Theresa May welcomes Dutch royals as over 500 new UK jobs were announced

The government put on a show for the Netherlands as the UK-Dutch Innovation Showcase revealed new initiatives to create links between the two countries post-Brexit

Theresa May welcomes Dutch royals as over 500 new UK jobs were announced

As the Brexit talks reach boiling point, Theresa May has seemingly embarked on a strategy to individually woo countries. Indeed, following international trade secretary Liam Fox hosting US Fortune 500s aboard an aircraft carrier this week, Number 10 has rolled out the red carpet for the Dutch king and queen. But that’s not the main reason why ties between the two countries may result in over 500 new British jobs. 

The visit came alongside the UK Netherlands Innovation Showcase, where several British companies revealed plans to invest in the Netherlands and vice-versa. 

For instance, UK-based EEW OSB, the Dutch-owned wind energy company, unveiled a multi-million pound contract selling turbine parts to a Netherlands wind farm project. The deal’s set to secure 180 jobs in the British town of Teesside and marks EEW OSB’s first export order. In another win, Dutch construction firm Royal Boskalis and UK-based Tekmar Energy expect to generate 50 high-skilled British gig.

Moreover, AkzoNobel, the Dutch paint company, chartered course to launch 30 new Dulux Decorator Centres in Britain and potentially create more than 100 new jobs. Additionally, DAZN, the UK-based sports broadcaster, revealed a new development centre in Amsterdam, which could lead to the company having hired nearly 1,000 staff members by the end of this year.

A few British fintech also announced new ties between the two nations. UK-based fintech startup Azimo, Currency Cloud and Vitesse unveiled a £5m investment to boost expansion into Amsterdam and Rotterdam, generating gigs back home. Azimo’s aim to create more British jobs is particularly encouraging given the company’s Polish co- founder Marta Krupinska has previously said she was unsure if she was actually welcome in the UK after the referendum back in 2016.

Commenting on the announcements, Fox said: “The Dutch state visit is an opportunity to celebrate the UK and the Netherlands’ more than 400-year long trading heritage. As the UK forges an independent trade policy for the first time in more than four decades, my international economic department is working with the Dutch – our North Sea partners – towards a bright trading future too.”

The UK-Dutch showcase is another feather in the government’s cap. Here’s hoping more will follow. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angus Shaw
Angus Shaw
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