A new stage for small and medium-sized Catalan companies
A few days ago, Pimec celebrated that it will finally be able to sit at the table of the state social dialogue representing small and medium-sized Catalan companies. We have repeatedly heard the president of the Catalan employers’ association, Antoni Cañete, say that not being present in these places where decisions are made – basically because the CEOE monopolized the representation of all employers – penalized SMEs. He did it because everything that was agreed was thinking about the big company and not the SME. This way of functioning is one of the reasons why small and medium-sized Catalan companies are smaller than their European counterparts. “Being small is not a problem, but being small and not being able to grow up is a problem, it is our problem,” Cañete said not so long ago in an interview with L’Econòmic.
The value of business diversity
The Catalan business fabric is rich and diverse, with companies from different sectors and sizes. This diversity is one of its great virtues, as it allows an economy that is more resilient and adaptable to market changes. Small and medium-sized Catalan companies play a key role in this fabric, as they bring agility, innovation and proximity to customers. In addition, SMEs have a pulling effect on many other companies, generating employment and driving economic growth.
Factors affecting the growth of SMEs
However, small and medium-sized Catalan companies also face several challenges that limit their growth. One of these challenges is legislation that does not discriminate in favor of SMEs, which makes it difficult for them to compete with large companies. In addition, taxation can be an obstacle to the growth of SMEs, as it does not exactly encourage expansion in terms of employees or turnover. It is also important to address the question of succession in family businesses, since many times generational successions are not well resolved and this can affect their continuity and growth.
The road to a strong business fabric
To overcome these challenges and foster a strong business fabric, it is necessary to promote policies that favor small and medium-sized Catalan companies. This may include measures such as administrative simplification, reducing tax burdens and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. In addition, it is important to promote the professionalization of business management and facilitate generational succession in family businesses. With these actions, an environment conducive to the growth and competitiveness of small and medium-sized Catalan companies can be created.