Training trajectory for NWP’s member SMEs is well received
A large part of NWP’s member network consists of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). They operate in a broad range of the Dutch Water Sector, such as groundwater monitoring, desalination and water treatment, consultancy, flood management, remote sensing, and more. Oftentimes, these enterprises arise from an innovative technology or good idea but lack an overall long-term strategy and a well-thought-out business plan that will give them focus and help them set priorities. NWP aims to serve this member group by enabling them to expand their business and international network, grow their professional development through capacity building, and build a learning community that will increase their impact. As part of this, NWP hosted a one-year training trajectory in 2023 for a select group of SMEs with international ambitions.
The training course covered the essentials of growing a business, starting with setting up a business plan and a SWOT - (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to lay a strong foundation for businesses. As part of their business plan and SWOT analysis, the participating companies shared their international ambitions by defining focus countries and markets and deciding on the best collaboration fit for their company: working with a distributor or with a reseller.
1 on 1 guidance and workshops
In-house expert Peter Westerhuis, former International Distribution Manager at Van Essen, co-guided the training sessions and shared his experience in growing a business and expanding the distribution network. As part of the training trajectory, all companies were entitled to 1 on 1 guidance sessions with Westerhuis and the NWP team to get tailored advice. Furthermore, guest speakers were invited to various workshops to share in-depth knowledge on the topics. Two guest experts from Atradius Dutch State Business addressed the issue of risk management when exporting products. Further, experts from Wettermerk, a marketing agency, shared information on setting up a strong marketing and branding strategy given that many SME founders and business developers have great technical knowledge or focus on research and development rather than marketing. A well-thought-out marketing and branding strategy is crucial in attracting new customers, markets, and partners. The participants also learned a lot from each other. The training programme created a safe space in which to share experiences, bottlenecks, success stories, gain advice, and exchange connections.
An engaging training that delved into multiple themes, providing detailed insights and practical strategies for SMEs in the water sector
Riçardas Zaicas
Rainmaker Holland
Incredibly valuable training, immediately usable and with visible business results within the first half year
Daniël Heimans
BLIK Sensing
Tangible results
Even at an early stage of the training trajectory, tangible results could be seen. The companies were able to put the knowledge gained into practice in their companies and made direct improvements to their business models. They made tremendous progress in their structural approach. An excellent example of results from the training is that two of the participating companies grew their distribution networks, among which in the Middle East and Latin America. The companies are in regular contact with potential new distributors and perceive their communication as highly constructive. Two others are exploring collaboration opportunities to work together by incorporating one company’s technology into the projects of the other.
Participating in NWP’s SME training course has been of great added value to Obscape. In the first place, it helped us establish several best practices relating to our business plan and the management of our distributor network. Being able to discuss your business challenges with peers and experienced professionals is a good way to obtain new perspectives and solutions. Finally, the new connections made through the course staff boosted our business development
Max Radermacher
Obscape
Interested?
Are you an NWP SME member and are you looking to grow your business internationally? Let us know by reaching out to members@nwp.nl. Depending on the number of responses, NWP will consider organising a new SME Training Trajectory.