LLEIDA, Catalonia, Seven out of ten business closures in Lleida are linked to a lack of generational handover, according to Pimec Comerç Lleida. The group says the issue accounts for 70% of closures, while the remaining 30% are due to bankruptcy or other reasons.
Manel Llaràs, president of Pimec Comerç Lleida, said the problem is short term but serious, especially for historic shops that act as commercial references. He warned that if multinational chains become the main reference point, Lleida risks losing its identity as a city.
Llaràs said many well-known businesses close repeatedly, which is a concern for the local community. He added that younger generations often move away from family firms because they study for other careers or, in his words, want to live better and not be slaves.
Pimec Comerç Lleida and the city council offer technical support to owners who cannot find successors. The aim is to avoid closures and find viable alternatives. Llaràs said the Chinese community is the most active group in reopening these businesses.
Reempresa also works to connect existing businesses with new entrepreneurs, with support from chambers of commerce, trade associations and regional councils. The programme says it has recorded more than 5,880 successful handovers across Catalonia since 2011, helping to save 16,500 jobs. Marta Aguilar, a delegate for Reempresa, said that when there is no succession plan, premises close even if they are viable and profitable.
Reempresa says it wants taking over an existing business to be as normal as starting one from scratch. For more local business coverage, see our news page.
