The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most dynamic centres of trade and industry and home to one of the most open and internationally oriented economies in the world. It is a highly competitive, growing market with opportunities for trade in all sectors, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses. Barriers to market entry are low and the transparent legal framework and sophisticated financial services system, which, combined, make the market an attractive place for UK companies. Geographically close to UK with excellent transportation links to main and regional UK airports, make exploring the market cost effective.

The Netherlands accounted for 6.4% of British exports in 2009, totalling nearly €18 billion. During the same period Dutch exports to the UK totalled € 25.8 billion, 8.4% of total Dutch exports. Also, there are more than 900 Dutch companies established and operating in the UK.

What are the opportunities?
Barriers to market entry are low and the transparent legal framework and sophisticated financial services system, which, combined, make the market an attractive place for UK companies. Geographically close to UK with excellent transportation links to main and regional UK airports, make exploring the market cost effective.

Its favourable location, gives it a valuable role as a key transportation hub. The Netherlands re-exports between 60-70% of its imports to the rest of Europe and beyond, representing a useful springboard into other European markets.

UK exports are mainly in the following sectors:

•Petroleum and gas products and related services
•Medical and pharmaceutical products
•Chemicals
•Telecommunications
•Office and Automatic Data Processing equipment
It is not difficult to see why UK companies are attracted towards doing business with the Netherlands. The country is both Anglophone (over 75% of the population speak English) and Anglophile (we get on well together and share many characteristics).