Sisimiut Olie: “GBA must remember businesses outside Nuuk”

Sisimiut Olie has been a member of Greenland Business Association for more than 20 years. Over the years, Tage Lennert has found the membership valuable for obtaining advice and assistance in difficult negotiations. At the same time, however, he would like the organisation to listen more closely to businesses outside Nuuk.

By Rasmus Barud Thomsen

Activity at Sisimiut Olie largely follows developments in the rest of the town.

The company employs around ten people, although the number can vary from year to year depending on activity levels, including in the fishing industry.

“We are very dependent on what is happening in Sisimiut. This year, not as much funding has been allocated to activities in the town, and we can feel the impact,” says Tage Lennert.

Sisimiut Olie has been a member of Greenland Business Association since 2002. At the time, membership was necessary for the company’s work, but over the years it has also provided access to advice on matters such as pay and pension conditions.

“We are still members because we can ask questions about important issues and get help. It is a valuable resource to have,” says Tage Lennert.

A right-hand partner in negotiations

In the past, Sisimiut Olie had a close relationship with a particular consultant at Greenland Business Association. Whenever the company encountered a problem, Tage Lennert could call and quickly get assistance.

“He knew us and our company and could resolve problems quickly. It is reassuring to have someone who knows the company and understands what you need,” he says.

Greenland Business Association also played an important role when Sisimiut Olie had to negotiate with Polar Oil.

“At the time, Greenland Business Association was our right-hand partner in the negotiations. That meant a great deal to us,” says Tage Lennert.

More voices from the coast

Tage Lennert previously served on Greenland Business Association’s industry committee for transport and services. Although he is no longer a member of the committee, he continues to follow its work.

He would like to see better geographical representation, with more businesses from towns outside Nuuk represented on the industry committees.

“I think there are too many representatives from Nuuk. I would like to see more people from other towns involved, because conditions are not the same throughout Greenland,” he says.

According to Tage Lennert, it is important that businesses along the coast are heard, both when Greenland Business Association advises its members and when the organisation represents the interests of the business community in its dialogue with politicians and public authorities.

“Greenland Business Association needs to become better at listening to businesses outside Nuuk and remembering the challenges we face when working on political issues,” he says.

A need for more sources of income

In Sisimiut, the business community is highly dependent on the fishing industry. However, fishing activity fluctuates, and when quotas have been exhausted, the effects are quickly felt by other businesses in the town.

Tage Lennert therefore wants Greenland Business Association to work towards creating more opportunities for economic activity and income in Greenland. Among other things, he points to mineral and natural resource extraction, as well as better utilisation of the country’s other natural resources.

“We cannot live on fishing alone. We need other activities and jobs, and Greenland Business Association can help push for progress in this area,” he says.

He also points out that high airfares make it difficult and expensive for businesses in settlements and along the coast to transport employees to and from their workplaces.

At the same time, he would like to see greater focus on Greenlandic labour and on the generational transitions facing a number of businesses in Sisimiut.

“There are several business owners here in town who have reached an age where they need to start thinking about succession. This is an obvious area where Greenland Business Association can step in and provide support, and where membership can be put to very practical use,” he says.

For Tage Lennert, there is therefore still a clear need for Greenland Business Association. However, he hopes that in the future the organisation will build even closer ties with businesses outside the capital.

“We still need someone we can turn to with questions and who can represent our interests. But it is important that Greenland Business Association also remembers those of us who run businesses outside Nuuk,” he concludes.