How did you end up in Finland?

In 2010 I met this beautiful blond Finnish girl at the airport during one of my business trips to Finland. We started dating, travelled a bit up and down. Then she moved to the Netherlands where we purchased our first house within 6 weeks and where we lived for 6 years. Next year we are together for 15 years and right now we are happily living together in Finland with our two boys.

How did you start your own business?

Well, that was a natural step because I had the company started in the Netherlands and when we moved to Finland, in 2017, I started a second company in Finland, Vimexa Scandinavia Oy. It was quite easy to create a company in Finland, with all the services available in English, such as banking, accounting, taxation etc. Of course, you also need to select the right partners who support you in the right way and who are able to provide services in English.  

Do you also have experience with running your own company in the Netherlands?

Yes, I have. I don’t see huge differences. Also there you need to work together with the right partners and you need to have the right structure in place. For example, I still have the same accountant since the beginning and that company has supported me in the growth of my companies and they understand my business model. 

I am living in Finland for almost 8 years now and my experience is that it is very well possible to run my company in the Netherlands too from Finland. With all the systems and services being online, and the good existing partners and structure, it works very well. 

What are the major differences and similarities in the field of entrepreneurship between the Netherlands and Finland?

Differences:
As said I don’t see big differences. But to mention something: Dutch people are the best sales people in the world. Often a Dutch person thinks a bit more out of the box than an average Finnish person. As a Dutch guy I don’t hesitate to ask anything in business life, from customers, from suppliers. ‘Nee heb je, ja kun je krijgen!’

Similarities:
I would say there are many similarities. Finns and Dutch people are getting along well. There is good chemistry between the two cultures. In Finland the most important thing is trust. The beginning of a business relationship in Finland might not always be easy but when you have delivered 2-3 times then the door remains open for a long time. 

I have now partners in Finland who I know for more than 15 years and I can call them friends and not only customers any more. We go to sauna, we have nice dinners and drink a beer together. I can really say that true friendships were developed along the way and along with doing business together.

Do you have any tips for other Dutch, or international, people who want to do business in Finland?

I am still positively surprised to learn about the high number of Dutch people living in Finland. 

Surround yourself with good people, the right advisors, the right partners etc. It will pay back later. 

Dutch people are sometimes picky with money but if you invest a bit more/better in the beginning it will pay back later. 

If you do business in different countries, make sure you work with local agents. They know the ins and outs, they know the culture. They are the eyes and ears on the ground. The local experts help you to the next level and to opening doors.  

A peek into the future: where do you see yourself and your company in 5 years?

I like to have a solid, well organized, business. I like to have realized transformation with my local company. With more efficiency, a good work culture and happy customers.  

Anything else you would like to bring forward?

One of my recipes for success is building long term partnerships, both on the buying/purchasing/supplier side as well as the customer side. You need to deliver what you promise. One key rule: trust! That is very important when building long-term relationships in business. 

Be open for new opportunities. If you have a good plan, if you meet the right people, there can be many possibilities.