Economic profile

Amersfoort: The perfect city to combine living and career

Due to its location Amersfoort has many advantages. Its central location and varied landscape make it both a popular place to visit and an attractive residential location. The population of Amersfoort is increasing to 150.000 inhabitants, taking it into the top 15 cities of the Netherlands. Together with Utrecht it is one of the most powerful economic regions of Europe. The driving force behind the regional economy is its knowledge – intensive business service catering for an international client-base.

Today, Amersfoort holds a unique position not only in the Netherlands but throughout Europe. No other city combines so many young families with correspondingly high birth rates and equally high workforce participation. A ‘new way of working’ was introduced in Amersfoort in the 1990’s. Location and time independent working collaborations are set up in such a way that a career can be combined with both family and private life. Local companies which are largely dependent on highly trained, young professional personnel, such as consultancy firm Twynstra Gudde and engineering company DHV, were at the forefront of this in the Netherlands.

Many independent companies

Another characteristic of the current economy of Amersfoort is the large number of independent companies. The city accommodates a relatively high number of such companies. Indeed, almost half of the companies based in Amersfoort consist of independent or self employed enterprises. They are represented in all economic areas, including construction and health care as well as in the creative industries. This group is part of the networking generation who profile themselves to (potential) clients, but who also recognise that there is a need for various collaborations and partnerships in order to successfully complete major projects.

Creative Class

Innovation and creativity are important elements of successful entrepreneurship. The creative class in Amersfoort is well represented. Architects, graphic- and industrial designers, service- or product designers, marketing strategists and web developers choose Amersfoort as their preferred location. These creative entrepreneurs make a major contribution to the unique character of the city.

Amersfoort 2.0

The arrival of this young, higher educated group in turn attracts many companies and organisations. Gone are the times when the population was located around a single factory or industrial area. Modern companies establish themselves around the professional potential and where their employees feel at home. Amersfoort houses a large number of national and European corporate headquarters together with a large diversity of network organisations and associations. Corporate headquarters such as Royal Haskoning DHV, Yokogawa, Prenatal, Twynstra Gudde, Friesland Campina, DHL, Nutreco and Dr. Oetker and hundreds more have all established themselves in and around Amersfoort.

The city offers space both for large international companies as well as smaller companies aiming at more regional markets. The active entrepreneurial associations and networks in Amersfoort build cohesion and contact between entrepreneurs, thereby strengthening the local business climate. These companies work together with employees, council and local residents to ensure the optimal combination of lifestyle, work and recreation in our city.

Best Residential Area

In the current European economic climate with an aging population and declining family sizes it has become essential for families to be able to maintain at least one, often two, careers whilst ensuring effective childcare together with meaningful leisure time. This is nowhere more feasible than in Amersfoort. It is therefore no surprise that for the past three consecutive years Amersfoort has been awarded the best residential area in the province of Utrecht.

Conferences, trade fairs and events

The central location, excellent facilities and well educated network generation make Amersfoort a popular location for business events. With over 200,000 overnight business hotel bookings per year and the wide variety of significant conferences, trade fairs and events Amersfoort is among the most appealing locations in the Netherlands. From the unique historic locations in the city centre to the modern meeting facilities in the station area through to the large variety of amenities in the green, outdoor surroundings, you’ll feel at home in Amersfoort.