On 16 June, our corporate member Validata Group hosted an intimate and open “Meet & Mingle” with the spectacular view from TAK rooftop bar in Stockholm. 
Inviting their close network and members from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, Validata shared how their journey entering the Nordics has been and discussed what highs and lows businesses face when entering new markets. 
 
Validata and the Dutch Chamber would like to jointly thank all those who attended. It was great to see you there and we are proud to look back and see how far Validata has already come with such strong connections. 
 
Hope to see you at the next one!

/S.B.

On 16 June 2022, on the same day as the company presentation of Validata at Rooftop Bar Tak, the Dutch Chamber invited corporate members for a wonderful lunch and discussion on HR matters.
Twelve guests from our corporate memberbase exchanged views on attracting and retaining talents and remote working in a relaxed atmosphere. The discussion was prepared and moderated by Johannes Pastoor, VP HR Volvo Group and Chris van der Schoor, HR Director Netflix EMEA.

We thank Harm Voogt, Robbert Remmers and Martine Westin from Validata for sponsoring this lunch.

/E.B.

The last Walk & Talk before the summer break took place on the 8th of June. It was a dark and stormy day in Gothenburg, the perfect weather for our special location. Guide Jorge took us on a fascinating journey in a hidden gem of Gothenburg: Kulturtemplet.
We descended into the cold and darkness of this old water basin and let Jorge excite all our senses with a sound and light show. He gave us some time afterwards to play around by ourselves. After this truly unique experience we walked (and talked) towards waterfront restaurant Porter Pelle where Leo de Meere, CEO at Swedish Hydro Solutions, explained how water management is playing a vital role for the impressive ongoing city development of Gothenburg. Thank you Leo for a great contribution!

Save the date and join us on the 26th of August for our first event after summer - sailing through the archipelago along the beautiful west coast of Gothenburg! More info follows shortly.

​/E.M.

Guide Peter Frisk took us on a guided walk through Södermalm on Tuesday 31st of May. The walk was co-hosted by Ambassador Bengt van Loosdrecht who invited all participants to his residence.
Here he explained what the role the embassy plays in Sweden. Peter explained to us about the rich history the Dutch had in Södermalm in the 17th century with copper merchant Louis de Geer at the helm of this. Did you know the residence of the ambassdor was actually the former house of Louis de Geer? The walk was concluded with a mingle in the Innovation House. 

/F.C.

The Dutch Chamber celebrates 20 years of networking this year and this inspired us to interview former board members who were active in the founding period of the Chamber. This time we have interviewed Eva Blom,  trade officer at The Netherlands embassy.

What was your involvement with the DSBA, later Dutch Chamber and what was your role?
Dutch Swedish Business Association started since we felt a need of a platform for Dutch and Swedish companies and individuals who wanted to grow their networks and learn from each other regarding issues related to their professional role and challenges for businesses on the Swedish and/or Dutch markets. My role included among other things organising interesting events, reaching out to new members and setting the format for the association.


What were the challenges faced during the first starting period?
To understand what the added value was for the members to be part of this initiative and organise events that were attractive and valuable. It was easier to attract Dutch persons than Swedes for obvious reasons. (Since the Swedes already had networks in Sweden and extra activities in the evenings were not always possible due to work-life balance.)

 What are your best memories?
The positive energy that comes from a team who enjoys working together and when an idea transforms into a result that both the team and members are satisfied with. We organised a visit to the Traffic Control Tower at Arlanda just the week before it went operational. It was fascinating to get an insight in the important work of the air traffic controllers and skills needed for such a position.  We also got a  brief on the architecture of the tower, as well as a splendid view. 

 What are you doing nowadays?
I am working at the Netherlands embassy in Stockholm with a focus on smart cities, sustainability, built environment and mobility issues. Among many things I initiate various projects and I am advising Dutch companies in their internalization process and stimulate cooperation between public and private stakeholders.  In my personal life I focus on nature experiences (sailing, trekking, cross country skiing) developing my music skills and investing time in family relations and friendships.

Do you have any advice for the current board members?
If you want to reach your objectives, see to it that you have fun together. A diversified team with a mix of backgrounds and competences will also add to the success! Good luck with your future endeavors.

​/MN

Skansen Kronan was the perfect starting point for the walk & talk on King's Day on 27 April. Overlooking the city of Gothenburg we shared a toast to celebrate king Willem-Alexander.

Karin Forss, key account manager from KLM, gave us an insight on how the royal Dutch Airlines was founded little over 100 years ago. From the very start the company was privileged to call itself royal, which is unique. We learned about how the company operated during Covid-19, how business is back to the same levels as in 2019 and how they make travelling by air more sustainable.

The fact that Willem-Alexander is a pilot at KLM is no secret but still nice to know. We just wondered which name he uses when he announces updates from the cockpit. All participants were handed over a goody bag with many useful products for future (business)trips. 

Thank you Karin Forss for sharing your enthusiasm for KLM and joining us on the royal walk via Kungsparken, Viktoriabron, Kungstorget, Kungsgatan, Hotel Royal, Drottningtorget, Scandic Crown Hotel to café ’t Amsterdammertje where the celebrations for the king continued.

Join us for our next walk & talk on Wednesday the 8th of June - Explore Gothenburgs' (under)water world.  

/Team West

On April 12 our Dutch country leader for Signify Sweden Rob van Brunschot warmly welcomed us to show the ‘extraordinary potential of light’ on life. The impact of light is often unknown and underestimated. Not anymore for those who joined the impressive presentation and well-organized tour around the state-of-the-art lighting solutions in the new Signify office in Stockholm. 
 
From indoor navigation with your smartphone via the light inside buildings, to tailored 3D printed lamps, to fast, reliable internet via light (LiFi), experience natural but artificial daylight indoors, to syncing lights perfectly to TV, music and games.
 
Thank you, Rob van Brunschot & his enthusiastic team for this extraordinary experience!
 
 /Team Stockholm