Working together to create future-proof business parks in Beesel

In its economic vision, the municipality of Beesel has consciously chosen a course that is local, sustainable and balanced. Councillor Anouk Huijs and Economic Affairs Policy Adviser Gilbert Idink explain how, together with entrepreneurs and partners such as PVB Limburg, they are building future-proof business parks – with broad support and concrete action.

A local agenda with clear choices

The Beesel 2040 economic vision states it in no uncertain terms: economic development must contribute to overall prosperity, not just to employment or growth. That calls for difficult choices, explains Anouk Huijs. “We are strengthening local entrepreneurship, but in a way that is in balance with the local environment. That is why we do not allow XXL logistics operations or new intensive livestock farming. We do, however, support (family-run) businesses that make a positive contribution to the community and the local environment.”

Beesel has three industrial estates housing over 80 businesses – a remarkably high number of manufacturing firms for a municipality of this size. “We want to make these industrial estates fit for the future. But we can only do that if we work hand in hand with business owners,” says Gilbert Idink.

What’s going on at the sites?

To actively engage business owners, Beesel Council launched a survey campaign in collaboration with PVB Limburg. “We handed out the survey in person, along with a recyclable and biodegradable cup,” explains Idink. “It catches the eye and often ends up staying on the desk. That way, you remind someone of that letter for just a little bit longer.”

The approach has proved successful: within a short space of time, 40 per cent of businesses had already responded. Many business owners are open to collaboration. “More than half say ‘yes’ or ‘perhaps, depending on the topic’,” says Idink. The issues that concern businesses are also clear: sustainability, traffic, green spaces and safety. “That really offers prospects,” says Huijs. “For us, it’s not about the survey itself, but about what comes out of it: concrete insights, based on what matters most to business owners.”

Beesel Council now wishes to explore the survey results in greater depth in follow-up discussions with local businesses and PVB Limburg. Huijs: “If it turns out that several businesses have questions about sustainability, we can bring them together and sit down with an expert. No endless meetings, but a focus on action.”

A pragmatic approach

The partnership with PVB Limburg fits in well with the Beesel council’s pragmatic approach. “We could also have engaged an agency from outside the region,” says Idink. “But it is precisely the experience, knowledge and proximity that make the difference. Lidy Rutten (LWV), who is driving efforts to improve the level of organisation, knows the region well and brings practical experience from other business parks. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel.”

The power of organised collaboration

Beesel Council regards organised collaboration as an indispensable means of making business parks future-proof. “It is not an end in itself,” emphasises Huijs, “but rather a way for businesses and the council to make decisions together – on layout, appearance, accessibility, sustainability and so on.”

It doesn’t have to be a complex structure. “It starts with relationships,” she emphasises. “We know many entrepreneurs personally. That helps to build trust and really understand what’s going on. Then things start to happen naturally.”

It’s up to the entrepreneurs

A Business Investment Zone (BIZ) is now up and running in the centre of Reuver – with support from the local council, which is doubling the amount raised. “That’s quite unique,” says Idink. “The business owners decide for themselves what to invest in, such as the town’s appearance or events. And it’s working: the first visible results are already there.”

A similar approach could also be adopted in business parks in the future. “But that has to come from the entrepreneurs themselves,” says Huijs. “We facilitate, contribute ideas and sometimes dare to go that extra mile. For example, with grants or schemes, if there is a need for them.”

Where will we be in five years’ time?

“We hope, then, that there will be a strong business organisation in place to represent the business parks,” says Huijs. “With an action plan that everyone can get behind and which clearly sets out who is responsible for what.”

That attitude of ‘standing shoulder to shoulder’ is characteristic of Beesel. “We invest a lot of time in personal relationships,” says Huijs. “Regular working visits are simply part of the job. And when we say something, we follow through. That’s appreciated.”

Idink adds: “Once we’ve reached that point – with mutual trust, organised cooperation and tangible results – we will have laid the foundations for business parks that are truly ready for the future.”