"I would prescribe business me-time for rural entrepreneurs"

The Modern and Stylish Rural Business Association (MSVK) is considered extremely young in business life, since it was founded a little more than a year and a half ago, in the spring of 2023. The community, which then included 21 businesses, now has 60 members, all representing sustainability, tradition, quality and style. Tell us about the beginnings: what motivated you to start MSVK?

Previously, I dealt with corporate sustainability, within this, the business integration of environmental and social aspects, both in domestic and in international organizations. I have always worked in business communities, and during my work I have seen, therefore I have always believed, that together we can do more. This was also confirmed 15 years ago, when my husband and I bought a wonderful 200-year-old stone house in Balatonfüred, and we could hardly find a specialist to renovate it. Reflecting on the problem, I created a website that collected reliable professionals by regions. I watched with interest as I filled a market gap unawares. As I have seen during my work, it was also confirmed this time that communities and personal relationships have an amazing power. From this knowledge, experience, and my love for rural life and style, the Modern and Stylish Rural Business Association grew in the spring of 2023.

When we talk about the preservation of Hungarian rural traditions and values, the term rural is emphasized - is this to be interpreted as the opposite pole of the capital?

The term "rural" has a double meaning in our country. In itself, it is not enough that a business has its seat in a rural area, but it is not a disqualifying factor if it operates in Budapest. The approximately 30-year-old interior design store La Meridiana, representing a country style but based in Budapest, is also a member, as is the natural cosmetics company Herbsgarden, based in Mány, as both are connected to the rural style and sense of life. In addition, we place special emphasis on respect for traditions, outstanding quality and a sustainable approach. These are all criteria that embody a set of values. That is why our community's motto is: Values ​​that connect.

Could you elaborate on what is considered value and how, what can be done to preserve it?

I like to say that our members are mostly businesses that build the future on the past. The knowledge of the previous generations and the values ​​they created are valuable to them, but these activities are carried out with the technical capabilities of the modern age, and they satisfy the needs of today's people with their products and services. Think, for example, of a restaurant, accommodation, winery operating in a historic building or traditional building materials in the interior design, such as solid wood furniture, woollen carpets, rustic coverings. But we could also mention food from chemical-free farming. These products and services also draw attention to a slower, higher quality, healthier, value-based lifestyle.

The MSVK brings together rural entrepreneurs from different industries and offers them opportunities for cooperation. How do you see how your community can further help its members?

We give our entrepreneurs a quality me-time, which I think every business leader should have. At our community meetings, although no one is packing products or receiving guests, they are still engaged with their business. They get inspiration and information, exchange experiences and build relationships. These may have short-term manifestations, but I believe that they are the most valuable as a long-term investment.

What challenges do you think rural businesses face and how can better visibility help with this?

I think it is a very big problem that there are huge differences in development between regions. I see the question of the right workforce as a general problem, many people are struggling with a labour shortage, but finding the right qualified workforce is also a challenge. Of course, this is not specific to Hungary, nations in Europe and even around the world struggle with regional differences. In addition, I think that there is a demand for quality products or services everywhere, and you can attract people's attention from anywhere, even from the most remote corner of the country.

A strategic partnership between MSVK and Stylish Rural Hotels (SVSZ) was established in spring 2024, but you also have a good relationship with the Stylish Rural Restaurant Association (SVÉT): what do you hope to gain from these collaborations?

I consider the cooperation of professional organizations extremely important in all sectors. We are connected with SVSZ by rural style and quality rural tourism and hospitality. We have already organized several events that were hosted by one of the SVSZ member hotels, but we will also try to prioritize these locations for the events included in our plans. Part of the relationship is, of course, the exchange of professional experience this time as well. We have not had a formalized partnership with SVÉT yet but we have already had the topic of rural gastronomy, which we discussed with László Ruprecht, president of SVÉT.

What are your plans for the coming period – since, as it can be seen, your community is developing dynamically?

We have a lot of plans for the future, but out of superstition I can only speak in general terms: our long-term goal is to bring the "MSVK feeling of life" to as many business leaders as possible.