National Merit Day 2022: corporate governance for SMEs

Sandro Catani, of counsel Andersen expert in advisory, M&A, and ESG factors, will participate in the sixth edition of the National Merit Day organized by the Meritocracy Forum in collaboration with Assolombarda. The meeting is dedicated to the value of good governance and the responsibility of companies for the application of its principles, among which meritocracy is central. In particular, the topics covered will be the empowerment of women and young people, the sustainability of corporate governance for small companies, and the practical implications of recognizing merit in business.

Catani will take part in the panel entitled A Sustainable Corporate Governance for SMEs. He will engage with Silvia Stefini, advisor to the Democracy Forum, and Marta Testi, managing director of ELITE, part of Euronext Group which helps companies access the capital and expertise they need for long-term growth.

They will discuss the governance component of ESG criteria and its importance for small entities. This management method allows the optimal division of responsibilities, promotes the conscious and efficient use of resources, and improves market positioning. It also facilitates transparency of processes and makes resources more cohesive, enhancing personal capabilities and simplifying the sharing of objectives. However, it has not to be considered a mere superstructure: it is a set of concrete acts to be adapted to the specifics of each enterprise. It thus makes management more effective and efficient while providing the skills to react promptly to market fluctuations.

Thus, corporate governance is fundamental to the development of SMEs, which form the basis of community entrepreneurship. In fact, in 2021 they constituted 99 percent of all European businesses, generating about 100 million jobs, but they had a much slower average growth rate than larger entities (source: European Parliament). The adoption of governance models can compensate for some of the more typical traits of small companies, such as the centralization of decisions, skills and corporate culture and the lack of formal organization, controls and long-term strategies. These tools enable the sustainability of companies not only from an economic point of view, but also socially, politically and environmentally, supporting them to interface successfully with their stakeholders and thus build lasting strength.

National Merit Day

Thursday, 27 October | 17.30 – 20.00 | Program and subscription

Assolombarda auditorium – via Pantano 9, Milan