december 2013

WTC NEWS
DECEMBER 2013
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
An office for one hour
Page 2
Tenant satisfaction survey: the results so far
Page 2
News arrivals in WTC Amsterdam
Page 7
What happened in 2013
Page 8
WE WELCOME
2014, here we come!
A2Z-CM.com
Consultancy, project management,
contract management, brokering.
C-tower, level 5
Number of employees in the WTC: 1
www.A2Z-CM.com, 31 20 - 333 76 46
The party season is almost upon us: 2013 is drawing to a close. The new year is beckoning
and with it come new opportunities. The WTC is ready for them. Meanwhile, here’s a reminder
of last year’s highlights.
Darwin Recruitment B.V.
Please see page 7 to learn more about this company.
DHA Vastgoed Beheer B.V. (De Hypotheker)
Please see page 7 to learn more about this company.
Goodman Logistics Developments B.V.
Global property group: owns, develops and manages
logistics space.
B-tower, level 12
Number of employees in the WTC: 7
www.goodman.com
Idematica N.V.
Software design and development.
C-tower, level 5
Number of employees in the WTC: 4
www.idematica.nl, 31 20 - 820 18 53
Meeuwsen Ten Hoopen Holding B.V.
Please see page 7 to learn more about this company.
Christmas market
The traditional WTC Christmas Market will take place
on Thursday, December 12. You’ll be able to pick up all
sorts of Christmas goodies, from gifts, art, fashion and
jewellery to food and drink.
The market takes place from 10.00 to 16.00 in the
Central Hall. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
Stop by and support charities, shop for your Christmas
party outfit and buy great presents for family and friends.
WHERE BUSINESS COMES TO LIFE
FOCUS
I am very proud of the fact that the WTC has maintained its
position as a popular international business location. At the
end of 2013 the vacancy rate will have dropped from the 3%
in 2012 to 2.5% . We have three main factors to thank for
this: location, quality and service. The WTC‘s prime location
can not be bettered, of course. We are, however, working
extremely hard to improve the quality of the complex and the
already high level of service.
PERSONAL
Foresight is the essence of government. In order to continue
to improve services in 2013 we started our annual tenant
satisfaction survey. This time around we decided to pay all our
tenants a personal visit. Over 270 tenants agreed to take part
and we have now spoken to some 200 of them (see page 2).
We feel that a personal approach will result in a better
understanding of tenants’ needs. We will be contacting those
who have not yet taken part at the beginning of 2014. We very
much appreciate your cooperation!
INFLUENCE
Your payment of service costs means you are effectively
entrusting us with part of your household budget. It is a
responsibility we don’t take lightly. This is why, in October this
year, we established a tenant panel. The panel is made up of
over 20 members, a fair representation of the tenants presently
occupying WTC office space. Their feedback on ideas, plans
and pilot projects will give us an extra insight into tenants’
experiences and needs. It is also a good way of streamlining
priorities.
INSPIRING YEAR
It has been a year full of sporting events, cultural happenings
and other inspiring meetings. You have only to turn to page 8
to see how crowded the WTC calender has been. I would like
to highlight one event in particular. In February we organised
a talentmarket where businesses and students from the Vrije
Universiteit could meet. The event proved a great success and
provided us with some valuable lessons for next year’s talent
market. WTC likes to bring people together and, from this year,
we are offering businesses the opportunity to place their ads
easily and free of charge on www.jobswtcamsterdam.com.
There is no better way to find motivated staff.
LET’S GET DIGITAL
It took some doing but in September we were ready to launch
www.mywtcamsterdam.com centres on digital tenant files
and electronic billing. 170 businesses have already created
an account. Will you be next? In 2014 we will be adding
new functions. From January 1, electronic billing will become
standard and Newsflashes will be sent and archived via
MyWTCAmsterdam for easy reference.
CAR SHARING
Two of the WTC’s policy spearheads are accessibility and
sustainability. By combining the two we can kill two birds
with one stone. In October we started a car sharing scheme
providing on-the-spot shared car use for Zuidas and WTC staff
who travel to work on public transport. We are talking to Dutch
Rail about a combination package with certain advantages.
This may make using public transport to travel to WTC an
even more attractive option. We will keep you informed on any
progress we are making on this score.
FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE
I’m concluding this review of 2013 with a WTC first. On
page 2 you will find an article on our new, flexible workspace
concept. From the end of January 2014 it will be possible to
rent a workspace, not by the year or the month, but by the
hour. Curious? We have chosen the location of the workspaces
- at the top of the escalator leading to the Central Hall - as
the venue for the WTC Business Club New Year’s party and
of course you are cordially invited to attend (see page 4).
I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
On behalf of the management of WTC Amsterdam I wish you,
your family and your business a happy and prosperous 2014!
Christiaan Huijg
Managing Director
World Trade Center Amsterdam
WTCNews | December 2013
1
WTC NEWS
Workspace to rent by the hour
At the top of the escalator to the Central Hall, the former location
of restaurant Dyne’s is being transformed into an innovative
new service which will open for business in February. The
project is a first for the WTC and a pilot for CBRE’s Dutch Office
Fund. The location has been chosen for a new flexible working
concept with its own dynamics, where people can come and
work in peace for a few hours or meet their colleagues. The
atmosphere will be welcoming, like Fitch & Shui, and users will
be provided with all the necessary facilities.
PAY BY THE HOUR
‘The office market and some of our tenants want greater
flexibility,’ says Christiaan Huijg, managing director of the WTC
Amsterdam management company. ‘We launched the Suite
Offices concept in September 2012 with rental contracts up
from one month. This new office concept offers other options.
You don’t rent an office but a well-equipped workspace and you
rent it by the hour, according to how much you actually use it.’
SEVENTY WORKSPACES
This new flexible concept allows the WTC Amsterdam to meet
the needs of small companies and the self-employed, who
don’t need their own office. It also enables companies both
within and away from the WTC to bridge the gap if they need
extra office space for a short period. People can meet up in
the entrance area, which is accessible to everyone, and have
a coffee or a bite to eat. Access to the separate office section,
with 70 workspaces, is by smartcard. The section is divided
into a lounge area, seating areas for groups, quiet workspaces,
meeting rooms and a separate room with multiple desks. In
the future, when the weather allows, users will also be able to
work on the roof terrace.
KEY POINTS
The flexible office concept is based on the following key points:
- The fee will be paid monthly on the basis of expected usage,
and the smartcard will be loaded up.
-
The smartcard can be topped up using various payment
methods.
- The smartcard gives the user 24/7 access to the lounge and
workspaces.
- In principle, there will always be room for everyone but a
number of quiet spaces and meeting rooms can be reserved.
- When you leave the office part of the complex, the amount of
time will be written off the smartcard.
-U
nused hours can be transferred to the following month.
- The hourly fee includes coffee, tea and water, internet access,
scanning and printing.
- Bring your own device. Technical support is available during
office hours.
FEEDBACK
‘The test phase will last a year,’ says Huijg. ‘During that period
we want to test and improve the concept with the initial
users. During office hours there will be a location manager
and hostess on hand. They will keep their eyes and ears open
for questions and suggestions. Feedback is most welcome. If
the concept takes off, we will move towards opening a second
location.’
Interested parties can find out more about the hourly
fees and conditions of use from mid-December by
inquiring at the Real Estate department.
Tenant satisfaction survey: the results so far
We are keen to know what you think about the WTC and our services so we can meet your needs properly and ensure the level
of service is as good as it can be. At the beginning of this year we started a continual assessment process. Our aim was to pay
a personal visit to all 320 WTC tenants by the end of the year. In fact we have met some 200 of you.
ENERGY
The chosen approach – a personal visit by two members of
the management company – demands time and energy but
generates energy as well. In total we will talk with over 270
tenants and hear what you consider to be important and where
there is room for improvement. A number of tenants declined
to take part, often because of time pressures.
SCORE
Together with our preferred suppliers we hope to score at
least 8 out of 10 for our service provision. The average score
up to now is 7.7. Some services – such as reception – score
2 WTCNews | December 2013
above average. We have decided not to wait until the survey
has been completed but to talk every quarter with the relevant
service suppliers about what improvements can be made. One
issue which emerged from the survey is that there is no search
function for newsflashes. These will be sent and archived via
www.mywtcamsterdam.com from 2014.
THE COMING MONTHS
If you have not yet been visited by a team from the management
company this will happen in the coming months. As soon as
we have visited all the tenants, we will publish the results of
the survey in full.
SHORT NEWS
IMPROVED SEPARATION OF WASTE
The WTC hopes to reduce
carbon dioxide emissions
stemming
from
waste
processing by 80,000 kilos
over the next three years. This
is equivalent to the carbon dioxide absorbed
by some 75 trees. In order to reach this target,
the percentage of unrecycled waste needs to
be cut from 62% of the total to 47%. We can
reach that target. In fact, an experiment in the
WTC involving separating paper, vegetable matter
and plastic resulted in just 23% non-recoverable
household waste.
To achieve this:
• Processing office waste will no longer be part
of the service costs
• Household waste will be weighed and
signed for
• Unsorted and non-recoverable waste will be
charged to the company concerned
• Recyclable waste will be picked up and
processed free of charge
This means companies which separate their waste
will end up with lower costs. Each tenant will be
given a quarterly overview of their own waste
production so they can monitor their individual
progress. For advice about recycling, please
contact the WTC Servicepoint.
A TIDY OFFICE
Do you need extra storage
space? The WTC also rents out
various storage spaces for larger
or rarely used items. The storage
cupboards measure five square
metres and are big enough to
store files and paperwork. They
can be found next to the toilets
on most floors. The storage
rooms are bigger – ranging from
five square metres to 60 square metres and are
mainly used to keep archives and larger items.
They are located on level 1 and in the car park on
level P1 and P2.
The rental period for the storage options vary
according to the wishes of the tenant and the
length of their current rental contract. If you
need extra storage space or would like to know if
there is an extra cupboard available on your floor,
please contact:
[email protected]
at the WTC Real Estate department.
ART & MUSIC
Colourful Coco at the
Christmas market
The Coco Collectief is something different: five classicallytrained sopranos following a new direction with their own
arrangements. In fact they are five soloists who sing together
accompanied by a pianist. Coco interprets a wide range of
music, from Brahms to Rossini and Piazzolla. The collective, set
up in 2012, has already been heard on Radio 4’s Spiegelzaal
and Podium op zaterdagavond and appeared on Brava TV.
Come to the Christmas Market on December 12 and listen to
their collection of Christmas classics. Coco’s Christmas is not
always white, peaceful or cold – they like colour, as you can
see from their shoes.
Januari 7
Februari 11
The first lunchtime concert of 2014 will be performed by a
trio made up of Petra Somlai (fortepiano), Diederik Orneé
(clarinet and basset horn) and Örzse Adam (viola). These three
musicians have a broad international career. Somlai and Orneé
are young, well-known and highly-praised talents. Adam is a
popular viola player who is at home in many different genres.
The trio will perform music from between 1750 and 1800. Mozart
was inspired by the virtuoso clarinet player and contemporary
musician Anton Stadler to write the first composition for clarinet,
viola and piano. This was quite a challenge, given the different
musical colours. Mozart himself played the viola during the
premier in 1791. The composition was a success and his
contemporaries were quick to follow suite.
Get in the mood for a romantic Valentine’s Day with the
February 11 lunchtime concert in the Central Hall. Multiinstrumentalist Zoli Soos and his cross-over bank Vinsky create
a melodious, warm atmosphere. The group, set up in 2012,
consists of male and female singers, guitar, cello, percussion
and trumpet. They will perform music composed by Soos:
modern day folk songs to relax and reflect to. The composer’s
Hungarian background shines through in both the voicework
and music. In all, a good listen.
In January 2013 Vinksy performed on television, in May and
June the group toured Hungary and in February 2014, Zoli
Soos’ album And The Moon Shines On will be released, with
12 own compositions.
Mozart
The Coco Collectief is made up of five sopranos - Zinzi
Frohwein, Merlijn Runia, Jannelieke Smidt, Nikki Treurniet,
Ellen Valkenburg. The pianist is Maurice Lammerts van Bueren.
New European Folk
March 11
ATMOsphere: Enjoy
The lunch concerts are organised by:
www.classicforyou.nl
Tel: +31 20 - 689 90 16
Atmosphere and enjoyment are the key words for the March 11
concert by string quartet ATMO’s. The name comes from the
initials of the four band members and they certainly generate
quite an atmosphere as they perform. The quartet is made up of
Albanian Artur Trajko (chello), Italian national Tiziana Pintus and
Dutchwoman Marielle Ponsen on violin and Hungarian Örzse
Adam on viola. Drift away on this medley of popular songs,
chamber music, ragtime, jazz, Italian opera and film music.
The lunch concerts take place from 12.30 to 1.30 pm
in the Central Hall of World Trade Center Amsterdam
Art as the mirror
of the soul
His work adorns churches, public buildings and offices. He
counts Princess Beatrix among his admirers. From midNovember to January 17, the Central Hall will be exhibiting
a collection of his glass and bronze objects. Once you get
to know Michel van Overbeeke’s work, his style becomes
immediately recognisable.
‘WHO AM I?’
Van Overbeeke (71) has nurtured a life-long interest in religion
and eastern philosophy. ‘People’s beliefs form the basis of
their being,’ he says. ‘The question “Who am I?” is one that
confronts and fascinates us again and again.’ This depth of
perception is evident in the artist’s work. Van Overbeeke’s
heads are built up of layers of meaning: ‘It is not just about the
shape of the object but the personal experience evoked by it,’
he explains. ‘The heads represent universal values. They have
no face but there are clues that fire the imagination. What
you’re experiencing is a projection of your own state of mind.
For instance, the “needles” that cover one of the heads can
be interpreted as a symptom of stress but may just as well be
taken as a symbol of inspiration from some outside source.’
DESIRABLE
Over the years, Van Overbeeke has developed a characteristic
visual language of his own. He is productive – ‘I feel compelled
to create’- and works in a variety of disciplines using different
materials and techniques. His work is much sought-after: the
Noord Holland provincial council building in Haarlem has five
of his steel and glass chandeliers. In 2008, the then Queen
Beatrix unveiled a stained glass window called ‘Peace and
Tolerance’ made by the artist for the city’s Grote Kerk. She later
ordered two of his glass platters. ‘I made four because there’s
always a risk things might go wrong. They came out well and
the Queen could have her pick – she took all four,’ he says.
WTC AND VAN OVERBEEKE
Does Van Overbeeke’s work not clash with the businesslike
atmosphere of the WTC? ‘Definitely not,’ the artist says. ‘Both
at home and at work it’s important to know who you are. It
is always a good thing to delve a little deeper and find out
more about yourself. It makes you more human and that is
something that will have a positive influence on business
dealings as well.’
For further information, please visit www.artangels.nl
+31 6 - 547 708 53 or www.michelvanoverbeeke.com
WTCNews | December 2013
3
WTC BUSINESSCLUB
Photo: www.mi-foto.nl
COMING UP!
Cyber Security:
Doing nothing is not an option
recognise their responsibilities. ‘Many IT managers are not
sufficiently equipped to take steps proactively,’ said De Bos.
‘They need to be managed at board level.’
RESPONSIBLE DISCLOSURE
Schuil’s comments on responsible disclosure at Marktplaats
were surprising. ‘If you get an email which says there is a
way in open on your website, then you are dealing with a
white hacker – someone who enjoys seeing how far he can
get,’ Schuil said. ‘We welcome white hackers and reward
them,’ he said, pointing out that other institutions, such as
Dutch banks, have also embraced the concept of the white
hacker. ‘A number of basic measures which don’t have to
cost a fortune can easily boost security levels,’ De Bos told
the audience.
The last event of 2013 organised by WTC Amsterdam
Business Club focused on cyber security. This highly topical
theme attracted some 75 attendees to the auditorium of
the WTC on November 13. Six experts were interviewed
by event host and internet sociologist Chris van ‘t Hof and
got the audience thinking about issues such as internet
security and contingency plans if things go wrong.
The afternoon began on a note of suspense with a Deloitte
film showing how a free USB stick to ‘win a trip to Italy’
enabled hackers to access a certain Jim’s email and,
through that, the company where he worked. The audience
was effectively looking over the hacker’s shoulder as he
gradually infiltrated the company. After the film, Van ‘t Hof
led his audience through two challenging interview rounds,
taking them deep into the all too real world of hackers,
security, insurance and legislation. The first session, ‘We
are under attack’, took place with Dick Berlijn (senior board
advisor with Deloitte), Robin Schuil (advertising website
Marktplaats) and Tony de Bos (advice and audit group
CYBBOS). Berlijn took the lead with the statement ‘it is not
a question of if, but when your company is hacked’.
‘Security begins with being aware,’ Berlijn said. And small
firm owners who may have thought they were less likely to
be hacked were quickly disillusioned. ‘The hacker who hacks
you, uses you as a stepping stone,’ Berlijn told his audience.
The three speakers agreed on the need for management to
4 WTCNews | December 2013
PREPARE FOR DEFENCE
The second round of discussion took place between
policeman and entrepreneur Bas Eikelenboom (InnoviceIT), lawyer Arjen Tillema (partner at NautaDutilh) and
insurance expert Freek Warmelink (director of Aon Risk
Solutions). ‘Who has a business disaster plan?’ Chris van ‘t
Hof asked the audience. Just a handful of people said they
did. Lawyer Tillema outlined new Dutch legislation which is
currently being drafted and which will make it compulsory
to report the leak of personal details. ‘If things really go
wrong, who can be blamed and for what?’ he asked.
The conclusion? Improved awareness and solid, clearly
demonstrable security make a company stronger.
The audience were given three tips to take home: set up
a good detection system and instant response plan, be
prepared and, last but not least, check your insurance
policies. What do they say about cyber risks? After the
formal discussions ended, many people stayed on for drinks
at nooon to network and carry on the debate. Everyone,
from CEO to IT worker, went home with the realisation that
doing nothing is not an option.
WTC Amsterdam Business Club is once again full of
inspiring plans and networking events for the New
Year. Here is a selection of them:
A TOAST TO 2014
On January 16, we will raise a glass to 2014. Hopefully
we will meet in the area where the WTC plans to
launch its new concept mid February – at the top of
the escalator to the Central Hall. And it goes without
saying the event will have an interesting speaker.
WELCOME TO HISWA
The HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show at the beginning
of March kicks off the water sports season. The event
takes place in the RAI exhibition centre and dozens of
boats and yachts will be on show. Guests of the WTC
Amsterdam Business Club are welcome on Wednesday
March 5 for a networking drinks event and for a look
around the show.
DINNER DATE
In 2013, top chef Alain Alders cooked a fabulous fourcourse meal for members in the splendid surroundings
of the canal-side Felix Meritis complex. In 2014,
we will be hosting another special dinner in equally
impressive surroundings.
HIDDEN TALENT
In February 2013, the WTC organised a special
Hidden Talent Fair together with VUConnected group
and staffing agency Page Personnel. We hope to
stage a similar event in 2014. The event will allow
promising students studying law, business economics,
communications and IT to get to know companies in
their fields which are based in the WTC. We’ll keep you
posted on this one.
HEALTH
A healthy company needs to invest in the health of its
staff. This is why the WTC Amsterdam Business Club
is organising a special event around the theme of good
health, from exercise and healthy eating to training and
time to relax and reflect.
Members of WTC Amsterdam Business Club will
receive an invitation for each event well in advance.
If you would like more information, please contact
Godfried Schölvinck via [email protected].
You should also email [email protected] to
confirm you will be attending the New Year reception.
ZUIDAS
A new roof to keep rainwater high
and feet dry
Autumn 2013 was one of the wettest since records began at the start of last century and you
may have found yourself asking exactly what happens to all the rainwater. This is an area of
particular concern in Zuidas, as an area still under development, as a place to live and as a
place to work. An experiment with a new form of roof in Zuidas offers a unique solution.
ESSENTIAL
Building offices and housing puts pressure on the reclaimed land which makes up this part of the
Netherlands. And water storage systems have to be developed to regulate the ground water. One
of the best-known methods is to dig canals – they are not only pretty to look at, but are essential
to ensure our feet, cellars and underground car parks remain dry.
A DYKE ON THE ROOF
Now the Old School building opposite the RAI exhibition centre has been given a clever new roof
using traditional Dutch reclamation techniques.
A dyke has been built around the edge of the roof. Inside the dyke are special crates which collect
and store rainwater, creating a water basin. Plants can be grown on top of the crates, creating a
roof which is really green.
GETTING PERSONAL
The project has been stimulated by the Green Business Club Zuidas and developed by roofing
company Dakdokters, which has been working on ways to store water on roofs in a sustainable
fashion for several years.
70,000 LITRES
The amount of rainwater that can be stored on the roof is regulated via a miniature sluice. If it is
open, the excess water flows into the city’s own drainage system. This prevents too much water
accumulating on the roof and the risk of flooding in the street or underground car parks. In total,
the roof can store 70,000 litres of water. This acts as insulation against outside noise and helps
keep the building cool. Space is also saved at ground level by storing water on the roof, so there
is no need to dig new canals.
EXAMPLE
The water storage roof (known as a polderdak in Dutch) is part of wider efforts to ensure efficient
water management in Zuidas. And as the first alternative water storage system, it is an example
to other sustainability projects in both the city and abroad.
‘The WTC is a place where people inspire each other’
Ben Jorritsma (52)
WTC AMSTERDAM BEHEERMAATSCHAPPIJ (THE WTC MANAGEMENT COMPANY)
1. WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
I’ve worked for the WTC Amsterdam management company
since May 1 this year. I’m the technical manager and responsible for changes in tenancies and dealing with faults.
I’m also involved with multi-year maintenance for the complex. When I applied for the job, my focus was on continuity
and the professional side of the job. Now I am here, I really
enjoy the atmosphere, the vitality and the entrepreneurial
spirit in the WTC. This is a place where people inspire each
other and this is something I really enjoy.
2. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
After college I worked as a mechanical engineer for an
Amsterdam steel company. I later studied business administration so I could look at a wider range of jobs. The combi­
nation of these fields gave me better insight into the complete package – technology, finance and communications.
3. WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?
Two things. As a professional, I like to see results. But I
also enjoy the contact with my colleagues and the tenants.
4. DO YOU HAVE ANY RITUALS?
I arrive at the office, grab a coffee and turn on my computer.
Then I am ready to go.
5. WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?
No-one really. I do look up to people who believe in themselves and get things done, like Johan Cruijff.
6. WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE IN 10 YEARS TIME?
I’ve only recently looked at where my opportunities lie. Now
I am working for the WTC and I am extremely pleased.
I have no idea where I will be in 10 years’ time, but this
is a place where I can further develop as a professional.
And if I do that well, my job will probably look different in
10 years’ time but will still be interesting.
7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ZUIDAS SPOT?
The Zuidplein in the summer, because of its positive atmos­
phere and energy.
8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE APP?
I keep in touch with what is going on via Teletext and I use
Hipstamatic to process my photos.
9. WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A CHAT WITH?
Jan Rotmans. He specialises in sustainability and transformation and developed the first integrated climate model. It
would be interesting to discuss the plans for Zuidas with
him. I’d like to know his ideas.
10. TAKE THE ROLE OF POLICYMAKER FOR A MOMENT. IDEALLY, WHAT SHOULD THE ZUIDAS BE LIKE?
Zuidplein is nice and small-scale, which is not the case in
the other Zuidas public spaces. I’d make the scale a little
more human, so that places like the Gustav Mahlerplein are
more attractive.
WTCNews | December 2013
5
NEIGHBOURS
Asunaro Holland Interplan
Forgotten your key? We’re on our way
of the Central Hall. Many of its global clients have found the
company’s services thanks to other satisfied clients. ‘I always
tell our clients that I want them to be so happy with our services
when they go home in three years’ time that they recommend
us to their successor. That is the best form of advertising there
is,’ says Peters.
‘‘‘We make sure you feel at home away from home” has been
our pay-off for years,’ says director Bert Peters of Asunaro
Holland Interplan. ‘It sums up what we stand for.’ The
firm supplies companies with office space and expats with
housing and offers service 24/7.
ADVERTISING
Asunaro Holland Interplan has been based in the WTC since
1994. The office is situated in the heart of the WTC, at the end
EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIPS
Holland Interplan has excellent relationships with many
real estate companies and can offer hundreds of different
apartments and houses ‘depending on individual requirements
and budgets’. In particular, the agency helps expats find a
place to call home in Zuidas, Amsterdam Zuid, Amstelveen
and Buitenveldert. The agency also acts as an intermediary for
finding office accommodation and is a trusted partner of the
Expatcenter and Amsterdam city council’s account managers.
‘It is not unusual for companies coming to the Netherlands for
the first time to make us their first port of call,’ says Peters. ‘We
help in practical things like parking permits and dealing with
incoming business correspondence. We function as a reliable
background check for the chamber of commerce. We also have
a special agreement with ABN Amro to make it easier to open
bank accounts.’
24/7 SERVICE
Holland Interplan offers a personalised and stress-free service
for companies and individual expats. And once rental contracts
have been signed, expats can still make use of its services
24/7. ‘That,’ says Peters, ‘is unique in the Netherlands.’ The
team can be contacted by phone 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. Has the central heating broken down and is it getting
chilly? An engineer will be along in the morning and the family
will be offered somewhere else to stay until the problem is
fixed. Forgotten your key? ‘We’ll get out of bed to bring you
one,’ says Peters.
To find out more visit
www.hollandinterplan.nl
(English, Japanese and Korean).
One year of SmartPhoneCare:
‘Great service, no hassle’
Who can exist these days without a smartphone or tablet? Our reliance on the technology means a cracked screen or other
problem needs to be dealt with as fast as possible. Hicham Ounjli launched SmartPhoneCare together with a partner just over
a year ago.
‘I knew from my earlier jobs in service centres how happy
people are when something gets fixed on the spot,’ he says.
‘When we were working out the plans for SmartPhoneCare
we looked for a location with lots of business customers.’ A
year later, ‘deciding to go for the WTC was the right move to
make’, he says. ‘This is a place where people want service and
quality.’
DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT THEM
Ounjli is now 100% owner of SmartPhoneCare and the young
company is doing well. The client base is increasing and a
large advertising hoarding in Station Zuid has helped point the
way. Nevertheless, word of mouth and reactions on the website
www.smartphonecare.nl are the best recommendation.
‘My new Samsung Galaxy stopped charging properly. At
SmartPhoneCare I got my port changed with no hassle and
for free (Samsung warranty), without having to leave or send
my phone anywhere (it only took 30 minutes). Great service!’
‘Don’t hesitate to contact them. They will solve your problem
fast and they will be really friendly in the process!’
6 WTCNews | December 2013
Ounjli is pleased with the positive reactions. Some 30% of his
clients work in the WTC or have an appointment there. Others
work in the surrounding area. ‘But we also get phones sent to us
from all over the country,’ he says. ‘They get their phone back
within 48 hours and no, we don’t bother with transport costs.’
FOCUS
SmartPhoneCare began in 2012 carrying out limited repairs
on a few Samsung and Apple phones. They can now deal
with a range of 30 phones and at the beginning of next year,
more types from Nokia, LG and HTC will be added . The focus
remains on quality and service because Ounjli is a perfectionist
in heart and soul. ‘When a different phone is included on the
website, we guarantee to have all the spare parts necessary in
house,’ he says.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The customer is king at SmartPhoneCare. You reserve time
via the website, take the phone in and then go off and enjoy a
complimentary coffee in the Central Hall. Within 30 minutes
your phone (one hour for a tablet) is up and running again.
Ounjli expects to have more clients and an extra member of
staff next year. ‘To ensure speedy service,’ he says.
CONTACT
The SmartPhoneCare office and workplace is located in
B-tower at the same level as the Central Hall, close to the
dentist surgery. It is open from Monday to Friday, 09.00 to
19.00 hours and on Saturday from 10.00 to 16.00.
For more information and to make an appointment,
visit www.smartphonecare.nl
You can like the service at Facebook.com/smartphonecare.
NEW ARRIVALS
Darwin Recruitment
Focus on the IT and
telecom sectors
CORE BUSINESS
Darwin Recruitment has been based on the 15th floor of
WTC Amsterdam’s B-tower since the autumn and now has a
20-strong team. The company, a market-leading international
recruitment provider focusing on the IT and telecoms sectors,
is based in Britain. ‘But we consider Europe to be our main
hunting ground,’ says country manager Derk Rijntjes. ‘In
fact, 98% of our business comes from countries such as the
Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.’
The
success
of
the
company, which launched
in 2001, is due to a number
of key factors, says Rijntjes.
These include the focus
on IT and telecoms, its
outstanding global network
to find specialist high tech
candidates, its speed of
operation and its integrity
and ambition. ‘Our recruiters
are very conscious of their responsibilities to both client and
candidates, particularly when candidates relocate to a strange
country for what could be the job of a lifetime,’ says Rijntjes.
MISSION
‘The market has a shortage on the supply side but we want
to be successful in placing the best IT candidates with every
client. Whether it is a start-up, business change situation,
infrastructure post or product development, we can make a
difference,’ he says. Darwin Recruitment places specialists in
both permanent and contract roles.
AMBITION
Darwin wants to become Europe’s dominant supplier of IT and
telecom professionals. ‘The WTC location is the perfect choice
because it is a springboard to Europe, being both close to a
number of our large Dutch customers and near to Schiphol
airport,’ says Rijntjes.
CONTACT
For more information go to www.darwinrecruitment.com
Meeuwsen Ten Hoopen
A tailor-made
extension to your
business
CORE BUSINESS
Meeuwsen Ten Hoopen (MTH) moved to the 10th floor of
A-tower on November 1. MTH, which has 16 branches
nationwide, offers companies and institutions a complete
service package, from accountancy, tax consultancy and
corporate finance to employee services and personal financial
advice.
The German desk focuses on German-speaking clients and
is manned by accountants and tax advisors who are native
speakers. The Spanish desk acts as a sounding board for the
many Dutch companies which operate in Spain.
De Hypotheker
Jazeker!
The Hypotheker is the largest
firm of mortgage consultants
in the Netherlands, with 150
franchises and a combined
market share of 10%. Every
Dutch person knows the slogan
‘Jazeker! De Hypotheker’ (yes,
of course, the Hypotheker).
CORE BUSINESS
In mid-September, a branch of the Hypotheker opened on the
14th floor of the WTC’s B-tower, moving to Zuidas from near
the Gelderlandplein shopping centre.
As an independent member of Moore Stephens International,
MTH has a global perspective. ‘And when it comes to
connections with the international business community and
corporate finance, the WTC is the place to be,’ says partner
Richard van Maarseveen.
‘Our job is to advise and act as intermediaries for mortgage
applications and to make sure other aspects, such as pension
provisions and insurances, are appropriate,’ says franchisee
Thomas van Splunteren. ‘We make a “financial photograph”
of the client: a complete analysis of their finances for either
a new or existing mortgage. We show them what they have
and what the options are. We are strong because we are
completely independent and can do business with any bank in
the Netherlands – so you get the best deal.’
The firm profiles itself on its website as ‘creative in our
advice and efficient in our implementation’. ‘We understand
entrepreneurs, we are involved with them and we think
creatively with them,’ says Van Maarseveen. ‘Our efficient
methods lead to lower costs. But above all, we look at 11 key
areas with our clients, such as sector developments, returns on
investment and organisational structure.’
MISSION
‘We take care of the client’s financial future on their behalf,’ Van
Splunteren says. ‘We offer seven “Jazekerheden” (certainties):
tailor-made advice, independence, transparency, the best
prices, we organise everything, we offer maximum security and
continually check to make sure your mortgage is still the best
one for you.’
MISSION
‘We strive to be the client’s own advisor, to act as an extension
of the organisation itself,’ says Van Maarseveen. ‘We want him
to be comfortable with our working relationship and to realise
that our recommendations are tailor-made for him alone.’
AMBITION
‘The Hypotheker in the WTC wants to establish the highest
possible level of service, so that clients are assured their
mortgage and financial future is in the best possible hands,’
says Van Splunteren. ‘Buying a house is a tense time but we
show our clients that we do what we promised, that we react
quickly and organise everything properly.’
AMBITION
‘In terms of our WTC office, we are out for growth,’ he says.
‘We will focus on both international and regional clients.’
CONTACT
For more information and to contact MTH
visit www.mth.nl
or phone +31 20 - 331 41 58
CONTACT
The Hypotheker’s opening hours
reflect office hours. Clients can make
an appointment from 08.00 to 20.00
during the week and on Saturday
mornings.
For more information or to make an appointment visit
www.dehypotheker.nl/Amsterdam
or phone +31 20 - 662 1 4 11
WTCNews | December 2013
7
WHAT’S UP
The dynamics of 2013
ArtZuid
ture route
lp
u
on
sc
e
tr
ilome
nd ended
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am Zuid a
rd
e
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criss-cross
ahlerplein
e Gustav M Marthine Tayou
h
T
s.
a
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u
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ale
m
ags of Pasc
allation fro
with the fl
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st
ay
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starte
while the
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ptember 2
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ART ZUID
itself was the
A warm-up for the Zuidas Run
y 23.
e
Suits and Heels rac on Ma
on
visi
tele
by
ted
hos
This exciting event was
presenter Jort Kelder.
HEELS & SUITS
On Februa
ry 27, the
WTC
opened its
own jobs b
oard: www
jobswtcam
.
sterdam.co
m. Compa
based in th
nies
e WTC can
post their jo
on the web
bs
site
look for new while job hopefuls ca
n
career opp
ortunities in
fantastic w
orking envi
a
ronment.
JOBS IN W
TC AMSTE
RDAM
the
t atmosphere at
There was a grea
ent
ev
t
er
nc
air & Co
fifth Zuidas Culin
of
es
tre
e
th
r
de
e un
which took plac
e
er
th
l Zuidas was
the Zuidplein. Al
l
ca
lo
d
an
estra played
f
as the VU orch
of
ed
ow
sh
s
nt
ra
cafes and restau
.
od
fo
their finest
AIR & CONCERT
ZUIDAS CULIN
On November 28, the
finals of the WTC indoor
football tournament took
place in front of a very
enthusiastic crowd. Arno
Vermeulen provided the
expert commentary.
FELIX MERITIS
FOOTBALL
On April 24, arou
nd 100 members
of the WTC
Amsterdam Busin
ess Club and their
guests met for
dinner in the spec
ial ambiance of th
e Felix Meritis
building. In betw
een the courses,
guests made their
way up the stairs
to the newly reno
vated Observator
and a wonderful
y
view of Amsterdam
by night.
Every mon
th there is
a lunchtim
e concert in
the Centra
l Hall. Be it
romantic o
r jazzy, mo
der
or classica
l, the conce n
rt is
always a sp
ecial event.
o or
Art! Every tw ere
th
s
th
on
m
three
hibition
ex
ew
n
a
is
al
in the Centr
is, the
th
e
Hall, lik
work
fair ytale-like
ers
d
on
of René D
g of
in
n
in
eg
b
at the
the year.
LUNCHCO
N
CERTS
NT MARKET
HIDDEN TALE
l Hall was
The Centra
ng
energy duri
abuzz with
ir
Talent Fa
the Hidden
27. Former
ry
a
on Febru
r Bos
ister Woute
finance min
ting
a
e speed-d
kicked off th
as a
w
e
er
yes, th
event. And
any
m
n
ee
w
k bet
definite clic students and
VU
promising
s.
d companie
WTC -base
ART

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COLOFON
WTCNews is a quarterly publication of
World Trade Center Amsterdam
The fifth edition of
ZUIDAS RUN
the Zuidas Run to
ok
place on June 2,
2013 on a hot an
d
sunny weekend.
The WTC was a go
ld partner in the
Some 3,200 peop
event.
le, including 400
from the WTC, to
part to raise mon
ok
ey for the VUmc
Cancer Centre’s ‘fit
despite cancer ’ ca
mpaign.
8 WTCNews | December 2013
Design / Layout: WTC Amsterdam, Jolijn Besemer
Text: Els Witte Bedrijfscommunicatie
Translations: Zuidas Text and Translations
Print: DeLaMontagne, Hilversum
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