On Tuesday, March 18, the Entrepreneurs' Breakfast was held at Studio Boxx. The meeting, organized by the municipality of Nuenen and Entrepreneurs Contact Nuenen (OCN), brought local entrepreneurs together to discuss future-proof growth in business parks. All Nuenen entrepreneurs on business parks were invited to attend.

Space, energy and cooperation as central themes

The growth of the region's economy offers entrepreneurs many opportunities, but also brings challenges. How can the available space be optimally utilized? How can businesses become more sustainable and make smart use of energy? And what role does cooperation play in strengthening Nuenen's economic strength? These questions were the focus of the breakfast.

After a welcome by Alderman Bertje Van Stiphout (Economic Affairs) and Erik Jasper Noll (Chairman OCN), presentations followed on three

 important themes:

• Space: Wouter Hunnekens and Dirk van den Hombergh (consultancy Ginder / municipality of Nuenen) gave insight into the possibilities for expansion and efficient use of space on existing business parks. The growing demand for business parks requires smart solutions. In the coming period a study will take place into the intensification possibilities at the Nuenen business parks. This will look at the utilization of building height and building area and where these may require adjustment. 

• Energy: Joost van Montfort (Brainport Development) presented the benefits of an Energy Hub. He discussed how energy sharing and other innovative solutions can help companies achieve sustainability and cost savings. Saving energy reduces grid congestion and often has a short payback period. This can be done through practical measures such as LED lighting, high-efficiency glass and more efficient machinery. Understanding energy consumption helps to make more targeted savings. Generating energy locally, for example with solar panels, can cover much of the consumption, especially with smart orientation of the panels in relation to the sun during the day. Peak consumption can be reduced through storage in batteries and flexible energy use, such as phased start-up of machines or adjusted working hours. Adaptations are possible both individually and collectively. Consider collective purchasing or engaging a savings coach. Joost is currently conducting a feasibility study into an Energy Hub in Nuenen. We are also sharing the lessons from this more widely so that all Nuenen entrepreneurs can benefit from this knowledge. 

• Cooperation: Kristie van Os (Metropoolregio Eindhoven) explained how joint organizational strength can contribute to strengthening business parks and sustainable cooperation between entrepreneurs and with the municipality. Here it is important to use existing initiatives and also look at subsidy opportunities. Local SMEs can also turn to support desks, such as those of Brainport Development: Brainport for SMEs: one desk for all SME issues in the region.

Lively conversations and joint project opportunities

Not only were insights shared during the meeting, but there was also plenty of room for discussion and input from entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs present mainly asked for attention to the availability of energy, but they also often mentioned personnel shortages, availability of housing for personnel, accessibility and space to grow. Entrepreneurs are eager to work together. There is broad support for renewed cooperation, in which concrete projects can also be taken up, such as the collective purchasing of energy and other services. 

Follow-up: ambition is good, action is better

We will process the collected input and are eager to look at concrete next steps with entrepreneurs. All contributions from participants will be taken into account. We will organize in-depth meetings per business park and/or theme. Entrepreneurs will receive an invitation to these meetings in the near future.  

Entrepreneurs who would like to be kept informed or contribute their thoughts can contact us at bedrijfscontact@nuenen.nl. You can also sign up there if you would like to receive speakers' presentations. 

We thank all attendees for their valuable contributions and look forward to continued collaboration!

Are you completing the entrepreneur survey?

To better understand the space needs and desires of business owners, we ask that you complete the business survey at https://surveys.enalyzer.com?pid=pidehdak. You can also scan the QR code. Completing the questionnaire will take up to 10 minutes.