Thomas Schneider appointed to the SME Advisory Council of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
Cologne – Frechen, 28 November – Thomas Schneider, managing partner of the Hasenkamp Group, has been appointed to the Advisory Council for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Liberal Professions (SME Advisory Council) at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). The committee advises the ministry on economic and structural policy issues relevant to small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany.
The SME Advisory Council is considered an important interface between politics and business. The council includes personalities who represent the diversity of German SMEs, including internationally active companies, family businesses, industry associations and scientific institutions.
Schneider's appointment brings into focus the perspective of a traditional family business that now operates globally. The Hasenkamp Group operates around 40 locations worldwide and is considered one of the leading companies for art and project logistics. Topics such as international competitiveness, regulatory frameworks, digitalisation and transformation are therefore at the heart of the ideas that Schneider intends to bring to the committee in future.
"German SMEs are facing increasing challenges in international competition," says Schneider. "As family businesses, many companies have been responsible for jobs, regions and the economic stability of the country for generations. This perspective needs a clear voice in political consultation."
Schneider also emphasises the importance of a stable social foundation: dealing with economic upheaval, technological change and global challenges makes it necessary to empower young people in their independence and responsibility – as the basis for a more resilient economic and social environment.
About Hasenkamp
Founded in 1903, the logistics company Hasenkamp is now in its fifth generation and is owned by Hans-Ewald Schneider and Dr Thomas Georg Schneider. The management team is complemented by managing director Ralf Ritscher. In addition to its headquarters on the Cologne city border in Frechen, the family-owned company has more than 40 locations worldwide. Around 1,000 employees lend a hand when it comes to planning, transport and storage of sensitive and valuable goods. Today, tradition and innovation at Hasenkamp are based on a regularly audited DIN and ISO certified quality, environmental and energy management process. This points the company’s path into a sustainable future. Hasenkamp divides its activities into four business units: Fine Art, Relocation, Archive Depot and Final Mile Services.