Royal Brinkman celebrates 40 years of holding 'Royal' status

In 1985, Mies Bouwman presented the ‘Royal’ designation to then-directors Cor and Henk Brinkman during the 100th-anniversary celebration

Is the ‘Royal’ Designation Really That Special?

Absolutely! The ‘Royal’ title is awarded only under very exceptional circumstances, when a company is recognised for its significant contributions to Dutch industry. The award process is formal and stringent, requiring not only a review of the company’s business activities but also the conduct of its owners and directors.

What Are the Requirements?

First and foremost, a company must have been in existence for at least 100 years. The title is typically granted to celebrate a major milestone. The company must have an outstanding reputation for its size, nature, and financial stability, and its operations must be exemplary. Both the company and its owners and directors must be known for their good reputation and ethical conduct. Moreover, the company must retain full financial independence in shaping its business strategy. Of course, the company must also be of Dutch nationality.

How Did Royal Brinkman Receive This Honour?

Royal Brinkman was granted the ‘Royal’ designation on April 1, 1985, during the celebration of its 100th anniversary. The honour was presented at a special ceremony by Mies Bouwman, a renowned television presenter at the time, to the directors Cor and Henk Brinkman.

But Didn’t the ‘Royal’ Designation Expire in 2010?

Yes, that’s correct. After 25 years, the ‘Royal’ designation expired, and we officially applied for an extension. We underwent a comprehensive evaluation process, which involved a detailed review of the company, its directors, and its owners. We passed the review successfully, and in 2011, Queen Beatrix granted us an extension, renewing the ‘Royal’ title for another 25 years. This means we can proudly hold the ‘Royal’ designation until 2036.

What Does the Designation Allow You to Do?

The ‘Royal’ designation allows a company to bear the Royal Crown. Since 1985, Brinkman has proudly carried the title ‘Koninklijke Brinkman’ (Royal Brinkman) and incorporated the word ‘Royal’ into its logo. In 2016, the company officially adopted ‘Royal Brinkman’ as its trading name, and the Royal Crown was added to the logo, positioned above the brand name.

What Does This Mean for Royal Brinkman?

Holding the ‘Royal’ designation is a significant mark of distinction, confirming our esteemed reputation. As a company with a global presence, conducting business internationally is facilitated by the ‘Royal’ title. While it’s challenging to quantify its impact in precise numbers, it undoubtedly contributes to our credibility. Partnering with a ‘Royal’ company conveys trustworthiness and reliability. We truly appreciate the value of this honour. As employees, we take great pride in our 140-year history, and for the past 40 years, the ‘Royal’ designation has further strengthened that pride.

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