What a milestone! AXP is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. What began in 1999 as a small local service provider in Rotterdam has grown into a leading full-service advisory firm with offices in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, and clients not only across the Netherlands but also internationally.
AXP has always been at the forefront of innovation. Despite all the technological advancements, our core values – personal contact and client – focused solutions – have always remained the same.
In this interview, we speak with Mario, the founder of AXP, about the challenges, highlights, and lessons learned over the past 25 years. How has he seen the company evolve, what is he most proud of, and how do you celebrate such a significant anniversary?
What do you see as the biggest change compared to 25 years ago?
The biggest change I’ve seen is, without a doubt, the way technology has transformed our sector. When I started AXP, administrative services were still a semi-analog process. Back then, clients mainly needed efficient processing of their accounts and the production of financial statements and tax returns. Over the years, through automation and robotics, we’ve developed into a fully-fledged (international) advisory firm. We’ve streamlined administrative processes, enabling clients to update and track their data in real time. This has not only made our work more efficient but also given our clients more control over their operations. The smart application of cloud solutions, reporting and analysis software, and digital working methods ensures that we continue to lead in the market. We are now entering the AI era and will be integrating these new techniques into our services in the coming years.
What do you find most remarkable that has remained unchanged at AXP over all these years?
What I find remarkable is that despite all the technological changes, our core values have always remained the same. Our personal approach and building real relationships with our clients are still the foundation of our success. The trust our clients place in us and the way we support them, no matter how complex their challenges, have remained consistent. We’ve always focused on tailored solutions and advice, and that makes all the difference.
What do you consider the most important factor in building long-term relationships with your clients?
The most important factor, in my opinion, is the ability to think along with the client and view them as partners, not just clients. We listen to their needs, delve into their business models, and strive to add real value to their organization. By providing proactive advice and continuously innovating, we show that we don’t just respond to their current situation but also think ahead. Reliability and transparency play a crucial role in this.
When you look back over the past 25 years, what are you most proud of?
What makes me most proud is the impact we’ve had on the businesses we support. We’ve not only made their administrative tasks easier but also helped them grow and achieve their goals, like helping them expand into the Netherlands with a tailored strategy and support them in being successful. It’s rewarding to look back at clients we’ve been supporting since the beginning and to see them successfully grow into valuable companies, with some even reaching ‘unicorn’ status. I’m also incredibly proud of our team. AXP has evolved from an accounting firm into a knowledge organization. We’ve built a strong team that is fully committed to our clients and grows alongside the challenges we face. The loyalty of both our staff and our clients is something that deeply moves me, and I’m immensely proud of that.
How are you celebrating this 25th anniversary, and what would you like to say to the clients, partners, and employees who made this possible?
We are celebrating this milestone by reflecting on what we’ve achieved together. We marked the occasion with a grand private event last Saturday at the Opperdepop festival. It was a way for us to thank all our clients, employees, and partners for their contributions over the past 25 years. Without their dedication and commitment, this would not have been possible. To our clients, partners, and employees, I would like to say: thank you for your trust and collaboration . AXP’s success is the result of the incredible relationships we’ve built over the past 25 years. Together, we look forward to the next years with just as much passion and energy!
