AZ Business offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to both network and learn in a unique setting, around football. The network is not only about business, but also about creating valuable connections and having fun. “Football is a great way to connect with your network,” says Haanstra. “Here you can combine it with dinner at Grand Café Van Gaal. Afterwards, we head to the Kees Kist Lounge for a drink and watch the match.”
The strength of AZ Business lies in the combination of networking, having fun, and learning. This makes the network unique in North Holland. With more than 600 members, it offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet in an informal setting while expanding both their network and their knowledge. “We are part of several networking clubs, but the best one is AZ,” emphasizes Haanstra. “It’s the largest, but what makes it truly special is that you combine sport with networking and learning from each other.”
The AZ Business program, which includes seminars and fun events, for example is designed to offer members a balanced mix of business growth and personal development. A recent seminar with Erik Scherder is a good example of this. “Recently we attended a seminar featuring Erik Scherder. That man was phenomenal. It turned into a really great and inspiring evening,” says Haanstra.
Partners in workplace happiness
The collaboration between BESPARK and Ambitiehuis illustrates how the AZ Business network brings entrepreneurs together to form valuable partnerships. BESPARK, founded by De Leeuw, designs professional workplace environments for companies with a focus on creating the best possible workplace. Ambitiehuis, led by Jeroen, helps SME entrepreneurs become the best employers by focusing on culture and leadership. “Together we ensure the optimal culture and structure,” says Iwan, “which leads to happier employees.”
The two companies met during one of the many networking events organized by AZ Business. “I met Jeroen at one of the networking events, and that’s how we started talking,” De Leeuw explains. “At a certain point, we were dealing with a question related to the culture and people within our company. That’s when I thought of Jeroen, and we started a joint trajectory within BESPARK.” This first meeting led to a fruitful collaboration in which both companies complement each other.
What makes the collaboration unique is the combined approach in which both the physical work environment and the company culture are addressed. “We aim to create the best possible employer. And you achieve that by facilitating both the environment and the culture,” says Iwan. BESPARK focuses on the physical space, while Ambitiehuis concentrates on the cultural aspect. This ensures that employees not only have a beautiful workplace but also feel valued and engaged within their organization.
Although their first joint pitch did not quite result in an assignment, it did confirm the potential of their collaboration. “Even though we operate in very different fields, we share the same goal: helping people go to work as happily as possible,” says Haanstra.
Growing together
BESPARK and Ambitiehuis are determined to further strengthen their collaboration in the coming years. They see an increasing need among companies to invest not only in their physical workplaces, but also in organizational culture and the well-being of their employees. “Ultimately, people are the company,” says Haanstra. “In the past, people were sometimes seen as resources, but it goes much further than that. Your people determine the image, the success, the enjoyment, and the overall experience.”
Their goal for the coming years is clear. “I think it would be fantastic if we could work together on five or six projects each year,” says De Leeuw. These projects would focus on both cultural and structural improvements within organizations, with the combined approach of BESPARK and Ambitiehuis providing an integrated solution.
AZ Business has played an important role in enabling these future collaborations. The network provides entrepreneurs with a platform to get to know each other, build trust, and ultimately work together. “AZ Business mainly facilitates connections with other entrepreneurs. Meeting each other, talking, getting to know one another, and generating business based on trust and respect,” says Haanstra.
Both entrepreneurs hope that more companies will be inspired by their story and by the opportunities that AZ Business offers. “Collaboration starts with getting to know each other, and also with respect and trust,” emphasizes De Leeuw. They encourage other companies to actively participate in AZ Business networking events and invest in building relationships. “If you are a member of a business club and you are located above the North Sea Canal, then it should be unthinkable not to be a member of AZ.”
More workplace happiness within your organization?
Iwan knows exactly what it takes to make this happen. Get in touch with us and discover how we can elevate your workplace and culture together.
Iwan de Leeuw
Founder, Strategist & Inspirator
Iwan is the Founder of BESPARK and operates at the intersection of strategy, people, and the work environment. He believes that real progress begins with inspiration and the energy that emerges when people, ideas, and environments reinforce one another. With sharp strategic insight and curiosity, Iwan connects vision with realization. He does not only look at buildings or organizational structures, but especially at what drives people and how an environment can contribute to collaboration, creativity, and growth. In his work, he brings organizations together in co-creation. By listening, challenging, and looking at existing issues from a different perspective, he helps teams discover new insights and make sustainable choices.
