This article is one in a series of interviews with expats in Stavanger. Its purpose is to share with everyone what your fellow expats are doing and also to help advertise the businesses/services/events that these expats are involved in. If you would like to or know of a business/enterprise to be interviewed, feel free to contact us!
Interview with Jeffrey Bekkerin (right) – co-owner of Nettverk Stavanger.
Where are you from?
I am from the beautiful country below sea level named the Netherlands or Holland. I am married and have two beautiful children of which one was born in Norway.
What brought you to Stavanger/Norway?
My work brought us to Stavanger. In 2007, KPMG the Netherlands asked me to participate in a global development program. As a result we transferred to Oslo where KPMG’s Norwegian head office is located. In 2008 we moved on to Stavanger to help build up a centre of excellence for the oil and gas industry. Up to now, I am responsible for the business development of the oil and gas group in Norway and next to this I act as a certified public auditor and advisor serving our oil- and gas-related clients in Stavanger.
How do you find living here so far?
Life in Norway is great! Especially when you have a young family and like outdoor activities. I feel I can enjoy all the good things of a family life. You are at home at decent times and you can spend time with the children before they go to bed. In the Netherlands I would not have been able to enjoy this luxury.
What is Nettverk Stavanger?
Nettverk Stavanger is a new way of networking. The goal of the Nettverk Stavanger is to make Stavanger an attractive city to live and work in for young national and international professionals and entrepreneurs. At the moment we have 1600 members on Linkedin.
Can you tell us more about it?
It is much, much more than a LinkedIn group (Nettverk Stavanger) and a website.
We organize network events named “Mixer”, we facilitate a mentor program, and want to establish in the nearby future an investment fund to invest in startup companies of entrepreneurs in our network.
Networking is all about commitment – to give and receive, which may be the key to good business.
What made you set up Nettverk Stavanger?
I missed a business network place where you can meet nice and interesting people after business hours in an informal setting, a place where you can exchange your business card with a beer in your hand.
In the Netherlands it is very common to have a beer on a Friday evening in town with some colleagues or business friends every once in a while. I found out something like this did not exist in Stavanger or if it did, I was not aware of it.
Through my personal network I came in contact with Nils Henrik. He is Norwegian and from Stavanger and had more or less the same kind of ideas. We combined our thoughts and Nettverk Stavanger was born.
What is your target group?
The target group is young professionals and entrepreneurs living and working in Stavanger in the age between 28 and 45 years. We target the national and international community.
What events have you had and what events do you have in mind for the future?
Our next event will take place on the 8th of April 2011. Check our website for more information! Yes, there is also a page in English!
This coming event (mixer) will be our second event after a successful first one in late 2010! We even got exposure in the local media. And we are recognized as a serious business network by Greater Stavanger.
Our goal is to connect social internet networking, like LinkedIn, with the real life. It will be an evening of beautiful opportunities where people can extend their professional networks, with interesting people and good entertainment. Everybody is welcome so you are also invited! You can sign up through the website. See you all the 8th of April!
Learn more about Nettverk Stavanger here. (Article in Rogalands Avis)
Thank you for your time, Jeffrey and all the best with Nettverk Stavanger!
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About Cynthia Myrnes
Cynthia is a Singaporean who has been living in Stavanger since Feb 2008 with her Norwegian husband. She works as a physiotherapist here and also owns her own petsitting service, Stavanger Petsitter, for the residents of Stavanger. In addition, she manages the Stavanger International Moms group. She loves hanging out with friends, spending time with animals, travelling and watersports such as scuba diving and wake boarding. Most of all, she is enjoying the experience of being a first time mom!
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