- For more than 20 years, Export Partner has been helping organisations worldwide realise international export ambitions and exponential growth. Together with an experienced export team and an established international network, we have guided various organisations through the entire export process and created new business. We do this through our Dutch hands-on mentality, effective working method and, above all, expertise. Our common goal is structural sales and long-term trading relationships.
- Since 2012, Export Partner has been a proud framework contractor of the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO). On behalf of RVO, Export Partner organises trade missions and exhibition participation projects to help SMEs and multinationals grow internationally and boost Dutch exports.
your exportgoal, our mission
your exportgoal, our mission
73 years
1951
In the early 1950s, the then pickles manufacturer from Drenthe, Lambert Fokkema was travelling through Kenya to promote his products. There Lambert met a Dutch trader in candy, who had an appointment with the same buyer half an hour before him. A waste of time and money Lambert then thought, which has formed the basis for the unique export club: the Dutch Export Combination.
1952
A year later, 4 entrepreneurs put their heads together to increase their export opportunities and with this the Dutch Export Combination (NEC) was officially founded. With Prince Bernhard as ambassador and patron of the Dutch business community. What once started with ‘the man with the sample case’ grew into a worldwide phenomenon in the field of trade missions and fairs.
1953
At this stage, the NEC is a foundation with more than 10 members. International expansion is attractive to companies and the NEC is growing rapidly. The team includes experienced and enthusiastic consultants who have earned their stripes in international business. The number of successful international projects is increasing.
1991
Less than 40 years after its founding, the NEC’s membership has grown from 10 to more than 550 members. Through world travelers, trade missions are conducted on behalf of member companies to find agents, importers and distributors abroad and to gather market information for them. Dutch exports have had their peaks and troughs, but the NEC has now firmly established its position in the Dutch business community.
2002
An important moment takes place in 2002. After years of experience as co-owner of Bakkerij van Diermen, Johan van Diermen starts a company specialised in export; Export Partner. In the preceding years the bakery had developed from a local Spakenburg bakery to a major player in the export of cream puffs. The puffs are now on the shelves in more than 45 countries. Inspired by this Export Partner’s goal was created: to help other companies in their international trade and thus increase their turnover abroad.
2007
The Dutch Export Combination has not stood still in the meantime either and collaborates with the Embassy and Consulate General network, Netherlands Business Support Offices (NBSOs) and the Chambers of Commerce. In addition, the NEC will be working exclusively for the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. (RVO). A great collaboration, because even today Export Partner still works closely with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency!
2009
Export Partner is growing! The first physical office of Export Partner is opened at Lucasbolwerk in the center of Utrecht. With a team of about 5 people they work on expanding the business of several clients abroad.
2012
The team of Export Partner grows. Export Partners current location is becoming too small and therefore the company moves to the Spoorlaan in Bilthoven. At the same time, the NEC extended its cooperation with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Dutch government agency for the entrepreneurial sector) with an official framework contract for a period of 4 years. This means that the NEC will work on behalf of the government on various international projects.
2015
Export Partner’s go-getter mentality is starting to become a phenomenon in the Dutch business world. The team of Export Partner now consists of more than 10 employees and therefore Export Partner moves to the office where we are still located today, our office at the Emmalaan in Baarn.
2016
For the next 4 years, the NEC is again the partner of the RVO in the field of international trade missions and exhibitions.
2019
In 2019, the time has come where both companies join forces! The acquisition of the Dutch Export Combination is final and the company will be part of Export Partner. With this, Export Partner expands the range of services from business development and account management, among others, to include trade missions and trade shows.
2020
Over the years Export Partner’s range of services has expanded. Nowadays, online marketing is an essential part when expanding the business and strengthening the position in the market.
Therefore, as of 2020, the online marketing department of Export Partner was established.
In addition, for the 3rd time in a row, the NEC obtains the framework contract of the RVO to carry out trade missions and trade shows on behalf of the government.
2021
International growth starts at Export Partner. Therefore opening offices abroad is crucial for Export Partner’s international ambitions. With the opening of our offices in Germany, China and Japan Export Partner physically goes international.
since 1950
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