You Can’t Build a Community by Email
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LEADER
of feedback: we develop what works and change
what does not. After all, you cannot create a com-
munity on paper – it grows out of trust and regular
contact. In some areas, we are finding our own way,
while at the same time working with other chambers
in the region and sharing our experience.
What are the biggest concerns for businesses today?
The issue companies most often face today is people –
particularly a shortage of skilled workers and, looking
ahead, the availability of labour itself. Other major
concerns include the predictability of the business
environment, administrative burdens and regulation.
Every new obligation comes at a cost, and that ultima-
tely affects companies’ operating costs, investment
and prices for customers.
AI, automation and the use of data are also major
topics. But it is not about adopting every new deve-
lopment; it is about identifying what genuinely makes
sense for a particular company. Succession will also be-
come increasingly important – passing on businesses,
know–how, relationships and responsibility.
In my view, the role of the Chamber is not simply to re-
spond to problems that everyone can already see,
but also to raise issues that companies will be dealing
with in earnest two or three years from now.
Where does the Moravian–Silesian Region have
an advantage when it comes to attracting investors,
and where is it falling behind?
Personally, I think that in some areas we have fallen
somewhat behind and are now trying to catch up.
We only need to look across the border to Poland
and see the development that has taken place there
over the past ten years in infrastructure, business zones
and the areas surrounding major cities.
At the same time, the Moravian–Silesian Region
has strong foundations – high–quality companies,
successful entrepreneurs, technical know–how
and a strong industrial tradition. But when it comes
to new investment, the price of land or labour is not
the only deciding factor. Investors need sites that are
ready for development, sufficient energy and utility
capacity, good transport links, an available workforce
and a predictable permitting process.
We therefore need to make better use of brownfield
sites, prepare business zones and shorten the journey
from an investment proposal to its implementation.
The potential is here; now it is about creating the right
conditions so that companies have a reason to grow
here and talented people have a reason to stay or
return.
Where would you like to take the Chamber in the co-
ming years?
Over the past few years, we have significantly expan-
ded our membership base. Today, we organise more
than forty events a year, and in the first half of this year
alone, more than 1,100 people attended them. We
want to continue building on that.
I want OHK Opava to be seen as a strong partner
for businesses – one that brings companies together
in a targeted way, facilitates the sharing of know–how,
raises important issues and helps find practical soluti-
ons. We are open to new partnerships whenever they
make sense for businesses and the region.
Personally, however, I hope that as the Opava Chamber
continues to grow, it will not lose its identity. I want
it to remain a place where businesspeople feel comfor-
table calling for advice, where they enjoy meeting one
another and where they know they do not have to face
their problems alone.
Aer all, you cannot create a community
on paper – it grows out of trust
and regular contact.
Networkingové eventy