Last November we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our wonderful company. To kick off the month, we organised an outing for all our employees to the place where it all began: Amsterdam. It was a memorable day, full of fun and unforgettable moments. We started with coffee and cake in the heart of Amsterdam's Jordaan district. Then we explored the area with a treasure hunt which included a visit to Grandpa Nije's very first workshop. To conclude, we all climbed aboard the MS Jordaan for a cruise around the IJ, admiring Amsterdam from the water. We sang traditional songs from Amsterdam while enjoying a typical Dutch lunch - beautifully arranged platters of fish including smoked and pickled herring and mackerel - all washed down with a Pikketanussie, the local nickname for a generous shot of jenever (Dutch gin). Our employees surprised us with a thoughtful gift: an eye-catching wall decoration that has since taken pride of place in our head office.

In the same month, on 29 November to be precise, we celebrated. In the afternoon we held our anniversary reception at our head office where we welcomed many partners and clients who had travelled from far and wide to be with us on this special occasion. We felt very honoured and were showered with beautiful words and gifts. We toasted the occasion and enjoyed drinks and appetisers together. In the evening, we celebrated with all our employees and their partners, with delightful performances from popular Dutch artists including Ruth Jacott and Samantha Steenwijk to round off the party.