A grocery store in Linköping is undergoing a generational shift, a situation many family businesses in Östergötland are facing. Mikael Oskarsson, who runs an ICA Supermarket in Linköping, is handing over responsibility to his daughter Sara after many years as a shopkeeper. He says thoughts of scaling back began two years ago, but it was not certain Sara would take over due to her own education and career.
Seven out of ten companies in Östergötland County are family-owned today, and almost 40 percent plan an ownership change within five years. Many business owners are already of retirement age, making it difficult to find young people willing to take over. Mikael Oskarsson emphasizes the importance of planning early and daring to relinquish responsibility, as more businesses are needed to create jobs and growth.
He says thoughts of scaling back began two years ago, but it was not certain Sara would take over due to her own education and career.
Ahead of the takeover, Sara Hamzo Sköldehag is undergoing internal training to gain basic knowledge for running a store. She says it is a big responsibility to be in charge of a company with many employees, but she feels secure due to early planning and honored to take over after her father.
Mikael Oskarsson emphasizes the importance of planning early and daring to relinquish responsibility, as more businesses are needed to create jobs and growth.
She says it is a big responsibility to be in charge of a company with many employees, but she feels secure due to early planning and honored to take over after her father.