As the Head Sponsor of Amsterdam International Fashion Week (AIFW), Fortis strategically strengthens its long-term commitment to the Dutch fashion industry. In its fourth year of backing the AIFW, Fortis has also been a founding sponsor of the industry specialist forum, the Fortis Fashion Business Xchange.
Says HJ Stuyling de Lange, Director at Commercial Banking, Fortis Bank Nederland: "The fashion world is all about creativity and innovation. To create a new collection every season, out of a thought or a feeling is inspiring to me and, I think, to many other people. Fashion says something about who you are, and who you want to be. Fortis has been active in financing the Dutch fashion industry for years and, in many ways, we have grown and expanded together with our fashion clients. That has built up a lot of trust and experience."
Fortis has also seen a steady rise in its number of fashion clients over the years. Included in its current portfolio are: Mexx, Tommy Hilfiger, WE, Secon Group, Gant and G-Star amongst others. Fortis's effort to understand the fashion industry and the specific issues that affect its key players (most of whom the bank knows personally) reaffirms its position as a "fashion insider" - the preferred financial partner who appreciates the ins and outs of the fashion business.
"The main reason for any business relationship is that you like and trust the people that you work with," says Ludo Onnink, CFO of Tommy Hilfiger Europe. "We've been working with Fortis for the last 12 years. They are international, creative and they think along with you. They have grown along with us, based on their great understanding of our business."
Jan van Rutte, Chairman of the Board, Fortis Bank Nederland: "We strongly believe in the increasing importance of the fashion industry and the excellent springboard position of the Netherlands to grow further in this market. In line with the innovative and creative qualities inherent in the fashion industry, Fortis will aim to build a solid customer base and will keep committing itself to be the best financial partner for this industry."
Fortis's decision to become Head Sponsor of the AIFW was greatly welcomed by James Veenhoff, Programme Director of Amsterdam International Fashion Week, especially since the government pulled out the bulk of its financial support for the event after three years. James: "The partnership with Fortis is crucial for the further growth and development of Fashion Week. Their commitment to our platform and the fashion industry in general is tremendous, and creates opportunities for both established brands and breakthrough talent."
Fortis has been active in Dutch fashion industry for years. Having reached annual sales of EUR 10 billion last year, the Dutch fashion industry is only growing and has become a market that deserves special focus. A team of dedicated Fortis-account managers looks after a wide portfolio of fashion clients; serving them from the beginning to the end of their supply chain via more than 130 business centres in Europe and Asia. This includes key fashion manufacturing regions like China, Hong Kong and Turkey. Fortis continues to support the AIFW to create a platform from which Dutch fashion houses and designers can show and develop their work. It is a founding sponsor of the Fortis Fashion Business Xchange (FFBX), which aims to connect and inspire members of the fashion industry. Through its sponsoring efforts, Fortis also aims to help bring rising Dutch design talent onto the international radar.
Fortis is an international provider of banking and insurance services to personal, business and institutional customers. We deliver a total package of financial products and services through our own high-performance channels and via intermediaries and other partners. Fortis ranks among Europe's top 20 financial institutions. We have a presence in over 50 countries and a dedicated, professional workforce of more than 65,000. All this makes us a leader in financial services in Europe, a top 3 private banker and a top tier asset manager. More information is available at www.fortis.com.
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