​On the 7th of March, a group of master students in strategic design from the Technical University (TU) in Delft, Holland visited the Dutch Chamber. The students were on a student visit in Stockholm to help different renowned Swedish companies with some real-life case studies.
The evening started with a welcome from our chairman Maarten Merckx, which was followed by a presentation of Wilco Schuttelaar, innovation attaché from the Dutch Embassy.
Wilco spoke about the building and his work at the Embassy. After that, the students presented their case studies about Strategic Design.
The students showed passion for their subject by giving elaborate answers and responding to each others answers, which was inspiring to see. The evening ended with drinks and networking.

/Joep van Ool

Our corporate member, Jan Aldries Oldenkamp, CIO of Scania, made the news about the digitalisation journey and IT-strategies of Scania.  The magazine Computer Sweden published a very positive interview with Jan Aldries Oldenkamp, in which he explained what Scania has achieved so far and what the remaining challenges of digitalisation are for the international vehicle company.

Read the full article (in Swedish) here.

On Thursday, 7th of February, the Dutch Chamber in Malmö started off the season with some inspirational thoughts on leadership in a changing work environment. The Dutch business leader Marco Beemsterboer shared his experiences in a much appreciated key note speech.

Around 30 people attended the event at Rådhuskällaren in central Malmö, a great mix of different nationalities and professions. Many of the guests were first time visitors interested in expanding their business networks.

On the picture (fr. l. to r.): Ann-Nina Finne, Marco Beemsterboer, Charlotta Feith and ambassador Henk Swarttouw.

/Ann-Nina Finne

On the 7th of February our Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place once again. Thirty members of the Dutch Chamber gathered to start the evening with a much appreciated guided tour of Riksdagen, followed by the AGM.
The past year was reflected upon and the board got discharged whereafter the new board (same persons) got elected, with approval of the members.
The evening ended with a New Year's Mingle at the Sheraton hotel where everyone had a good time over a nice drink.
A special thanks goes out to Martin Brozek for setting up the tour and taking care of the group, ultimately creating a successful evening.
​
/Joep van Ool

Ilse Wicherts is one of our associate members and an expert within the field of occupational health and safety. Her company ArbetsRiktning supports companies in creating a safe working environment. We asked her to tell us more about her company and share some insights on the differences between sick leave in Sweden and the Netherlands.

Can you give us a short introduction of your company?
ArbetsRiktning supports companies in making the working environment safe and sound and is both focussing on structure, and on hands-on training in leadership, safety culture, group dynamics and resilience.
I grounded ArbetsRiktning formally in 2013 and work actively since 2015. Getting two kids within two years time slowed down the start-up process considerably. 2015 activities boosted considerably and since then I´m traveling through Sweden.

What are the differences in 'sick leave' between Dutch and Swedish people?  
Differences between industries, companies, local cultures and leadership are probably bigger than differences between 'the Dutch or Swedish- way'. But thinking out loud, there are some differences. 
From a Dutch perspective, there is more space in Sweden for a 'wait & see- approach'. Which is due to differences in insurance system and the process around sick leave. Legislation has however changed last June.
Compared to Dutch employers, Swedish employers do organise a lot for their employees. At the same time there is a high work-flexibility (in the way you work, where and when) and leadership-on-distance is quite common. Both requires a higher self-leadership: to organise your own work efficiently, keeping the balance, and making it clear if something is unclear. Responses in form of support is highly depending on the local culture and leadership.

What do the statistics reveal?
Compared with Sweden, sick leave is higher in the Netherlands (2017 national data, totals are including both short- and long-term sick leave). It is difficult to say what the differences depend on. 

What are the benefits of a membership of the DC for yourself and your company?
The meetings are always inspiring and in an easy-going atmosphere. In that way it is a huge energizer for me. The meetings have also given me connections, good discussions and inside-information. 

/Marion Norman

On Tuesday 27 November, Region South arranged a charity dinner in cooperation with War Child Sweden at Michelin star restaurant Bloom in the Park in Malmö. The aim was to raise money for the projects run by War Child.

The event was attended by 26 people, both members of the Dutch Chamber, as well as representatives from War Child and executives from regional businesses. 
Among the guests were ambassador Henk Swarttouw with his wife Sara as well as the new Honorary Council Kerstin Lindell.
During the event, Henk van Dieren and Göran Pålsson from Samskip Van Dieren handed over a cheque to sponsor Warchild even more.
Furthermore, a beautiful painting by Dutch artist Annetje van der Sluis was auctioned out and this further added to the funds we were able to donate to War Child. 
A wonderful dinner and superb networking in a great atmosphere - with a higher purpose - turned out to be very successful!
​
/Ann-Nina Finne