Neighbourly

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The Netherlands set to become the second Neighbourly Nation

9 September 2015
Local experts join forces to launch Neighbourly in the Netherlands

Bristol, UK and Utrecht, NL, 9 September 2015: Neighbourly.com – the internet platform that connects local community projects with companies that want to make a difference – has announced plans for expansion into the Netherlands. An expert team based in Utrecht will set up, build and grow Neighbourly’s presence using a localised version of the Neighbourly platform – the beta version of the site is currently at nbrlynederland.nl.

The move overseas represents a key milestone in the company’s expansion strategy, and makes the Netherlands the first Neighbourly Nation outside the UK.

The day-to-day operations of Neighbourly in the Netherlands will be led by Berend Maten, who brings a successful track record both in establishing and running community projects, and has an extensive background in IT related businesses.

Maten is joined by Dirk van der Beek, an expert in growing brands with purpose and a co-founder of Innate Motion, the leading corporate social responsibility consultancy, and Xander Coolen, co-founder of De Hollandsche Meesters, who has a wealth of experience managing the marketing and sales operations of technology and social media businesses in the Netherlands.

Berend Maten, Managing Director, Neighbourly Nederland B.V., comments: “Dutch companies have long understood that making a commitment to the community is essential. Corporate citizenship and giving are deep rooted in Dutch businesses but we have lacked access to a single platform that could help businesses to connect with causes and collaborate to help local projects succeed. The Netherlands needs Neighbourly.”

Luke McKeever, Executive Chairman, Neighbourly adds: “This is an important milestone in Neighbourly’s growth. The Netherlands platform will launch with an expert local team in place, fostering local relationships and making a positive impact on a national scale in a country that is committed to corporate responsibility. The growing culture of corporate giving means the Dutch market is perfectly aligned with our mission, and a successful launch will pave the way for future expansion.”