UK-Dutch export deals back 500 jobs in clean growth and digital sectors

British and Dutch leaders have this morning (October 24) announced a raft of new commercial agreements worth millions between companies in the UK and Netherlands.

The deals, creating or safeguarding around 500 jobs, were confirmed at the UK Netherlands Innovation Showcase held as part of the Dutch state visit this week.

Closer collaboration in the fintech, clean growth and digital sectors is at the heart of the event, echoing the priorities in the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

The UK could have two million ‘green collar’ jobs by 2030, and there are already 1.5 million jobs in the digital sector – a number growing at twice the rate of the rest of the economy, according to government figures.

Clean growth, meanwhile, could generate as much as £170bn in exports for UK businesses annually.

Deals announced at the Innovation Showcase include offshore wind firm EEW OSB selling wind turbine gear to a Dutch wind farm project called Borssele 1 + 2, safeguarding 180 jobs in Teesside, and Dutch equipment supplier Royal IHC’s plans to open a new offshore base in Newcastle at the end of this month.

Elsewhere, Netherlands-based paint manufacturer AkzoNobel will open 30 new Dulux Decorator Centres across the UK, creating and protecting more than 100 jobs.

Dr Liam Fox MP, International Trade Secretary, said: “The Dutch State Visit is an opportunity to celebrate the UK and the Netherlands’ more than 400-year long trading heritage.

“As the UK forges an independent trade policy for the first time in more than four decades, my international economic department is working with the Dutch – our North Sea Partners - towards a bright trading future too.”

He continued: “The Innovation Showcase will demonstrate the huge opportunities for our economies – two of the world’s most innovative – to collaborate even further, creating jobs and prosperity for generations to come.”

Business Secretary Greg Clark commented: “The UK has become a beacon for clean growth, leading the world in cutting emissions whilst growing the economy and creating almost 400,000 jobs across the UK.

“Our Industrial Strategy identified clean growth as one of the greatest industrial opportunities for the UK. Tekmar Energy and EEW OSB are reaping the benefits, providing parts for offshore windfarms off our coasts and around the world.”