The new developments on the Dutch money market and capital market are going to
mean some significant changes in the instruments at our disposal as a capital market
institution. During the last month of the financial year, we developed, among other
things, a floating rate bond which was immediately introduced with great success in
the new year.
Other Activities
For Van Haften Co (banking and securities business), 1985 was another very good
year, partly owing to the favorable climate on the Amsterdam Stock Market as
regards both stocks and bonds. On the European Options Exchange, a seat was
obtained as floor broker, thus enabling Van Haften to operate directly in this
market, too. The company is currently considering whether the experience of
recent years points towards any new activities worth entering into.
Kok Groep (real estate managers, brokers and insurance intermediaries) returned
results which were virtually the same as the results for 1984. The senescence of the
Dutch housing stock and the number of properties standing vacant mean that
management costs are rising and that owners are demanding more information.
A great deal of attention is being devoted to these aspects. Ongoing automation is
enabling the company to meet the growing need for information.
Gebam (housing and general construction) can once again look back on a satisfactory
year. The company has proved that a construction company of limited size can do
quite weil even in the present difficult circumstances. An extremely active approach
to the market, delivering quality work and maintaining good contact with regular
clients are very important contributory factors. In order to strengthen the
company’s position in the renovation market, a 20% interest was acquired in
Renovatie- en Onderhoudgroep (RON) B.V., a construction group which specializes
in renovation, restoration, cleaning and reconditioning work.
Internal Developments and Social Policy
During the year under review, a great deal of attention was devoted to individual
career development of the staff in connection with the changes taking place in the
organization. When we recruit new staff, we place great importance on technical
ability and social skills. As regards existing staff, our training policy is strictly geared
to the requirements imposed on our staff by the change in their working environ
ment. The regular career progress discussions are going to become an increasingly
important tool for management.
Meetings with the Staff Council to discuss a large number of often important issues
were conducted in a constructive and open atmosphere. These meetings frequently
contributed to a more considered decision making process.
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