Amsterdam
Perhaps the most striking characteristic of Amsterdam is its ability to be cosmopolitan and dynamic, without losing its feeling of friendliness. Amsterdam is one metropolis where people never feel lost, only inspired to try new things and develop new, groundbreaking ideas.
Over the centuries, the city has managed to preserve its liberal character. Where once brilliant free thinkers and artists like Spinoza and Rembrandt found their motivation, and the world’s first multinational company sprang to life, an international creative elite now lives and works. The companies where they work devise stunning global advertising campaigns, create new forms of entertainment, or occupy innovative niches in the financial markets. Meanwhile, Amsterdam has became a fashion capital of jeans culture, and the international brand known as Dutch design generates fresh energy in many different areas.
Congeniality on a cosmopolitan scale
But Amsterdam offers so much more than just a liberal and inspiring backdrop. The city is exceptionally well-connected, both physically and digitally. The Port of Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport are key elements in the best equipped multi-modal logistical network in Europe. Every possible distribution and marketing concept necessary for serving the 350 million consumers in the European hinterland is directed and coordinated from here. Important advantages in this respect include the laying of a region-wide fibre optic network, making data transport between companies faster and safer than just about anywhere else. On top of that, the city is a global Internet hub (AMS-IX).
People power
Another strength is the presence of a healthy number of knowledge institutes in and around the city. Not only does Amsterdam have the world’s greatest concentration of business and financial service providers, but it also boasts a unique and accessible knowledge network. That’s one reason why more and more international companies are choosing to locate their head offices or European distribution or logistics centres in one of the ultra-modern business centres that are growing up along the city’s supply corridors. In doing so, they’re taking advantage of low start-up costs, excellent accessiblity (with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol just ten minutes away), and an attractive tax climate. As a further support, they can rely on an internationally oriented local working population.
Melting pot
When it comes its 800,000 citizens, who represent 174 nationalities, the typical 'Amsterdammer' is better than average at handling cultural diversity. The composition and work attitude of the professional population is proof of this: multilingual, pro-European, multicultural, tolerant, sometimes perhaps a little opinionated, but always eager to find consensus and innovation.
The human factor is exactly what most distinguishes Amsterdam as an attractive place of business.
The balance of work and life is different here than anywhere else. The cultural provision is unequalled, there are restaurants for every culinary tradition and budget, and most business locations are just a walk or a bike ride away from the historic city centre. At least as important is the ready availability of affordable accommodation for expats, whether they long for a canal view, or prefer the peace and quiet of a family house in one of the leafy suburbs on the city’s edges.
Contact
City of Amsterdam
P.O. Box 2133, 1000 CC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
T +31 20 552 3536
E amsterdam@amsterdaminbusiness.com
But maybe you should experience Amsterdam for yourself? If you do, we’re sure that the city’s unique rhythm will inspire you too.
- Tell a friend
