A crowning achievement for your hard work and a spot in the spotlight. As down-to-earth northerners, we might not be in a rush for that, but we have more than enough companies in the region that deserve more recognition than they get. And that’s exactly what the Drenthe, Friesland, and Groningen business awards are for.
But aside from the praise and the prize, what else does the title “Company of the Year” actually mean for your business? WellGear, Zwartwoud, and Kwant Controls—last year’s three winners from the north—share their experiences. “We were kind of living under our own stone tomb.”
The Art of 100 Years
Interior design firm Zwartwoud from Groningen has celebrated a number of milestones over the past two years. Its 100th anniversary, the designation of “Purveyor to the Royal Household,” and, as the icing on the cake, winning the Groningen Business Award last November. “Of course, you don’t do it to win a prize, but it is fantastic recognition for what you do,” says director Karst Wouda. “About four years ago, we decided as a company to completely change course and focus entirely on circular interior design, so in that sense, an award like this feels like extra validation. And we’re still basking in that euphoria a little bit.”
“In addition to being incredibly good for team cohesion, we’ve also noticed lately that companies are finding us more easily,” Wouda continues. “We’re being invited to give lectures and workshops, and we’re increasingly being asked to contribute our ideas on circular economy issues. And whereas five years ago we often had to chase after our clients ourselves, they’re now calling us for advice on circular innovations. We’ve been innovating for a century, and we want to keep doing so for a very long time. Because the art of 100 years ultimately boils down to one question: how do you make it to 200?’
Greater visibility
Approximately 60% of all seagoing vessels worldwide are equipped with products from Kwant Controls. The Sneek-based company is the global leader in maritime control systems and nautical controls. The title of Frisian Company of the Year is therefore well deserved. “We’re, of course, incredibly proud to have won,” says Managing Director Coen de Keijzer. “However, the jury did point out that we are not yet visible enough in Friesland. I understand that: we operate primarily internationally, and our marketing is mainly focused on the maritime sector. As a result, people in the region are less likely to hear about everything we do and develop. We are now working more actively to raise our profile.”
“The title also brings a lot of extra visibility,” De Keijzer continues. “We’ve noticed this, among other things, in the number of new colleagues. It’s also helped us in our search for a new location. We recently received confirmation that we’ve been allocated a lot in Sneek. If all goes well, we’ll be able to move into our new building in 2027. This will create a future-proof space where we can continue to build on innovation and growth together with our colleagues.”
Climbing out from under your hunebed
WellGear, based in Westerbork, specializes in decommissioning oil and gas wells. “Ten years ago, people thought we were crazy,” says CEO Harry Venema, “but now we’re active worldwide with about 400 employees. With the closure of the Groningen field, we’re now participating in the world’s largest decommissioning operation. What we’re doing here in the North will soon be happening all over the world, and it’s wonderful that our company can contribute to that.”
At first, entering the Drenthe Company of the Year competition didn’t seem all that necessary to the down-to-earth northerners at WellGear. “We were kind of living under our own stone tomb, but when we were asked for the fourth time, we finally gave in,” jokes Venema. “Once you make it to the final three, you want to win. And when you see how proud everyone in our company is of this title, it makes it more than worth the effort. The title also gave us a platform, from the *Dagblad van het Noorden* to, most recently, even the *NOS Journaal*. And the Province of Drenthe will soon be visiting our new office on the A28 in Assen with a large international hydrogen delegation. These are all amazing things we would never have experienced otherwise.”
Why the NOM Supports These Awards
On behalf of the NOM, Dina Boonstra, Marco de Jong, and Melissa Fuller serve on the boards of the Frisian Company of the Year, the Drenthe Company of the Year, and the Groningen Business Award, respectively.
“We do this because entrepreneurship needs to be encouraged, and we want to contribute to that in every way possible,” says Managing Director Dina Boonstra. “And awards like this for entrepreneurs are especially important because winners also serve as role models for other entrepreneurs. That’s how you create local heroes,” adds Melissa Fuller, Manager of Innovation & Internationalization. “The region has some real gems, and we need to showcase them a bit more,” says Marco de Jong, Investment Manager. “In the North, the saying goes: ‘Just act normal—that’s crazy enough.’ And that’s why you often see a certain reluctance. For example, because entrepreneurs are afraid of being seen as braggarts. But nothing could be further from the truth, and you definitely notice that when you talk to all the enthusiastic finalists.”