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Gain Insights & Knowledge with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce
At the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, we facilitate knowledge sharing through a variety of events and programs centred around our core values: Sustainability, Innovation & Tech, and Diversity & Inclusion. Our dedicated committees ensure that each program maintains a high level of expertise, providing you with valuable insights to drive your business forward. Additionally, stay informed with our News Feed updates and digital magazine, Swedish Chamber Insights, which offer the latest trends and developments in the business landscape. Exclusive Offer: Sign up today and enjoy FREE membership for 2024! Your membership will remain valid until the end of 2025—an excellent opportunity to unlock new growth possibilities. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your business journey. Visit our membership site by clicking !
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Thank you to everyone who attended “Discover the Power of Brand Sweden”
On 17 October, we brought together leaders from iconic Swedish brands to explore how Swedish values fuel global success. The event offered new perspectives on how Brand Sweden is more than just a cultural identity—it’s a strategic asset in today’s global marketplace. Branding is deeply connected to a company’s origin and heritage, offering authenticity, differentiation, and emotional connection. But balancing local identity with global appeal is key.   To read the full recap and for more pictures, click !
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Bo Willems will be speaking at Tech for Good on November 7
We are excited to announce that Bo Willems, Franchise Head Oncology and PhD candidate, will be speaking at the Swedish Chamber Tech Table – Tech for Good presentation, hosted by the Swedish Chamber Patron Member AstraZeneca on November 7, 2024, from 16:00 to 19:00. With a background in medical affairs and specific expertise in lung oncology, Bo has started a unique collaboration between AstraZeneca, his now academic hospital, and an AI company to develop a sophisticated screening tool for the early detection of lung cancer. He is managing this European project and researching the cost-benefit ratio of this type of screening compared to more traditional forms of screening. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and explore the future of tech innovation for the greater good!   To register, click .
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Mastering Leadership for the Future, Evaluation and Final Dinner 2024
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who participated in the final mentorship session of the year! At our final session, we gathered for a relaxed evening of pizza and drinks while reflecting on the Mentorship Program. During this dinner, we took the opportunity to evaluate the overall experience, discussing whether the initial expectations were met and how to apply the lessons learned for future development and personal growth. It was a valuable session, filled with meaningful feedback and insights that will help us continue to improve the program Stay tuned for more information about the Mentorship Program 2025!
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BRAND SWEDEN – A KEY DRIVER FOR GLOBAL BUSINESS SUCCESS
A key objective of the Global Business Climate Survey 2024 is to explore how Brand Sweden contributes to the business success of Swedish companies abroad. Trade and investment promotion organisations such as Business Sweden, the Swedish Institute, the Chamber of Commerce, as well as Swedish Embassies and Consulates, actively collaborate to promote Sweden’s image abroad, together with its brand values. Sweden’s brand identity is synonymous with innovation, equality, sustainability, and other strengths, and many companies use their Swedish origin to communicate these brand attributes. According to 82 percent of the responding companies, Brand Sweden contributes to their business success abroad, while only 14 percent indicate "little" or "no value at all" in promoting the Swedish identity of their products or services. In general, regardless of company size, age, or sector, Swedish companies believe that Brand Sweden contributes significantly or very much to their competitiveness abroad. This year’s results are similar to those of 2023, with a one percentage point increase in the number of companies believing that Brand Sweden contributes to their business success. From a regional perspective, the APAC region has the highest share of companies stating that Brand Sweden contributes “to an extent or great extent” to their business success, followed by MEA+, Western Europe, and lastly, the Americas. Respondents who deem the Swedish brand important to their operations in the Netherlands are often Sweden’s larger, more global companies, but several newcomers to the Dutch market also seem to rely on the Swedish brand. Strong preferences for the Swedish brand are also found among respondents from industrial companies as well as consumer goods companies. Of the consumer sector respondents, 100 percent find a positive contribution from the Swedish brand. Additionally, 80 percent of large companies and 91 percent of small companies report that the Swedish brand contributes positively to their business. When examining the data by company experience, however, all companies show a broad consensus, regardless of whether they are newcomers or more established. Among experienced companies, 88 percent see the Swedish brand contributing positively to their business, while 78 percent of newcomers and 73 percent of mature companies share this sentiment. Curious to know more about Brand Sweden? Sign up for the Swedish Chamber’s flagship event, "Discover the Power of Brand Sweden," on October 17, 2024, at 15:30, hosted by Volvo Cars Netherlands. During this event, you will gain insights from iconic Swedish brands like Volvo, IKEA, Fagerhult, and Hästens as they share their journeys, challenges, and successes in leveraging ‘Swedishness’ to thrive in the Dutch and global markets. H.E. Ambassador of Sweden, Mr Johannes Oljelund, will also be in attendance. Click here for more information and registration.   For more information about the event and to sign up, click .   Download the Global Business Climate Survey and the Business Climate Survey Netherlands .
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Fatih Noyan, Ericsson Netherlands, will be presenting at the Sustainability & Innovation Summit on December 6
We are excited to announce Fatih Noyan, Country Manager & Managing Director at Ericsson for the Netherlands, as one of our distinguished speakers at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Sustainability & Innovation Summit on December 6, 2024. Fatih Noyan serves as the Country Manager for Ericsson in the Netherlands, a global leader in the communications industry, pioneering innovation and connectivity across the world. Throughout his professional journey, Fatih has undertaken diverse leadership roles across Europe within Ericsson, navigating through various industry challenges and driving growth in a rapidly evolving industry. His academic background includes a degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, coupled with a Master of Business Administration. Join us to hear Fatih’s insights on the future of connectivity, technology, and its potential to accelerate growth in today's evolving landscape. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of technology and sustainability! Click to register.
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The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands is looking for a new intern, Spring 2025

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands is seeking an intern for the spring semester of 2025, from January 20 to June 8 2025.

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands provides a dynamic networking platform to promote collaboration between Swedish and Dutch businesses. For the spring semester of 2025, we are offering an internship opportunity to a motivated and ambitious student approaching the end of their education. As an intern, you become part of a dynamic, close-knit team that brings the Chambers mission and vision to life. The position creates opportunities for creative young talent to deepen their knowledge of international trade, business relations and Marketing and Communication for 20 weeks at our dynamic office in Amsterdam. The application deadline is November 4, 2024, and recruitment is ongoing. Click for more information and to apply.
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Ingka Group completes acquisition of Ikano Bank to strengthen its financial services offer for IKEA customers
On October 17, 2024 Ingka Group announced the completion of the full acquisition of Ikano Bank AB (publ), following the required approvals from regulatory authorities. With this acquisition, Ingka Group becomes the sole owner of Ikano Bank, further strengthening its ability to offer affordable and accessible financial services to IKEA customers. As part of this transition, changes to the board of directors and management at Ikano Bank will come into effect. This was really our founder, Ingvar Kamprad’s dream, which we share, and by deepening the partnership, we aim to strengthen and integrate financial services that are simple and accessible, to improve the IKEA experience for customers”
– Peter van der Poel, Managing Director of Ingka Investments
Following clearances from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen), the European Commission, and other relevant authorities, Ingka Group has completed the full acquisition* of Ikano Bank. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership between the two entities that is to support IKEA customers with integrated financial services. Ikano Bank and Ingka Group share a common heritage, both being founded by Ingvar Kamprad, which has fostered a long-standing partnership where Ikano Bank is serving as one of IKEA’s financial service providers across eight markets. “We are excited to finally complete the acquisition which marks an important step forward in our shared journey. This was really our founder, Ingvar Kamprad’s dream, which we share, and by deepening the partnership, we aim to strengthen and integrate financial services that are simple and accessible, to improve the IKEA experience for customers. With Ikano Bank’s expertise, we see many opportunities to support sustainable and affordable living solutions,” says Peter van der Poel, Managing Director of Ingka Investments. Leveraging Ikano Bank’s expertise, Ingka Group aims to offer affordable and accessible financial solutions to customers, fully aligned with the IKEA vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people. The full ownership allows Ingka Group to further develop its capabilities to deliver seamless financial services to more people, as the service will be embedded throughout the customer journey and IKEA Family membership. Additionally, this acquisition reflects a broader transformation of IKEA as omnichannel retailer, incorporating more digital tools, services, and applications to meet the ever-changing customer needs. This also opens new opportunities for the bank to leverage IKEA’s strong brand and customer traffic even further, ultimately fostering shared growth and customer value. The priority is to optimise and enhance the existing financial services currently offered to best serve customers, in the markets where Ikano Bank operates. After serving as CEO since 2019 and playing a pivotal role in leading the bank in its transformation journey, Henrik Eklund will leave his assignment and Niclas Olsson, currently CFO of Ikano Bank, will assume the role of acting CEO until a permanent successor is recruited. “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Henrik for his dedication and leadership over the last years. His commitment has been instrumental in shaping the bank’s direction,” adds Peter van der Poel. Ikano Bank will remain a separate legal entity with Ingka Group representation in its governance structure, continuing to work with its existing partners and business lines. While IKEA customer finance currently represents around 30 percent of the bank’s business, Ikano Bank has also developed a significant portion of non-IKEA business, which it intends to support and grow alongside IKEA-related offerings. Ingka Group will also continue to collaborate with partners across its IKEA Retail markets to deliver financial services to customers, ensuring a broader and integrated approach to financial services.  “We’re thrilled to join Ingka Group and continue to expand the journey we’ve embarked on together over the past years. Strengthening our collaboration with the world’s largest home furnishing retailer opens up even more opportunities, enabling us to deliver simple, fair, and affordable services to more IKEA customers, our other partners and end customers.” comments Niclas Olsson, acting CEO of Ikano Bank. Upon completion of the acquisition, Peter van der Poel will be appointed as a board member of Ikano Bank and Lone Fønss Schrøder will be appointed as the new chairperson. The board of directors will thereafter consist of Lone Fønss Schrøder, Peter van der Poel, Viveka Strangert, Diederick van Thiel, Heather Jackson, Mikael Palmquist and Lars Ljungälv. To read  more click here:

Photo Credits: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se
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