'Together we build strong'

Enduring relationships. Strong connections. Besides coordinating all practical matters, Velox puts the relationship first. Both with customers and professionals and regardless of whether they (already) work through Velox. This was also experienced by Edwin Verschoor, who started as an independent project manager in September 2022. "I have known Velox director Kisito Zonneveld since 2012, the year Velox was founded," he says. "We were in regular contact about all kinds of things. When I got some free time after a few months as a freelancer, he immediately offered me a great position at Hinfelaar Elektrotechniek."

Hinfelaar Electrical Engineering has been at home in electrical installations for 103 years. From inspections and testing to security, LED lighting, home automation and electrics and including a 24-hour breakdown service. The family business was founded in 1920 as a maintenance company, providing day-to-day maintenance for real estate investors, pension funds, housing associations and contractor companies. "In the 1960s we took our first steps into the renovation market," says Paul Hinfelaar, who has been at the helm of Hinfelaar Elektrotechniek since 2015 and is the fourth generation. Under his wings, the family business has grown from 30 to about 100 permanent employees. In part by exploring new markets, he says. "In 2015, we entered the new construction market. Our first project was to realize 76 apartments at the Spoorlaan in Tilburg. This definitely tasted like more, so we now have a large new construction portfolio. For example, we were commissioned by the Bosman Companies to build 595 new-build apartments next to the Amsterdam Arena, and we are installing 104 new-build apartments in Rotterdam for Synchroon and Nexton. In addition, over the past five years we have developed some 1,400 apartments in old office buildings. Two years ago, we started an exclusive line within our company, with which we also serve the high-end market. With that, we can now say that our company is multidisciplinary. This makes us an attractive employer. Employees get the chance to develop various disciplines. From new construction to renovation and transformation, service & maintenance and
troubleshooting."

Flexible shell of professionals

In addition to its own employees, Hinfelaar Elektrotechniek has been working with a flexible shell for several years. A development that is unavoidable, according to Hinfelaar, because good professionals are hard to recruit. "For a long time we tried to keep all people and knowledge in-house," he says. "Now that installation technology is rapidly developing and broadening, however, this is becoming almost impossible. Electrical engineering is taking on an increasingly dominant role in the construction process. From light and power installations to domotics, smart charging systems and fire alarm and evacuation systems, the different disciplines require different skilled technicians. To have all disciplines in-house and master 100% is nearly impossible in relation to labor shortages. By partnering with Velox, we can fill any voids perfectly. I have regular contact with Kisito to define the works we bring in. What is the demand? Which professionals are involved? And can Velox find these professionals in the short term? In many cases, Velox manages to offer a suitable candidate within two to three weeks. This gives us the ability and confidence to also take on projects for which we do not (yet) have a professional available."

House on South and Wenkebach 

Edwin Verschoor has been working as project manager for Hinfelaar Elektrotechniek since November 2022 and two days a week. "I started managing project Huis op Zuid in Rotterdam," he says. "This multifunctional building houses various sports, swimming and catering facilities, as well as a residential tower with 104 rental apartments for Synchroon Woonfonds. In early 2023, the management of project Wenkebach in The Hague was added. This Staedion project includes the realization of a new residential building with 136 social rental apartments for the elderly, which will be furnished according to the 'Living with a Plus' concept. Both projects should be completed around March 2024."

Fine variety, pleasant cooperation

The variety between the two new construction projects appeals greatly to Verschoor. "Moreover, the cooperation with both Hinfelaar Elektrotechniek and Velox is very pleasant. As soon as a new project presents itself, I will definitely keep myself recommended." Like Hinfelaar Elektrotechniek, Velox is also a tremendously progressive organization. "Regardless of whether you work through Velox or are a permanent employee: people are always central. The staff parties, gifts around the holidays and regular contact moments are a good example of this. We also work with a self-billing system. Instead of making invoices myself, simply entering my working hours is sufficient. This allows me to fully focus on what I enjoy most: the
directing projects."