Nevertheless, the recession has not left Vebego unscathed in some areas. Thus, EBIT decreased by 37% to a sum of 22.6 million euros. The fall in turnover in HR Services totalling 60 million euros played a key role in this. A reduction in demand for personnel by on average 23% meant a 79% fall in the profit contribution. This decline in turnover was absorbed by turnover and profit increases in other divisions: Facility Services, Healthcare and Products & Systems. Despite a falling market, Vebego’s Products & Systems activities grew nearly 5%. The Facility Services activities outside the Netherlands grew 2% and nearly 7% in the Netherlands. The latter is largely attributable to an increasing number of joint ventures with social employment provisions. The recent increase in turnover cannot, however, camouflage the fact that turnover remains under pressure because of stiff competition on the market.

Confidence in the future
Ronald Goedmakers, Chairman of the Vebego Board of Directors: “Despite the tough economy, I can look back on a successful 2009. Our turnover rose and we continued to be profitable. There are many attractive projects in the pipeline too. I therefore look ahead to the future with confidence. Even in less favourable economic times we have to shift our perspective from the short to the long term. Research by TNO[1] shows for example that from 2015 there will be a shortage of manpower in Western Europe. So the loss of demand in HR Services is temporary in nature. We badly need our people now and in the future. We must continue to keep a good eye on the facility services market. Not just us but the industry as a whole. With the unilateral focus on price not only the quality of our product is put under pressure but also our employees’ sense of pride in their work. This situation is worrying and we are considering adequate measures.

[1] TNO survey ‘Kwaliteit van leven’ (‘Quality of life’), 8 May 2008, Jos Sanders and Wim Swinkels

Firmly behind the CSR policy
Recession or no recession, Vebego continues to stand firmly behind its CSR policy. A sensible approach is a good balance between growth, quality as an employer and social responsibility. In a fiercely competitive market, driven by price, this is quickly put under pressure. Goedmakers: “We are a business for and by people. So, our CSR policy also starts with our people. A sustainable personnel policy, attractive for customers and employees, is the basis for quality and recognition. As long as our people are happy and see opportunities, they will also inspire our customers to corporate social responsibility. This in turn leads to sustainable profit which we can then use to support social projects. This is something we simply must do as a family business certainly.”

About Vebego
Vebego is an international family business active in the fields of cleaning, facility management, personnel services and healthcare. As many as forty companies are part of Vebego: including Hago, Tènce! Uitzendbureau, Indigo, Carrard, Care and Home at the Office. With 30,000 employees Vebego is active in Germany, France, the UK, Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands, amongst other countries. In 2009, Vebego recorded total turnover of € 877 million. Vebego is very active in the field of corporate social responsibility where people come first. Furthermore, Vebego is also a member of MVO Nederland.