Doing Business in the Netherlands


Connect



Connect is the networking site for British & Dutch companies. At www.hollanduktrade.nl/connect British companies can:

  • Find a business service provider or business partner in the Members Directory
  • Present their company, product and/or service to the Dutch business community
  • Post a partnership request for contacts in the Netherlands
  • Find business leads and companies looking for partners in the United Kingdom
  • Join the discussion or ask a question in the online UK-NL business community

For business opportunities in the Netherlands please have a look in the groups NL Requests and NL Offers.

Joining Connect is by invitation only and restricted to Dutch and British companies. Request an invitation code here.

Agents


The VNT, the Association of Intermediaries (‘Verbond van Nederlandse Tussenpersonen’) is the interest group for the self-employed commercial agent, importer and broker in The Netherlands. The approximately 700 associated members sell or act as intermediaries in the selling of textiles, tools, electronics, ceramics, cellulose, wood, machinery, sanitary ware, paper, wine, furniture and shoes. Their website, mailings and magazines bring together manufacturers and Dutch agents and importers. The VNT Bulletin is published five times a year with a press run of 1,000 copies per issue. More information on advertising costs can be found here.

Databases and directories


The following databases can help in finding a suitable business partner in the Netherlands:

Trade fairs


Trade fairs often welcome international companies and are an important way of meeting new partners in international trade and business. It is often possible to access the exhibitor list on the website of the trade fair, to get in contact with potential business partners and schedule appointments before the actual event. Websites with information on trade fairs and exhibitions in the Netherlands:

Trade associations


Trade associations distribute important market information, for instance statistical information and information on distribution channels. In many cases, this information is free to download from the website, which often includes contact details of its members. The majority of trade associations distribute newsletters to their members and other subscribers. It is common for companies to advertise their products or services or to find an agent or distributor through trade associations’ newsletters.
Here you will find an overview of trade associations in the Netherlands.

Other useful contacts

Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency
The NFIA provides assistance to companies interested in establishing, expanding or re-organising their pan-European operations in the Netherlands.

T: 020 7225 1074
E: info@nfia.co.uk
W: www.nfia.co.uk

Answers for Business
Answers for Business is the starting point of the Dutch government for entrepreneurs and businesses. See at a glance which rules, permits, taxes and subsidies apply when you do business in the Netherlands.

T: +31 (0)88 6024444
E: www.answersforbusiness.nl/contact
W: www.answersforbusiness.nl

British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)
The BCC supports and advises businesses in all areas of international business development and intelligent exporting. With a worldwide network of bilateral and international Chambers of Commerce the BCC can provide UK exporters with a unique added dimension.

T: 024 7669 4484
E: info@britishchambers.org.uk
W: www.britishchambers.org.uk

British Embassy
The Trade & Development Section at the British Embassy in The Hague is part of UKTI and can assist UK companies planning to export to or invest in the Netherlands.

T: +31 (0)70 4270 427
E: trade.enquiries@fco.gov.uk
W: www.ukinnl.fco.gov.uk

BuVoHa (Trade Information Office)
BuVoHa specializes in distributing trade information and establishing business contacts between the Netherlands and other countries worldwide. Their matching service promotes trade by publishing free of charge offers and demands from firms abroad on the BuVoHa site. Register here.

T: +31 (0)23 5533 514
E: mail@buvoha.com
W: www.buvoha.nl

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
The EEN is the largest network of contact points providing information and advice to EU companies on EU matters, in particular SME’s. The network provides information and practical advice on market opportunities, European legislation and policies relevant to a company or sector. Helping SME’s to find suitable business partners using its business and technology cooperation database, providing information on tender opportunities and international networking. Through local partners companies have the opportunity to publish a request for a Dutch business partner in a monthly newsletter. Contact details of local EEN partners can be found here.

W: www.enterpriseeuropenetwork.nl/over-ons/english/index.asp

Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)
The Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) is a bi-lateral commercial membership organisation with offices in London and Amsterdam, aiming to promote Anglo-Dutch trade and investment. The NBCC offers its members and clients an extensive range of commercial services and network opportunities. As an independent membership organisation the NBCC is well placed to provide companies in Britain, The Netherlands and elsewhere with assistance in their aim to expand their overseas business activities. The NBCC services include market research, agency/distributor searches, sales support, company formations and many more.

T: 020 7539 7960 / +31 (0)20 421 7040
E: info@nbcc.co.uk
W: www.nbcc.co.uk

Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (‘Kamer van Koophandel’)
The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce manages the trade register and has 50 offices spread throughout the Netherlands. The various chambers operate independently and employ expert staff such as international trade consultants. Their services are directed to companies just starting their import or export activities as well as to those with years of experience in doing business abroad. The international trade consultant can assist you in finding business partner, who may be an importer, agent, distributor or wholesaler. More information on accessing the trade register can be found here. Contact details of local chambers throughout the Netherlands are available here.
T: +31 (0)34 842 691
E: info@kvk.nl
W: www.kvk.nl/English/

UK Trade & Investment
The International Trade Advisors at UKTI can provide businesses with essential, impartial advice on all aspects of international trade. UKTI has over 40 offices throughout the UK based in partner organisations such as Business Link and Chambers of Commerce.

T: 020 7215 8000
E: trade.enquiries@fco.gov.uk
W: www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk