1 00:00:00,570 --> 00:00:02,906 [OPENING TUNE] 2 00:00:04,006 --> 00:00:07,430 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: If you want to set up a business as a foreigner... 3 00:00:07,630 --> 00:00:10,021 ...there are several steps you will have to take. 4 00:00:10,221 --> 00:00:13,615 Also you need to know about the Dutch market... 5 00:00:13,715 --> 00:00:16,270 ...rules for employers and legal forms. 6 00:00:16,470 --> 00:00:20,447 With me are Johan Laffra from the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce... 7 00:00:20,547 --> 00:00:24,082 ...and Israeli entrepreneur Avishai Trabelsi... 8 00:00:24,182 --> 00:00:29,254 ...founder and CEO of Quicargo a business he started in the Netherlands. 9 00:00:29,354 --> 00:00:30,683 Welcome to you both, gentlemen. 10 00:00:30,783 --> 00:00:31,796 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Thank you. 11 00:00:31,896 --> 00:00:33,454 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Good to have you here. 12 00:00:33,623 --> 00:00:38,033 When you came to the Netherlands you started Quicargo. 13 00:00:38,233 --> 00:00:40,325 What kind of business is Quicargo? 14 00:00:40,725 --> 00:00:44,429 AVISHAI TRABELSI: I moved here April 2016. 15 00:00:44,529 --> 00:00:47,558 Quicargo is a market place. It is an online platform. 16 00:00:47,758 --> 00:00:52,356 It matches empty trucks that are running around the roads... 17 00:00:52,456 --> 00:00:54,991 ...to any business that needs transportation. 18 00:00:55,691 --> 00:00:57,583 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Was there a gap in the market... 19 00:00:57,683 --> 00:00:59,303 ...for filling empty trucks? 20 00:00:59,503 --> 00:01:04,640 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Now about 50% of the trucks you see on the roads... 21 00:01:04,740 --> 00:01:08,499 ...are completely empty or partly empty. 22 00:01:08,599 --> 00:01:13,238 So we have a lot of potential to utilize and improve it commercially... 23 00:01:13,338 --> 00:01:16,009 ...but also it is going to improve a lot of the congestion we are having... 24 00:01:16,109 --> 00:01:20,039 ...and of course the CO2 and the greenhouse gas. 25 00:01:20,139 --> 00:01:22,136 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: How did you come up with this idea? 26 00:01:22,336 --> 00:01:24,919 AVISHAI TRABELSI: I was managing my family trucking company... 27 00:01:25,119 --> 00:01:28,011 ...back in Israel and I had the same problem. 28 00:01:28,111 --> 00:01:33,980 We had a lot of empty trucks and the margin was very low. 29 00:01:34,080 --> 00:01:40,168 So we needed to fill the trucks to get a better margin on the operation. 30 00:01:40,368 --> 00:01:43,327 Once I realized it is a big problem, not only in Israel... 31 00:01:43,527 --> 00:01:46,952 ...I decided to quit and start the global Quicargo. 32 00:01:47,952 --> 00:01:49,568 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Wow, very interesting. 33 00:01:49,668 --> 00:01:50,840 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Thank you. 34 00:01:51,040 --> 00:01:52,709 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: If you want to start your business here... 35 00:01:52,809 --> 00:01:56,184 ...what do you need to know and what do you need to take care of? 36 00:01:56,384 --> 00:01:58,536 JOHAN LAFFRA: I would always start with myself. 37 00:01:58,736 --> 00:02:02,529 Do I have everything I need to be a successful entrepreneur. 38 00:02:02,629 --> 00:02:07,127 Do I have the right skills, the right drive, the motivation to make it a success. 39 00:02:07,327 --> 00:02:09,587 Am I willing to go all the way for it. 40 00:02:09,687 --> 00:02:11,656 I think that is always going to be the first thing. 41 00:02:11,856 --> 00:02:16,953 The second thing is to decide if there is a market. 42 00:02:17,153 --> 00:02:21,379 So you need to take a closer look at what is the competition like... 43 00:02:21,679 --> 00:02:24,384 ...who are going to be your clients, how many of those are there... 44 00:02:24,484 --> 00:02:28,833 ...and will this eventually end up in a successful business. 45 00:02:29,033 --> 00:02:31,143 I think that is going to be step two. 46 00:02:31,843 --> 00:02:35,256 There might be something to take a look at if you need some sort of financing. 47 00:02:35,456 --> 00:02:38,064 Is there money needed to set up? 48 00:02:38,264 --> 00:02:40,953 But if that is all taken care of the only thing that remains... 49 00:02:41,153 --> 00:02:42,799 ...is registering at the Chamber of Commerce. 50 00:02:42,899 --> 00:02:46,016 And from that point on you are ready and set to go. 51 00:02:46,216 --> 00:02:47,444 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: And if you have done that... 52 00:02:47,644 --> 00:02:49,120 ...what do you need to do next? 53 00:02:49,320 --> 00:02:52,244 JOHAN LAFFRA: When you did all that and you actually have a business... 54 00:02:52,344 --> 00:02:57,690 ...it is time to go out there, start doing the work and start making money. 55 00:02:57,790 --> 00:02:59,070 Yes, I think that is it. 56 00:02:59,170 --> 00:03:00,778 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: And do you need anything else... 57 00:03:00,878 --> 00:03:04,514 ...like from the government, like citizen service numbers? 58 00:03:04,814 --> 00:03:07,362 JOHAN LAFFRA: That is a part indeed. 59 00:03:07,861 --> 00:03:10,469 That is also something you need to take a look at. 60 00:03:11,069 --> 00:03:14,309 Of course you need to have a tax number. 61 00:03:14,509 --> 00:03:15,789 You need to have a VAT-number. 62 00:03:15,989 --> 00:03:22,949 In order to do so you need a personal identification number, a BSN-number. 63 00:03:23,549 --> 00:03:27,560 So, there are a few things on the side that need to be taken care of as well. 64 00:03:27,660 --> 00:03:29,342 Those are the two important ones. 65 00:03:29,442 --> 00:03:34,141 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: How did you prepare to enter the Dutch market place? 66 00:03:34,541 --> 00:03:39,029 AVISHAI TRABELSI: It started with not stopping to dream about Quicargo... 67 00:03:39,229 --> 00:03:43,013 ...like in the last three or two and a half years. 68 00:03:43,213 --> 00:03:47,501 Then, once I took the decision, I sold my house, my car and started to invest. 69 00:03:47,601 --> 00:03:54,547 The first point you mentioned is to realize that you need to invest a lot in it. 70 00:03:54,847 --> 00:03:57,738 That is related to your point. 71 00:03:57,938 --> 00:04:01,239 The second thing is that market research is the most important thing. 72 00:04:01,439 --> 00:04:07,134 Before we decided to move to the Netherlands I travelled three months around Europe... 73 00:04:07,334 --> 00:04:14,290 ...after analysing and research on potential markets to start with. 74 00:04:15,190 --> 00:04:20,581 I invested a lot of time in talking to hundreds of companies, experts... 75 00:04:20,781 --> 00:04:25,014 ...and logistics professors in Germany, UK, Poland and here. 76 00:04:26,314 --> 00:04:30,749 Eventually I just asked the people in the companies. 77 00:04:31,349 --> 00:04:38,102 I offered my proposition and here was the fastest reaction to start. 78 00:04:38,302 --> 00:04:41,373 Just let's try it and see if it is working. 79 00:04:42,373 --> 00:04:44,645 This is how we started. 80 00:04:44,745 --> 00:04:46,698 It was a lot of man hours and a lot of phone calls... 81 00:04:46,898 --> 00:04:51,955 ...but eventually from the first client it started to be where we are now. 82 00:04:52,055 --> 00:04:54,013 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Perfect. And who are your customers? 83 00:04:54,213 --> 00:04:58,129 AVISHAI TRABELSI: We are targeting mainly micro small businesses. 84 00:04:58,229 --> 00:05:02,487 They actually don't have their own logistic department internally... 85 00:05:02,687 --> 00:05:08,365 ...or they don't have a third party that is handling all the logistic flow. 86 00:05:08,565 --> 00:05:10,814 We can actually help them to be much more flexible... 87 00:05:11,014 --> 00:05:15,450 ...and also commercially in terms of prices. 88 00:05:15,550 --> 00:05:20,535 They are saving transport costs but they also have the green impact. 89 00:05:20,635 --> 00:05:23,645 As a small company it is not your first priority to be green. 90 00:05:23,845 --> 00:05:28,278 But with our system you can actually do it right away without investment. 91 00:05:28,378 --> 00:05:32,102 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Perfect. You started the business with employees... 92 00:05:32,302 --> 00:05:35,574 ...but you can also start your business as a self-employed person. 93 00:05:35,598 --> 00:05:36,631 JOHAN LAFFRA: That is true. 94 00:05:36,731 --> 00:05:38,427 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: You have different legal forms. 95 00:05:38,880 --> 00:05:41,511 What are those forms? What are the options? 96 00:05:42,287 --> 00:05:45,411 JOHAN LAFFRA: Mostly we see a lot of people registering... 97 00:05:45,611 --> 00:05:48,627 ...either a sole proprietorship or a general partnership. 98 00:05:48,827 --> 00:05:53,732 Both of those look at you as an individual, as a person. 99 00:05:53,932 --> 00:05:59,048 It is also possible to go for a legal form, a legal entity in the Netherlands... 100 00:05:59,148 --> 00:06:02,669 ...being a private limited company, also called a BV. 101 00:06:02,869 --> 00:06:08,837 Those are the two that we end up with the most. 102 00:06:09,537 --> 00:06:13,713 Some people use words like freelancing and zzp... 103 00:06:13,913 --> 00:06:17,925 ...which is also a term very widely used in the Netherlands. 104 00:06:18,125 --> 00:06:20,588 Those are not specific legal forms. 105 00:06:20,788 --> 00:06:23,672 When you start as a zzp or a freelance... 106 00:06:23,872 --> 00:06:27,192 ...you either end up with a sole proprietorship or with a BV... 107 00:06:27,292 --> 00:06:30,020 ...with you as being the director shareholder. 108 00:06:30,320 --> 00:06:33,885 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: How do you choose the legal form that suits you best? 109 00:06:34,085 --> 00:06:38,757 JOHAN LAFFRA: That depends on your work upfront. 110 00:06:39,257 --> 00:06:43,523 There are a few differences. One has to do with taxes. 111 00:06:43,923 --> 00:06:47,387 Being a start-up business with a low profit expectation... 112 00:06:47,587 --> 00:06:50,578 ...might benefit more from a sole proprietorship. 113 00:06:50,778 --> 00:06:53,675 On the other hand there are issues with liability. 114 00:06:53,875 --> 00:06:59,835 If you have an activity in which you are highly liable, high risk... 115 00:07:00,335 --> 00:07:03,791 ...it could be better to choose for the BV instead... 116 00:07:03,991 --> 00:07:06,963 ...that has a limited liability. 117 00:07:07,463 --> 00:07:09,395 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Which legal form did you choose and why? 118 00:07:09,495 --> 00:07:11,287 AVISHAI TRABELSI: We are a BV... 119 00:07:11,387 --> 00:07:16,739 ...and mostly because of our funding terms externally from investors. 120 00:07:16,939 --> 00:07:23,483 Once they are investing you must have a legal entity, a BV. 121 00:07:24,683 --> 00:07:29,936 JOHAN LAFFRA: Did your investors get shares in your business? 122 00:07:30,036 --> 00:07:31,720 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Yes, they have equity in the business. 123 00:07:31,820 --> 00:07:33,211 So we are partners. 124 00:07:33,511 --> 00:07:37,399 When you are a partner I think it is very important to share equity easily. 125 00:07:37,551 --> 00:07:40,988 I don't even know if you can do a partnership without sharing equity. 126 00:07:41,142 --> 00:07:43,433 JOHAN LAFFRA: That is also something to look at. 127 00:07:43,533 --> 00:07:48,708 With multiple shareholders you need to go with a BV company. 128 00:07:48,808 --> 00:07:50,316 The other one isn't option. 129 00:07:50,516 --> 00:07:54,292 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: When and how do you register your company... 130 00:07:54,392 --> 00:07:55,980 ...at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce? 131 00:07:56,180 --> 00:07:57,709 JOHAN LAFFRA: That depends on the scenario. 132 00:07:57,909 --> 00:07:59,892 If you want to set up a private limited company... 133 00:08:00,092 --> 00:08:03,844 ...you go to a notary and they will take care of it, also with us. 134 00:08:04,044 --> 00:08:05,908 So in that case we don't see you at all. 135 00:08:06,308 --> 00:08:09,996 If you go for a sole proprietorship or a general partnership... 136 00:08:10,196 --> 00:08:11,375 ...you come to our office. 137 00:08:11,475 --> 00:08:13,436 You set up an appointment and fill out the paperwork... 138 00:08:13,636 --> 00:08:18,132 ...and stop by, either alone or with all partners if there is more than one. 139 00:08:18,232 --> 00:08:19,316 AVISHAI TRABELSI: They have good coffee. 140 00:08:19,516 --> 00:08:21,413 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Yes? You recommend it? 141 00:08:21,613 --> 00:08:22,873 [LAUGHING] 142 00:08:23,073 --> 00:08:25,345 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: What is the right moment to register? 143 00:08:25,445 --> 00:08:26,980 Is there a right moment? 144 00:08:27,880 --> 00:08:31,996 JOHAN LAFFRA: I would say when you start doing the business. 145 00:08:32,196 --> 00:08:34,268 If you have clients, if you have turnover coming in... 146 00:08:34,368 --> 00:08:36,212 ...that would be a point of registration. 147 00:08:36,412 --> 00:08:38,332 It does not work like that all the time. 148 00:08:38,532 --> 00:08:43,420 At some point you might be a little sooner than the actual starting point. 149 00:08:44,120 --> 00:08:46,523 In my experience don't be too soon. 150 00:08:47,123 --> 00:08:49,475 Taxes will start and you get a lot of paperwork... 151 00:08:49,675 --> 00:08:52,691 ...which is useless if you did not start already. 152 00:08:52,891 --> 00:08:56,789 But if you need it for whatever reason or if there are clients nearby... 153 00:08:56,889 --> 00:08:58,924 ...then you should have yourself registered. 154 00:08:59,224 --> 00:09:02,180 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Of course your business needs a trade name. 155 00:09:02,380 --> 00:09:04,531 How do you come up with a good one? 156 00:09:05,831 --> 00:09:07,398 JOHAN LAFFRA: I wish I knew. 157 00:09:07,598 --> 00:09:10,632 You really need to find something. 158 00:09:11,132 --> 00:09:15,932 For some it comes naturally and for another it is really work to get a name... 159 00:09:16,032 --> 00:09:19,820 ...that suits what it is that you are going to do. 160 00:09:20,620 --> 00:09:22,937 Just keep in mind that you need to be unique. 161 00:09:23,637 --> 00:09:27,077 It cannot already be used by someone else. 162 00:09:27,277 --> 00:09:29,182 It cannot be misleading in any way. 163 00:09:29,582 --> 00:09:31,766 So it needs to be unique. 164 00:09:32,366 --> 00:09:35,053 You really need to find one yourself. 165 00:09:35,153 --> 00:09:37,445 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Which is not confusing as well. 166 00:09:37,645 --> 00:09:38,826 JOHAN LAFFRA: Which is not confusing as well... 167 00:09:38,926 --> 00:09:40,741 ...which becomes more and more difficult... 168 00:09:40,841 --> 00:09:43,485 ...because we have a lot of businesses in the Netherlands. 169 00:09:43,585 --> 00:09:45,125 It is in the millions now. 170 00:09:45,325 --> 00:09:49,349 So try to find something that isn't already out there. 171 00:09:49,449 --> 00:09:55,062 That is going to be a difficult process, but still you need to find one. 172 00:09:55,262 --> 00:09:59,621 If it is not going to work for just you ask your family and friends... 173 00:09:59,821 --> 00:10:05,461 ...the people around you who know who you are and what you are about to do. 174 00:10:05,661 --> 00:10:09,581 That might end up with some good ideas for a lot of people. 175 00:10:09,781 --> 00:10:15,565 It also need to be considered if you want to have a website for your business. 176 00:10:15,765 --> 00:10:20,605 That also needs to be a name that is still available as a domain name. 177 00:10:20,905 --> 00:10:25,445 Also you should check if your trade name... 178 00:10:25,545 --> 00:10:28,307 ...is already registered somewhere as a brand name. 179 00:10:28,407 --> 00:10:30,791 If that is the case you cannot use it as well. 180 00:10:30,891 --> 00:10:33,448 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Of course. How did you come up with your name? 181 00:10:33,648 --> 00:10:35,659 AVISHAI TRABELSI: I used my network, my friends, family... 182 00:10:35,759 --> 00:10:40,927 ...and the most creative people I knew to think about three aspects. 183 00:10:41,027 --> 00:10:44,239 The first thing is that it needs to be easy to pronounce. 184 00:10:44,439 --> 00:10:46,239 You don't want a very difficult one. 185 00:10:46,439 --> 00:10:49,551 The second thing is that it needs be international if it is your intention. 186 00:10:49,751 --> 00:10:53,259 It is very important because I see a lot of companies with very domestic names. 187 00:10:53,459 --> 00:10:54,863 Then it is very difficult to pronounce. 188 00:10:55,032 --> 00:10:57,983 They absolutely need to change the name when they go global. 189 00:10:58,083 --> 00:10:59,940 And we are all going global of course. 190 00:11:00,740 --> 00:11:04,095 The third thing is that you need to explain the values... 191 00:11:04,295 --> 00:11:09,224 ...that you are trying to propose to your audience. 192 00:11:09,424 --> 00:11:12,256 This is how we came to the name Quicargo. 193 00:11:12,356 --> 00:11:18,279 It is quick and easy, very easy to book a shipment. 194 00:11:18,579 --> 00:11:20,012 This is how we did it. 195 00:11:20,112 --> 00:11:21,673 I have one comment here. 196 00:11:21,873 --> 00:11:27,384 The company, the legal entity, can be a different name than the brand name. 197 00:11:27,584 --> 00:11:32,031 It is important to give you more flexibility. 198 00:11:32,231 --> 00:11:33,690 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: I am wondering... 199 00:11:33,790 --> 00:11:37,095 ...do you need any qualifications, permits or certificates... 200 00:11:37,295 --> 00:11:38,862 ...to start a business in the Netherlands? 201 00:11:39,062 --> 00:11:41,123 JOHAN LAFFRA: You don't actually need it for the starting itself. 202 00:11:41,223 --> 00:11:44,510 Starting itself is for us to have you come by... 203 00:11:44,710 --> 00:11:46,475 ...and register the business. 204 00:11:46,675 --> 00:11:49,390 We are not going to ask you for any paperwork at that point. 205 00:11:49,590 --> 00:11:55,251 But there are some specific areas in which you still need permits. 206 00:11:56,251 --> 00:12:00,350 Transport for one is well-known. 207 00:12:01,350 --> 00:12:04,329 Also if you want to start a food and beverage establishment... 208 00:12:04,514 --> 00:12:06,814 ...there are also rules and regulations. 209 00:12:08,114 --> 00:12:12,347 But it is not something we ask you when you come for registration itself. 210 00:12:12,547 --> 00:12:17,917 But in certain areas and professions there are some things you need to have... 211 00:12:18,117 --> 00:12:20,638 ...in order to be able to do the activity itself. 212 00:12:21,638 --> 00:12:23,478 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: You have employees. 213 00:12:23,778 --> 00:12:26,750 Do you have Dutch employees or foreign employees or both maybe? 214 00:12:26,850 --> 00:12:28,142 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Yes, we are an international team. 215 00:12:28,242 --> 00:12:34,742 80% are Dutch and the rest are from Israel, the United States and Brazil. 216 00:12:34,842 --> 00:12:37,178 We relocate people from all over the world... 217 00:12:37,378 --> 00:12:40,390 ...in order to realize Quicargo. 218 00:12:42,090 --> 00:12:43,350 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: It is very international? 219 00:12:43,450 --> 00:12:46,743 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Yes. It are important vibes to keep. 220 00:12:46,943 --> 00:12:48,159 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Nice. 221 00:12:48,259 --> 00:12:50,638 Can you actually run a business from your home address? 222 00:12:51,538 --> 00:12:52,926 JOHAN LAFFRA: That depends on the activity. 223 00:12:53,026 --> 00:12:55,099 Some you can and some you can't. 224 00:12:55,899 --> 00:12:59,429 If it is just you at home at your laptop doing some consulting... 225 00:12:59,529 --> 00:13:01,950 ...that is fine to do from home. 226 00:13:02,150 --> 00:13:07,894 If you were to sell, a very bad example, fireworks... 227 00:13:08,494 --> 00:13:11,910 ...storage at home might not be the smart thing to do. 228 00:13:12,118 --> 00:13:15,986 So in my experience it depends on the activity that you have. 229 00:13:16,386 --> 00:13:19,303 In some cases it is allowed and in other cases it is prohibited. 230 00:13:19,403 --> 00:13:22,292 If you want to know for sure you can check with the municipality... 231 00:13:22,492 --> 00:13:25,403 ...to find out if there are any specific limitations. 232 00:13:26,003 --> 00:13:28,072 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: How do you minimize risks? 233 00:13:29,372 --> 00:13:30,863 JOHAN LAFFRA: Be careful with what you do. 234 00:13:30,963 --> 00:13:32,839 I think that is the first step. 235 00:13:33,139 --> 00:13:37,352 Changing the legal form might help going from sole proprietorship to a BV. 236 00:13:37,452 --> 00:13:40,419 That could limit your risks hugely. 237 00:13:41,119 --> 00:13:46,587 But also think of insurances, and terms and conditions. 238 00:13:47,087 --> 00:13:51,875 Set up good agreements between you and the entity you work with. 239 00:13:52,675 --> 00:13:55,691 That limits your risks perfectly I think. 240 00:13:55,891 --> 00:13:57,460 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: And maybe pension as well? 241 00:13:57,560 --> 00:14:00,535 JOHAN LAFFRA: If you want to have some sort of pension when you get old... 242 00:14:00,635 --> 00:14:02,919 ...then you should set up something for that as well. 243 00:14:03,019 --> 00:14:06,498 The same goes for insurances for sickness and health. 244 00:14:06,898 --> 00:14:10,914 If you want to have something if you become work invalid... 245 00:14:11,114 --> 00:14:13,993 ...it might be wise to have something set up for that. 246 00:14:14,393 --> 00:14:17,456 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: How did you set up your network here in the Netherlands? 247 00:14:17,656 --> 00:14:20,881 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Network... I started to call. 248 00:14:21,081 --> 00:14:23,377 [ALL LAUGHING] 249 00:14:23,577 --> 00:14:26,969 AVISHAI TRABELSI: I just speak to the phone with my special accent... 250 00:14:27,169 --> 00:14:31,961 ...and I try to introduce myself and the business and where I am coming from... 251 00:14:32,161 --> 00:14:35,329 ...why it is important for me to realize it and why I chose the Netherlands. 252 00:14:35,529 --> 00:14:41,009 After maybe not hundreds but tens of calls I got the first client... 253 00:14:41,109 --> 00:14:43,945 ...and from that moment we got more and more... 254 00:14:44,045 --> 00:14:47,390 ...and now we have nearly a thousand businesses registered. 255 00:14:47,490 --> 00:14:49,477 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Wow, that is a lot. 256 00:14:49,777 --> 00:14:51,844 And did you visit any events? 257 00:14:52,244 --> 00:14:57,530 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Yes, we created our brand. 258 00:14:57,630 --> 00:14:59,558 We put the names in the events. 259 00:14:59,758 --> 00:15:03,785 We also try to find the most influential people in our industry. 260 00:15:03,985 --> 00:15:08,810 We approached them a couple of times until they agreed to hear us. 261 00:15:08,861 --> 00:15:12,905 And I think what we are trying to do is also important for the environment... 262 00:15:13,005 --> 00:15:15,825 ...but also commercially, so it is win win win. 263 00:15:15,925 --> 00:15:21,070 A lot of people, including the government are supporting such a project. 264 00:15:21,170 --> 00:15:25,130 It was easy for us to promote the positive impact... 265 00:15:25,330 --> 00:15:28,794 ...and not something that is purely business and commercial. 266 00:15:29,394 --> 00:15:31,297 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Do you have any tips for other entrepreneurs... 267 00:15:31,397 --> 00:15:32,662 ...who want to start their business here? 268 00:15:32,862 --> 00:15:34,569 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Many, many. 269 00:15:34,769 --> 00:15:38,857 [ALL LAUGHING AND INDISTINCT CHATTER] 270 00:15:41,057 --> 00:15:44,273 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Even if you have a lean budget... 271 00:15:44,473 --> 00:15:49,511 ...it is important not to save on all these administration things... 272 00:15:49,811 --> 00:15:52,767 ...and to know exactly the rules in order not to miss anything. 273 00:15:52,967 --> 00:15:55,408 So, take a good lawyer and good accountant... 274 00:15:55,508 --> 00:15:57,224 ...to make sure that you have the right insurance... 275 00:15:57,424 --> 00:16:01,337 ...because we are getting a lot of information for instance involving privacy. 276 00:16:02,137 --> 00:16:05,153 You need to make sure you can provide those services. 277 00:16:05,253 --> 00:16:08,080 So don't try to do everything by yourself. 278 00:16:08,380 --> 00:16:15,114 Focus on your business and have maybe a local company... 279 00:16:15,314 --> 00:16:22,281 ...help you with an expert to make it easier, faster and safer. 280 00:16:22,581 --> 00:16:23,886 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Very good. 281 00:16:23,986 --> 00:16:25,753 Do you have any additional tips? 282 00:16:25,853 --> 00:16:28,409 JOHAN LAFFRA: I think he mentioned the most important ones. 283 00:16:28,609 --> 00:16:30,561 And get help whenever you need it. 284 00:16:30,961 --> 00:16:34,309 So come to us, come to the tax office, hire an accountant... 285 00:16:34,509 --> 00:16:39,081 ...and try to get people close-by who can help you in certain areas of expertise. 286 00:16:39,481 --> 00:16:41,433 That really helps a lot. 287 00:16:41,633 --> 00:16:43,929 Get out there and talk to people. 288 00:16:44,129 --> 00:16:48,657 And tell them that you exist, tell them what you do. 289 00:16:48,857 --> 00:16:52,473 And go from there. So, go out. 290 00:16:53,073 --> 00:16:54,464 AVISHAI TRABELSI: I want to add one more thing. 291 00:16:54,764 --> 00:17:00,689 It is my experience from other countries. It is another tip. 292 00:17:01,289 --> 00:17:06,235 Here in my experience, the authorities in the Chamber of Commerce... 293 00:17:06,335 --> 00:17:13,238 ...but even RVO and different parties were very accessible. 294 00:17:13,538 --> 00:17:15,907 So, it wasn't difficult to approach them and ask questions. 295 00:17:16,107 --> 00:17:21,523 From my perspective in the past, governmental parties were very difficult. 296 00:17:21,723 --> 00:17:23,203 They were not really accessible. 297 00:17:23,303 --> 00:17:26,315 So ask your questions and put it on the table. 298 00:17:26,515 --> 00:17:30,549 Sometimes you will be surprised that you will get quite efficient answers. 299 00:17:30,649 --> 00:17:32,934 This is important to try. 300 00:17:33,034 --> 00:17:35,986 Because you first think the government is too difficult to approach. 301 00:17:36,086 --> 00:17:37,119 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: But it is not? 302 00:17:37,219 --> 00:17:38,475 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Apparently not. 303 00:17:38,675 --> 00:17:40,073 At least not in my experience. 304 00:17:40,173 --> 00:17:41,490 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: That is good to know. 305 00:17:41,590 --> 00:17:44,506 Gentlemen, thank you so much for all the information. 306 00:17:44,606 --> 00:17:46,238 AVISHAI TRABELSI: Thank you very much. 307 00:17:46,938 --> 00:17:48,129 NADIA-JANE BRISTOLL: Starting a business... 308 00:17:48,229 --> 00:17:51,199 ...requires a number of steps and key decisions. 309 00:17:51,399 --> 00:17:54,251 Once you have decided upon your business legal form... 310 00:17:54,451 --> 00:17:58,439 ...you can have your enterprise registered at the local Chamber of Commerce. 311 00:17:58,739 --> 00:18:04,423 Whether you offer services or products, you will do so at your own risk, expense... 312 00:18:04,623 --> 00:18:08,022 ...and with full responsibility towards third parties. 313 00:18:08,122 --> 00:18:10,759 Preparing well is the best way to start. 314 00:18:10,959 --> 00:18:15,160 The Dutch Chamber of Commerce provides information on starting a business. 315 00:18:15,360 --> 00:18:18,040 You are definitely not on your own. 316 00:18:18,240 --> 00:18:23,008 Plenty of competent assistance is to be found in the Netherlands business world. 317 00:18:24,208 --> 00:18:26,380 [CLOSING TUNE]