Proposals have already been put forward by the Commission.
The Frey Group, a family-owned business based in eastern Bavaria, has been honoured with the Bavarian SME Award 2025. This prestigious accolade recognises SMEs that demonstrate exceptional future-readiness, innovation, entrepreneurial responsibility, resilience, and appeal as employers.
The Frey Group, led by Caroline Frey and Amran Frey, operates across various sectors, including fashion, furniture, and dining. With around 550 employees and five locations in Cham, Bad Kötzting, Schwandorf, Weiden, and Marktredwitz, the company has a significant impact on the region's economy and city centres.
The award was presented under the patronage of Bavarian State Parliament President Ilse Aigner. The Frey Group's commitment to sustainability, regional value creation, and its innovative approach to modern stationary retail were highlighted by the jury.
One of the key factors that contributed to Frey receiving the award is their strong emphasis on future-readiness and innovation. The company has implemented advanced technological solutions and fosters innovation in their processes and products, aligning with future-oriented business strategies.
Frey also demonstrates an active role in regional development through sustainable economic contributions and community engagement. The company's Private Shopping Concept creates a unique shopping experience, demonstrating the potential in stationary retail.
Caroline Frey, in her acceptance speech, stated that the award is a tribute to all those who have shaped Frey's company history through generations. She also mentioned that the award belongs to the company's employees, customers, and partners.
The European Economic Forum e.V., in collaboration with several other organisations, has awarded this recognition to family- and owner-led SMEs. The Frey Group's embrace of digital responsibility and ethical considerations in their innovation approach ensures relevance and resilience in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
The Frey Group's continuous modernisation of its locations further underscores its commitment to staying ahead in the industry. This award is a testament to Frey's dedication to combining tradition with innovation, as Caroline Frey stated, "tradition and innovation are not mutually exclusive, but rather complement each other."
[1] Contemporary research on digital responsibility and innovation leadership.
1) "What about the Frey Group's innovative approach to modern stationary retail, combining it with regional value creation and sustainability, catching the attention of the Bavarian SME Award jury?"
2) "The Frey Group, an entrepreneurial leader in the retail industry, not only focuses on small-business growth but also emphasizes innovation, future-readiness, and digital responsibility, as they have demonstrated within their family-owned business in eastern Bavaria."
3) "The Frey Group's resilience and appeal as employers, demonstrated through their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement in fields like fashion, furniture, and dining, are significant factors that contribute to the success of small businesses in various sectors."
