Leading Lights
While you are on the map of the Netherlands, Utrecht’s neighbouring city, Eindhoven, ap- proximately a 51 minute train ride south, with excellent connections to Belgium and Germany, should not be overlooked. Eindhoven is espe- cially suited to technically oriented and innova- tive companies, from large internationals to smaller businesses, and is currently involved in the project Brainport 2020. This project hopes to steer the southeast of the country up from ninth to third position in Europe’s ‘top technol- ogy’ regions. It accounts for 40% of R&D in- vestments in the Netherlands, so it is well versed in new businesses and promoting investment
has been reaping rewards ever since. Both these modern cities have new, fully equipped business and conference centres that make sharing of in- formation and business development effortless. Eindhoven and Utrecht are not only similar be- cause of their great geographic locations, their proven FDI success stories, and top end eco- nomic opportunities; there has also been collab- oration between the University Medical Center, Utrecht, Utrecht University and Eindhoven Uni- versity of Technology. This partnership came into being last year and 3.25 million euros was invested to fund research, which included solar energy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and
What about the tax system in The Nether- lands as a whole? The tax system looks favourably on foreign direct investment and positive changes to the corporate income tax system in recent years has produced a sunnier investment climate. Additionally, with regard to R&D, businesses can profit from the innovation box. This provides a corporate tax rate of only 5%, and an R&D allowance (WBSO). The Netherlands Foreign Investment
Agency
(NFIA) will assist your company in every step of the way in business start-ups. It will help you launch, grow and restructure your operations to best suit your business doing business in the Netherlands.
05. The Flying Pins Eindhoven.
opportunities. Top city for business innovation? In 2011, Fortune magazine thought so, and choose the Brainport Eindhoven Region as one of seven regions worldwide driving business in- novation. If you are thinking of expanding your business take a look at what Eindhoven has on offer. Rob van Gijzel, mayor of Eindhoven and chairman of Brainport puts things into perspec- tive: “Companies in Eindhoven increase the speed and impact of their innovation by sharing and expanding knowledge with other high-tech business.
FEI, a US company, involved in the pro- duction and distribution of electron micro- scopes, realised Eindhoven’s potential and has set down their business roots. Not to be outdone, Utrecht is already home to 800 foreign compa- nies, and McKesson, headquartered in the US, provides healthcare technology and solutions, moved into Nieuwegein, Utrecht in 1999, and
62
regenerative medicine, thereby boosting the life science sector in both areas. Both regions are goldmines for foreign investment, handing for- eign businesses an offer to good to refuse. So graciously accept and make a clever business decision you will not regret.
The great geographic location of these two cities lends itself to a huge amount of corporate travel opportunities and a thriving cosmopolitan business environment, with EU countries on their doorstep and easy access to the Middle East and Africa. With such close proximity to Belgium and Germany, these easy transport links make this part of the Netherlands stand out immediately as a great location for investment with easy access to the wider European com- munity. A modern infrastructure and transport system will immediately help your business reach all the potential markets to ensure that your business is a success.
Need help manning your expansion? Your company won’t be left wanting. Both Eind- hoven and Utrecht are known for their high cal- ibre workforce. Home to universities and higher education facilities, the local workforce is amongst the most motivated employees in Europe. They are also among the most multilingual in the world, allowing them to effectively work in companies across any industry or market, and communicate effortlessly with businesses across the globe. The Life Science industry in The Nether- lands help advance health care worldwide, ex- cels globally, and is a key economic sector in the country. This prominence is due primarily to The Netherlands productive Research & Devel- opment base and united approach to innovation. 67 % of Dutch Life Science companies work with foreign companies and knowledge centres to promote their industry and carry out their business. This industry is a real goldmine be- cause there is always room for improvement and growth. If your business can offer new infor- mation surrounding drugs or technology, then you are in the right country, as this sector is cur- rently a government priority. With FDI incen- tives and the additional help of Europabio, an organisation representing biotechnology in the European Union, you are onto a clear winner! If you are looking into the relocation option for yourself or your team, the Netherlands offers an amazing work/life balance. Whether you want to explore the historic cities, dine out in afford- able restaurants, or take in some culture in the theatres, art galleries or live music venues, the expatriate is soon made to feel welcome and right at home.
Whether Utrecht or Eindhoven tickles your
fancy, when choosing your next business ex- pansion location, look no further than these two options to gain your full business potential.
New European Economy
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124