The North German Business Association Mecklenburg-Schwerin on 5 November 2026, Markus Klemt, managing director of Klemt Gala GmbH from Schwerin, was named at the Business Ball in at Basthorst Castle Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 on 7 November 2026. The association thus recognised the development of the family business and its firm roots in the region. The award was presented in front of around 200 guests from business and politics.
According to the association, the company traces its roots to a greenhouse project begun in 1976 in in Schwerin-Krebsförden. The company reportedly developed from gardening and landscaping into a provider of other services, including road and civil engineering, grounds maintenance and building cleaning. The business currently employs 95 people, according to the association. A cash award of €1,000 was presented as part of the honour.
The North German Business Association Mecklenburg-Schwerin has awarded its Entrepreneur of the Year prize since 1992. It is intended as regional recognition of achievements by small and medium-sized enterprises. The association cites business development, innovative strength, sustainable employment and regional roots as its key criteria. Candidates are nominated by the regions and selected by a jury within the association. For 2026, the association's regions of Schwerin, Northwest Mecklenburg and Ludwigslust-Parchim put forward candidates.
The association says the award aims to spotlight smart ideas, positive development, compelling products and services, as well as continuity and down-to-earth values. No specific financial figures for the winning company or details of the jury's assessment were published.
The award is one of many regional prizes in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that aim to highlight entrepreneurship in the state and strengthen networks. The Business Ball also serves as a meeting place for businesspeople, association representatives and local decision-makers. For the Schwerin region, the award is a timely showcase for established small and medium-sized businesses and their ability to adapt to new areas of activity.
The information is based on reporting by Norddeutscher Rundfunk on 8 November 2026 and statements from the North German Business Association Mecklenburg-Schwerin. The timeline was checked against the event date of 7 November 2026.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).