SubscribeShared Services Centres (SSCs) are proving to be an excellent business model for companies that strive to reduce costs and become more competitive.
By implementing a SSC, a company could gain staff reduction and save in operating costs.
A SSC can handle multiple administrative support functions for an entire company or group, such as accounting, finance, insurance, human resources, information technology, customer services, logistics planning and telemarketing.
The right location
Locating a SSC in the Netherlands have long been recognised by foreign businesses, including many well-established multinationals. The Netherlands has become a magnet for SSCs of all types, the most common being financial and logistical SSCs and call centres.
The quality of a SSC depends on the quality of its employees. A financial SSC, for example, requires well-educated personnel with financial backgrounds - Dutch universities provide internationally orientated education programmes.
Staff in specific SSC positions, such as the centre manager or accounts payable manager, must be qualified - the Netherlands has a good supply of educated and available personnel.
For all types of SSCs it is important that the personnel speak foreign languages well - most Dutch people are multilingual and there are sufficient native speakers available, attracted by the high standard of living and the country's international orientation.
Advantages of a Shared Services Centre in the Netherlands
The Netherlands offers unique advantages as a strategic business location. The following ingredients create an excellent environment for setting up a SSC.
Qualitative factors
| Labour | A well-educated, highly flexible and multilingual workforce - nearly 80% of the population speaks one or more foreign languages and native speakers are also widely available |
| Financial Services | Financial and capital markets are amongst the most liberalised and deregulated in the world |
| Infrastructure | Two main ports close together: Rotterdam, the world's largest seaport, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the fourth largest airport in Europe. |
| Location | A strategic position in Europe, giving companies quick and easy access to European markets. |
| Quality of Life | A high standard of living: the cost of living, housing, education and cultural activities are lower than in most West European countries. |
Quantitative factors
| Tax | Favourable tax climate for international businesses and expatriates. |
| Telecoms | A 100% liberalised digital telecommunications network with one of the highest call completion and fastest response times in Europe. |
| Offices | Office space is available at reasonable prices and there are sufficient opportunities to build dedicated new office buildings. |
When it comes to setting up a SSC, having the right IT infrastructure is of major importance.
The Netherlands has a sophisticated IT infrastructure and excellent facilities, and has developed wide-ranging expertise in the field of ICT.
Whatever your needs regarding finding a location for your SSC, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency will assist you in taking care of your business. Contact us today on +44 (0) 20 7225 1074 or info@nfia.co.uk