As a sponsor of the Groninger Ondernemingsprijs (GOP), Campus Groningen reflects on a wonderful evening filled with inspiration, entrepreneurship, and pride at MartiniPlaza. This year, Royal Bodewes, the innovative shipyard from Hoogezand, rightfully claimed the top honor. We congratulate Royal Bodewes on this well-deserved recognition for their courage, vision, and commitment to sustainability. The evening showcased a strong entrepreneurial spirit, compelling speeches by speakers such as Rob van Gijzel and Jakob Klompien, and the unique energy of a room full of passionate professionals. We’re already looking forward to the 2025 edition! Read the press release published by the GOP about the finale here.

During a well-attended final event at MartiniPlaza in Groningen, Commissioner of the King René Paas revealed the winner of the 2024 Groninger Entrepreneurship Award. To heighten the suspense, he pressed a button that launched a video, only unveiling the name at the very end: Royal Bodewes, the innovative shipyard from Hoogezand. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

The event drew significant interest, with ticket requests far exceeding the capacity of the Spingerzaal at MartiniPlaza. This underscores the enthusiasm for the award and the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Groningen, highlighting the motto, “Nothing beats Groningen business.” It’s a competition with only winners, thanks to the positive media spotlight on all nominees.

More Than Just an Award

Anne-Wil Lucas, chair of the GOP, expressed her delight at the full house despite severe weather conditions: “This is already a memorable year, especially thanks to our finalists.”

The evening resembled a compact symposium for regional entrepreneurs, featuring inspiring contributions from keynote speakers like Rob van Gijzel (former mayor of Eindhoven and advocate for the Brainport region) and Jakob Klompien (leader of the economic agenda Nij Begun). They engaged in discussions on future expectations, emphasizing the value of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability.

Van Gijzel shared how crises like the Philips layoffs and the dot-com bubble gave rise to Brainport’s success, highlighting the importance of building trust, cooperating even with competitors, and being prepared for change.

About Royal Bodewes

Royal Bodewes has been a cornerstone of the Groningen economy since 1812, building innovative, sustainable, and cost-efficient ships. Specializing in versatile vessels between 1,500 and 15,000 tons, the company operates from three Northern shipyards and boasts a full order book through mid-2028, producing around eight advanced ships annually.

The Other Finalists

• Wilmink Engine Parts (founded in 1896): A family business specializing in engine components for various vehicles, earning praise for its leadership’s dedication to employees and strategic decisions during challenging times like the pandemic.
• KeyPro B.V. (established in 2011): Focused on sustainability by renting furniture and interiors, particularly for temporary expats, and commended for their forward-thinking and entrepreneurial vigor.

The Jury’s Verdict

The jury lauded Royal Bodewes as an exceptional ambassador for Groningen’s business climate, emphasizing its sustainability efforts, adaptability, and generations of strong leadership. The jury highlighted the company’s ability to maintain profitability despite global competition and stringent EU regulations, noting its innovative resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

A Family Success Story

Accepting the award, Nienke Bodewes said: “This is incredible! I’m so proud of our family and team. We always celebrate ship launches for others, but tonight, we’re celebrating ourselves.” She also revealed that their father initially opposed entering the competition due to their busy schedule, a decision she and her siblings made "in secret."

Learn more about this year’s nominees on groningerondernemingsprijs.nl. See you at the 2025 edition!

Article: gop.nl
Photo Credit: Roelof Bos)