Hans Stoop, CEO, Verhoeven Family of Companies

Considering the market volatility, supply chain disruptions, energy costs, and workforce scarcity, what does this past year look like for your company when you draw the line? 

Indeed the supply disruptions have created a substantial impact on the market, overall leading to less efficiency in production and delivery. Combined with the explosion of energy costs we have seen increasing hesitance and delayed progress. At the same time this development has a positive impact on the need to work on mindset, change and innovation. Our Vacuum Cooling and Baking team has seen a growing interest in the technology due to the energy saving effects it has on top of the impact on quality and efficiency. The workforce scarcity has convinced us of the value of having an in house schooling project, motivating and training young people on the job.

What are your expectations for next year, keeping in mind the legacy of 2022, but also the current challenges? 

No doubt the various uncertainties have their impact on the market. It will have an effect the speed of developments. How substantial the effects will be? Even that is uncertain. For example: despite the mentioned circumstances we have welcomed an all time record of order intakes last year. 

How do you estimate the market will evolve and what is your priority list for 2023? 

It is our first priority to further integrate sustainability in our organisation and our product portfolio.

Where did the growth opportunities come from and what is the most important lesson you have learned in recent times? 

We experience a growing appreciation for the mentality of our workforce. Our people are trained to take responsibility, even beyond their official job description. To be flexible and stick out our neck is valued as a true added value. True involvement on the result of our activities and the goals set together with our clients give us the opportunity to stand out in the market.

What do you consider to be the most valuable asset you have in 2023 as a company? 

The flexibility and the innovative, custom made and turn-key solutions we offer, based on our ‘One Family mentality’.

As part of your growth strategy, how do you prioritize your investments versus your R&D efforts? 

R&D is of course  impossible without investment in -, and availability of time and resourses.

What was unexpected in 2022 and how did it impact your business?

The most unexpected no doubt was the war in Ukraine and its intensity leading to a diversity of crises. 

Which are the most important drivers of change for your business in 2023? How do you plan to prepare for them? 

We prepared for 2023 in the time that lies behind us, but the business is not about calendar years, it is about adapting to change on longer term in a strategic way.  The frequency of change is going extremely fast so you have to be flexible to adapt and move with the changes. Ignorance, arrogance or cumbersome bureaucracy are killing. 

What would you like to see happening in 2023 for your stakeholders and business environment (in terms of policy, regulations, and market) in order for your business to thrive more? 

It is vital to stimulate the market to change towards more sustainability. Support for initiatives and the investments to be made, not by force but by stimulation. Clear policies and regulations, such as Covid regulations but also employment conditions, not only National, but International. A clear, vigorous and constant policy would be very welcome. It may sound utopic, but it is vital.

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