Social media firm Tuminds opening Dutch office

An Inverness digital and social media agency is to embark on its first overseas expansion with an office in the Netherlands.

Utrecht will soon be home to Tuminds' first overseas base

Tuminds, which advises the likes of Diageo, Highlands & Island Enterprise and Royal Bank of Scotland, said the move into Utrecht marks part of a longer-term strategy to broaden its international reach.

Managing director Rene Looper, who founded the business in 2006, said: “It was always at the back of my mind to expand abroad.

“In terms of applying social media and digital marketing in business, UK companies are arguably a step ahead of their Dutch counterparts, so I believe there is a lot we can do to help Dutch businesses get ahead in the digital space.”

Looper, who is from Amsterdam, added: “We have also had many enquiries from businesses in Holland for help with their social media and digital strategy. Opening an office in Utrecht will mean we can serve a larger client base, as well as share ideas, expertise and opportunities with international businesses.”

Tuminds is investing an undisclosed sum in office space, marketing and staff in the Netherlands. Over the longer term, the company aims to become a social media training hub, helping marketing professionals across Europe and further afield to hone their digital skills.

“We’re looking to have a soft launch in November this year, with the aim to have everything in place for January,” Looper said.

“The office will be manned by a Dutch team of digital professionals who have experience working in training, customer service and social media strategy.”

Earlier this year, Tuminds became the UK’s first company in the sector to achieve the twin accolade of Investors in People and Investors in Young People accreditation.