Facing Potential Extinction: Numerous Artisan Businesses Search for a Successor - Threatened craft businesses urgently seeking replacements for their current leaders
In the heart of Thuringia, the Thuringian Craftsmen's Association is sounding the alarm. CEO Thomas Malcherek has warned of "serious consequences" due to the anticipated decrease in businesses, with estimates suggesting that 25 to 50 percent of businesses may not find a successor.
Malcherek, a respected figure in the craftsmanship industry, sees this as a critical juncture, stating, "We're at a tipping point." According to him, thousands of business owners in Thuringian craftsmanship are seeking successors in the coming years, with approximately 28,000 craft businesses at stake.
To combat these issues, the Thuringian Craftsmen's Association is offering consulting services and facilitating business exchanges for craftsmen looking to sell their businesses. They are also making efforts to attract more young people to take over craft businesses in the region.
One such example of a successful business takeover is the case of Stephan Wreden, a young craftsman from Elxleben. In 2024, Wreden purchased the heating company Braun & Höfler GmbH from its former owners, who were previous employees. Today, the company, with Wreden at the helm, employs 30 workers and has a good order situation with waiting lists extending until next year.
However, the issue of finding successors for craft businesses is not unique to Thuringia. In many regions, this challenge arises due to an aging workforce. To address this, various initiatives have been implemented, such as apprenticeship and training programs, business succession planning, financial support, and networking events.
In Thuringia, the Thuringian Craftsmen's Association is hopeful that more young people will see the potential for success in taking over craft businesses. With the example of Stephan Wreden's successful takeover, they believe that more young craftsmen will be inspired to follow in his footsteps.
However, if the issue remains unaddressed, rural regions in Thuringia may experience supply gaps, longer wait times for craftsmen, reduced economic power, job losses, and potential impacts on social cohesion. It's a challenge that the Thuringian Craftsmen's Association is working diligently to overcome, and their efforts are a testament to their commitment to preserving the rich tradition of craftsmanship in Thuringia.
- Recognizing the need for strategic action, the Thuringian Craftsmen's Association is advocating for community and employment policies that support business succession in rural areas, especially in financing options for small businesses.
- As part of their efforts, the Association is encouraging the implementation of initiatives like apprenticeship programs, business succession planning, and networking events to attract young people and facilitate the smooth transition of craft businesses in Thuringia.
