North Limburg profile: Economic opportunities through greater cooperation and connection

'Our specialist account managers watch and listen carefully to what is happening in the immediate area and what is important'

It was mainly the funding factor that appealed to you the most. Why?
"You really engage with entrepreneurs and listen to what they are doing. What is your strategy? What are the ambitions? What is happening in the market? What is appropriate funding to make those plans possible? So I started at Rabobank in Meijel a long time ago and continued to grow within the organisation. Thanks to my education (see boxed text), I had a good foundation. The Rabobank offered me new opportunities to grow each time. Die dynamics makes my work exciting and provides challenges."

And there have been plenty of challenges in recent decades. Especially in the last 15 years. From the banking crisis in 2008 to the current world situation.
"That banking crisis had a huge impact on entrepreneurs, giving me more and more of a guiding role with clients who connected in dire straits. You learn a huge amount from that. Die experience still comes in handy to me today when it comes to investments and acquisitions."

Having worked here for 30 years shows that Wil Schers feels at home with this bank.
"Rabobank is a cooperative. We have an eye for what is happening in the environment and in society. Our specialised account managers watch and listen carefully to what is happening in the immediate area and what is important. No, we are no longer located in every village centre, but we know the entrepreneurs. That we consider important. Die Philosophy appeals to me enormously and that is why I feel so at home here. Al my children are of the opinion that 30 years is a very long time to work at the same company."

'In our talks, we discuss entrepreneurs' current ambitions and their challenges'

Can you say a bit more about that connecting factor of Rabobank? And What is the added value of Wil Schers as director in that area?
In terms of entrepreneurship, a lot is happening here. Companies need to be able to continue to grow and develop in that playing field. In doing so, they sometimes run into certain limits.
Take the current labour market situation. How are these organisations getting the right people? The labour availability is certainly a challenge. The perception that Limburg is a shrinking region is outdated. But it is ageing relatively quickly, so we must look to the future together. This includes changes in functions and types of work. Consider, for instance, innovative thinking in filling available space. Entrepreneurs can be more successful if they have the right connections, such as entrepreneurs or other parties like the government, the Brightlands campuses and education. From that cooperation, ensure that an attractive area is created for doing business and living. At North Limburg is doing pretty well. With looking to the future, companies and regions must constantly reposition and present themselves."

Please specify.
"We can certainly brand ourselves even more strongly as the 'Healthiest Region' in which there is enough entertainment, enough attractive work-
givers and where you can ptettig live and recreate. Look at the Brainport region in Eindhoven, for example. Die has a very clear and distinct profile, which allows that region to present itself to companies and employees with a clear message. North Limburg has a strong base due to enough powerful sectors, but this makes it more difficult to present the region unambiguously."

In doing so, you also seek cooperation with Entrepreneurial Venlo?
"Obviously. We have similar ambitions, but can do more together to achieve our goals. We are always open to initiatives. Maybe not everything succeeds, but we all learn from it. So you can take steps and that can contribute to growth in other areas. No one can do it alone. Working together is essential."

What role does Rabobank play in this?
"We can think along to further develop the region. Especially in terms of cooperation. In doing so, we can help develop that connection further. This can be achieved by promoting innovation, connecting businesses, supporting knowledge exchange and jointly realising great projects. To all these reasons, we visit customers but also organise networking events such as the recent one at Toverland. We listening to our customers' concerns and ambitions. Then, as a bank, we examine where we can offer support, whether within our own organisation or with other companies and partners. There are plenty of topics and challenges to tackle."

How do companies respond to your help and initiatives like the recent customer event in Sevenum?
"Our customers always appreciate meeting their bank; on location or at networking events like this one. Dan make connections. With us, but also companies among themselves. She listen to our vision and ask questions afterwards about the future, for example. There were many customers from various sectors in Sevenum. At our conversations, we discuss their current ambitions and challenges, and sort out developments and trends crucial for future growth.

And the sustainability aspect? Are entrepreneurs sufficiently aware of this?
"Absolutely. Especially with a view to the future. Think for example about the energy transition, whether or not to invest in solar panels, making the fleet electric, making the company's footprint smaller. And Don't forget the future obligation to report on it. As bank, we have sufficient knowledge and in-house advisers. Sustainability is always a topic in our discussions about financing, for example. As you talk about cooperation between companies, you can think of one generating energy and the neighbour, who needs it, taking it away. The amount of activity, however, varies by sector. Also there are an increasing number of buyers who expect their suppliers to be sustainable. The is an economic necessity. Otherwise, you will soon be out of the game. We trying to help everyone with opportunities and growth possibilities. At Venlo manages that quite nicely. There is a lot of manufacturing industry here. There, sustainability is an indispensable factor anyway. Die entrepreneurs are really into it."

If we start looking at the medium term, say five years: what do you hope to have realised by then?
"My ambition is that we continue to be the obvious bank for entrepreneurs and are close to the people. In doing so, we want to keep thinking along when it comes to new developments, such as digitalisation and about international developments. We want to be the face in the market, now and for many years to come. Customers should know they can always come to us. North Limburg is then an even nicer place to be: for companies and private individuals. Dan developments are needed in the field of broad welfare. Think of economic growth, residential climate, security, innovation, good education and quality healthcare. That has already improved over the past decade, but there is still room for improvement. That is our aspiration. A innovative region where it is pleasant to live and work. Venlo is making good progress. Because it's not just about the companies. Also an attractive city centre with the right mix in terms of hospitality, experience and shopping is important. This also includes opportunities to relax. Think culture, theatre, sports facilities, green spaces and safety. That is hugely important for new employees."

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