From arable farming to contracting company

'It can be done differently', is the slogan of contract workers company HKA from Nieuwkoop. Owner Frank Hoogendoorn also thought this when he fell head over heels for his current business location. On the large arable plot there was a dated house, an old shed, a barn and, above all, a lot of grass. Frank saw something else: plenty of opportunities.

"My wife and I were looking for a spacious location to live in and eventually move our company there," says Frank. "We had already made an offer on another site, but Albert de Koning, our NVM Agrarisch & Landelijk broker, convinced us to take another look here. We signed the purchase contract within a few days!"

Tolerance situation
The couple moved into the house and immediately fulfilled a long-cherished wish by building a horse box. The new warehouse was completed and the company moved to Nieuwkoop. Everything went crescendo. Until the municipality knocked on the door with questions about the taps in the yard. Is this consistent with the agricultural destination? Frank: "I calmly explained how much our services mean to the farmers here. And that this is impossible in an industrial area, also economically. Fortunately, there was understanding. We got a tolerance situation."

Frank could continue to do what he was doing, but was not allowed to expand or add to it. "In retrospect, this gradualness was great," he recalls. "Because we stayed small for a long time, we were able to set up the company well and save a lot." In the winters he and his boys cleaned up the grounds. New revetments, hedges and pavement gave the whole more and more shine. Neighbors raised their thumbs. With the help of the NVM Agrarisch & Landelijkmakelaar, the location was officially repurposed as land for agricultural-related businesses. Frank was able to apply for building permits again.

Jokes
The barn was demolished, the old shed converted into a workshop. And the design for the new business premises took shape. "With a sloping ridge!" Frank laughs. "Idea from the architect. Otherwise, the building would be too prominent when viewed from the road. I had my doubts. During the construction, people also joked: did you keep the drawing skewed? Or did your piles sag? But the result is great! meets all our wishes and it has allure."

Frank realizes that things could have turned out differently. "As an entrepreneur, you always take a risk. But you can of course increase your chances of success. Get knowledge from experts, such as a business advisor, NVM Agricultural & Rural estate agent and architect. Don't focus on one lender. Pay attention to your communication with aldermen. And so ensure goodwill among those around you. Then you can, in principle, go in all directions."

Get advice from an expert
Repurposing is a complex and sometimes far-reaching procedure. It is therefore good to be able to rely on the advice of an expert who represents your interests. The NVM Agrarisch & Landelijk broker specializes in conversion and expropriation procedures. This way you will be well prepared. View on: www.nvm.nl/agrarian

Author: Corwin Stam

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