Presentation of the Business Climate Survey in the Netherlands
Venue: Swedish Ambassadors Residence in the Hague and via Zoom
Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Time: 16.00 – 18.00
Hybrid from 16.15 – 17.15
On behalf of Team Sweden in the Netherlands, we are very pleased to invite you to the first presentation of the Business Climate Survey in the Netherlands 2021.
This year, the Business Climate Survey has been conducted in over 20 countries worldwide and we are pleased to present the Dutch report and share the views of leading Swedish company representatives in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is Sweden’s seventh-largest export market and has historically been an important trading partner to Sweden, and continues to be so. How are the Swedish companies, participating in our survey, experiencing the Dutch business climate? The report and ensuing discussions will provide insights about the economic outlook, key facts about the Dutch market, and Swedish company performances in the Netherlands.
We would like to extend our most sincere thanks to you who have participated and contributed to this report, we now have valuable insights that we want to share with you.
Program Presentation Business Climate Survey the Netherlands
16.00
Registration and coffee
16.15
Welcome by the Ambassador of Sweden H.E. Mr. Johannes Oljelund
Openings remark by Mr. Krister Nilsson, State Secretary to Minister Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs Anna Hallberg
Introduction of the Business Climate Survey Netherlands by Kerstin Gerlagh, Swedish Chamber
Presentation of the results by Benjamin Selvani, Swedish Chamber of Commerce
Panel discussion featuring:
Dick Bisschop, Managing Director Anticimex B.V.
Armanda Kusse, Country Manager Lime Technologies
Benno Dijkhuis, Managing Director Fagerhult B.V.
Moderator: Johan Uhlin, Managing Director Scania Production Zwolle B.V. and Vice Chairman of the
Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands.
Conclusions and final remarks by State Secretary Mr. Krister Nilsson.
End of Presentation and thank you by Mr. Johan Uhlin, Managing Director Scania Production Zwolle B.V. and Vice Chairman Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands.
17.15
End of Webinar
For guests at the live event
Networking & drinks
18.00
End of Event
This is a Hybrid event with the possibility to attend both physically or via zoom. The physical seats are fully booked and therefore we are now welcoming guests to participate via zoom.
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation.
For you who will participate via zoom, a link will be sent to you prior to the event.
For any questions or inquiries, please contact the events department at events@swedishchamber.nl
Covid-19:
Swe-Cham is continually monitoring government and health guidelines to protect our team and our guests. Along with the venue provider, we want to provide a safe environment. All guests must comply with government recommendations with regards to self-isolation and if you are feeling unwell or showing any symptoms, we kindly ask you to stay at home. Should the government guidelines demand new restrictions for live events we reserve the right to transfer the event to a virtual presentation which in that case will be communicated prior to the event. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you for attending!
On September 22, 2021, The launch of the Business Climate Survey in the Netherlands took place. A Team Sweden project, based upon the new unique partnership created by Business Sweden and Swedish Chambers International, the association of Swedish Chambers of Commerce abroad. In total, the Swedish Business Climate Survey was conducted by Team Sweden in 22 countries in 2021 and for the Netherlands, this was our first year. It will be conducted regularly also in the future to track and analyze changes over the years. The purpose of the Business Climate Report is to increase the understanding of Swedish companies’ performance in the Netherlands and deepen our appreciation of the opportunities and challenges that the Dutch market poses.
First of all, we would like to deeply apologize for the technical problems that occur during the event. Below you will find a recording of the presentation so you can listen to it again.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a warm thank you to; Benjamin Selvani, Project Manager BCS, The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands, for his presentation of the results from the Dutch report, the Ambassador of Sweden H.E. Mr. Johannes Oljelund for his welcome speech, Mr. Krister Nilsson, State Secretary to Minister Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs Anna Hallberg, for his opening remarks, conclusions and final remarks, and to our Panelists; Moderator Johan Uhlin, Managing Director Scania Production Zwolle B.V. and Vice Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands., Dick Bisschop, Managing Director Anticimex B.V., Armanda Kusse, Country Manager Lime Technologies and Benno Dijkhuis, Managing Director Fagerhult B.V., for sharing their insight and reflections.
The Business Climate Survey 2021 in the Netherlands is now published on our webpage Business Climate Survey. Soon, a recording of the presentation will be available on this page as well.
Date: September 16, 2021
Time: 10.00 – 11.15
Webinar
What are the possibilities and challenges for women tech entrepreneurs in this time of pandemic and a booming demand for tech solutions and a growing tech industry? What impact does it have on women tech entrepreneurs? How do we create diverse workplaces where women are free to fulfill their professional potential and have the equal access to resources, knowledge and networks as men?
Today, women are still challenged in their pursuit and progression within the tech sector. We understand the importance of gender equality and diversity, but how could you implement policies promoting it at your company? What is it about a company that makes it uninviting for women to apply? Why are tech women still under-represented at most companies? It doesn’t make any sense because obviously there is no difference in skills or competence. They’re out there, but how can you get them into your organization?
In this webinar we bring together experts and women leaders in the tech community for an inspiring session about diversity, inclusion, inspiration and disruption. Welcome to join!
Introduction remarks:
The Ambassador of Sweden H.E. Mr. Johannes Oljelund
Quotes from speakers:
Dr Cara Antoine, Managing Director Digital Transformation, IG&H | Global Women in Tech, The Netherlands
“Never underestimate the competence and ability of another. I think that the simple things and taking small action is important.”
Ariane Bucquet-Pousette, Project Manager Start-Ups Invest Stockholm
“We have a saying in Sweden called ¨we have a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other¨. I would say there is a special place in hell for men that doesn’t help women.”
Ruth de Jager, Country Manager Netherlands Storytel
“Never tell a girl she’s bossy but that she has management skills.”
Indra Sharma, Author, Investor
“If we don’t change we will continue to have a world build by men for men. I don’t want that. I think this should be the top priority for politicians as well and to make sure that entrepreneurship and diversity is the main target for the future development of Sweden and Europe.”
Moderator:
Rens Goudsmit, Moderator, Head of TK Tech & Attorney at law, TeekensKarstens advocaten notarissen
“New technologies and developments are leading to innovative, interesting and complex (legal) issues. So especially in this sector it is crucial to share best practices, insights, experiences and know how. I believe making connections is key in the Tech sector. This is exactly where the Tech Tables are meant for”.
Program
10.00
Welcome by Kerstin Gerlagh, Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands
Introduction by Moderator Rens Goudsmit
Introduction remarks by Johannes Oljelund, Ambassador of Sweden
Presentation Cara Antoine
Presentation Ruth de Jager
Presentation Indra Sharma
Presentation Ariane Bucquet-Pousette
Q&A and Discussions
11.15
End Event Thank you by Moderator Rens Goudsmit and by Kerstin Gerlagh
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce Tech Talent webinar is supported by TK
Women in Tech is organized by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands in partnership with:
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce’s for the Netherlands Tech Talent webinar is part of the series Tech Tables and invites Swedish Chamber Members and leading experts, exciting entrepreneurs and challengers alongside passionate change makers to participate in the exciting discussions. How will technologies shape the future and what can we learn from each other? The Tech Tables 2021 will focus on four Themes: Tech Talent – Tech Finance/VC investment – Women in Tech – Tech for Good
Upcoming Tech Table webinar by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands:
October 19, 2021 Tech for Good
https://swedishchamber.nl/events/october-19-2021-tech-for-good/
Digital launch of the annual Global Business Climate Survey 2021
The unprecedented shift in both the social and professional realms over the past year has not only altered the way we do business but how companies and countries are perceived in the global marketplace.
The Global Business Climate Survey captures the current views and future expectations of Swedish companies and is a valuable source of information when doing business abroad. The survey builds on collected data from 1,400 company representatives in 22 markets worldwide in a joint collaboration between Business Sweden, Swedish Chambers International (SCI), the local Swedish Chambers of Commerce, embassies, and consulates abroad.
- Presentation of and discussion on the report and findings covering economic development, market success factors, local conditions, and sustainability
- Insights from Swedish companies with a global presence, and their expectations for the future
- Unique observations from public sector stakeholders
Speakers
- Krister Nilsson, State Secretary to Anna Hallberg,
Minister of Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs - Jan Larsson, President & CEO
Business Sweden - Andreas Hatzigeorgiou, President
Swedish Chambers International (SCI) - Joel Granath, Senior Vice President
Power Solutions Scania CV AB - Preet Dhupar, CFO IKEA India
- Josef Hinterberger, President
Getinge DACH
Time: 13.00-14.00 CEST
Format: Digital, a link to the webinar will be provided closer to the event date.
The link to connect to the Webinar will be sent out to participants the same day as the event.
Webinar
Date: June 15, 2021
Time: 14.00 – 15.00
On June 15, 2021, the Swedish Chamber welcomed Bas Dubois, Managing Director Benelux Volvo Bus, and Eugene Grüter, CEO Sweco Nederland to talk about Urban Insights and Mobility at the Swedish Chamber’s first digital Round Table.
During this Round Table, our speakers discussed how we can transform society to be more sustainable. The message was very clear; we cannot continue on the chosen path, it´s a dead end. Today the cars have conquered the streets and we are facing a lot of health problems due to pollution and the cost for society due to noise is enormous. There is also a lack of space for meetings and interactions. We have to put people first and cars second by lower speeds, multifunctional use of spaces, and restrict access for cars in certain areas. We should aim for more urban well-being with a walkable city where you have everything you need 15 min away. We should create space to live in rather than just move throw. To make this happen we need to involve the people and give them ownership, momentum, and support. We should look for opportunities together and we should work alongside to a sustainable future
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our speakers Eugene Grüter, CEO Sweco Nederland, and Bas Dubois, Managing Director Benelux Volvo Bus, for sharing their expertise, experience, and thoughts.
Watch the webinar below:
More than 70 percent of people in European cities breathe dangerous air, according to the European Environment Agency and 1 million deaths occur annually due to physical inactivity in Europe, states the World Health Organisation. The key to a healthier, more productive, greener, and less polluted city could be a new planning and design strategy based on the idea of shared speed in urban space.
The pandemic has given us new perspectives and revealed the flaws in street space distribution and public space as it disrupted people’s travel behavior, compelling us to work from home, move shorter distances, and explore the city on a more local scale.
At the same time, about 70 percent of the global population – an astonishing 7 billion people – are expected to live in cities by 2050. With air pollution causing damage to human health and ecosystems, large parts of the population will not live in a healthy environment.
Eugene Grüter will share the outcome of the new Urban Insight report where Sweco envisions proximity, density, and shared speed as paths for transforming streets into incubators for health and well-being.
“A core strategy of streets as health incubators entails treating the city’s various modes of transportation, from driving to walking, as more equal, a planning and design strategy that we call shared speed,” says David Lindelöw, transport planner at SWECO in Gothenburg, Sweden, and one of the report’s authors.
Bas Dubois, Managing Director Benelux at Volvo Bus:
“Just imagine a city with zero-emission vehicles only; clean and silent. For almost two decades Volvo buses is developing electromobility products and services for cities and in this presentation and Bas Dubois will take you on the journey Volvo buses has made and share the insights and experiences gained.”
Welcome to join us!
Keynote Speakers:
Bas Dubois Managing Director Benelux at Volvo Bus
Bas Dubois is an automotive engineer and working since 1992 in the Volvo Group. Bas has had various positions in the Volvo group; in sales engineering, service market management, sales management, key account management and is today the managing director of the Volvo Bus activities in Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg (Benelux). Bas is married, has two children, and lives in The Netherlands and as a good Dutchman Bas likes to cycle on a road bike in his free time.
Eugene Grüter CEO Sweco Nederland
Eugene Grüter, CEO of SWECO Netherlands is an experienced leader who builds strong relationships with clients and employees. He has a solid track record in achieving results and transforming organizations and a broad, top-level executive experience from the consulting engineering and construction industries, having served in top management positions in Royal HaskoningDHV and Royal BAM Group. Eugene Grüter has extensive experience in organizational and management development. Eugene Grüter is a member of SWECO’s Executive Team.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Young Professionals of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce invites the Participants of the Swedish Chamber Mentorship Program to the last Meet Up for this season.
When: June 10, 2021
Time: 18.30 – 21.00
Venue: tba
Recruitment strategies
Hendrik Jan Guitink
Guest Speaker: Tba
At this final meeting we will also evaluate on personal lessons learned and you will receive a certificate for accomplishing the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Mentorship Program 2020-2021.
For further information regarding the Mentorship Program please contact the Swedish Chamber of Commerce by sending an email to info@swedishchamber.nl
The Mentorship Program is made possible by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and AIMS sponsored by
Inter IKEA Systems.
About Hendrik Jan Guitink, Managing Partner of AIMS International Netherlands B.V. , member of AIMS International, a global leader in Executive Search and Leadership Consulting
“My name is Hendrik Jan Guitink, I am the Managing Partner of AIMS International Netherlands B.V., member of AIMS International, a global leader in Executive Search and Leadership Consulting with offices in over 50 countries. We Find&Grow Your Leaders. Within our Talent Management Practice, coaching and mentoring are two aspects that we specialize in as part of Leadership Development Programs or for individual cases. Having been a Mentor within this program for the past 2 years and being a professional business coach and trainer, I am very excited to take on the challenge. As Mentor, I have had the privilege to partner with 2 very bright and ambitious young professionals. I think I can say that both the mentees and I learned a lot from each other.
I am married to a Swedish beauty and also have a very strong business relationship with our AIMS partner in Sweden, delivering our services to our mutual clients. Hence the membership of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
The ambition for the Mentorship Program is to give young professionals the opportunity to connect with a senior business executive outside of his or her direct environment. Giving the participants access to guidance in issues concerning their future career.
As a group we will work on specific topics such as culture and building trusted relationships and we will invite subject matter experts to come and talk to us. The Mentees and Mentors will also spend time together on subjects of their own choice.”
Hendrik Jan Guitink
Date: June 10, 2021
Time: 13:00 – 16:00 CET
Tech Forum: Towards an AI-Enabled Future
Tech Forum 2021 brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academics to discuss an AI-enabled future. Artificial intelligence is already having an almost revolutionary and transformational impact on society, but where is it taking us? We will be looking at the adoption of AI in organizations, AI as a driver for smart transport, investing in the tech of tomorrow, but also diving into the ethical dilemma. Through keynotes, panels, and interactive talk shows, with stellar line-ups of speakers, the forum is a great way to connect with the UK-Nordic tech ecosystem.
About the Forum:
Tech Forum is a platform for Swedish-British tech and investors to meet, learn and discuss. Celebrating the best of the latest in technology from across the North Sea, whether it’s artificial intelligence, blockchain, or virtual reality (and beyond) – the forum features leading experts at global success stories, exciting entrepreneurs, and challengers alongside passionate purse-string partners.
Register for the event:
Members register SCC UK website here, please add “Member Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands” in the “comments” field.
SCC member price: Free
YP member price: Free
Non-member price: £45
To learn more about the Tech Forum and the Speaker Line-Up: Click Here
Read about Female lead in AI here
Read about Adopting AI across an organization here
This is Tech Forum:
Date: June 8, 2021
Time: 10.00 – 11.30
Tech Finance and Venture Capital
Funding is essential for the growth of startups and scaleups. It is what makes them able to compete on a global stage. What are the bottlenecks and challenges when finding (the right) investors and trying to accelerate growth as a start-up or scale-up?
Making the right investments and introducing the right technology is of the essence for any companies trying to stay innovative. With the ever-increasing ways of investing in technology and innovations, there is a larger need for companies to strategize their use of capital. How can this be done to boost growth and competitiveness?
A new report by Danske Bank shows that venture funds are considerably more impact-focused in the Nordics than in other regions. Simultaneously, in an article by Bloomberg is to read that Stockholm has bred more tech unicorns per capita than any other region in the world outside Silicon Valley. What’s the secret?
In this webinar we bring together experts and stakeholders to explore the dynamic evolvements in Venture Capital, Technology and the various ways companies can become investment ready or boost their innovation through tech investments. An important aspect for discussion purposes is to boost equality in VC and the diversity of funding by achieving better access to Venture Capital for female founders.
Recording of the webinar
Speakers:
Isabella De Feudis,
CEO at SVCA Swedish Private Equity & Venture Capital Association
Jens Ingelstedt
WeWork Labs | +impact accelerator | Investor & advisor
Maria Grabowska
Manager at +impact accelerator I Growth & Impact, Danske Bank
Elin Fälted
Expert Capital, Techleap.nl
Moderator:
“New technologies and developments are leading to innovative, interesting and complex (legal) issues. So especially in this sector it is crucial to share best practices, insights, experiences and know how. I believe making connections is key in the Tech sector. This is exactly where the Tech Tables are meant for”.
-Rens Goudsmit, Moderator, Head of TK Tech & Attorney at law, TeekensKarstens advocaten notarissenRens Goudsmit, Head of TK Tech & Attorney at law.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce Tech Talent webinar is supported by TK
State of Nordic Impact Startups
The most detailed analysis of the Nordic impact startup scene published to date, based on data from 1.230 start-ups and 1.365 funding rounds, and a deep dive on the Green Growth startups of the future. By Danske Bank
The Nordics have a strong reputation for creating innovative startups working to create a sustainable impact in the world. But what’s the real state of play? Do Nordic countries really over-index for impact innovation? What is an impact startup anyway? And can they offer investment returns as well as real world change? Every year Danske Bank supports the creation of a report examining in detail development of the Nordic impact startup scene, to assess and nuance the common perception of the ecosystem. Predictably, not all myths hold true.With this report we wish to bring data and facts about the Nordic Impact startups to the table, with an added focus on ‘Green Growth’ startups. By doing so we hope to shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the Nordic and broader Impact ecosystems.In the following, you will see the most detailed analysis of the Nordic impact ecosystem to date, based on data from 1,230 startups, 1,365 funding rounds, supplemented by qualitative insights from experts and industry players.
Download the Report here: https://hello.plus-impact.io/impactreport2021/
In our Webinar on June 8 you will meet Maria Grabowska who will be presenting the report.
Date: June 3, 2021
Time: 10.30 – 12:00
Venue: Zoom
On 3 June 2021, we welcome all Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands members to join the 61st Annual General Meeting. The AGM will this year be carried out in a virtual setting.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to invite you the Annual General Meeting on June 3, 2021 at 10.30 — 12.00 CET. The meeting will take place online and will be followed by a Scholarship ceremony and an address by H.E. Ambassador or Sweden Mrs Annika Markovic.
AGM Agenda, Proposals and Descisions 2021 and Minutes of Meeting June 20, 2020
You will find these documents by clicking on Program below
Voting Procedure
During the Annual General Meeting, the Members present will be asked to approve the Minutes of last year’s AGM as well as the Financial Statements of 2020 and elect the Members of the Board. As we will be working with a modified voting procedure, we ask all Members to submit questions or comments with regard to the issues on our agenda in advance as much as possible – by email to info@swedishchamber.nl. Instead of asking for approval by a raise of hands, we will include a small timeslot for Members to react via Chat. If no comments or objections come in, the topic at hand will be considered approved.
Registration
We kindly request all Members to register in advance. All meeting details will be sent to you prior to the meeting.
The AGM is free of charge and open for Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands members.
N.B. Young professional membership of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands is an associate membership of the SCC, and as such these members are unable to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting.
New Board Member Candidates 2021
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are very honored to present their 3 new Board Member Candidates for the Board 2021 to be elected at the Annual Meeting on June 3, 2021. We welcome all members of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands to attend the Annual General Meeting via Zoom to meet the new candidates and to elect the new members of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2021.
READ THE SWEDISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 HERE
