It is depressing

Point of view of Karen Bladt, Chairperson of Bornholm Business Council.

See the post at Bornholms Tidende here.

Here we are again. The annual budget process in BRK has rolled into gear and the catalogue of savings is out once more. Yet again, Business Center Bornholm is in the firing line in the municipality's proposals for cuts. This time with a larger reduction than seen in previous years. The slices of the salami are getting bigger and bigger.

On behalf of the Bornholm business community, I must now sound the alarm: That won't do! If Bornholm is to develop and pull itself out of the economic quagmire, the prerequisite is that we have strong businesses that create jobs. Jobs that are the foundation of the island's economy and the welfare we all desire.

Bornholm businesses are developing positively, but strong and enterprising businesses are not a given, and it is of great importance that our business community does not lose momentum. The local business service plays a major role here.

Our environment, legislation, markets and competitors are constantly changing and putting all businesses under pressure. This requires a steady hand on the wheel as well as continuous development and new knowledge. Most businesses on Bornholm fall into the category of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They need development support, sparring and new knowledge through workshops – right here on the island, to be precise. They do not have the resources to take part in many events “on the mainland”, which often means spending whole days away from day-to-day operations.

The Bornholm community has a huge interest in it continuing to be attractive to run and establish a business on the island. This requires support - that there continues to be funding for a sustained effort that can contribute to transition and development.

The local business service is essential. It cannot be downsized any further. That won't do!

Bornholm Business Association c/o Karen Bladt, chairperson

About Bornholm’s Business Council:

The Business Council is an advisory body and must ensure that Bornholm's business community is broadly represented and consulted across business interests regarding local and regional framework conditions and strategies in the business sector, and consists of:

Bornholm Business Council
Karen Bladt, Confederation of Danish Industry
Benny Schou, Horesta
Claus Stamer, Confederation of Danish Industry (Building and Construction)
Liselotte Hjorth, Danish Chamber of Commerce
Anders Bjerregaard, SMVbornholm
Peter Lund Olsen, Tekniq Bornholm
Frederik Tolstrup, Bornholm Agriculture & Food
Nikolaj Nexø Grønnegård, finance department
Klaus Holm, Metal Bornholm
Joan Prahl, FH Bornholm