In March 2021 Mr. Joost G. H. Vermeulen -a senior VCD consultant of JV-Consultancies- has become a member of the Netherlands Senior Expert platform called PUM, an organization which is part of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

-PUM is a platform of 1.700 voluntary experts who have an in-depth knowledge of their field and are always happy to voluntarily share their know-how with fellow entrepreneurs.

-PUM enables the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in around 40 developing countries and emerging markets by sharing knowledge. The volunteers work with Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets to create positive impact on the economy, environment and society and contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

PUM works with companies which have been around for at least 2 years and are looking for help with their business operations. Normally, a PUM expert will visit them for 2 weeks and give practical advice. After that, all clients will continue to get support in applying the advice. This can be remotely or with a follow-up assignment.

Since February 2020, due to COVID-19 worldwide, travelling is quite difficult. So PUM still offers support to entrepreneurs in developing countries through Remote Coaching: assisting companies with their knowledge and skills through MS-Teams, WhatsApp, Skype, E-mail, or other online applications.

For more information visit their website: https://www.pum.nl/en