Sandefjord awarded Norway's most business friendly municipality
Once again, Vestfold and Telemark have a municipality at the top of the podium!
Last year it was Fyresdal municipality that brought honor and glory home to the region, and this year Sandefjord continues the legacy.
The Norwegian Confederation of Business (NHO) and The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) have for the fifth time in a row awarded Norway's most business friendly municipality. The jury nominated three municipalities in the category with over 15,000 inhabitants and three municipalities in the category with under 15,000 inhabitants.
Sandefjord was also nominated and became first runner up behind the winner Halden, but this year they claimed the title in the large municipality category.
The jury’s reasoning for awarding Sandefjord municipality this year's winner:
- The municipality has systematically and comprehensively worked on business development for years – with the ambition of becoming the best in the country. They are unique in facilitating entrepreneurial activities, with over 500 business startups annually.
- Green and innovative solutions are at the forefront, and the municipality collaborates with suppliers to shape the future smart city.
- They take proactive steps to ensure expertise, including by integrating multicultural environments. This has resulted in nearly 1000 individuals entering the workforce.
- This is a municipality with strong industrial traditions that has nurtured major international corporations.
“This is an inspiration to continue the good work that has been laid down over several decades,"
says Bjørn Ole Gleditsch, the mayor of Sandefjord, in his acceptance speech.
Strong and committed private business sector
Jan Erik Hvidsten, the business development manager in Sandefjord municipality, adds that the business culture in Sandefjord makes it more rewarding to work on business development here than in many other municipalities.
"Sandefjord has a strong and committed private business sector, which both elected officials and the municipal administration benefit from and enjoy collaborating closely with," he states.
Championing business growth: Vestfold and Telemark's supportive environment
Vestfold and Telemark is a region that values and prioritizes the business sector, where municipal administrations and residents support and cheer on local businesses. Here, we have a wide network of excellent helpers and the best conditions for businesses establishing themselves to succeed and grow.
In conclusion, Invest in Vestfold & Telemark would like to join the ranks of well-wishers and express gratitude for the collaboration we have with all the forward-thinking municipalities in the region!
Read about last years nomination and award here:
https://investinvt.no/news/norways-most-business-friendly-municipality-is-in-our-county
