Prix SVC Nordschweiz 2021: Two young entrepreneurs really big!

For the tenth time, the Prix SVC Nordschweiz was awarded in the Congress Center Basel in front of 1000 guests. This anniversary was taken as an opportunity to look back on past award ceremonies. Some of the previous winners and prize winners were also among the guests. For example, Willi Miesch of Medartis AG (winner in 2015). Asked about the significance of the Prix SVC Nordschweiz, he said, "At the beginning, I didn't even know what it was." But afterwards, he said, he now knows about the value of this award - as do many other SMEs in the region. Indeed, in the "Regio Basilensis, things are really happening economically," as presenter Dani von Wattenwyl quoted from a report in the Basler Zeitung about the first edition of the Prix SVC Nordschweiz.

Winner of the Prix SVC Northern Switzerland 2021: revendo AG

Proof of this was provided by the six finalists for the Prix SVC Nordschweiz 2021, who prevailed in a multi-stage selection process from around 100 companies in the region and presented themselves to the public on November 25, 2021. In the end, revendo AG won the race. The concept of revendo focuses on the reuse of Apple and Android products in order to strengthen sustainable use and keep the devices in circulation longer. The company employs around 120 people and is led by Aurel Greiner, VRP, CEO and main shareholder, and Laurenz Ginat, CEO. The business model of revendo convinced the jury of experts headed by Willi Glaeser, Honorary President of Glaeser Wogg AG, in every respect. Bernhard B. Fischer, SVC Regional Manager Northern Switzerland and jury member since the very beginning, emphasized in his laudation: "The victory is above all an award for the fact that revendo is not just an ordinary smartphone and computer retailer. The company's motivation is not based solely on the size of its sales market, but rather on setting an example against the throwaway society." The success of the award-winning company depends on many factors, three of which Fischer highlighted: "The sustainability aspect is writ large at revendo. The two founders have decided to pursue a special kind of recycling, which has also gained notoriety in recent years under the term 'upcycling'. Upcycling conserves resources, reduces energy consumption and reduces our need for new products. The rapid growth of revendo ag is also worth highlighting: what started seven years ago as a two-man start-up with an online store has now grown into an impressive SME with over 120 employees and nine branches, establishing itself as an important employer - also beyond the region of northern Switzerland." Bernhard B. Fischer mentioned the shopping experience as another success factor: "revendo offers the perfect mix between online services and in-store service. The company has linked its online and offline trade with a suitable marketing strategy and is thus able to appeal to a broad customer base."

Robotec Solutions AG and alltech Installationen AG in second and third place

Second place goes to Robotec Solutions AG, a leading pace-setter in robot system construction with headquarters in Seon and subsidiaries in Germany and China. With the experience of more than 700 realized projects, the company is a highly specialized expert in automation solutions. Robotec offers the world's largest range of robots, employs 55 people and is led by owner and CEO Nick Koch. Bronze was won by alltech Installationen AG from Muttenz. The installation company with two locations in Switzerland carries out all construction phases from planning to construction. Owner Kurt Hersperger and CEO Mauro Fusco and their 200 employees offer their customers comprehensive services in the areas of sanitary installations, heating, industrial and refrigeration systems, energy systems and boiler service.

Diploma rank for ifa Institut für Arbeitsmedizin AG, Medgate and Monopol AG

The ifa Institut für Arbeitsmedizin AG, market leader in workplace health promotion, Medgate, leading provider in the field of telemedicine, and Monopol AG, which has been producing facade paints, industrial coatings and corrosion protection for steel, aluminum and plastics since its foundation in 1947, were awarded the diploma rank.

Especially in times of a pandemic, the healthcare sector should actually be booming, according to a question from Dani von Wattenwyl to Dieter Kissling, founder of ifa. "Six months ago, we had short-time work," was his answer. He pointed out, however, that at present prevention is becoming increasingly important in order to avoid mental illness. This must be done by working on the corporate culture. And Andy Fischer of Medgate noted that about half of patients can already be treated purely by telemedicine. Thanks to the further development of digital tools, this trend is likely to be unstoppable. Lionel Schlessinger of Monopol AG mentioned how important error culture is in his company. "Only learning from mistakes will take us further," Schlessinger said, to paraphrase.

Putting successful companies in the public eye

Once again, the awarding of the Prix SVC Nordschweiz 2021 has succeeded in providing a stage for successful SMEs. The sponsor and initiator of the Prix SVC is the Swiss Venture Club (SVC), an independent, non-profit association of entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs with the aim of supporting and promoting SMEs as the driving force of the Swiss economy and contributing to the creation and preservation of jobs in Switzerland. The SVC is supported by its strategic partner Credit Suisse, its partners Emil Frey, EY, Mobiliar and Swisscom, and numerous other sponsors. The festive and exciting anniversary event, which could also be followed via livestream, allowed the pandemic to be forgotten for a few hours and showed itself to be an important meeting place for the business community in northern Switzerland. And with the winning company revendo AG, on November 25, 2021, perhaps even a sign could be set for how even a Black Friday consumer frenzy can be made more sustainable.

More information: Swiss Venture Club