deck dich).
gustav Smartfridge feeds workers well, sustainably and revitalizes many an SME in the food desert with smart, intuitive and simple technology. Moreover, sustainability has been an integral part of SV's strategy for many years.
Huawei opens its young entrepreneur platform to Swiss students
"Rethinking is good, implementing is better. This is the motto of this year's Digital Seeds, an interactive coaching program by Huawei for aspiring young entrepreneurs, in which Swiss students are explicitly invited to participate for the first time.
Editorial - February 24, 2023
Now also open to Swiss students: Huawei's "Digital Seeds" young entrepreneur platform. (Image: zVg)
Future leaders of the digital economy need more than a first-class university degree. The seeds for digital entrepreneurship must be sown early. This is where the name of a global Huawei program for budding entrepreneurs comes from: "Seeds for the Future". Under this umbrella, the "Digital Seeds" initiative is taking place in German-speaking countries. The goal is to equip 100 students with problem-solving skills and to sharpen their analytical thinking and digital creativity. For the first time, students from Swiss universities and technical colleges are also allowed to participate in the young entrepreneur platform.
A modular program with an attractive final destination
In the program presented here, students learn entrepreneurial thinking, exchange ideas and gain the hard and soft skills to develop their own technology-driven business ideas. Formats such as roundtables, EXEC briefings, ideathons or pitch rounds are combined to elicit the best of the best. An exclusive network of young leaders and changemakers is created. In several stages, a jury selects the best teams and finally sends the three best to China. There, they come into contact with Chinese students, immerse themselves in the innovation culture of this country and together cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit of the coming tech generation, which is measuring itself across borders.
From Mensa to Management in 4 Months
Interested students can apply by the end of March to participate at. www.digitalseeds.de apply. All the criteria for the application documents - such as a form or the specifications for the application video - can be seen on the young entrepreneur platform website. Huawei bears all costs for travel to and from the study location to the events within the DACH region as well as the costs for any overnight stays.
Since the Corona pandemic, more people are working in home offices and being managed remotely. The importance of such "remote leadership" will increase. What are the keys to successful remote leadership?
Volkmar Völzke - February 24, 2023
Remote leadership: this includes talking to each team member every week or at least every 14 days. (Image: Unsplash.com)
Whether we like it or not, the need for leadership from a distance will grow in importance. We will see fewer and fewer teams where all members work together in one place all the time. Most leaders will have less and less ability to mandate attendance - at least not if they want to attract the best people. We will have to live with "hybrid." And that's a good thing. Because ultimately, physical distance is just an amplifier of previous leadership deficiencies: previous deficiencies become more obvious when people are remote and not "directly tangible." But outstanding leadership also works remotely without major problems. Here are three keys to remote leadership success:
Key #1: Clear goals and expectations
The lack of clear goals reduces the effectiveness of leadership in any situation. In leadership at a distance - where you have less insight into the progress of work - the importance is amplified. If you as a leader do not agree on clear and jointly supported goals that are worked on with full force to achieve, then it will be difficult.
Tip: Help your people by suggesting that they derive personal daily goals from the agreed quarterly or monthly goals each morning. This helps immensely to maintain focus.
Key No. 2: Regular conversations
It is recommended anyway that as a leader you have a short calibration meeting with each team member every week or at least every 14 days to discuss successes, progress, barriers and support needs. I recommend a clear agenda for this and a duration of 15-30 minutes. In remote leadership, this is essential as you will not "accidentally" run into each other.
Sometimes I hear from managers that you can hardly find the time to talk to every team member every week. Beware: If you can't find time for that, what else can you find time for? This is one of the foundations of leadership!
Key No. 3: Make communication simple
This is a topic where I see huge deficits in most companies. If your people are scattered, you need a platform where people can exchange information easily and intuitively. Why do you think almost everyone (the younger the more) prefers chat platforms like WhatsApp or iMessage for exchanges? Because it's easy and you can also convey certain emotions. In this day and age - and if you want to attract young people, you need a modern communication platform that works intuitively and emotionally.
Tip: Have your people trained in the proper use of these tools as well, so above all, don't get distracted by them. That works!
Conclusion:
If you take these three keys to heart and put them into action, remote leadership is not much different than on-site leadership - only with more freedom and then even higher productivity and greater engagement.
To the author: Volkmar Völzke is a success maximizer. Book author. Consultant. Coach. Speaker. www.volkmarvoelzke.ch
"Smart events: live, but digitally accompanied!"
"We don't believe in hybrid events where an online version is broadcast parallel to the live show" says Roland Brand, CEO Easyfairs D,A,CH countries in an interview.
Editorial - 23 February 2023
Roland Brand of Easyfairs on the topic of smart events: "Digital technologies primarily help exhibitors to increase their reach and optimize lead management." (Image: Easyfairs)
At the beginning of March, the Easyfairs trade fairs all about automation at the Friedrichshafen trade fair and KPA at the Ulm trade fair will continue with a trade fair double pack with free admission for visitors. These are dates for which the journey from Switzerland or Austria and Liechtenstein to nearby Germany is worthwhile. Roland Brand, Easyfairs CEO for the D,A,CH countries talks about the future of the fair in the following interview.
Roland Brand, we are just before the automation trade show all about automation and the plastics technology trade show KPA Plastics Products News. What keeps you most busy at the moment and keeps you awake? This close to the trade show, one always sleeps a little more fitfully. We want to offer our exhibitors and partners a thoroughly positive experience and provide them with the best possible support on their way to the trade fair. Nothing must be forgotten and you have to pay attention to every detail. The exhibiting companies are our stars and we want to put them in the best possible light before the show as well as at the show. In Friedrichshafen, more than 300 exhibitors will be at the start for the first time, and all our previous trade fairs in 2023 are in the plus figures. At the Kuteno from may 2023 in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, the exhibition halls are practically fully booked, also with 300 exhibitors. These are unmistakable votes of the exhibitors for the medium trade fair. They want to do everything right so that all participants can enjoy the two days of business, know-how and networking to the full and achieve their trade show goals.
Dominating topics in the manufacturing and robotics industry are cost increases, delivery difficulties, material shortages and the demand for future climate neutrality in manufacturing: What can be seen of these at the upcoming trade shows? There is a lot of that to see. On the one hand, our exhibitors are showing the innovative approaches and solutions they are using to tackle these challenges. On the other hand, these topics occupy a central place in the supporting program.
Another big issue in the economy is the shortage of skilled workers. Where did they actually disappear to during Covid? How does a company in the Swiss workplace find the skilled workers that are so important? Abroad? I do not have the final answer to this question either. But I am happy to mention that trade fairs play an important role in solving this challenge to the economy. On expert panels, they become a topic at all Easyfairs trade fairs. Because among the visitors to a trade fair, there are of course always interesting and interested candidates for open positions.
Experienced trade show professional Björn Kempe says: "For me, online clearly hasn't worked in the trade show industry, and hybrid only to a limited extent. I see more of a trend back to the basics in marketing, to media, social networks and to theme marketing." On the other hand, the pandemic has also led to ongoing transformations in the trade show industry. To which ones? We at Easyfairs also held dozens of online and hybrid events in a variety of forms during and after the pandemic. But our experience from participant feedback clearly showed that the live format, the "real" trade show, is by far the preferred medium for companies. We also do not believe in hybrid events, where parallel to the live trade show, an online version is broadcast. But we clearly believe in the hybrid in the sense of a year-round, digital service of the exhibitor and visitor communities with information around the corresponding trade fair topic. This transformation from trade show maker to community platform operator is one of the most obvious to watch. The benchmark for evaluating the success of the trade fair after the post-Covid euphoria, because live events were possible again, is, among other things, the number of visitors. They show up so far on all Easyfairs fairs in 2023 in increase of guests and absolute numbers on record level!
Does the economy really still need trade fairs in the age of digital transformation? Which trade fairs does the economy really need? Of course there is a need for trade fairs! Especially now, after the pandemic, we are very happy about the many feedbacks from exhibiting companies and visitors who are glad that it is finally possible again to meet live and in person, to find and try out news, to fill the potential customer files again, etc. By the way, during company visits in Silicon Valley, I was confirmed by high tech companies that they also believe in the live trade show format and also consider it necessary. Which trade fairs does business need? Actually, any trade show that brings something to the industry. In other words, those trade fairs that attract enough attention, feature interesting content and innovations, and provide the right atmosphere and opportunity to make new contacts. In other words, trade fairs that provide exhibitors with a good ROI (Return On Investment) and visitors with a high ROT (Return On Time Invested).
Ahead of all about automation in Friedrichshafen and Kunststoff Produkte Aktuell KPA in Ulm, both on March 7 and 8, 2023, and Kunststofftechnik Nord, Kuteno from May 9 - 11 in Rheda-Wiedenbrück: What are the registration statuses here? And above all: what do the exhibitors have to say about the upcoming trade shows? The registration levels are really highly gratifying. At the all about automation in Friedrichshafen, a new record will be reached with around 300 participating companies, the Kuteno is already practically sold out and the KPA will be stronger than at the last event 4 years ago with well over 100 exhibitors at the new start under our leadership. I think these facts and figures alone reflect the tenor from the business community: there is a need for trade fairs!
What can be expected in terms of digital flanking of the Easyfairs trade fairs in 2023? How will the focus on communities continue? The already existing, comprehensive digital flanking of our trade shows is continuing at a fast pace. On the one hand, the existing offerings are to be improved, and on the other, expanded with new features. Above all, we want to expand further in the direction of community matchmaking.
When asked what makes up the Easyfairs mindset, what do you say? Our way of thinking is primarily aimed at helping communities to expand their customer and relationship network. To do this, we create the most meaningful and not the largest possible formats in each case and organize them where it is most promising for the relevant industries, rather than where our own infrastructure is located. Together with the less costly and financially manageable all-in stand offers, we always strive to guarantee the exhibitors and visitors the greatest possible ROI or RED in the overall package and thus help them and their industries in the best possible way.
Crises can drive structural change and promote an absolute decoupling of CO2 emissions from economic growth. Countries that have already pursued an ambitious climate policy have proven to be particularly capable of change.
Editorial - 23 February 2023
During economic crises, less energy is consumed - and CO2 emissions fall accordingly. (Image: Pixabay.com) "Building back better" is a popular buzzword in times of crisis, but is it realistic? A new study published in February in the journal "Nature" was published, examined the impact of economic crises on decarbonization and showed that while crises do not automatically lead to structural changes and long-term decarbonization, they have played an important role in initiating systemic change. "Almost all countries that reached a peak in their CO2 emissions did so during an economic crisis," says first author Germán Bersalli of the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) in Potsdam, Germany. With colleagues from RIFS and ETH Zurich, he studied the relationship between emissions peaks and economic crises in the 45 countries that were members of the OECD and G20 between 1965 and 2019.
Decarbonization thanks to economic crises?
Over the past 50 years, 28 of these countries reached their emissions peak, 26 of them just before or during the major economic crises of that period. These include the 1973-75 and 1979-80 oil crises, the collapse of the Soviet Union (1989-91), and the global financial crisis (2007-09). Even as countries' economies rebounded, emissions did not rise back to their pre-crisis levels. This positive development contrasts with the global trend: worldwide carbon dioxide emissions increased steadily over the period, with only small dips during the crises. Long-term effects of the oil crisis in Germany (top), the collapse of the USSR in Lithuania (middle) and the financial crisis in the USA (bottom) on CO2 emissions: These remain low despite rising GDP. (Graphics: IASS Potsdam)
The mechanisms behind lower emissions
The researchers describe three mechanisms that have led to lower emissions over the long term:
With Energy efficiency measures governments and companies respond to higher energy prices or worsening economic conditions. "This mechanism is particularly pronounced during oil crises. Countries that peaked during this period - the United Kingdom, Germany and France, for example - saw a significant improvement in energy intensity. Consumption of expensive imported fuels fell, and industrial efficiency rose," says Bersalli. In addition to government measures, companies also responded to crises and triggered new market trends, such as a shift to smaller and more efficient cars during the oil crises.
Changes in the economic structure include a decline in CO2-intensive industries and a post-crisis recovery for less energy-intensive industries. This change is driven by economic and sometimes political forces. As the economy recovers, companies are increasingly turning to less energy- or carbon-intensive plants. But there is also a shift from goods-producing to services. Bersalli cites Spain as a striking example of this phenomenon: "In Spain, which was one of the hardest hit countries during the global financial crisis and the subsequent euro crisis, industry suffered particularly badly. Its share of GDP fell from 26 percent in 2007 to 20 percent in 2015, and the construction industry collapsed and never returned to pre-crisis levels. Spain's return to growth occurred in other, less carbon- and energy-intensive sectors."
New market conditions or political changes have Changes in the energy mix which led to a reduction in CO2 emissions. The first oil crisis in the early 1970s had a lasting impact on the energy mix, particularly in Western Europe: Nuclear power was expanded and interest in emerging renewable energy technologies increased.
Understanding the effects of measures
The findings could help to develop more robust climate protection measures, emphasizes co-author Johan Lilliestam (RIFS): "We also observe in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic that ambitious climate policies prove their worth in times of crisis. Countries that already supported the transition to a carbon-neutral energy system beforehand invested the most in green sectors with their stimulus packages and used the opportunity to strengthen their market position in emerging carbon-free technologies and industries." This will lead to falling emissions in the long term. The results also provide an answer to the much-discussed question of whether green growth is possible: an absolute decoupling of growth and emissions is therefore possible if economic growth is moderate. In the past, carbon and energy intensity has rarely fallen by more than four percent per year. Even the first economies, which reached their peak in the 1970s, still have a long way to go to fully decarbonize their economies. Bersalli, G., Tröndle, T., Lilliestam, J. (2023). Most industrialised countries have peaked carbon dioxide emissions during economic crises through strengthened structural change, Communications Earth & Environment, 4, 44 The post Economic crises can accelerate decarbonization appeared first on Organizer.
IT sector as the biggest driver of M&A activities by Swiss SMEs
Following a strong increase in M&A activity in 2021 - both globally and in Switzerland - and the new record highs already recorded in 2021, the number of transactions involving Swiss SMEs rose again in 2022. Small and medium-sized Swiss companies either acted as buyers or were acquired in a total of 244 cases. This is around 5 percent more deals than in the previous year (233). The number of acquisitions of Swiss SMEs abroad grew the most. This is shown in an analysis by Deloitte.
Editorial - 22 February 2023
M&A activities with Swiss SMEs since 2013 ( Sources: Reuters, Refinitiv)
M&A activity by Swiss SMEs reached a new high in 2022, according to an analysis by the auditing and consulting firm Deloitte. The number of M&A transactions involving Swiss SMEs amounted to 244, which is 4.7% more than in the previous year. This is mainly due to the high number of cross-border transactions, which accounted for over 70% of all deals. Of the 173 international transactions, 75 involved Swiss SMEs making an acquisition abroad - 25% more than in 2021. Since the Deloitte MidCap M&A Study was first published in 2013, never before have so many Swiss SMEs bought companies abroad. The number of domestic transactions fell by 7 percent to 71. In each case, the study on M&A activities of Swiss SMEs examines merger and acquisition transactions (acquisition of majority stakes) of small and medium-sized Swiss companies between January 1 and December 31. Already in the first half of 2022, a high number of SME-company transactions became apparent.
Swiss SMEs are still attractive for investors
At 169, the total number of Swiss SMEs acquired in 2022 was only 2 percent lower than in the previous year. The number of acquisitions made by foreign companies remained almost stable at a high level of 98, having risen by over a third in 2021. 65% of the buyers of Swiss SMEs were companies from Europe, while the other buyers were mostly from the USA (23%). While the total number of M&A deals by Swiss SMEs was still very high in the first half of 2022 (133 transactions), it declined significantly in the second half of the year (111 transactions) due to inflation and recession fears. Thus, only 45% of all transactions in 2022 were initiated in the second half of the year. This is the lowest half-year share since the start of this study series in 2013. "The further increase in takeover activity by Swiss SMEs is a sign of the robust Swiss economy and the innovative strength of our location. The strong Swiss franc and the much stronger rise in inflation abroad have also prompted many Swiss SMEs to make acquisitions. And Swiss SMEs continued to be attractive to investors despite the high prices," explains Anthony West, Partner and Head of Corporate Finance Switzerland at Deloitte.
IT sector with peak in M&A activity
M&A activity in the Swiss TMT (technology, media and telecommunications) industry reached a new high in 2022. It comprised 62 deals, representing 26% of all transactions involving Swiss SMEs. In 2021, the share was still 23%. Remarkable is the share of the IT subsector, to which the majority of TMT transactions can be attributed with 48. Proportionally, many more Swiss SMEs were purchased by foreign companies in IT (56%) than across all sectors (40%). This shows that the Swiss IT sector has produced many attractive companies in recent years. One reason for the high level of interest in Swiss IT service providers is likely to have been the major advances in digitization during the past few years and the Corona surge, which have fueled the growth of IT service providers and also led to many new startups in Switzerland. Many of these companies offer services such as cloud solutions, software as a service (SaaS) or cyber security software.
Share of all transactions (244 in total) involving Swiss SMEs in 2022 by sector. (Graphic: Deloitte)
"In order to drive growth in the IT and tech industry, talented IT specialists are in demand. They are among the most important resources. In times of demographic change and a shortage of skilled workers, SMEs that have such specialists are extremely attractive takeover targets. Scalability, high growth, and business models based on recurring revenues also make companies extremely attractive. The active start-up community in Switzerland, which is strongly fed by ETH and EPFL, has also strengthened the attractiveness of Swiss IT companies," says Stephan Brücher, Partner Financial Advisory at Deloitte Switzerland.
Private equity stable at a high level
Merger and acquisition activity involving a private equity fund remained stable at a high level in 2022, having risen steadily in recent years. Private equity companies were involved as buyers or sellers in 94 of the total of 244 completed transactions.
Globally, 2022 was a subdued M&A year, with the global number of deals falling from 62,193 to 54,914 due to a sharp drop in the second half of the year. The appetite for sales and acquisitions waned due to the adverse global economic environment - with inflation, rising interest rates and the war in Ukraine.
"The slowdown in M&A activity by Swiss SMEs in the second half of 2022 reflects the global trend that began earlier this year. Many economists are forecasting an economic slowdown in Western economies in 2023 due to rising interest rates and continued high inflation. These elements create an environment of uncertainty that is not conducive to M&A. That being said, economic data and general market sentiment have been better than expected since the beginning of the calendar year. This could lead to fertile ground for continued M&A activity," said Jean-François Lagassé, Partner Financial Advisory and Head of Financial Industry at Deloitte Switzerland.
iWay delivers new nationwide VoIP telephony solution to Activ Fitness
Internet service provider iWay is equipping Activ Fitness' fitness centers with a new scalable VoIP telephony solution. This promises improved functionality at lower costs.
Editorial - 22 February 2023
Activ Fitness' training centers will be equipped with a new VoIP telephony solution from iWay. (Image: Activ Fitness)
The fitness chain of Migros, Activ Fitness, receives a new scalable VoIP telephony solution from iWay. The procurement was deemed necessary because, in addition to the switch to All-IP, a heterogeneous telephony landscape had developed in the studios over the years that no longer met the requirements. The new telephony solution is managed centrally via the virtual vPBX hosted by the Internet service provider iWay. "Availability and support have been significantly improved," says Philipp Werder, Head of IT Infrastructure Services at Genossenschaft Migros Zürich and responsible for ICT services at Activ Fitness. The new telephony solution features call center functions in all studios and local numbers can be easily transferred. "Overall, we were able to reduce costs while improving functionality with iWay's new solution," says Werder.
For the new solution, iWay's VoIP telephony service was connected to Activ Fitness' MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) network via the existing data line using a partner firewall. This switching method allows for a stable and high-performance connection. The telephony of the back office and also the head office is networked with the iWay infrastructure via a business trunk and a session border controller. With the new solution, the studios have a DECT multi-cell system from Gigaset with two handsets and a landline telephone from Yealink. The system is scalable and the nationwide introduction of VoIP telephony can thus be easily implemented. "With the new VoIP solution from iWay, we are also supporting the nationwide expansion of Activ Fitness," Werder is pleased to say. Gradually, all 119 Activ Fitness studios will be equipped and served with VoIP telephony from iWay.
Zurich-based iWay AG is one of Switzerland's leading Internet Service Providers (ISP) for private individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1995, the company offers customized solutions in the areas of Internet access, VoIP telephony, mobile telephony, TV, e-mail, hosting and data centers.
Companies increasingly need employees who are highly motivated to tackle new, complex tasks and learn from the experience gained for the future. This competence must be promoted.
Joachim Simon - 21 February 2023
Tackling new challenges with courage. That's what we should learn - to remain attractive workers and to master our lives with success. (Image: Pixabay.com)
People are different. This is something we experience every day - both professionally and privately. For example, when faced with new challenges, we notice that some women and men immediately think: I can't do that. Accordingly, they approach the task unmotivated and their chances of success are correspondingly low. Others, on the other hand, also initially think: Oh, what a fright. But then: Somehow I'll manage. So they tackle the task with vigor. Usually with success - also because they don't immediately throw in the towel after the first failed attempt.
New key competence: professional and private
Such confidence is becoming increasingly important. Because in our modern world, we are permanently confronted with new challenges. So dealing with them adequately is becoming a key competence. Companies have also recognized this. They increasingly expect their employees to face and master new challenges; furthermore, they expect them to take the initiative in acquiring the skills they will need in their jobs (in the future). Or to put it another way: Your employees should be more self-effective.
According to research by Canadian learning theorist Albert Bandura, who sadly passed away in 2021, our self-efficacy feeds off four sources:
Own experience: They are very important. Because those who have repeatedly gained the experience "I can solve difficult tasks" also have the confidence to do so with new ones.
Role models: If one person observes another solving a difficult task, this can also boost his or her self-confidence - true to the maxim: "If this person can do it, so can I!"
Support: The knowledge that "when things get tight, I have supporters" is also encouraging.
Reactions and emotions: People infer their abilities from their physical reactions. For example, if they feel their heart racing during a task, they often immediately think: I can't do this. So it's important to be able to analyze: Is my reaction appropriate for the task?
Increase self-efficacy step by step
Anyone who wants to increase their self-efficacy should therefore regularly set themselves challenges where they initially suspect: This task could be too much for me. Because this is where we grow.
It makes sense to view the task as a project and analyze it first: Which subtasks are associated with it? Then we can determine why we shy away from certain subtasks. For example, because we don't have any experience with this yet? Once we have determined this, we can organize the necessary support. In addition, we can derive sub-goals from the subtasks that need to be achieved on the way to the big goal.
Defining subgoals is important in the event that we only partially achieve the project goal. Then, on the basis of the achieved subgoals, we can determine which subtasks we have solved with flying colors and which we have not. We can therefore put our "failure" into perspective. It also allows us to analyze which new skills we have acquired and where there is still a need to learn.
If we proceed in this way when tackling challenging tasks, we enter a learning spiral that leads to a steady expansion of our competence and self-efficacy.
To the author: Joachim Simon, Braunschweig, is a leadership trainer and speaker specializing in (self-)leadership (www.joachimsimon.info). Among other things, he is the author of the book "Self-responsibility in the company" and co-founder of the (self-)leadership coaching app Mindshine (www.mindshine.app). From him also already appeared this article.
