750 entrepreneurs took part in the first university of Normandy entrepreneurs in Deauville, this Tuesday, November 6, 2018. This will be the first and last for Gilles Sergent, boss of the regional Medef, who will leave his term at the end of 2018.
Interview
Gilles Sergent, President of Medef Normandy since January 3, 2017.
This event was the first and last for you?
Yes, on December 14, I leave my mandate as President of the Medef Normandy because I have a lot
mandates and I can not guarantee everything. (Gilles Sergent is also the general manager of the Récréa group and president of the Stade Malherbe de Caen) .
Why did you create this first university of Norman entrepreneurs?
I wanted to create a place of exchange for Norman entrepreneurs, a place that did not exist since the new configuration. Before this change, there was a barrier between the entrepreneurs of Upper and Lower Normandy. Following the merger of the two regions, the Normandy companies took advantage of the advantage linked to the reputation of the Normandy brand. They are proud of this brand.
Why did you choose the themes of transformation and disruption?
The digital is the first factor of the transformation of companies via social networks and this in all sectors: distribution, building ... Faced with this challenge, some may change the economic model hence the break, the disruption. This change is profound and more or less rapid on all businesses.
What will be the main areas of work for Norman companies in 2019?
Beyond digital transformation, companies face recruitment challenges. This is the number one concern of business leaders. Then comes the one to perpetuate its activity. For this, the company must attract talent and be attractive to employees.
Does Brexit worry you?
Many Norman companies are trading with the UK. The Brexit will be in 2019 an important issue for them. For the moment, the date is not fixed and we have no answers. It will be important to be responsive when the date is known.