Expand the boundaries of your success
Is your business based in The Hague region and ready to take a leap across borders? Are you dreaming of tapping into the market potential of the United Kingdom? We offer ambitious SME entrepreneurs a unique programme to help them flourish: the International Market Entry Coaching (IMEC). Intensive, personal guidance with workshops and relevant contacts to make that successful international step. The IMEC programme is part of the SME deal, comprising of regional support for SMEs in the Hague region. The initiative is run by InnovationQuarter and The Hague Business Agency on behalf of the Municipality of The Hague. Participation is free of charge.
Expand across borders
Is your business based in The Hague region? Would your product or service be relevant beyond the Dutch market? Perhaps you are reaching your earning limits in the Netherlands. Then taking a step towards the international market is the next logical move, for instance, by exporting or setting up a subsidiary in the country of your choice. For SME entrepreneurs with their sights set on the United Kingdom, we offer the International Market Entry Coaching programme.
Why this market? Let us take a closer look.
Capitalise on the historic trade ties with the British
- More than 66 million people
- Top-5 trade partner with NL
- Long history of trade relations
- Many Dutch companies already trade with British partners
- Good investment climate
- Minimal language barrier
- Comparable business culture
- Highly educated, qualified, and motivated workforce
- Nearby and easily accessible from NL
“The United Kingdom is a great country to do business with. It’s a wonderful thought that the fifth largest economy in the world is on our doorstep. Thanks to centuries of trade relations, it is quite easy for the Dutch to find their way in the UK.”
~ Lyne Biewinga, Director of Membership at the Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce
IMEC: nine months of business bootcamp
The International Market Entry Coaching programme prepares you for successful business entry to the United Kingdom in just nine months. Experts from The Hague Business Agency, InnovationQuarter, and the Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce will present joint workshops and offer personal guidance. The ultimate goal is to help you plan for optimal success, rather than being thrown in at the deep end. Does that appeal to you?
Joint workshops include:
- Marketing and PR
- Cultural awareness
- Legal and taxes
Personal guidance:
- Country strategy planning with native experts
- Market analysis
- Marketing strategy
- Legal and fiscal advice
- Contact with trade representatives and importers
- Contact with marketing and PR agencies
Extra benefits:
- The guidance programme is free of charge
- Access to networking events
Participation conditions
We will help to maximise your business success. But we expect certain things from you in return. Although participation is free of charge, there is a time cost. You can expect to spend two or three half-days per month on different parts of the programme and we would like you to be present for the joint elements. If there is absolutely no way for you to attend, we request that you are represented by a decision maker from your company. We also anticipate that you will share your experiences through interviews or short presentations to inspire other entrepreneurs in The Hague region.
Who are we?
The Hague Business Agency and InnovationQuarter are running the SME deal on behalf of the Municipality of the Hague and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. The aim is to boost regional initiatives and projects that strengthen SMEs in The Hague region.
International entrepreneurs are often more innovative and invest more in R&D. With access to a larger sales market, they are also less dependent on local market developments, have greater resilience and are better able to compete. All sound reasons to support companies in The Hague region with their cross-border ambitions.
The knowledge and international networks we can offer via the International Market Entry Coaching programme help bolster SMEs, both locally and internationally, from The Hague region.
Apply soon!
All SMEs in The Hague region with serious cross-border ambitions can apply for the International Market Entry Coaching programme. Do not be deterred just because you think certain sectors have a better chance of success. The programme is open to all products and services. You can apply online for the programme until 31 August. Contact Stefan Bullivant at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up.
Selection of participants
To become successful in the United Kingdom, you need more than a dream and a good dose of entrepreneurial flair. The selection committee assesses applications based on the following criteria.
- Overall impression of business activities
- Motivation of the entrepreneur
- Feasibility and potential for the British market
- Fit between the ambitions of the entrepreneur and the programme
- Current business indicators
- Scalability of the product or service