Swe-Cham Member Public Matters opens an office in Amsterdam
As of 1 July this year, Public Matters has an office in Amsterdam!
Centrally located on Vijzelstraat (no. 68-76), the office serves as an excellent base to even better support both existing and new clients in Amsterdam and to continue attracting and retaining talented professionals from that region, which is essential for Public Matters further growth.
The office in Amsterdam is Public Matters' third location, with its headquarters in The Hague and the EU office in Brussels.
“We are very pleased with our office in Amsterdam,” says Bas Batelaan (Managing Partner). “This step enables us to be even more involved in the activities of our clients in the Amsterdam region. Additionally, it allows us to continue attracting and retaining talented professionals from that region, which is essential for our further growth.”
With this expansion, Public Matters strengthens its position as a leading public affairs & lobby consultancy, focusing on policy influencing, strategic communication, crisis communication, and association management.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes Public Matters to Amsterdam and wishes them lots of success with their new office.
More
Swe-Cham Member LaCasaMia Beauty celebrates 10th anniversary
On May 23, the Swedish skincare brand MARIA ÅKERBERG celebrated its 10th anniversary in the Netherlands. Resellers from across the country gathered at the Kunstkamer in Utrecht to commemorate this milestone. They were welcomed by the Swedish founder of the brand, Maria Åkerberg herself, along with Swedish Chamber Member Maria Kroezen-Åkersten, the representative for the Dutch market. It was an inspiring afternoon where the collaboration with the resellers and the brand's success in the Netherlands were celebrated, reflecting with gratitude on the past decade and looking forward with enthusiasm to the future.
MARIA ÅKERBERG is the leading organic skincare brand in Sweden. The headquarters, including the factory, is located in Frillesås on the Swedish west coast.
Picture by LaCasaMia Beauty: Dirk-Jan Kroezen, Maria Kroezen-Åkersten, Maria Åkerberg, Mikael Åkerberg, Eveline Garrelfs.
For more information:
More
UPDATE DUTCH POLITICS – By Swe-Cham Member Public Matters
New right-wing cabinet sworn in by King Willem-Alexander
PM Dick Schoof to lead 15 ministers and 13 state secretaries from 4 different parties.
Yesterday, King Willem-Alexander has inaugurated the new cabinet, marking the first time in 40 years that its members are drawn from four different parties: PVV (Right-wing Populists), VVD (Liberal Conservatives), NSC (Social Conservatives), and BBB (Farmer's Party).
The inclusion of four parties in the coalition has necessitated a more collaborative approach, led by Dick Schoof, aimed at ensuring stability and coherence within the government. This cabinet is larger than its predecessor, comprising 28 ministers and state secretaries (junior ministers). To address the diverse agendas of the coalition parties, several new ministries and 'dual ministries' have been established, resulting in the formation of an extraparlementair kabinet (extra-parliamentary cabinet). This structure aims to better manage the intricate dynamics and broad spectrum of policy areas covered by this government, allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness to the various political and social issues facing the country.
Alongside PM Dick Schoof, four Deputy Prime Ministers have been appointed, each representing one of the four coalition parties and heading their own ministry:
- Health - Ms. Fleur Agema (PVV/Right-wing Populists): Known as Geert Wilders' right-hand in the PVV, Ms. Agema has focused on elderly, disability, and youth care. She aims to reduce healthcare bureaucracy and emphasizes collaboration between The Hague and the healthcare sector.
- Climate & Green Growth - Ms. Sophie Hermans (VVD/Liberal Conservatives): A senior VVD politician and member of Parliament since 2017, she has held various roles, including acting faction leader and political assistant to Mark Rutte and Stef Blok. She will spearhead initiatives on climate and green growth.
- Social Affairs & Employment - Mr. Eddy van Hijum (NSC/Social Conservatives): Active in Dutch politics since 1998 for the CDA (Christian Democrats), he has served at municipal, national, and provincial levels. With a Ph.D. in political science, he has been a spokesperson on Social Affairs & Employment and Governance & Finance.
- Housing & Spatial Planning - Ms. Mona Keijzer (BBB/Farmer's Party): A long-time politician with a legal background, she has served as a councilor and alderman for the CDA before moving to national politics in 2012. After leaving the CDA in 2023, she joined BBB and has represented them in the House of Representatives since late 2023.
- Finance - Mr. Eelco Heinen (VVD/Liberal Conservatives): A recognized financial specialist, he has served in Parliament since 2011 and previously worked as a policy advisor at the Ministry of Finance. His expertise in financial matters makes him a key figure in shaping economic policy.
- Foreign Affairs - Mr. Caspar Veldkamp (NSC/Social Conservatives): A former diplomat with extensive experience in international relations and crisis management, he joined Parliament in 2023. His background equips him well to navigate complex global issues.
- Economic Affairs - Mr. Dirk Beljaarts (VVD/Liberal Conservatives): formerly the general manager at various hotels and director of Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (representing hospitality businesses in the Netherlands), he has been nominated by the VVD for his business acumen and expertise in economic policy.
- Justice and Security - Mr. David van Weel (VVD/Liberal Conservatives): A senior NATO official and former Royal Navy officer, he brings significant experience in security and defense to his new role, ensuring robust national safety measures.
- Asylum and Migration - Ms. Marjolein Faber (PVV/Right-wing Populists): A former radiodiagnostic technician and IT specialist, she has been active in politics since 2011 and served as a senator focusing on immigration and asylum. Her experience in these areas will be important for managing migration policies effectively
- Infrastructure and Water Management - Mr. Barry Madlener (PVV/Right-wing Populists): A former real estate agent and member of the European Parliament, he has concentrated on infrastructure issues, such as the integration of NS and ProRail and enhancements to train services. His practical experience in these areas is useful for future infrastructure development.
More
Swe-Cham Member Kristina Zumpolle, Zumflow: Selected as Top 10 Professional Coach in Amsterdam for 2023 by the Forbetter Institute.
We're thrilled to announce that Kristina Zumpolle, founder of Zumflow and proud Swe-Cham member, has been named one of the Top 10 Professional Coaches in Amsterdam for 2023 by the Forbetter Institute! 🏆✨ Congratulations, Kristina!
The Forbetter Institute is known for connecting individuals with top-notch coaching to help achieve personal and professional goals. Each year, they select top coaches from 24 European cities, and Kristina has made the prestigious list for Amsterdam! top10coaches.com
Ready to elevate your team’s performance or unlock your leadership potential? Welcome to reach out to Kristina Zumpolle and start your journey towards success! https://zumflow.com/
With extensive training, certifications, and years of experience, Kristina is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. Her unique coaching approach challenges leaders and teams to think differently and implement positive changes. 🌟
More
Welcome to New Swe-Cham Member Saint-Gobain Ecophon
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to warmly welcome new Member Saint-Globain Ecophon.
Saint-Gobain Ecophon develops, produces, and sells acoustic products and systems that contribute to a good working environment by improving people's well-being and performance. Our promise, "A sound effect on people," is at the heart of everything we do.
Ecophon has sales offices in 20 countries and representatives in 30 more worldwide. Its total staff is approximately 1,100. The headquarters is located in Hyllinge, just outside Helsingborg in Sweden. Ecophon is part of the global Saint-Gobain Group.
We look forward to a fruitful collaboration and introducing Saint-Globain Ecophon to our Swedish-Durch Business Community.
More
Electrolux Group named one of World’s Most Sustainable Companies in TIME’s inaugural ranking
June 27, 2024
Electrolux Group has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies in TIME’s inaugural sustainability ranking.
The company ranked 89 out of the 500 companies from around the world that made the list.
The world’s 5,000 leading companies, from various sectors, went through a rigorous assessment process. TIME explains that the companies at the top of the list (including us) have signed on to some of the most respected climate programs including the 1.5°C target from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), received high scores from CDP and have incorporated sustainability into their business models.
The assessment not only included environmental sustainability criteria such as emissions targets and energy efficiency, but also social sustainability such as employee diversity and work safety.
“This recognition means a lot to us and we remain committed to continue our journey to reduce our carbon footprint according to science, as well as caring for people around us,” says Elena Breda, our Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer.
Earlier this year, we were also named one of Europe’s Climate Leaders by the Financial Times.
Read more:
Photo credentials: Electrolux Group
More
Johan Uhlin, Scania Sweden appointed new Honorary Board Member
June 4, 2024
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce has appointed Johan Uhlin as an Honorary Board Member, effective June 4, 2024. Johan Uhlin, currently the General Manager of Scania Production Zwolle and soon to be Managing Director of Scania Sweden, was elected at the Swedish Chamber's 64th Annual General Meeting. This prestigious recognition underscores Johan Uhlin’s significant contributions and dedicated service to the Chamber over the past six years. Johan has held various key roles within the Swedish Chamber, including Board Member, Vice Chairman, and Chairperson, and has led both the Executive Committee and the Nomination Committee. His leadership has consistently upheld the Chamber’s sustainability, innovation, and diversity values.
The Board of Directors firmly believes that Johan Uhlin is highly deserving of this honorary position. With his demonstrated leadership and steadfast dedication to the Chamber, they are confident he will serve as an outstanding ambassador, further enhancing the bilateral relations between Sweden and the Netherlands.
With the appointment of Johan Uhlin, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce now has six Honorary Members.
Nils van Dijkman
Bert Gort
Ben Hummel
Henk Lokin
Gerard Perik
Johan Uhlin
H.E. Ambassador of Sweden, Mr. Johannes Oljelund, is Honorary Chairperson of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands.
More
Welcome New Board Members!
On June 4, 2024, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 64th Annual General Meeting. We are delighted to announce the addition of three esteemed professionals to our Board:
- Mark Verbakel, Managing Director of SKF BV
- Fatih Noyan, Country Manager Netherlands at Ericsson
- Kerstin Gerlagh, General Manager of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce
More
