Thomas Buhck new IHK President: Challenges for Lübeck's economy!

Thomas Buhck new IHK President: Challenges for Lübeck's economy!

The wind blows fresh news around our ears in Lübeck! Thomas Buhck is now the new President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) in Lübeck. In an election in which there was no opposing candidate, he was elected as the successor to Hagen Goldbeck, who died in April 2023. Buhck, who is also managing partner of the Buhck Group, wants to bring a breath of fresh air into the chamber and has clear visions for the future of the economy in Schleswig-Holstein.

Buhck brings extensive experience with him, having been actively involved in the chamber's general assembly since 1998. In his new role, he would like to focus on several important topics:

• Verkehrsinfrastruktur in Schleswig-Holstein
• Planungsbeschleunigung, besonders beim Fehmarnbelt-Tunnel
• Digitalisierung der Wirtschaft
• Stärkung des Unternehmertums
• Bekämpfung des Fachkräftemangels
• Sicherheit von IT- und Energie-Infrastruktur

Hagen Goldbeck – An era is coming to an end

His predecessor, the popular Hagen Goldbeck, also did an impressive job. He was elected unanimously and received 52 out of 53 votes when he was constituted. Under Goldbeck's presidency, the self-management of the economy in the Hanseatic Belt was significantly strengthened. The focus on small and medium-sized companies was particularly well received. He already had a clear plan in his drawer: the cooperation in the executive committee should create crisis-proof structures and actively shape the future of the business location. Thanks to his initiative, a new general assembly was elected, consisting of 64 members who represent the interests of the IHK members.

Skilled labor shortage as a challenge

A central concern of both Buhck and Goldbeck is the pressing shortage of skilled workers, which poses major challenges for companies in Lübeck. Around two thirds of companies fear that they will suffer economic disadvantages as a result. According to an initiative to secure skilled workers that was launched by the economic development agency, joint actions are needed to position Lübeck as an attractive place to work and to attract skilled workers. Almost 80 percent of companies see such collaborations as an opportunity.

The situation is serious: between May 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023, almost 45,000 job offers were published, with 186 positions having significant filling problems. The main areas affected are technical professions, the hotel and catering industry and logistics. It will be particularly important here to attract trainees and skilled workers from abroad, especially from countries such as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.

Outlook: Strong together

The coming years will show how Buhck and his team overcome the challenges. Initiatives such as the internship portal “Internship Hansebelt”, which facilitates the connection between companies and those seeking internships, are aimed at promoting young talent and keeping them in the region in the long term.

We can therefore look forward to seeing what new impulses and ideas Thomas Buhck, at the head of the IHK, will bring to the Lübeck economy. In any case, the commitment to regional challenges is well received. We can only hope that Lübeck continues to shine as a thriving business location in the North German landscape!

Find out more about the election of Thomas Buhck in a detailed report from stern.de and the background of Hagen Goldbeck's presidency der-reporter.de. Further information on securing skilled workers can be found at luebeck.org.