The first meeting of the STOB regions project partners took place on 28th, 29th and 30th of March 2017 at Frankfurt (Oder), Germany.
The first day was dedicated to get to know each other and to general issues of our further cooperation (communication, financial and reporting requirements). In the afternoon we went for a study visit to the Neuzelle Monastery Brewery that is a best practice example of business transfer within a family.
The second day all partners assembled for our first thematic workshop. The topic we worked on was "sensitization and raising awareness of chances and barriers for a transfer / psychology of company succession".
The day started with a short introduction into the topic by a representative from the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family of the State of Brandenburg. The introduction was followed by two thematic lectures: Dr. Marc Evers from the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry spoke about the importance of business succession in Germany and the consequences on the German economy. Barbara Bendel, consultant and coach, explained the psychological aspects and possible consequences into the process of a business transfer.
All partners prepared a short contribution about how the topic is faced in their regions and what is characteristic there. After that we formed small groups and worked interactively on the topic. Moderated by the advisory partner it was a very exciting and useful method of learning.
For the peer review on the last day Dr. Andreas Meyer from the Chamber of Crafts at Potsdam prepared an overview about the situation of business transfer in Brandenburg especially from the sight of craft. For the following panel discussion we could welcome Martin Hantke from the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family of the State of Brandenburg, Dr. Matthias Kirbach from the Brandenburg Economic Development Board, Dr. Thomas Kühne from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Eastern Brandenburg and Stefan Fritsche, owner of the Neuzelle Monastery Brewery. It was very interesting to hear the different point of views and the personal experiences of all speakers. Following this panel discussion all partners together worked out a SWOT-analysis for Brandenburg. All partners from the other regions were asked to give some advices to the representatives of Brandenburg about how to face the challenge of business transfer and to improve the weaknesses that have been found out.
For all participants these three days have been a great experience and we are all looking forward to meet again soon. Our next project Meeting will take place in Kainuu Etu, Finland.
