"SMEs are doing great things and deserve attention"

With "KMUdate", entrepreneur Karin Leuch gives the fascinating world of small and medium-sized enterprises a television platform. In this interview, she reveals how the format came about, the challenges it poses and why SMEs deserve our appreciation more than ever.

How did the idea for the "KMUdate" format come about?
Karin Leuch: " KMUdate" emerged from the TV format "SPORTDATE". The idea came about as a result of a number of inquiries as to whether we could implement such a TV production in other regions or locations. What's more, up until four years ago I was involved in SME issues as a long-standing board member of the Winterthur SME Association. I think SMEs do a great job and deserve attention and appreciation. With this format, we want to appeal to people with an affinity for business who want to find out more about important SME topics and also gain an insight into a wide range of companies.

What criteria are used to select the companies and regions?
For the Winterthur relay, we focus on SMEs from the Winterthur region. The decisive factor is the location where we can realize such an event. This is because we aim to produce right in the middle of the action, i.e. where people work, produce or sell. The stage setting is one thing, but the surrounding area must also be carefully prepared so that attractive camera angles for the television production are possible. Various factors are checked during a viewing appointment. You have to feel the DNA of a company. Our aim is also to be a knowledge platform where you can learn valuable information about a wide range of topics.

Entrepreneur Karin Leuch has launched the KMUdate TV format.

What are the challenges of organizing a TV production in such an unconventional setting as a workshop or production hall?
We use up to nine cameras for each of our TV productions. We have to be able to position them. You also have to consider the lighting conditions and the room acoustics. Are there loud exhaust fans, heating or ventilation fans or machines that could interfere with the wireless connection? The temperatures must also be right. Sitting in an unheated production hall in winter would be rather uncomfortable for the audience.

What do you think are the ingredients for a really good show?
Original premises, an exciting topic, interesting guests and a cheerful audience that brings emotion and atmosphere to the show.

What can the guests experience on site that they don't get on a traditional TV show?
There are many talk events, but most of them take place in rather sterile rooms that don't have much to do with the topic. With us, you sit in the middle of a company, surrounded by production machines or the products that are manufactured or sold. "KMUdate" makes companies visible and tangible. The whole thing packaged as an entertaining TV program makes us quite unique. Participation in our events is free of charge for viewers and the subsequent networking aperitifs offer space for further stimulating discussions and interesting encounters.

Why is it important to you to focus on the achievements of SMEs - the "invisible heroes of the economy"?
Because we need to take care of our SMEs! They are so important for our system. Unfortunately, appreciation has been somewhat lost in recent years. Running a company these days is anything but easy. You have a lot of responsibility and the pressure is immense. More and more regulations, constant adjustments to new technologies, the pressure to be sustainable, staff shortages and the ever-increasing expectations of employees. "KMUdate" conveys important topics that SMEs have to deal with. A very important platform to show the general public why SMEs are our invisible heroes.

How do companies benefit from hosting such an event?
A host company has the opportunity to stage a unique event at its premises, to which it can also invite customers, partners and employees. The appeal is enormous. We take care of all the organization in advance and the panel discussion is broadcast on several TV stations. We can now also be seen on Tele Züri - the No. 1 Swiss regional TV station. The program can also be seen on our previous broadcasting partners Tele Top, Schaffhauser Fernsehen and TV Oberwallis. A very large, frankly almost priceless advertising box.

Will the format be continued?
We have to see from year to year how things will continue, as we not only need hosts to realize this special TV series, but also sponsors to support us. The relay, which starts in January, includes six events that we invite people to every two months. The format has also attracted attention in the canton of Thurgau and, if all goes well, we will start another, autonomous broadcasting season there in mid-2025. We are making good progress, but here too, a lot of effort is needed for long-term implementation.

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