"Growth is necessary in horticulture"

Dutch consultants Rob van Leeuwen started Yeald two years ago and Robin Berendse recently joined. Yeald has a mission: developing growth and management support for strategic decisions in companies in the horticultural business, both nationally and internationally. This brief description constitutes much of what Yeald can mean within the horticultural industry.

Robin Berendse and Rob van Leeuwen have a couple of spearheads: strategy, finance, real estate, project management and international projects. During the conversations they conduct they depart from the client’s strengths, which are then applied. Robin: "We see no merit in a solution that does not fit with the company. That isn’t going to work. The right way is to match the solution to the company and the skills of the management team.”

Growth is necessary according to them; this can revolve around acreage expansion, acquisitions and/or mergers. However, it also can be the growth of an organization or personal growth. Yeald wants to work with entrepreneurs who want to move forward and can use a sounding board. After all, nature is no different: "What doesn’t grow, dies.”

The men of Yeald always discuss long-term planning. Change takes time and investments in this sector are substantial and for the long term. This needs to be well-founded and documented, setting the right priorities.

Yeald not only advises growers. The front and rear of the chain are also (potential) customers. Rob: "There is no conceivable reason to remain within country borders with our work. We provide solutions and think along in horticulture on a global scale. With our knowledge, network and expertise from the Dutch horticultural sector we can also realize successful business cases in other parts of the world."

Both Rob and Robin know horticulture inside out and they have years of experience in agricultural brokerage and with banks. Both have their own extensive network. They want to combine these contacts to create a win-win situation. Robin: "Look at us as an oil man. We ‘lubricate’ things or bring people together and ensure that plans are implemented or problems solved."

For more information: