1. Central location and transportation hub
Amersfoort is located in the absolute center of the Netherlands. Its situation on the intersection of major highways provides easy access to the Amsterdam region, the international airport and other parts of the Netherlands. Neighboring country Germany is only an hour’s drive away. Amersfoort’s excellent railway connections make it less than an hour away from all major Dutch cities.
„Customers appreciate our central location and accessibility, and this makes it easier for me to travel to our parent company in Germany.”
Han Rekers, Director at Liebherr Netherlands
2. Competitive region
Amersfoort is situated in the heart of the Utrecht region. This has been one of Europe’s most competitive places since the European Commission launched its Regional Competitive Index in 2010. In the latest ranking, the Utrecht region is in second place behind London, making it yet again the most competitive region on mainland Europe. The index covers 263 regions throughout Europe. The Utrecht area is especially commended for its infrastructure, education and business climate.
„Amersfoort is your first-choice location.”
Michiel Muller, Co-Founder of Picnic
3. Highly qualified workforce
Forty-four percent of the Amersfoort labor force have academic or higher vocational degrees, providing a motivated and qualified workforce. Amersfoort hosts the renowned SOMT University of Physiotherapy, and four universities from the Shanghai Ranking top 200 are within a 50 km radius. Moreover, the Utrecht region is home to the best non-native English speakers in the world.
„This is a great pool for recruiting new staff.”
Paul van der Meijden, Managing Director at Dutch Sleep Institute
4. Vibrant city
The historical city center is over 750 years old. Keeping this gem intact, several modern business locations are dotted around the center, catering for a wide range of industries, from production to ICT and from healthcare to civil engineering. The city itself offers excellent contemporary services in an attractively historical environment: shopping, lifestyle, entertainment, theaters, museums, bars, restaurants and a lively cultural scene. No wonder independent research shows that Amersfoort is the best Dutch city to live and work in.
„Foreign nationals just love it here. Our American CEO is also a huge Amersfoort fan.”
Rob van der Meer, President Europe at Applied Medical
5. Center of the network economy
Meet your peers. Over the years, many businesses have recognized the attractiveness of Amersfoort and have settled here. The city is the home of leading national and international headquarters of companies such as Royal HaskoningDHV, Yokogawa, Applied Medical, RoyalFrieslandCampina and Dr. Oetker. The city has a healthy economy, which is expected to grow by 10% in five years. Amersfoort has a vibrant economic climate where networking, collaboration and synergy are creating new opportunities.
„What matters to us is to be close to related organizations. The local government’s commitment provides much needed support.”
Camille van der Harten, Director at GeoBusiness Netherlands