Can we learn lessons in business organisation from the mittelstand model

A business studies lesson gem from an unusual source here - the politics team at the BBC! Germans use the word “mittelstand” for the millions of middle-sized companies that form the backbone of their booming economy, and some in Britain reckon the model could teach UK industries a few lessons…

Lots of key topics covered in this video in addition to the key question - is the mittelstand model of organisation a better way for the UK’s middle-sized businesses? I really like the emphasis on focus as a strategy (Porter’s generic strategies); targeting and niche segment and adding value by focusing on understanding how the customer wants to use a product or service.