London Calling

Last month, I started my new job as Executive Director for the United Kingdom and Ireland at the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency . And what a month it was. Arriving in a new country with a new King, Prime Minister and Chancellor. It’s a time of constant change, but in my new role, I look forward to seeing how we at NFIA London can help British-based business find new perspectives and accelerate growth in the Netherlands.

My career at the NFIA now spans over three decades, where I worked first from The Hague and lastly from Washington D.C., advising businesses on how investing in the Netherlands can help them grow. In the past, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s most innovative businesses and organisations, including innocent drinks , 百时美施贵宝 , and the European Medicines Agency . My daily work ranged from guiding them through Dutch labour law to connecting them to all levels of the Dutch government.?

Showcasing Dutch opportunities

Now I’m based in London, I am excited to be working in one of the leading centres of global trade and finance. Only last week, we showcased the Dutch opportunities for the UK’s most promising Fintech businesses aboard the Clipper Stad Amsterdam . But of course, I’ll be looking beyond the City too, working with the UK’s world-class businesses and universities which are driving global innovation in areas such as agrifood, tech and healthcare. With such a broad range of international companies making the UK their home, as well as a thriving start-up scene, there is huge opportunity for the NFIA to support businesses both large and small on their international expansion into the Netherlands.

At the moment, UK businesses are obviously facing particularly tough economic and operational conditions, but crises often highlight new opportunities. The Netherlands faces similar issues, as well as some of its own particular challenges, but our can-do mentality ensures we make the right choices to stay fit for the future. I genuinely believe the collaborative nature of the Dutch business world means we can work to overcome whatever life throws at us.

The Netherlands offers business answers

With its naturally innovative culture, rich in R&D talent, the Netherlands is the place that many businesses find answers. We want to invite businesses to help us find the sustainable , innovative , and digital solutions to solve our shared global challenges and in return, the Netherlands offers a fantastic gateway to new markets, especially into the rest of mainland Europe. And with its highly educated and multilingual workforce , world-class infrastructure , innovative culture and excellent work-life balanc e and lifestyle, the Netherlands is the place to scale solutions of the future.

Close ties

The Netherlands is particularly suited to UK-based businesses as the use of English language is accepted for business administration and legal documentation, and it is one of the top English-speaking countries in Europe. Plus, business culture in the Netherlands and the UK is very similar. The Netherlands is also a fantastic test market given it has a relatively small population, which is easier to analyse, and that the Dutch people are keen to try new products and services. The 2019 launch Disney+' streaming service into the Netherlands - before any other European market - is a perfect example of this.

But ultimately, what the Netherlands can offer UK businesses depends on the opportunities the business is looking for. I love to sit around the table with business leaders to find out what moves them. This is the reason why I enjoy what I do so much, as it’s hugely rewarding working with such a variety of companies. Working to understand what motivates them, the challenges they face and then identifying how the Netherlands can help their business thrive gives me a huge thrill.

Football, music and more

Moving to London is a truly exciting move for me, and I am really looking forward to the next four years. The NFIA London team has given me an extremely warm welcome, as has the British weather (so far)! I am also glad to be closer to Holland, my friends and family, especially because the quick connections enable me to see my first grandson Casper much more. In fact, I think this is the closest I’ve been to them in years.

Whilst my professional brief will be strictly focused on driving innovation and investment to the Netherlands, I must confess to also be looking forward to all the culture and entertainment the UK has to offer. London itself has loads to enjoy, with seven Premier League Football clubs, loads of musicals in the West End, and every musician and band stopping here for a gig. I am already working out how to get Glastonbury tickets and have a bucket list of other music events I want to experience!

Let's connect

Like the Clash' London Calling offers?reggae,?rockabilly,?ska,?New Orleans R&B,?pop,?lounge jazz, and?hard rock, London (and beyond) offers a wide range of opportunities for the Netherlands. I am looking forward to exploring them all!

I look forward to working with companies who are seeking to experience the incredible offering that the Netherlands has in terms of expertise, innovation, collaboration, digitalization and sustainability. If you want to learn what the Netherlands can do for your business, please connect with me at Henny Jacobs