Ovansiljan's electricity had already started working towards more sustainable business when CEO Peter Stenvall heard about HIT, the development program for sustainable, innovative growth.
- "I'm very happy that we took the chance to jump on HIT. With it, a lot of things fell into place and without HIT we would not have been where we are today," he says.
The HIT program is run by Dalarna Science Park and is aimed at Dalarna's small and medium-sized companies. Since the start in 2021, some 80 companies have completed the basic program and just over 20 of them have gone deeper with HIT Acceleration.
- For us, it was obvious to continue with HIT Acceleration and I am sure that we will continue to keep in touch with our coach Johan Nestor even when the program is over, says Peter Stenvall.
Atmosphere that is appreciated
Ovansiljans el was founded in 2001 and is based in Orsa with a branch in Älvdalen. The company has around thirty employees and offers the full range of electrical installation services, from setting up single sockets to installing switchgear, solar cells, battery storage and making green energy optimizations.
- Given that we operate in northern Dalarna, we need to be able to deal with everything that has to do with electricity," says Peter.
He is basically an economist and first trained as an electrician as an adult. He joined Ovansiljan's electricity in 2013 and four years ago he stepped into the role of CEO.
- I particularly like working on human resources issues and I started doing that even before I became CEO. Nowadays, thanks to HIT, the partners and I have a clearer division of responsibilities.
Despite the shortage of electricians, Peter feels that the company finds it easier to recruit than others in the industry seem to. And recently Ovansiljans el also received the award Company of the Year in Orsa.
- We focus on ensuring that our employees are happy and stay, which we think is important from several aspects. Now we have a great team and a nice atmosphere, and apprentices and trainees usually comment on that, so it feels very good.
Clarifying responsibilities
Right from the start, Peter wanted to get the whole management team involved in the HIT program and that's what happened.
- The fact that we have all been involved has meant an incredible amount. We have now been involved in the same discussions and heard the same things. In addition, we have had a lot of travel time together, both before and after our meetings. In this way, we have been able to land and talk together.
Peter thinks that HIT has mainly helped to create structure and direction - issues he knew he needed to address as CEO.
- Through HIT, we have also become aware of good things that are already being done in the company, without us putting it into words. In addition to getting things down on paper, it has also been a lot about creating a common understanding of where we are and where we are going. Here, our coach Johan Nestor has been a great help.
Peter also sees that the work within HIT has resulted in customers receiving faster responses and thus better service. In addition, a clearer division of responsibilities within management has made everyday life easier for employees.
- Now questions end up right away and everyone wins," says Peter.
Investing in the future
Having been more than busy for many years, not least with new construction in the mountains, the current recession has changed everyday life for Peter and his colleagues. But instead of backing down, Ovansiljans el has chosen to invest.
- We have outgrown our premises and now we have bought a building that we are rebuilding for ourselves. This way, staff who are not fully booked can instead be involved in completing the new office.
Peter notes that it is much easier to make this type of strategic decision today as the decision-making basis is well prepared and in place.
- Through HIT, we have also become more aware that sustainable development is much more than environmental issues, and that we are already working hard on sustainability in many ways. Now this rebuilding will be a new step in the right direction, economically, socially and environmentally.
Facts
HIT - a business development program for sustainable innovative growth
Program duration: Approximately eight months. Former HIT participants are welcome to return for an in-depth program lasting another eight months.
Content: Workshops and knowledge-enhancing seminars approximately once a month and individual coaching in between.
Organizer: Dalarna Science Park
For whom: Small and medium-sized companies that want to increase their readiness for change, create concrete business benefits and increased innovation through access to expertise, tools and networks.
Next program start: 24 October 2025.
Application and more information: HIT Program
Funders: European Regional Development Fund and Region Dalarna.
