"Companies want to have a predictable business environment in which they can make plans. This cannot happen in the current conditions at great cost. But the problem is not only in the electricity. The problem is the high prices of all basic materials needed for production. All medium-sized companies have the same difficulties. The prices of basic products are rising and we, trying to compensate for this, do not have the resources to raise wages. This is how Nikolay Radev from Dobrich, co-owner of an advertising agency and FoliArt printing house and chairman of the Regional Industrial Association - Dobrich, commented on the current business situation for Pro News Dobrich.
His electricity bill has risen three times. From BGN 3000 per month, it has reached BGN 10 000. Now he has received the compensation of BGN 4000, which is for two months.
"We do not want compensation, we do not want anyone to give us alms. We will make our money if we have predictable energy prices, an environment in general in which you can plan investments and improve workers' incomes. It is not in the interest of any employer to keep low-paid people because they are losing them. And there is already a mood among the employees, they are getting poorer and they are counting on receiving higher salaries", commented Radev, who gives bread to 53 people.
According to him, many companies in Dobrich are forced to invest in alternative energy sources. He is building solar panels that he has already paid for. However, the procedure is very cumbersome. "They can install the panels for me in a week, and the connection will take 6 months. Does the state have any idea to stimulate those business people who invest in the diversification of energy products?” the businessman asks.
According to him, bankruptcies of companies will be less frequent, but there will be massive impoverishment of enterprises. "A poor company is bad for the market, bad for the worker and the employer. If it is poor, it will look for alternative sources of supply of materials, will look for cheap ones and, accordingly, will produce lower quality products. The poor company has no opportunity for investment, especially slow returns", says Radev.
