PUM Netherlands senior experts is a non-profit organisation, which has been advising businesses in developing countries and emerging markets for 35 years. To this end, PUM links these businesses, at their own request, to Dutch professionals who voluntarily devote their considerable experience to creating a better world. PUM therefore promotes entrepreneurship, self-sufficiency and the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprise locally.
By allowing these professionals (senior experts) to execute short-term, solid consultancy projects on the workfloor, businesses can establish sufficient knowledge to develop into a growth engine for the local economy. This benefits both employment and the sustainable economic development of the region. Furthermore, as the contacts established in this manner regularly develop into major trade relations, the Dutch economy also benefits.
Their 3,200 volunteers advise 2,000 entrepreneurs annually in almost every field imaginable: from logistics to welding techniques, and from the hotel & catering trade to carpentry.
Their operations are funded by various donors and sponsors, based on the philosophy that a self-sufficient small and medium-sized business sector is beneficial to global development.
SERVICES
Business advice - Sustainable business solutions
Based on clients' request for advice PUM select the expert that is most suitable to help them. During a two week visit he or she will work with the client to find a solution to their problem. In general, the project does not come to an end when the expert returns home. Contact is often continued by e-mail. If and when the clients stumble upon the next problem, they may request the expert to return, or they may request help from another expert.
Business links with Dutch firms
After clients have been visited by one of our experts they may apply for a so-called business link. This service entails a visit to the Netherlands with the purpose of establishing contacts with Dutch firms. Such a visit often results in trade, and in some cases joint-ventures with Dutch companies.
Training in the Netherlands
The senior expert who visited may conclude that the client need to enhance their skills. PUM can organise a practical training course for them in the Netherlands if training is not available locally.
Seminars for a group of companies
Local business support organisations like Chambers of Commerce may apply for a seminar to be given by a Dutch senior expert to various companies within a certain industry sector. As part of this training the senior expert will also visit each company individually.
Vocational education
Better education leads to a better equipped workforce. In some countries or industries it is hard to find suitable employees, which is often the result of weak training programmes. PUM works with local schools and vocational training institutes to improve these.