Annual Member Survey Week Winner!
The Swedish Chamber Member Survey 2024 is now open! As a gesture of our gratitude, we are holding a weekly prize raffle for all members who complete the survey.
We are delighted to announce that the first week’s prize winner is Cleo van Amelfort-Pinck, Management Consultant at Independent Recruiters Group. The prize was presented to Cleo at the Swedish Chamber’s Diversity & Inclusion Breakfast, graciously hosted by Heussen earlier this week.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already participated. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us refine and improve the Chamber’s services and activities to better serve our Members’ needs.
If you haven’t yet completed the survey, we invite you to do so today! The survey remains open until Friday, November 22, and more exciting prizes await!
Click on the link below to fill out the Annual Member Survey.
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Ellis Jan van den Hout, SKF, will present on December 6, 2024
We are excited to announce Ellis Jan van den Hout, Managing Director of SKF in the Netherlands, as one of our distinguished speakers at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Sustainability & Innovation Summit 2024 on December 6, 2024.
Ellis Jan van den Hout, recently appointed as the Managing Director of SKF in the Netherlands, is deeply committed to driving sustainability transformation within the industry. SKF's primary contribution is the provision of clean technology solutions, with products become more efficient, longer lasting, repairable, and ultimately, recyclable. With a robust background in engineering, Ellis Jan brings extensive experience as a Sales Director and Business Developer in B2B. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Leading Sales Transformation.
Join us to hear Ellis Jan share his expertise in sustainable industrial innovation and how SKF is shaping the future of clean technology. Click here to
.
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Meet the CEO of Norrsken, Funda Sezgi, on December 6, 2024
We are thrilled to announce Funda Sezgi, co-CEO of Norrsken Foundation, as one of our distinguished speakers at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Sustainability & Innovation Summit 2024 on December 6, 2024.
Funda Sezgi is the co-CEO of Norrsken Foundation. Norrsken is an impact ecosystem where entrepreneurs can find everything they need to make saving the world their business. Our work stems from a belief in entrepreneurship and new technology as forces that can positively impact the world. We run award-winning Norrsken House hubs in Barcelona, Spain; Kigali, Rwanda; and Stockholm, Sweden. Norrsken’s five funds have raised more than $500 million USD to support exceptional entrepreneurs who combine profit with positive global impact: Norrsken VC, Norrsken22, Norrsken Accelerator, Norrsken Launcher, and Norrsken Africa Seed Fund. Norrsken is a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-religious foundation, founded by Niklas Adalberth, co-founder of the payment services unicorn Klarna.
Before assuming the co-CEO role, Funda Sezgi co-founded Norrsken's Accelerator. Over two years, the accelerator received approximately 5,000 applications from 120 countries and invested in 40 of the most promising early-stage impact tech startups from around the world.
Funda also held the COO role at Norrsken Foundation, where she was responsible for operations, partnerships, and expansion to Africa and Europe. She also headed Norrsken House and was in charge of setting up and running their first entrepreneurial hub in Stockholm. Funda has been part of the management team since joining Norrsken in its early days.
Prior to joining Norrsken, Funda worked as a market analyst, a management consultant, and led an international acceleration program helping social entrepreneurs scale into new markets. Funda earned a PhD in strategic management from IESE Business School, where she focused on impact ventures and their scaling strategies. She also spent time in Silicon Valley as a visiting scholar at Stanford University.
Don't miss the opportunity to hear from Funda and gain valuable insights into the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability. Register now to be part of this engaging discussion on shaping the future of global impact. Click to reserve your spot.
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COP29 – Swedish companies lead the way in Baku
As the UN climate summit COP29 kicks off in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sweden is showcasing its commitment to addressing global climate challenges with a robust business delegation and expert authorities. The event, running from November 11 to 22, 2024, serves as a platform for Swedish companies to present innovative solutions that can drive the green transition worldwide.
The Swedish pavilion will be inaugurated on November 12, featuring Business Sweden's CEO Jan Larsson alongside chief negotiators, UN officials, and business leaders. "Swedish companies offer groundbreaking solutions that can drive the green transition globally," Larsson stated. "At COP29, we will showcase these solutions and the potential that Swedish companies have in the necessary transition.
"The pavilion acts as a unique meeting point for business leaders, government representatives, and climate negotiators to discuss practical measures for global climate action. Business Sweden emphasizes Sweden's role as a "climate matchmaker," connecting countries' climate needs with a diverse toolbox of Swedish innovations, policies, and financial instruments.
The delegation includes prominent Swedish firms such as AFRY, Alfa Laval, E.ON, Hitachi Energy, Scania, and Tetra Pak. These companies contribute to strengthening Sweden's position as a key partner in the green, circular, and digital transitions."
Our common goal at COP29 is to inspire countries to raise their national climate commitments by demonstrating that scalable solutions exist," said Emma Modéer-Wiking, Head of Sustainability at Business Sweden. "As a climate matchmaker between countries' challenges and existing solutions, we aim to increase Sweden's contribution to the Paris Agreement and accelerate our transition to net zero by 2045."With COP29 underway, Sweden is poised to lead discussions on innovative climate solutions while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development on a global scale.
To read the full press release, click .
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NFIA Opens New Office in the Nordics
On November 6, 2024, Minister Reinette Klever, Swedish State Secretary Håkan Jevrell, and Hilde van der Meer, Commissioner of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), officially opened the newest NFIA office abroad: NFIA Nordics. This new office builds on the strong existing ties between companies in the Netherlands and the Nordic countries, with NFIA colleagues eager to further strengthen investments from Nordic companies in the Netherlands.
The primary goal of the NFIA team is to identify and support Nordic companies that can join the Netherlands' industry ecosystems, driving vital advancements in sectors such as sustainable energy, agrifood, health, mobility, and the circular economy.
A Nordic office is crucial for the Invest in Holland network because, as like-minded European neighbours, the Netherlands and the Nordics share common goals in driving the necessary transitions towards a sustainable future through innovation. By collaborating, both regions can accelerate the search for future solutions. As Hilde van der Meer expressed on LinkedIn, "With the addition of our latest office to the global NFIA network, we look forward to nurturing existing business partnerships and supporting companies eager to explore opportunities in the Netherlands to accelerate their growth."
For more information concerning what the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency can do for you, click .
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Swedish Christmas market in Rotterdam
The Swedish Church in the Netherlands is once again bringing the magic of a traditional Swedish Christmas market to Rotterdam on 15 and 16 November! This annual event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Swedish holiday traditions, right in the heart of Rotterdam.
Taking place at the Scots International Church on Schiedamse Vest, this festive market is a wonderful blend of Swedish culture, food, and crafts. Visitors can look forward to authentic Swedish treats, as well as a variety of unique gifts.
The event promises a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for families, friends, or anyone curious about Swedish traditions. Whether you’re sampling Swedish delicacies, browsing through handcrafted decorations, or simply soaking up the joyful ambiance, this Christmas market brings a touch of Scandinavian charm to the season.
Event Details
- Dates: 15 & 16 November
- Location: Scots International Church, Rotterdam, Schiedamse Vest 121, 3012 BH Rotterdam
- Opening Hours: 11:00 – 18:00
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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.
Read more here:
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Welcome New Member – Rud Pedersen Public Affairs
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce gives a warm welcome to new Member Rud Pedersen Public Affairs. We look forward to connecting them with our extensive business network and to a productive and inspiring collaboration ahead.
To learn more about Rud Pedersen Public Affairs, please visit https://www.rudpedersen.com/
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