PUM Netherlands senior experts
PUM Netherlands senior experts
Vibrant businesses, better lives
PUM Netherlands senior experts is a volunteer organisation committed to the sustainable development of Small and Medium-sized enterprises in developing countries and emerging markets. We offer practical knowledge and expertise within the most important sectors of the economy. Our experts share their knowledge on a voluntary base with entrepreneurs in more than 30 developing countries worldwide. With advisory missions and programmes in partnership with other organisations, PUM impacts positively on the economy, society and the environment.
PUM aims to contribute to the growth of vibrant Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries and emerging markets. By sharing knowledge, PUM contributes to private sector development, a short cut to empower people and communities economically. Experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from the Netherlands share their knowledge voluntarily at minimal costs. PUM is supported by the Dutch government and largest employers’ organisation in the Netherlands, VNO-NCW.
Entrepreneurs from SMEs turn to PUM with a specific problem that they want to see resolved. Unfortunately, either they do not have the resources to hire a commercial consultant or, in case they do, there is simply no local consultant around with specific knowledge and experience. After assessment by PUM, an expert that matches the requirements of the entrepreneur visits, analyses the problem and comes up with a practical solution. In short, experts may help to improve the quality of a product, streamline the production process and/or logistics; enhance management knowledge or identify opportunities for business growth.
Teaming up with PUM gives access to a vast pool of knowledge, but also to networks of chambers of commerce, embassies and professional organisations worldwide. Information and knowledge are the keys to innovation and competitiveness.
Being a trading nation, the Netherlands always have been very internationally oriented. The PUM Programme is a direct outcome of that international orientation. PUM experts have earned their stripes in all sectors of the economy, be it agriculture, tourism, medical sciences or logistics.
PUM maintains a pool of nearly 2,000 experts, to fulfil over 1,500 to 2,000 missions every year. In more than 30 countries, in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle-East PUM experts are active. Their effectiveness stems from the fact that they offer practical advice on a personal basis, from entrepreneur to entrepreneur, on the work floor. Being assessed by a fully independent expert, offers the opportunity to jump ahead and connect to the latest knowledge and techniques. PUM started in 1978 and has since then become the largest ‘temp agency’ in Europe for professional volunteers. In 2018 PUM celebrated its 40-year anniversary. In 40 years, we have been assisting over 40.000 businesses worldwide. With our advisory missions and programmes in partnership with other organisations, we will continue to positively impact the economy, the environment and the society.
According to the OECD, Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs) play a key role in transition and developing countries. At PUM, we see MSMEs as a catalyst of innovation, job creation and growth. PUM is specialized in recognizing and developing entrepreneurship, and focuses on long-term trajectories. In response to the role of MSMEs as enablers in sustainable development, we believe that innovative partnerships, which also build the “eco-system” for MSME to flourish, is crucial. For this reason, our cooperation with DECP is of added value. Taking on an integrated approach where DECP strengthens the local eco-system – through capacity building to business member organizations and PUM supports their respective members through coaching and sharing expertise by our nearly 2000 volunteer experts. In the broader context DECP and PUM, together with our clients in the countries aim to contribute to improve social and development problems, such as poverty, food insecurity, youth employability.
Synergy: PUM supports entrepreneurs and DECP supports the enabling environment through business service organisations.
