5_DiscoverBenelux_Issue18_June_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 26/05/2015 16:42 Page 13
Discover Benelux & France | Care for Kids | CompaNanny
staff, which comprises of a mix of nannies with a practical childcare degree and higher educated staff. He explains: “According to research it is essential to have an optimal mix of knowledge and skills, so people can learn from each other and continue to develop these skills. Furthermore we invest a lot of time in training, up to 70 hours per person a year, which is double the industry standard. This creates a positive learning environment which also reflects on the children.”
From concept to international success Beek came up with the idea for CompaNanny while working as a business consultant for a multinational company. “I did a project on childcare and got to know the market. I was struck by the state of some of the day care centres; many were dirty, staff took no pride in their work and they just didn’t feel like good places for kids,” he says. That’s when Beek decided to set up his own, starting with the first CompaNanny location in Amsterdam in 2003. “I’ve always wanted to set up my own company, be my own boss and create something meaningful in this world. Also, I’ve always had an affinity with kids, so this was perfect.”
Beek perfected his concept for three years in Amsterdam before opening a second centre. By now the company counts 16 locations in the Netherlands and it is still growing fast. “Since we started we’ve continually grown against a shrinking trend in the industry. Two years ago we decided to look abroad for opportunities and this led us to China.” Currently in Shanghai, Beek is busy with the opening of the second China-based CompaNanny day care centre. “Although Chinese culture is very different from the Dutch, our goal to give future generations the best possible care and development is a universal concept. We try to find common ground and expand slowly,” he concludes.
24/7 childcare at Schiphol Airport Specially aimed at staff working irregular hours at the airport, CompaNanny at Schiphol Airport offers childcare seven days a week, 24 hours a day. With enhanced flexibility, parents can receive the care they need, while providing children with a welcoming and homely environment. Beek adds: “We try to anticipate what parents need, and adjust to that. So for example if they return late, we offer the option for parents to sleep in a bed nearby the children and go home the next morning. This way the child’s night isn’t interrupted.”
CompaNanny caters for children from zero to 12 years old and has centres in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, The Hague, Oegstgeest, Rotterdam, Schiphol Airport, Voorburg and Shanghai (China). CompaNanny at Home is available throughout the Netherlands. www.compananny.nl
Founder Bas Beek
Issue 18 | June 2015 | 13