The work of a lifetime. There's no better way to describe the realisations of Locus Developments. Since biologists Dirk Valvekens (55) and Ann Van Gysel (53) developed an interest in the rusty sheds and empty warehouses of De Muide, they have moved heaven and earth to revitalise the once so lively neighbourhood in the former heart of the Ghent cotton industry.

This time we visited Callens, a Belgian family business located in Waregem and established in 1966. 

Before entering the Callens premises, you immediately notice the company's strong human touch. You’re welcomed by a gigantic poster with the faces of the employees. 

Together with her husband Filip Broucke, Ann Degroote manages the transport company Luxetrans. “I’m responsible for the administration, accounting and invoicing, but I also regularly get behind the wheel of a truck to take care of an urgent delivery. 

We meet with Marc Renaer, a very ambitious entrepreneur. Since 1989, Traiteur Gilbert has displayed a large assortment of house-made fish dishes and fresh seafood on its 20-metre counter.

Voeders d'Aussy in Torhout specialises in compound feed for pigs, cattle, poultry and other small livestock. It is a young and dynamic family business located in the heart of West Flanders in an industrial estate in Torhout. During our visit we meet Stephan d'Aussy, the owner and driving force behind the fifth-generation family business, and Dieter Pattyn, who has been Stephan's right hand and loyal sparring partner for 14 years.

We do not mince our words. Bruce Vercaemst (born 1978) is a very modest, sporty and skilled entrepreneur who is very down to earth and doesn't give up the ship.