Tijs Holtkuile - Team Leader North Netherlands, VanWestreenen

After his studies in Livestock Farming, he found himself in consultancy work. It turned out to be a good match for Tijs Holtkuile. He has since moved to VanWestreenen and is setting up a team for North Netherlands from a new location in Zwolle.

An entrepreneur with agricultural instincts and a passion for consultancy

VanWestreenen is a renowned name in spatial development. The strength of this consultancy firm? "We provide advice at the cutting edge. We don't take no for an answer easily, we see the possibilities and opportunities," says Tijs Holtkuile, Environmental and Spatial Development Consultant and team leader for North Netherlands. This results in growth, not only in livestock farming but also in the Food and Industry sectors. Therefore, VanWestreenen is looking for entrepreneurial all-rounders with an agricultural or technical background.

What attracted you to work at VanWestreenen?

"After my studies in Livestock Farming, I discovered consultancy work. I switched to VanWestreenen because of the dynamism in the work and the company. Initiative and entrepreneurship are highly valued here. If you have an idea, you have all the space to execute it. The short lines of communication within the company are also ideal. We have a great team of over thirty colleagues. We know each other; you can walk into anyone's office. Activities outside working hours also contribute to a pleasant atmosphere."

You didn't have a specific education in spatial planning or environment, yet you made a flying start at Van Westreenen. How did you do that?

"I have a dairy farming business with a pig farming branch together with my family. So, entrepreneurship runs in my blood. That fits very well here, as does my agricultural background: when I sit at a farmer's kitchen table, I understand him and can support him well. A few words are enough for me."

"Moreover, VanWestreenen offers many opportunities for development. All disciplines are in-house: consultants in environmental legislation, spatial planning, and draftsmen. I can rely on them. This allowed me to learn a lot in a short time."

What makes this work fascinating for you?

"This work is meaningful. You stand next to the customer at crucial junctures. For his business, his life's work, and personally. You contribute to the future of a farming business or an industrial company: decisions are made and steps are taken here. You truly have an impact in this consultancy work. Moreover, the themes are very diverse. From guiding a permit application for housing construction to an agricultural business with expansion plans wondering if there is still room. The Natura 2000 legislation plays a significant role in our work."

Talking about nitrogen: what does that mean for your work, now that there is so much uncertainty?

"Of course, we can't work miracles. But we can make the most of the opportunities available. I believe we are good at identifying those opportunities. We don't give up easily, we see possibilities and chances. We have contacts in almost all provinces and municipalities in Central, East, and North Netherlands. These close connections help us provide good advice to our clients. Every project is like a puzzle, where the pieces can be rearranged. That's what makes the work challenging."

Who are the customers that come to you?

"Mainly livestock farmers. But also businesses on the periphery, such as agricultural contractors and services. In addition, VanWestreenen adapts to the changing functions of rural areas. The diversification seen in agriculture is primarily a spatial issue. Think of starting a campsite, or a sales point on the farm. We also see more and more companies in the Food and Industry sectors coming to us for plans."

"One advantage is that we have draftsmen in-house, so we can switch quickly"

What do you do differently from the competition?

"One advantage is that we have draftsmen in-house, so we can switch quickly. When faced with an advisory question, we start by looking at the zoning plan. Then we enter into discussions with the municipality: do you see a way to cooperate on this? Our own staff who have studied Spatial Planning also participate. This way, we can quickly provide the customer with an initial direction before starting a whole process. We can adjust a plan on the drawing board. That's how we work efficiently and accurately. This is important for the customer because time is money. Moreover, an entrepreneur wants quick clarity, as they are already thinking about construction in their mind."

"An advantage of VanWestreenen is that we are independent. We only advise companies, not governments. Therefore, there is never a conflict of interest. We are also not tied to one industry. This gives us a broad perspective and a large network."

You are going to develop North Netherlands. Where do you start?

"Right now, I am mainly sowing seeds. I make phone contacts, sit with farmers, visit fairs. The first customers are already appearing. VanWestreenen has a good reputation in the market. I can build on that in North Netherlands."

What kind of people are you looking for to build this out?

"We are looking for people who can work independently and are entrepreneurial. Ambitious and motivated to think passionately with the customer. You must be able to think strategically and be interested in legislation. Candidates do not need to have all the knowledge. More important is that you are social and a team player. VanWestreenen is like a warm bath: just jump in, and you will quickly warm up. The knowledge is here. Learning on the job. If you have a sense of touch in the agricultural or possibly technical sector, and think in possibilities, we would like to talk to you."