It was a huge pleasure to meet many representatives from companies in the Randers-Norddjurs region during my tour of DI’s 18 regional associations. I hope that the upcoming visits will be just as fruitful, writes CEO Lars Sandahl Sørensen, DI.

When I stepped onto the factory floor of Prodan last Thursday and was greeted by Per Hastrup, Regional Chairman at DI and Executive Director of Prodan, I was, as is often the case, struck by just how much activity goes on at Danish companies year round.

That same morning, Børsen had reported that Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had appointed Managing Director of Aalborg Portland Michael Lundgaard Thomsen as chairman of the first of a number of new climate partnerships with Danish companies.

And here I was on the ground at a company that is a leader in the development and production of equipment for the process industry, among others, creating customised products of the highest quality. Products that are vital in order for customers to deliver high quality competitively and at the same time reduce their environmental impact thanks to the best equipment.  

At the Confederation of Danish Industry, we have incorporated an ambitious climate target as part of our national 2030 Plan. The plan demonstrates that green growth is certainly possible - if politicians, companies and society as a whole work together. And during the meeting at Prodan with the board of the DI Randers-Norddjurs regional association, which represents a broad range of industries and businesses, my belief that it is possible and necessary for Danish companies to take the lead in green growth was affirmed. 

Make an effort to attract young people

But the climate agenda is far from the only area in which we need to take the lead. At the meeting, I learned from participants that attracting skilled employees is a major challenge.

I was very impressed by the collaboration between Randers-Norddjurs companies and other stakeholders to attract more young people to vocational educations. One example is the Smart Hands fair, where around 300 young people in foundation courses at vocational schools or from the school’s graduating classes meet around 50 representatives from companies who offer almost 100 apprenticeships.

This is something that other regions could learn from, and it testifies to the fact that no matter what we want for our society - more welfare, better healthcare, stronger integration or a protected environment, companies play a major role in the solution.

It is dedicated and enterprising companies that develop the solutions we need. And it is companies and their employees who are in large part responsible for the growth that allows us to create the kind of society we want.

Write or call

I am currently paying visits to companies all around the country as well as meeting all of DI’s 18 regional associations. It is important to me to learn from companies first-hand about the opportunities they see and the challenges they face and - not least - what DI can do to create even more value for companies - our clients.

Both I and Deputy Director General Kim Graugaard will in coming months participate in a number of regional meetings in preparation for the forthcoming Industrial Agreement negotiations.

In the lead-up to my tour of the regional associations and the meetings regarding the Industrial Agreement, I would be greatly pleased if you contact either me directly or your regional chairmen to share the issues that matter for precisely your company.

That way, DI - as your organisation - can become an even closer partner and create new value for you and your business - and thereby also for Denmark.