The group of companies managed by Vyron and Phillip Vasileiadis are proof that Greece is capable and that entrepreneurship is progressing.
Stagnation is not the only face of Greece despite the desperate financial situation of our country and the severe supervision of the past years. There are many signs of development, progress and examples which should be followed which make us look at the future of entrepreneurship with optimism.
A company which sets such an example, and which is active in the demanding sectors of waste management and energy trading, is the group of companies of Vyron and Phillip Vasileiadis.
Greece can prove through examples of entrepreneurship and through its young representatives that the country if progressing, investing and resisting the financial crisis.
Vyron Vasileiadis, a young and ‘self-made’ entrepreneur, just 37 years of age, talks to us about investing in Greece, the challenge which surrounds setting an example as a company implementing best practices and high standards such which are comparable to and do not fall behind international standards. Furthermore, he will talk to us about the importance of modern waste management techniques and the development of our countries ‘energy’ wealth.
Is there a risk when investing in Greece during the crisis?
There are many reasons why Greece is currently in such a bad situation and one of those reasons is the reluctance of young entrepreneurs to invest in their country with a bit of courage and strategic planning. We took the risk and overcame our hesitation and invested equity in the fields of waste management and energy, aiming thereby to surpass the crisis by going a step ahead. It is important of course to emphasize that gradually there is more confidence shown by banks towards ‘healthy’ Greek entrepreneurship and that of course is positive. We may not have based our investment strategy on bank loans but I must add that the lack of bank loans is one of the reasons that entrepreneurship has not moved forward in the past years. Additionally, young entrepreneurs such as myself who have had the opportunity to come in touch with international market practices and rules, realize that the complexity of Greek tax legislation is another reason which has hindered the development of entrepreneurship. However, steps have been taken to improve and tackle the problems which exist in order to assist young entrepreneurs and to attract them to Greece.
What does the shift towards clean waste management mean for our country and what is your proposal for the future of our country in this sector?
‘Green’ waste management and modern waste management techniques of all types of waste streams are not concepts which are common only in Greece. These concepts are within the European Union’s strategic choices and planning for the Regional Administration 2020 and our country should for no reason stay behind in this area. The people who operate in this area should contribute substantially in formulating a comprehensive national plan. I dare say that in the sector of household waste we are still very underdeveloped. However, the same is not true in the case of industrial waste management and management of waste from ports, here the progress we have seen is tremendous and with great benefits for the economy and our country’s image. For us garbage is not to be thrown away. We adhere to a policy of Zero Waste, which means that very little waste should be lost and not taken advantage of from an energy perspective. Our aim is for this to happen slowly but steadily at all levels, from the Central and Regional Administration of the country to each of us. Hence, maximum utilization of waste and minimal to no final disposal of waste in landfills. That is our goal.
Are there benefits to adopting modern waste management practices and how have you contributed to bringing international know-how to our country?
The benefits are huge and mainly amount to long term sustainable development for our country, ‘our neighborhood and the ‘greater’ European family. Greece can and must become a powerful energy hub. Both the available resources and our strategic location allow for steps to be taken in this direction in the coming years. We operate within the country, but we are in constant contact with our strategic partners in other countries, such as Germany. For the best interests of our group of companies we have training contracts with major international organizations in the fields in which we are active. We transfer with reliability our expertise to Greece.
What are the new challenges in the energy sector, which will activate and move entrepreneurship in the direction of a new developmental model?
We believe in an open energy market, and we are already active in the field of energy trading in Greece, the Balkans and South-West Europe. The liberalization of the energy market has multiple benefits, economic and social, both at a national level and also with regard to the end consumer. This is the main challenge that we must face. In order to develop serious policies and for large scale investments to take place in the field of green energy, a field in which Greece can gain a competitive advantage, firstly the electricity market must become competitive.
Are there opportunities for new business ventures in your country? How did you succeed?
Undoubtedly there are opportunities. I have been watching with great interest the development of new businesses and the dynamic presence of start-ups in Greece.
Besides investing our capital we have invested in human resources. We employ 260 employees specialized in various fields and soon we will be employing 350 employees. Our country has highly qualified persons and this is what we invest in, our people.
Collective work, constant effort, persistence against all odds, know-how, investing in continuing education, and bold strategic moves within our fields of expertise, despite the challenging economic environment. These are the principles we adhere to and which describe our effort, and these are principles which take us a step ahead every day.
What do you advise those who try and how can your own effort be a positive example?
Courage and constantly keeping an eye on the future. This has been and remains my view of healthy entrepreneurship and this is what I would suggest to anyone who wishes to try. Certainly there are many obstacles and these sometimes seem insurmountable. Of course the negative climate which exists in our country caused many not to pursue their business ideas or to pursue them abroad. However, your ultimate goal gives you strength to proceed. A positive example is given by those who do not deviate from their goals and move ahead.
