Leiden International Centre Helps ChannelEngine to Grow

This article was featured in INTO Magazine's Autumn 2023 edition. Read it in Dutch here.
Original text by May-lisa de Laat, translation by Leiden International Centre.

The e-commerce company ChannelEngine was founded in Leiden in 2013 and focused mainly on the Netherlands and Europe until the end of 2021. In the past year, the Leiden-based company has grown from under 100 employees to over 200 employees with offices worldwide. ChannelEngine helps companies around the world grow on digital sales channels and marketplaces, using its own platform with advanced tools and automations, and through an extensive network of international partners. 

Marathon 
ChannelEngine's personnel policy is intentionally focused on sustainability, diversity and internationality. CFO Ruben Stappers: “Our workforce reflects our growth and ambitions worldwide. We make every effort to ensure optimal mixing between international and Dutch employees. This way, they also get to know each other's culture. For instance, through Dutch language lessons, joint lunches and activities such as sponsoring and participating in the Leiden City Marathon. The result is that our people (and importantly: their partner or other family members) quickly feel at home and therefore stay longer. In fact, in the event of a possible departure, people usually opt for a position elsewhere in the region or the country over returning to their country of origin.”

Providing a warm welcome for people who come to work in the 071 region from abroad. That is what the Leiden International Centre stands for. In recent years, the Centre has developed strongly into an important partner for the region and its businesses when it comes to attracting and retaining international talent. In 2022, the International Centre helped more new employees from ChannelEngine than any other company in the region (excluding Leiden University).   

City branding 
Apart from all kinds of practical information, the Leiden International Centre website also contains links to trusted English-language job portals, for which the Centre ensures that the Leiden Region is well represented. These often get used by partners of international employees. Especially in the case of companies like ChannelEngine, where the average age is 34, and often two salaries are needed to be able to afford the mortgage. Furthermore, the Centre spends more and more attention towards the city branding of Leiden for talent. Ruben: “Leiden has a lot to offer. The city is very accessible, the living costs are lower than in Amsterdam, and the area is greener."

Randy Petrus, Manager HR Operations: “Our collaboration with the Leiden International Centre started primarily with the administering of citizen service number (BSN) registrations for new employees. Through them, this is done quickly and efficiently, which is very pleasant. Our newcomers can therefore quickly start working for our customers as a result. A win for everyone. In addition, we have authorized the Centre to temporarily register new employees at our address for three months. This allows for arrangement of housing and the opening of a bank account to be quicker.” 

Central point of contact 
Corine van der Ceelen is manager of the Leiden International Centre and the Leiden Convention Bureau. She will soon exchange her position for that of Head of Business Development at Leiden&Partners, the parent organization of both units. Her colleague Jenny Willcock will succeed her as manager of the Centre. Corine: “The Leiden International Centre is the central point of contact for the entire 071 region for international talent in all phases of their stay. Talent from abroad is the solution to continue developing the regional economy and business climate in these times of labour shortages. That is why we are increasingly involved in policymaking. We are currently exploring the idea of ​​developing short stay facilities.”

Jenny adds: “We help newcomers in many ways to settle quickly and feel at home, and to build a network. For example, through information on our website and at our helpdesk, where all questions can be answered, our own newsletter, and the organization of events and gatherings (such as our monthly Meet & Mingles). If someone's stay here is over, we also assist in arranging a smooth departure.”