The Hénokiens Association                             www.Henokiens.com

Les Hénokiens is an association of businesses established over 25 years ago by Gérard Glotin, the chairman of the “Marie Brizard” foundation in France.
The Association pools together – as of today – companies which are at least 200 years old, that are run by a heir of the founder and where the original family still holds a majority stake or voting rights.

Favouring continuity over results in the short-term
Gèrard Glotin was a pioneer who had understood, a long time ago, the need for creating an interest in and around family-run enterprises that, seen against the economic context of the times, were often judged as old-fashioned companies compared to those listed in the international stock exchanges. Subsequent to the birth of the Hénokiens Association and thanks to the multiplication of its endeavours towards gaining recognition of initiatives by family-run enterprises, public opinion has at last been made aware to the truth that, more than ever, modern-day industry is in need of such management for supporting economic activities and contributing towards social progress. As a matter of fact, the inherent stability of family companies and their willingness to favour farsightedness over immediate results have made it possible to enjoy much superior economic results against other forms of businesses, notwithstanding the hazards plaguing both the local and world economies.

Growth wrapped in stability
By their very nature, family-run enterprises tend to focus mostly on long-term results. Whilst several stock companies put shareholders first through the distribution of dividends, the Hénokiens often favour investments. The underlying philosophy: a guarantee that the company is there for the future. Therefore, family companies opt to invest their profits into the fields of innovation, the search for new markets and most importantly, human resources. Such a vision of growth through stability is, in most cases, shared amongst the family members because each one would like to carry forward and emulate what their elders have built. A duty that is believed to be a moral obligation and which undoubtedly runs, to a greater extent, in the veins of private entrepreneurs.
The Hénokiens, inspiration and values
A glance at the history of the Association’s members (www.henokiens.com) reveals to what extent innovation represents – on the same footing as the grassroots presence in the life of the community – the engine of development. The Hénokiens enjoy a long string and tradition of successes that should serve as inspiration to those family firms that feel threatened by the fast-evolving changes taking place. When we factor in the numbers that such businesses represent - as much as 80% of economic activities in industrialized countries - it is easy to conclude to what extent their continuity and performance are the foundations of a planetary economy.
Actually, even though 25 years have elapsed following the set-up of the Association, its cornerstones of continuity as a path towards success and growth through stability are more than ever of pertinence when we observe the increasing number of young people who express a desire in establishing their own family firm. Such endeavours are the beacon for all these fledgling young businessmen, a boost for persevering and overcoming transitory obstacles: these are the seeds of success and the passport to becoming members one day of the Hénokiens.