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Welcome Malin Alders, new Management Trainee Swedish Chamber
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to welcome Malin Alders as a new Management Trainee at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands, supported by the Gull & Stellan Ljungberg Foundation Scholarship. Malin has obtained a bachelor’s degree in business and economics at Stockholm Business School, with additional studies at Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon, Portugal. Malin will be working as a Management Trainee at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, specialising in Business Development, Strategy, and Events. Read more about Malin and the role of the Swedish Chamber’s International Management Trainees .
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Swe-Cham Member MARKEDLY wins prestigious award!
We’re thrilled to report the news that Peter van der Wees, managing director and founder of trademark firm Markedly and proud Swe-Cham member, has been awarded the Client Choice Award for intellectual property in the Netherlands. The yearly Client Choice Award is awarded by the leading legal information provider Lexology and is solely based on client feedback and independent market research. “As some people know, our firm was established in 2022, and we are extremely happy and proud to have received the award in only our third year,” says Peter van der Wees. “We see this as proof that our boutique firm set-up strikes a chord with our clients, and we will only be stepping up our efforts to remain the go-to trademark agency in the Netherlands”. About Markedly Markedly is a Dutch trademark agency with an international reach, assisting its local and international clients in obtaining the strong protection for its intellectual property. Markedly focuses on the protection of trademarks and designs. For more information visit
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Women in Leadership September 26, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Tamara de Gruyter, President of Portfolio Business in 2024 at Wärtsilä, will be a panellist at the Women in Leadership – Embrace your unique path event! Date: September 26 Venue: Nokia Nederland Organized by the Finnish Dutch Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, this event promises inspiring discussions on leadership and empowerment. Tamara de Gruyter is appointed President of Portfolio Business in 2024, joined Wärtsilä in 1998. She has held several managerial and Vice President positions within the company both in Services and Marine Businesses, in Asia and Europe Don't miss this opportunity for insightful discussions! Welcome to click for more information and to sign up.
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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.  
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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:    
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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.
This diverse leadership team aims to ensure comprehensive representation and effective governance across a broad range of policy areas. Other key ministers include:
  • 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.
For more information: E bbatelaan@publicmatters.nl  |  T +31 6 1985 8401 www.publicmatters.nl Photo by on  
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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
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. 🌟
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/
 
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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.
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