Invest in Almere
Coronavirus and business
Currently, the coronavirus is affecting many businesses in Almere. Restrictions are limiting travel; venues are closed, and most events have been cancelled. Other measures taken by the Dutch government to contain the spread of the virus may impact companies as well. For the latest medical information, advice on preventing the virus and an outline of the safety measures that have been adopted, visit the website of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). Check the website of investment agency amsterdam inbusiness for information for businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.
Almere has an abundance of affordable space for businesses. Whether it’s for offices, European headquarters, data or distribution centres, Almere has the space, workforce and the talent all within 20 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Prices for plots are attractive and regulations are business-friendly, so it’s easy to see why 150 international companies have set up shop here. These include the production facility and the headquarters of the Yakult Group in Europe, the European headquarters of engine manufacturer Yanmar, and Mitsubishi Turbo Engines. These big names from Japan are accompanied by Csmart, the global training centre of Carnival Corporation, the world largest leisure travel company. But Almere still has space to grow, providing numerous possibilities for companies to expand and build their own warehouse, office or datacentre.
8th city of the Netherlands
Almere has grown quickly and is now home to more than 210,000 residents. As such, it’s the Netherlands’ eight-largest city and the second-largest in the Amsterdam Area. But it doesn’t stop there. As the region has a demand for an extra 400,000 homes in the next 30 years, Almere will grow with another 60,000 new homes by 2030, becoming the fifth city in the Netherlands. This growth will be carefully planned, with an emphasis on quality, green and sustainable initiatives, Next to new homes and facilities, improvements will be made in infrastructure, nature, culture and recreation possibilities.
Perfect location
Thanks to the central location and connections to major Dutch motorways, Almere is the ideal city in which to establish your company and grow your business:
- It’s next to the A6 motorway and has connections with the A27 and A1;
- Within 20 minutes you’re at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol or Lelystad Airport;
- Close to Amsterdam, Utrecht and the towns and cities of the Het Gooi region;
- Easily accessible by public transport. Almere has six train stations and its bus network operate on separate roads, eliminating traffic problems;
- Spacious with lots of parking possibilities and flexibility for logistics solutions.
To calculate the travel distances between work and potential living locations, the Amsterdam area has developed the MapitOut tool. This interactive map allows you to select a living location by entering desired travel times to different locations. Try it out!
Attractively priced plots
Almere is one of the most affordable locations for establishing businesses in the region. This is due to attractively priced plots with an abundance of space and its favourable investment climate, as well as opportunities to buy or rent existing offices and workspaces.
Amsterdam Area
Almere is part of the Amsterdam Area and is actually its second largest city, behind Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Area includes two airports, sea ports, the financial centre of the Netherlands and Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX). The Amsterdam Area is one of Europe’s top five economic regions. Its priorities are to boost the economy, improve accessibility and build new homes. From an economic perspective, the Amsterdam Area aims to play a pioneering role in the knowledge and circular economy. Sustainability is also a major action point. The same applies to landscape elements, with particular attention to expanding recreational possibilities and access to nature.
Amsterdam inbusiness
Almere is part of amsterdam inbusiness, the official foreign investment agency of the Amsterdam Area. Amsterdam inbusiness assists foreign companies with establishing and expanding their operations in the Amsterdam Area, helping them create a convincing business case for setting up offices in the area. And it’s free, strictly confidential and without a hidden agenda.
Logistics Business Parks
Stichtsekant
Business park Stichtsekant (in Dutch) is situated on the eastern edge of Almere and offers plenty of space for logistics and modern, mixed companies. It’s connected directly to the A27 motorway and is only 8 minutes from the A6. That’s why Stichtsekant is the ideal spot for modern distribution centres that serve both regional and national markets. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the Port of Amsterdam and the Utrecht region are accessible within 30 minutes by road.
Lelystad Airport Businesspark
Lelystad Airport Businesspark (LAB) is a 140-hectare sized area that is home to bicycle manufacturer Giant, De Munt and the Spanish fashion giant (kleine letter) Inditex, which includes brands such as Zara, Pull&Bear and Bershka. The site has extensive plots with permission to build up to 30 metres high. Inditex’ enormous distribution centre is the Netherlands’ biggest logistics development so far.
Practical Information
You can find general information about starting your own business in the Netherlands on www.business.gov.nl or www.iamsterdam.com. Check www.fundainbusiness.nl for available business properties in Almere.
Testimonial: Innovactory
Innovactory develops innovative smart mobility applications that help people to travel smarter, cut costs as well as reduce carbon emissions. The firm was interviewed to find out more about its vision for smarter travel solutions. Read the whole story here.