Quality of life important for companies
The outstanding quality of life is one of the main advantages the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area offers foreign businesses. Spatial factors have always been important, but over the years there has been a shift in emphasis from vicinity of raw materials to accessibility, sectors and quality of life, according to research conducted by Wageningen University.
Increased importance for companies
The general trend is that quality of life has gained importance in the past decades. Some studies even conclude that it has become an essential factor for high tech and knowledge intensive firms in the process of chosing a location. With a high level of IT, knowledge and creative-based companies in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, the region illustrates it is not only one of Europe's leading business centres but also as one of Europe's most pleasant places to live.
Cosmopolitan village
Amsterdam is the ultimate 'small big city' and combines all the advantages of a cosmopolitan capital with a compact, easy-to-navigate size. According to research, expats highly appreciate the opportunities for cycling, not only to work but also as a leisure activity. Recently, Amsterdam was voted the most bicycle friendly city in the world. The countryside surrounding the Amsterdam Area is also very accessible by bike.
Restaurants, cafes and bars bring Amsterdam to life at night while the many parks and nearby beaches are weekend benefits to any Amsterdam employee.
Highlights of the Amsterdam Area
The Amsterdam Area has a lot to offer. Amstelveen is one of the five most attractive places to live in the Netherlands and rightly so: the city has pleasant residential districts and lovely parks. The Aalsmeer Flower Parade is one of the Netherlands’ top annual events - a stunning showcase for the area’s green thumbs. Moreover, the Haarlemmermeer (lake) is ideally situated in the commercial heartland of the Randstad conurbation.
The conclusion is clear: the Amsterdam Area has much offer foreign companies and their personnel.
The study
The study on the spatial factors in the location choices of companies was conducted by Wageningen University in December 2009. For the entire report (partly in Dutch), visit Wageningen University.
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