Social Capital and Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen 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 Hague economy. There are two categories. Social Capital, a social staffing agency that helps people with a structural need for guidance find sustainable paid work in the hospitality sector, is the winner in the ‘Exceptional Contribution’ category. In the ‘Sustainable Enterprise’ category, Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen, where authentic building materials are given a second life, took home the entrepreneur award.
Alderman Nur Icar (SMEs, Employment and Participation) announced the winner of the ‘Exceptional Contribution’ category. Alderman Arjen Kapteijns (Energy Transition, Mobility and Raw Materials) presented the award to the winner of the ‘Sustainable Enterprise’ category. In addition to the Haagse Parel, both winners were presented with a cheque for 5,000 euros, which can be used to grow their businesses.
“The Hague has a huge number of entrepreneurs who are significant to their neighborhood, contribute to employment, or make a social impact in other ways. Social Capital is a wonderful example of this: they make a difference for people by giving them a chance to develop towards employment. It is wonderful to reflect on this today with the presentation of the Haagse Parel!”, says Icar.
Kapteijns: “Many entrepreneurs are active in our city who demonstrate that sustainability is simply possible. Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen truly stands out. They give used building materials a new life and show that circularity doesn’t have to be complicated, but rather smart, creative, and absolutely necessary. Through what they do, we save raw materials and energy, and they inspire other entrepreneurs to also pay attention to sustainability. That is why this Hague Gem is more than well-deserved.”
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 ‘Exceptional Contribution’ category were Apotheek Pillen en Praten, Eye Security, and Social Capital. Hubbel Stadslogistiek, Seepje, and Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen were nominated in the ‘Sustainable Enterprise’ category.
Public and jury votes
The final result was determined for 40% by the more than 3,500 public votes. The remaining 60% was determined by the expert jury. This consisted of Harry Wientjens (Economic Board The Hague), Pieter Scholten (MKB Den Haag), Karima el Bouchtaoui (VNO-NCW region The Hague), Stefan Baecke (Yespers, winner of the Haagse Parel ‘Impactful Circular Enterprise’ 2025) and Daan Krijger (Nelis Company, winner of the Haagse Parel ‘Exceptional Contribution’ 2025).
The Hague Inspires!
The Entrepreneurship Award was presented during Den Haag Inspireert!, the entrepreneur and employer event organized by the Economic Board The Hague and the Municipality of The Hague. In addition to the presentation of the Haagse Parel, the program consisted of bringing together entrepreneurs, government officials, educational institutions, and other organizations from the region. During the event, themes such as AI, labor market development, and entrepreneurship took center stage, featuring inspiration sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities.
Photographer: Michel Mees
Photo caption: Aldermen Icar and Kapteijns with Social Capital and Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen, the winners of the Haagse Parel 2026