Latest news with #Rotterdam-based
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Scots factory up for sale after manufacturing firm went bust with 50 jobs axed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTS factory has been put up for sale after a firm collapsed with 50 jobs lost. Angus blinds manufacturer Stevens Scotland Ltd, which operated out of Brechin, ceased production last year. 4 Angus blinds manufacturer Stevens Scotland Ltd ceased production last year Credit: Colliers 4 The firm's 70,379 sq ft factory on Denburn Way is now on the market Credit: Colliers 4 It features meeting rooms, a canteen area, a main open plan office and a car park Credit: Colliers 4 Stevens was established in 1968 and was bought over by Hunter Douglas Credit: Colliers The facility closed on December 31, 2024. Former bosses said cost-of-living pressures and reduced consumer spending led to the decision. The firm's 70,379 sq ft factory on Denburn Way is now on the market for an unspecified price. It features meeting rooms, a canteen area, a main open plan office and a car park. Commercial property agents Colliers said: "The premises comprise a standalone steel portal frame warehouse with insulated profile wall and roof cladding. "Denburn Way is a street located in Brechin, a historic town in Angus, Scotland. "Brechin is situated approximately 15 miles north of Dundee and 35 miles south of Aberdeen. "The town is known for its rich history, including the Brechin Cathedral and the nearby Den Burn Works, a former linen mill complex established in 1864. "The area around Denburn Way features a mix of residential properties, a Lidl supermarket immediately to the west and a range of commercial businesses to the north of Commerce Street and to the east of the unit." Company documents signed last year read: "In recent years, the company has seen a decline in sales volumes attributed to the downturn in the UK economy with cost of living pressures reducing consumers' spending on their homes. Scottish firm goes bust after plunging into administration 'During 2024 the company objectives have been focused on stabilising operations, identifying core strengths and creating a road map for future profitable growth. 'This includes continuing to seek operational efficiencies within sourcing, manufacturing and central support services in order to streamline business processes and improve customer service. 'Following a review of the UK group's made-to-measure operations, Hunter Douglas, the company's parent undertaking, announced the intention to transfer the Stevens made to measure sales and manufacturing volume into another of the group's UK businesses. 'This will result in the company ceasing to trade on December 31 2024.' Stevens was established in 1968 and was bought over by Hunter Douglas, an industry giant, in 2015. The Rotterdam-based business mogul purchased Stevens after it had a turnover of £18million.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Inter Milan & Roma Miss Out – Twente Wonderkid Signs For Feyenoord
Inter Milan and Roma are set to miss out with Twente midfielder Sem Steijn having signed for Feyenoord. Feyenoord confirm, via FCInterNews, that the 23-year-old has signed a four-year deal until the end of June 2029. Advertisement Inter Milan and Roma had reportedly both been eyeing up Twente midfielder Sem Steijn. The Dutchman has enjoyed an outstanding season. He is the top scorer in the Eredivisie, with 23 goals to date. Moreover, Steijn enjoyed an impressive Europa League campaign. He caught the eye in a number of matches, including starting a 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Therefore, it's little surprise that Steijn has attracted some transfer attention. That has included from Serie A, with the Nerazzurri and the Giallorossi. However, Steijn will not yet be making a move away from his Netherlands. Inter Milan & Roma Miss Out – Sem Steijn Signs For Feyenoord Feyenoord have been the club with the keenest interest in the signature of Sem Steijn. Advertisement Moreover, the Rotterdam-based side have been well aware of the amount of other interest in the 23-year-old Twente midfielder's signature. Therefore, Feyenoord have anticipated the competition to sign. The Rotterdam-based club have confirmed that they have landed Steijn for next season. Steijn has signed a four-year contract with Feyenoord until the end of June 2029.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rotterdam opens Portlantis 'storytelling machine' to explore city's past, present and future
We might be consistently blown away by the sheer scale of international ports with their monster cargo ships, cranes, acres of containers stacked like Lego bricks and fleets of trucks, but how many of us really know how a port operates? Rotterdam, the biggest and busiest in Europe, is demystifying its past, present and looking to the future with the new Portlantis, a massive visitor and exhibition centre designed by renowned Rotterdam-based architecture firm MVRDV and located at the port's southwestern corner. Constructed as five rotated spaces with an outer red staircase to the rooftop, the building is surrounded by dunes, with views out to the North Sea and to the massive cargo docks. The no-nonsense industrial design was masterminded by architect Winy Maas, one of MVRDV's founding partners. The project, commissioned and funded by the Rotterdam Port Authority, is close to Maas' heart. 'As a kid I fell in love with this landscape of boxes and I biked and hiked around these gigantic structures. It is the opposite of the cuteness we associate with the Netherlands,' says Maas. 'The question was how to compete with the windmills, ships and containers? The structure is made from the materials of the port — recycled steel, which is resistant to salt, dust and wind." Located on Maasvlakte II, a vast artificial land extension 44km from the city centre, Portlantis' design upholds "circular economy" principles, and is fully energy-neutral thanks to efficient insulation, 266 solar panels and its own wind turbine. Its form echoes the port's stacked containers, but boasts panoramic windows and a soaring 22m atrium hung with a giant kinetic sculpture featuring chrome yellow symbols of the port such as a chain and anchor. 'It feels a bit James Bond,' smiles Maas — but inside, the exhibition centre is more Willy Wonka. Designed by Herman Kossman of Kossmanndejong and Portlantis' creative director Piet-Harm Strong, the three-storey show addresses different themes of past, present and future. 'The function and operation of the port is so complex,' says Strong of their mission to highlight and animate the port's operations: myriad trucks and warehouses, 80 container ships docking every day, petro-chemical industries processing crude oil, and the possibility of a greener future ahead. 'Everything you might use in a day from your sneakers to a banana, water bottle, to washing machines, furniture and bike parts, very likely passed through the port. Sixty percent of the stuff around us has a connection with Rotterdam port. It's food for thought when you go home,' says Strong. The first floor is all about today's port — shipping, cargo, industry and infrastructure — and includes a chemical lab and a workshop. The second floor explores the impact of the port on the economy, employment and environment, and third considers the future of the port through innovations and energy transition. Each zone is immersive, and interactive with games, workshops and easy to digest information. On reaching the third floor, visitors are given iPads to explore possible solutions and outcomes as the port reinvents itself in the nation's bid to be carbon neutral by 2050, with offshore wind, biofuel production and battery recycling all potential options. There's even a virtual reality helicopter ride that simulates a daredevil flight over the port. At present, says Strong, 50% of trade is connected to fossil fuel. On the environmental note, a series of vitrines are dedicated to the flora and fauna, including many rare birds. Portlantis is small but punchy, and is aimed at a broad audience — everyone from school pupils and students considering a career in the port to corporate visitors, international port authorities and the general public. Eileen Niks, Portlantis Programme Manager, estimates an annual footfall of 150,000 visitors. The roof top restaurant and a stroll across the dunes is a big plus. The centre, billed as "a machine for storytelling", is one of a series of new cultural attractions in Rotterdam, a city known for its innovative thinking and experimentation. With a 10% uptick in visitor numbers in 2024, Rotterdam will soon see the launch of Fenix Museum, the world's first centre dedicated to migration, and the reopening of Netherlands Photo Museum in its new home, a former 1903 coffee warehouse in the docklands area. It seems like the former underdog city is coming into its own. Bombed during the Second World War, the modern cityscape is the opposite of historic Amsterdam, it is home to thriving global architectural practices including MVDRV and OMA, and a buoyant design scene with makers benefiting from empty industrial spaces and low rents. But as Portlantis demonstrates, much of its economy and identity revolves around the port. 'We are not Paris, Rome or Amsterdam," says vice mayor Robert Simons. "We are focussed on innovation — and the energy of the port can felt in the city's heart."
Euronews
31-03-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Rotterdam opens Portlantis 'storytelling machine' to explore city's past, present and future
ADVERTISEMENT We might be consistently blown away by the sheer scale of international ports with their monster cargo ships, cranes, acres of containers stacked like Lego bricks and fleets of trucks, but how many of us really know how a port operates? Rotterdam, the biggest and busiest in Europe, is demystifying its past, present and looking to the future with the new Portlantis, a massive visitor and exhibition centre designed by renowned Rotterdam-based architecture firm MVRDV and located at the port's southwestern corner. Constructed as five rotated spaces with an outer red staircase to the rooftop, the building is surrounded by dunes, with views out to the North Sea and to the massive cargo docks. The no-nonsense industrial design was masterminded by architect Winy Maas, one of MVRDV's founding partners. Portlantis is designed by renowned Rotterdam based architecture firm MVRDV Ossip van Duivenbode The project, commissioned and funded by the Rotterdam Port Authority, is close to Maas' heart. 'As a kid I fell in love with this landscape of boxes and I biked and hiked around these gigantic structures. It is the opposite of the cuteness we associate with the Netherlands,' says Maas. 'The question was how to compete with the windmills, ships and containers? The structure is made from the materials of the port — recycled steel, which is resistant to salt, dust and wind." Located on Maasvlakte II, a vast artificial land extension 44km from the city centre, Portlantis' design upholds "circular economy" principles, and is fully energy-neutral thanks to efficient insulation, 266 solar panels and its own wind turbine. The view from Portlantis. MVRDV/Portlantis. Its form echoes the port's stacked containers, but boasts panoramic windows and a soaring 22m atrium hung with a giant kinetic sculpture featuring chrome yellow symbols of the port such as a chain and anchor. 'It feels a bit James Bond,' smiles Maas — but inside, the exhibition centre is more Willy Wonka. Designed by Herman Kossman of Kossmanndejong and Portlantis' creative director Piet-Harm Strong, the three-storey show addresses different themes of past, present and future. 'The function and operation of the port is so complex,' says Strong of their mission to highlight and animate the port's operations: myriad trucks and warehouses, 80 container ships docking every day, petro-chemical industries processing crude oil, and the possibility of a greener future ahead. 'Everything you might use in a day from your sneakers to a banana, water bottle, to washing machines, furniture and bike parts, very likely passed through the port. Sixty percent of the stuff around us has a connection with Rotterdam port. It's food for thought when you go home,' says Strong. Each zone of the exhibition centre is immersive, and interactive with games, workshops and easy to digest information Ossip van Duivenbode The first floor is all about today's port — shipping, cargo, industry and infrastructure — and includes a chemical lab and a workshop. The second floor explores the impact of the port on the economy, employment and environment, and third considers the future of the port through innovations and energy transition. Each zone is immersive, and interactive with games, workshops and easy to digest information. On reaching the third floor, visitors are given iPads to explore possible solutions and outcomes as the port reinvents itself in the nation's bid to be carbon neutral by 2050, with offshore wind, biofuel production and battery recycling all potential options. There's even a virtual reality helicopter ride that simulates a daredevil flight over the port. At present, says Strong, 50% of trade is connected to fossil fuel. On the environmental note, a series of vitrines are dedicated to the flora and fauna, including many rare birds. Portlantis is small but punchy, and is aimed at a broad audience — everyone from school pupils and students considering a career in the port to corporate visitors, international port authorities and the general public. ADVERTISEMENT Eileen Niks, Portlantis Programme Manager, estimates an annual footfall of 150,000 visitors. The roof top restaurant and a stroll across the dunes is a big plus. Portlantis is aimed at a broad audience from school pupils to corporate visitors and the general public Ossip van Duivenbode The centre, billed as "a machine for storytelling", is one of a series of new cultural attractions in Rotterdam, a city known for its innovative thinking and experimentation. With a 10% uptick in visitor numbers in 2024, Rotterdam will soon see the launch of Fenix Museum, the world's first centre dedicated to migration, and the reopening of Netherlands Photo Museum in its new home, a former 1903 coffee warehouse in the docklands area. It seems like the former underdog city is coming into its own. Bombed during the Second World War, the modern cityscape is the opposite of historic Amsterdam, it is home to thriving global architectural practices including MVDRV and OMA, and a buoyant design scene with makers benefiting from empty industrial spaces and low rents. But as Portlantis demonstrates, much of its economy and identity revolves around the port. ADVERTISEMENT 'We are not Paris, Rome or Amsterdam," says vice mayor Robert Simons. "We are focussed on innovation — and the energy of the port can felt in the city's heart."
New York Times
22-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Dirk Kuyt interview: ‘For Arne to win the league in his first season… no one will forget it'
Dirk Kuyt knows what the Premier League title means to Liverpool supporters. The former Netherlands forward spent six years at Anfield desperately trying to help end the club's long wait for the top-flight crown. The big prize eluded him before he said his goodbyes in the summer of 2012. He watched from afar when Jurgen Klopp finally broke the 30-year drought in 2020, but lamented how they could not celebrate the achievement properly due to the pandemic. Advertisement It is why Kuyt chuckled this week after hearing talk about Liverpool being set to have 'only' the Premier League title to show for this season following defeats against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16 and Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final. Arne Slot's side are 12 points clear of Arsenal and need a maximum of 16 points from their remaining nine league matches to be crowned champions. 'It will be absolutely massive,' Kuyt tells The Athletic. 'For Arne to win the Premier League in his first season in charge will be something no one will ever forget. 'It took such a long time for Liverpool to win the championship. And then when it happened last time it was a bad time for people all over the world, but especially for Liverpool supporters because they couldn't enjoy the success properly. 'We've all seen the parades around the city after Champions League wins. But to win the Premier League I feel will mean even more to the people. It will be crazy both in the stadium and around the city. 'Going out of the Champions League and losing the final was disappointing but it means there's now complete focus on the Premier League and giving everything so they can lift that trophy at Anfield on May 25.' For Kuyt, there is a deep sense of pride about Slot's impact at Anfield. He was convinced Liverpool had made a shrewd choice when Slot was appointed as Klopp's successor, having seen his work close up during his three-year reign at Feyenoord. Kuyt, who enjoyed two spells as a player with the Rotterdam-based club, spent some time behind the scenes shadowing Slot at Feyenoord as he made the move into coaching. 'I was really happy when Arne joined Liverpool because I knew what he was capable of after doing so well at Feyenoord,' he says. 'But nobody expected it to go this well, besides maybe Arne himself. He's managed to build on Jurgen's achievements and do it his way. Yes, he inherited a good squad but how he got the team playing the way he wants so quickly was unbelievable. He's made Premier League games look easy at times. Advertisement 'Everyone was saying that whoever came next after Jurgen would face such a difficult time. It's not easy to replace a legend. We know how tough it was for Jurgen in the beginning to get Liverpool playing like he wanted. 'But Arne managed that in a very short time. When I watch Liverpool sometimes I think I'm watching his AZ or Feyenoord teams from back in the day. It's one thing doing it at those clubs compared to getting some of the best players in the world to believe in how he wants to play. 'In the Champions League he was unlucky to face a team as good as PSG in their first knockout round. It was a top game decided by small details.' The Dutch influence at Anfield has never been stronger. Captain Virgil van Dijk has been a rock defensively, with Kuyt keen to see the talismanic centre-back remain at Liverpool beyond the end of his contract this summer. 'Virgil leads in such a great way and he's playing at his best level,' he adds. 'He takes care of his own performances and he's also there for others on and off the pitch. 'It wasn't easy for him coming back from a bad injury and he had some criticism, but this season he's been immense and I'm enjoying every minute of watching him play for Liverpool. 'He is turning 34 soon (July 8) but players now can go on longer than those of my generation. It's the same with Mo (Salah), who turns 33 in June. Everyone who likes Liverpool wants these players to sign new contracts tomorrow but we don't know the details. All I can say is I hope that soon we get the green light that they will be staying at Liverpool as they're still among the best players in the world.' Ryan Gravenberch, who withdrew from the Netherlands squad for their Nations League tie with Spain due to a fitness concern, has been showered with praise since being trusted by Slot to play the holding midfield role. Advertisement The former Ajax academy player had struggled to secure regular game time under Klopp last season following a difficult spell at Bayern Munich. 'People in Holland thought the step to Bayern was maybe a bit early for him to such a big club,' Kuyt says. 'But it also helped him to experience the negative part of not playing as much as he wanted. People always think players develop most when they achieve success. But people get even stronger when times are hard. 'Look at someone like (current Bayern Munich boss) Vincent Kompany. He got relegated with Burnley and see where he is now in his career. 'Gravenberch will have learned a lot from the experiences he had at such a young age. Arne knew him well from his time in Holland and has managed to get the best. He's still only 22 and sometimes people forget that. It's been a joy to watch him.' And then there is Cody Gakpo, who has been Liverpool's second-most potent attacker this season behind Salah with 16 goals in all competitions. 'Cody needed some time to adjust after arriving from PSV but he's shown this season how important he is with the goals he scored,' Kuyt says. 'That position on the left, cutting inside to shoot, is what he really likes and it's where he's best. It's great to see all the Dutch boys performing at such a high level.' Kuyt, who scored 71 goals in 285 games for Liverpool, has his hands full as manager of Beerschot in the Belgian Pro League. He led the Antwerp-based club to promotion last season but it has been a struggle at a higher level. They finished bottom in the regular season with just three wins out of 30 and are now preparing for the relegation round, when they will play home and away against the three teams above them. 'I'm really enjoying it,' he says. 'Nobody expected us to win the championship last season but we did it. It was a huge achievement for the club and the players. Advertisement 'I decided to sign a new contract to stay on in the top division. It sounds strange but we're doing really well in the circumstances. We have the lowest budget in the league and we've been unlucky at times, especially with VAR! We got a draw against Club Brugge and we won against Anderlecht. 'It's great experience for me as a manager. Although there's a big chance we get relegated, we'll give everything we have until the end. While it's still possible, we have to keep believing.' Kuyt is returning to Merseyside to play for Liverpool Legends against Chelsea Legends at Anfield on Saturday (3pm kick-off UK time). A few thousand tickets remain on sale, with all funds raised supporting the work of the LFC Foundation. Sir Kenny Dalglish will manage a Liverpool squad that also includes Steven Gerrard, Peter Crouch, Sami Hyypia and Jerzy Dudek. Last season the foundation helped around 127,000 people across the region and aims to be supporting 500,000 people per year by 2030. The eight previous legends matches at Anfield raised more than £7.5million ($9.7m). 'I'm really looking forward to it. Anfield always feels like home to me,' Kuyt adds. 'To be back in the dressing room with the lads, chat with the people on the streets and play in front of a full house… it's what I love to do. The best days of my life were as a football player and once a year, I still get the chance to play at the best place to play football. 'The cause we're doing it for is really important. Liverpool is a big example to clubs across the world in terms of giving back to the community. The foundation helps so many people in need and it makes me happy to be a small part of this. 'It's about time I scored another one in front of the Kop so I hope Sir Kenny will give me some minutes. I'm ready for 90 but knowing Kenny he will only give me 45!'
