BusinessNetwork 9220 storms ahead

It all started in 2011 when we at Port of Aalborg joined forces with Himmerland Housing Association and a group of other companies in 9220 Aalborg East who, like us, wanted an extension of Tranholmvej. Today, it has become BusinessNetwork 9220 with more than 230 member companies with business interests in the 9220 postal code.

When one plus one equals three

– The whole idea behind the network is to create co-operation, trade and synergy between the area’s businesses. We work with the district’s many companies, entrepreneurs, organisations, education and social events to shape the area so that Aalborg East can offer optimal conditions for sustainable business development and social responsibility, an attractive framework for businesses and, not least, stronger connections between businesses, says Lars Jøker, Chairman of BusinessNetwork 9220.

Since its inception, the network has grown significantly, and today many member companies are located outside the postal code.

We drive the development ourselves

– At the core of BusinessNetwork 9220 are the members, who manage and run the network themselves. Through membership, companies have the opportunity to collaborate and do business with others with common interests and thereby influence local social and business development in Aalborg East, says Lars Jøker.

The network has created visible results both in the area and at the individual companies. This has fuelled the momentum, which is why the members of BusinessNetwork 9220 have now established six subgroups to strengthen their efforts.

– The sub-groups cross disciplines and interests, but with a common focus on a specific topic such as energy, environment, ESG, recruitment and entrepreneurship. In addition, we have a talent group to be at the forefront so that the network also includes future leaders and can help support generational change both in the network and in the companies. This is something that can often create some challenges, which is why it’s an advantage to be prepared, says Lars Jøker and concludes:

– It is the shared ambitions and efforts in the network that enable us to break new ground and not just support, but create development in Aalborg East, concludes Lars Jøker.

Read more about BusinessNetwork 9220 (in Danish).

Results created in Aalborg East through Himmerland Housing Association in the period 2012-2022 (Survey basis: 140 households and 3000 people)

• Household income increased by 41% from 2012 to 2022 (24% in Aalborg Municipality in general)
• The number of criminal convictions in specific categories has decreased by 73% from 2012 to 2023
• The proportion of people in employment has increased from 36% to 60% from 2012 to 2022
• The share of 15-29-year-olds with primary school as their highest completed education who are not in education has decreased from 27% to 17%