Written by Andreas Ulrich Hermansen
Tonight, over 200 business professionals will gather at Nykøbing F. Theatre for the annual local business awards, the Lolland-Falster Business Award 2024. This yearly event is presented by Nordea, Aage Maagensen, Folketidende, and the business association Business Lolland-Falster. I’ve been invited and look forward to recognizing the nominated companies and celebrating the business community on Lolland-Falster.
Celebrating strong businesses
Since 1983, the business award has been a focal point for honoring and recognizing the business community on Lolland and Falster, highlighting companies that have excelled, achieved great results, and maintained a sustainable profile. The winner of the award is selected by local business leaders.
This year, the prize will go to one of the four nominated companies: Enelco, S.E.W. North Filtration, Scandlines, and Melitek. These are strong businesses that deserve recognition and visibility for the people driving development forward and ensuring local jobs. I have great respect for that. But I have an addition to make.
The significant role of micro-enterprises
When discussing the business landscape on Lolland-Falster, we must not forget the many small businesses—the so-called micro-enterprises with a maximum of 10 employees and limited turnover. There are many of them, and they play a particularly crucial role on Lolland-Falster. In fact, micro-enterprises in Guldborgsund and Lolland municipalities account for nearly half of the business turnover on Lolland-Falster (according to a 2021 survey by the Confederation of Danish Industry).
These businesses support the larger ones and share responsibility for development. Micro-enterprises operate across many sectors: crafts, construction, transport, IT, communication, retail, and e-commerce. Notably, they also invest more in innovation and research compared to larger companies.
Flexible structures and new opportunities
Micro-enterprises often operate more flexibly and, in some cases, provide tailored working conditions for people who struggle to fit in elsewhere. This could include social enterprises or owner-managers who prioritize a work-life balance closer to home. It might also include families dealing with illness or disabilities, or the challenge of finding jobs for trailing spouses—where starting a business can sometimes be the solution.
Lolland-Falster Micro-enterprise award
Awards by themselves don’t solve problems, but they do help raise awareness. The significant role of micro-enterprises, especially on Lolland-Falster, is unique, and there could easily be an annual Lolland-Falster Micro-Enterprise Award. Not for the sake of the party, not for the guests, but to shine a spotlight on the companies driving development under different conditions, creating jobs, and implementing new work-life strategies. There would undoubtedly be many worthy nominees.
About the author
Andreas Ulrich Hermansen is 48 years old, lives in Nørre Alslev, and works with branding and advertising. He has been self-employed with his sole proprietorship, Viah, since 2008, creating a range of design solutions for local businesses and organizations. Andreas is a member of the representative council for Business Lolland-Falster and is deeply engaged in promoting Lolland and Falster. He is married to ceramicist Kristine Vedel Adeltoft, and they have lived on Falster with their children since 2012.
