Doing Business in the Netherlands

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NBCC

Doing business in the Netherlands

Cambridge, 19 November 2014

Andrew WoodNon-executive Director at NBCC, Consultant Solicitor with Birketts LLP and head of the

Anglo Dutch desk Norwich,Cambridge, Ipswich and Chelmsford

‘’ Your Partner in Anglo Dutch Business’’

Overview

• The NBCC

• Netherlands summary facts

• Doing business in the Netherlands

• Market opportunities

• Business culture



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NBCC

• Trade promotional

membership organisation

• 200 members

• Established in 1891

• Two offices:

London & The Hague

• Fully bi-lateral



Office in The Hague

Office in London

Services

• Trade Missions

• Itinerary Preparation

• Partner searches

• Market research

• Publications



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Services

• Company reports

• Databases

• Payroll services

• Virtual office services

• ‘’Human Resources’’ advice

• Sales support



Events

• Networking

- Annual Dinner

- Golf days

- Business drinks



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Events

• Exhibitions

• Seminars

• Trade Missions



Snap shot at the Netherlands



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Netherlands key facts

• Population close to 17 mln (1/4 of UK)

• 41,532 sq km (1/6th of UK)

• International trade contributes to 60-70% of

GDP

• Parliamentary monarchy



Why do business with the Netherlands?

• Relatively wealthy market of 17 mln. consumers

• Open economy, many international links, trading nation

• NL and UK each others 4th largest market

• Market attractive for UK companies because of vicinity and cultural similarities

• UK-Dutch mergers ‘’unbeatable teams’’



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Why do business with the Netherlands?

• Netherlands: gateway to Europe

• Superb connections: 200+ flights per day


Top sectors in the Netherlands


• High tech materials & systems• Agro-food• Water• Energy• Horticulture• Chemicals• Creative industries• Logistics• Life sciences


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Business opportunities in the Netherlands


• Energy and wind sector

• Petro-Chemical

• Care and health

• Food and Drink

• ICT

• Maritime


Market orientation


• Exhibitions

- RAI, Amsterdam

- Jaarbeurs, Utrecht

• UKTI and/or NBCC trade missions

• Fact finding visit

RAI, Amsterdam

Jaarbeurs, Utrecht


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Distribution in NL


• Agent/distributor

• Direct selling from UK

• Own sales staff

• Subsidiary (BV)


Dutch business culture

• Expect direct responses: ‘’a spade is a spade.’’

• Efficient

• ‘’Polder model’’

• Professional and hardworking

• Commercial drive



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Dutch business culture

• Egalitarianism vs. hierarchy

• English law vs. Dutch law

• Business attire

• Payment terms

• Finance/trade currency



Summarizing

• The NBCC

• Netherlands summary facts

• Doing business in the Netherlands

• Market opportunities

• Business culture



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Looking to develop your business in the

Netherlands?

Join a network of more than 200 professionals

in Anglo-Dutch business

Join the NBCC!!


Deventer, 19 november 2014…See You In Holland…See You In Holland…See You In Holland…See You In Holland

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Thank you for your attention


Benoordenhoutseweg 21-23

2596 BA The Hague

The Netherlands

+31 (0)70-205 5656

38 Hyde Park Gate

London SW7 5DP

United Kingdom

+44 (0)333-440 799

Director: Michiel van Deursen

[email protected]

www.nbcc.co.uk

[email protected]
