On 10th April of 2025, the third stage of the Industria Felix Award took place at the scenic Villa Romanazzi Carducci in Bari.
Specifically, Industria Felix celebrates the South that refuses to give up, recognizing the provinces of Bari, followed by those of Cosenza, Lecce, Catanzaro, Taranto, Potenza, and Foggia. In Molise, the provinces of Isernia and Campobasso are also honored. A total of 90 of the most competitive companies were recognized: 47 from Puglia, 28 from Calabria, 10 from Basilicata, and 5 from Molise.
These results stem from a large-scale journalistic investigation conducted by IFM on 17,000 financial statements, with the awards being assigned by a Scientific Committee. This committee evaluates the data while also considering the financial reliability measured by the Cerved Group Score and, in some cases, corporate sustainability.
The event, wich celebrates one of the most prestigious national recognitions, is dedicated to business excellence and represents an important opportunity for exchange among the country’s top-performing enterprises, who are awarded for their managerial performance, financial reliability, and sustainability.
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In this panorama are contributing the Professionals from Studio Locatelli & Associati and Partners of M&L Consulting Group, Dr. Alessio Ghidone and Dr. Veronica La Gattuta, whose participation stands as proof of their ongoing commitment to innovation, responsible growth, and competitiveness within the Italian economic framework.
During the Talkshow, Chartered Accountant and Partner of M&L Consulting Group Dr. Alessio Ghidone, had the opportunity to address the consulting activities carried out by his firm, including the creation of corporate groups tailored to entrepreneurial realities and governance needs; M&A operations, which are essential to the strategic planning of companies aiming for growth; and sustainability reporting, an area in which they are directly and actively involved.​
“A brief mention to the importance of M&A operations, which involve the integration of two or more companies or the acquisition of a target company. Through these operations, it is possible to implement a model of external growth, acquiring new market shares while also pursuing economies of scale, scope, and knowledge.
At the same time, M&A operations serve as an efficient tool for entrepreneurs looking to exit—partially or entirely—from the company’s capital, whether for strategic reasons or due to the absence of a potential generational handover.
In this regard, it becomes essential to identify potential investors in order to maximize the value of the business in the best interest of the entrepreneur.”
M&L Consulting Group also boasts of particular expertise in the field of sustainability. Since 2015, with the adoption of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, the private sector has also been called to play an active role in the path toward sustainability. Despite the recent regulatory slowdown (as highlighted by the "omnibus" package approved on April 3, 2025), the direction is now clearly defined, and sustainability remains a central focus. Today, it represents a competitive advantage regardless of legal obligations, as both consumers and talent are increasingly attentive to ESG issues. Companies—especially SMEs—should be proactive, and should integrate sustainability in a strategic and holistic way, following the example set by large corporations.
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“What entrepreneurs need to do is to be first movers, not followers—pioneers who integrate business dynamics with sustainability through a holistic approach, recognizing the value of a tool that large companies are already using and that can truly make a tangible, measurable difference.”
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In an unstable global context, sustainability becomes the only response to ensure business continuity and resilience. The goal is to provide the know-how that enables companies to stand out and lead change.
Below is an excerpt from the speech by Chartered Accountant and Partner of M&L Consulting Group, Veronica La Gattuta:
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"Although the report is based on the use of standard financial indicators, in the future, sustainability reports—which reflect a company’s commitment in the economic, social, and governance (ESG) areas—will become increasingly important.
Although the recent approval of the Omnibus Package by the EU Commission and the European Parliament has reduced the percentage of companies required to comply, entrepreneurs can always choose to voluntarily prepare a sustainability report."
Drafting a sustainability report on a voluntary basis can significantly strengthen a company's competitive advantage, setting it apart in both national and international markets. These reports showcase not only data, but also achieved goals and future plans, enhancing the company’s appeal to customers, investors, and stakeholders.