There are plenty of independent businesses that help make life in Amsterdam so appealing to locals and expats alike. Whether you require a good gym to maintain a healthy lifestyle, are a fashionista keen on finding sustainable and stylish garbs, or would benefit from specialist business services ranging from development strategies to building online communities, you are sure to find it all.

In this edition, we celebrate the businesses and individuals that play their part in making Amsterdam the envy of Europe. With excellent transport links across the country courtesy of NS and Eurostar, we have also looked further afield to highlight notable achievements of those in cities such as Utrecht, Alkmaar and The Hague.