Nelis Company and Yespers are this year’s winners of the Haagse Parel. The Haagse Parel is a municipal award for companies and individuals who make a special contribution to the economy of The Hague. There are two categories. In the category ‘Exceptional contribution’ Nelis Company took home the win. Yespers is the winner in the category ‘Impactful circular company’, which is aimed at companies that are committed to reusing raw materials.
Nur Icar (Alderman for SMEs, Work and Participation) announced the winners during the event Den Haag Inspireert!. This year, for the first time, the winners received a cheque for 5,000 euros, which can be used to help the company grow. They were also presented with the Haagse Parel award. “With the Haagse Parel, we are putting our entrepreneurs in the spotlight. They are important because they contribute to an attractive and liveable city and provide employment. I think it is extra nice that both of this year’s winners also offer an opportunity to people who are distanced from the labour market,” says Icar.
Three nominees
There were three nominees per category. They were announced at the end of April, after which the public could vote for their favorite company. The three contenders in the category ‘Exceptional contribution’ were TommyTomato, Haagse Schatten and Nelis Company. In the category ‘Impactful circular company’ CupXchange, De Pot Op and Yespers were nominated.
Audience and jury votes
The final result was determined for 40% by the more than 5400 public votes. The remaining 60% was determined by the jury reports. The jury consisted of Kaushilya Budhu Lall (Economic Board The Hague), Edith Groenewegen (MKB Den Haag), Robert Medenblik (VNO-NCW region The Hague), Juriën Kester (Tuincentrum Ockenburgh, winner of the Haagse Parel ‘Exceptional contribution’ 2024) and Rolien Wiersinga (Circulair Green, winner of the Haagse Parel ‘Impactful circular enterprise’ 2024).
Photographer: Fleur Beemster
Photo (from left to right): Stefan Baecke (Yespers), Nur Icar (Alderman for SMEs, Work and Participation), Joost Castenmiller (Yespers) and Daan Krijger (Nelis Company).