WestVlaanderenWerkt magazine interviewed Nico Daenens

For its ‘Entrepreneurial DNA’ section, the WestVlaanderenWerkt magazine interviewed Nico Daenens, CEO of Group Daenens. Through his vision on social entrepreneurship, he is living proof of how social impact and a human perspective can significantly influence the world of business.

Nico Daenens built his service voucher company with a clear mission: to create sustainable employment and make a real difference for people.

“n my opinion, entrepreneurship is an attitude rather than an activity,” he says. His approach is underpinned by values such as care, respect and solidarity – principles he learned at home. “I also think the word for entrepreneurship in Dutch is beautiful. ‘Onder-nemen’ literally means to grasp something, to embrace it, to support it from the bottom up. It expresses commitment and care. And you do not need to have a lot of money to give; you can share the little you have too.

Group Daenens consciously invests in its employees, customers and an inclusive society. Nico is a vocal advocate for a greater appreciation of household helps and he firmly believes that everyone deserves opportunities, regardless of their background or education. “Values such as connection, solidarity and inclusion are facing pressure in the world today. Yet every day we see their positive impact on our employees and our customers. Happy employees who are listened to and who are given the opportunity to develop their talents are happier and work better. Happy employees, in turn, ensure satisfied customers. So these so-called ‘soft’ values such as connection do have a really positive economic impact."

Read the full interview in WestVlaanderenWerkt (in Dutch).