​On the 23rd November we then finally had the Orange Table Going Digital in Fashion with over 45 people attending. Wendy Heijne shared her story about how her start up is building on new technological possibilities allowing the final customer to participate directly in the design process. Just like it was before the industrial revolution where standard size low cost confectionary was first introduced.

​​More than half of the attendants put up their hands saying the would buy on-line and considered the possibility to tailor individual pieces extremely attractive. But there is a critical step from showing  interest and the actually buying. The primary challenge of every new start-up.
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Anna Hedlund pointed out that things move very fast; what was new a year and a half ago is dated today. But consumer behaviour changes more slowly. Sarah Pehrsdotter highlighted the difficult balancing between being low cost, lean and agile in the startup phase and the subsequent challenge speed to scale.  More things coming according to Anna Zofia Rzewuska, amongst others 3D printing and advanced robotics in fashion. But Wendy’s challenge for now is to create more brand awareness and stimulate trial.

A great evening with a nice informal atmosphere and lots of opportunities to make new connections. 

We wish Wendy every success in her new venture, but she certainly left the evening upbeat and with new ideas.  To get a photo impression, click play below or view all photos at the event photo album

The Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Sweden is looking back on a very well-organized and highly appreciated Executive Lunch on November 14, that was hosted by the Chamber's premium member, Svenska Handelsbanken.

​Mr. Stefan Nilsson (Chairman of Subsidiaries) opened the luncheon with warmly welcoming the participants, and addressing the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sweden, H.E. Mrs. Ines Coppoolse. Mr. Anders Bouvin (Group CEO) held an inspiring speech about Handelsbanken's many differentiators and corporate values. Mr. Claes Måhlén (Chief Strategist Capital Markets) elaborated on the main geo-political events of the recent past with potential impact on the world economy. Mr. Jens Wiklund (newly appointed CEO Handelsbanken Netherlands) highlighted the bank's corporate success in the Netherlands and its further growth ambitions in this relatively new home market of the bank.

The Dutch Chamber would like to thank Svenska Handelsbanken for hosting this great event, as well as for the interesting presentations and excellent lunch at the bank's corporate headquarters.  ​

​In cooperation with the Netherlands Embassy in Copenhagen we held a successful breakfast 'meet and greet' at the Nordic Organic Food Fair in Malmö. The fair, which is the third one of its kind to be held here, saw over 30 Dutch companies represented and, of course, representatives from countries such as Greece, Spain, Estonia and many more.

Further highlights included the Purple Bee Hive stand, which was continuously busy cooking up their delicious vegetarian burgers for the masses (see the 'BeBurger' photo below, featuring Tjeerd van der Laan and his colleague) . Furthermore, the winner of the Best New Natural Food Product was a Dutch company - Tony's Chocolonely! Congratulations!

With inspiring speakers and more than 100 participants we look back at a successful International Business Networking event in Gothenburg, which is one of the most rapidly expanding regions in Europe, with residents, jobs and the level of investment all on the rise.

Major urban development and infrastructure projects costing 100 billion euros are also underway. This growth presents many opportunities for companies, and a key ingredient for success is attracting the best talent available – both local and international. 

Business Region Göteborg in cooperation with various Chambers of Commerce and Embassies organized an inspiring event on the 10th of November, where the audience listened how Gothenburg wants to attract (foreign) companies and talent.

Inspired by excellent keynote speaker Charlotta Mellander the participants discussed how foreign companies can help with the growth ambition of Gothenburg. Charlotte Mellander is one of Sweden’s leading experts and researchers on the topics cities, talent, creativity and regional development. At the mingle a lot of new contacts were established.

Dutch companies and professionals are more than welcome to contact the new Dutch Chamber Regional Director Sari van Poelje and Daniel Malmgren de Oliveira, Business DeveloperNordics of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hear more about the opportunities in Gothenburg. ​You can reach them via [email protected]