For two decades, they steered the company together—aligning every decision, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eventually, Godfried Hendricx decided it was time to take a step back. His business partner, Charles Simons, wanted to continue building Gilde-BT, the company they had founded together.
"},"alignedImage":{"position":"left"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"From attic room to market leader"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In the 1990s, both were hired by the same client to support a training programme. “We clicked, and Godfried suggested starting a business together,” Simons recalls. It all began in an attic room.
The company grew into one of the leading providers of corporate training in the Netherlands. Building on that foundation, Simons and Hendricx expanded into outsourcing services and developed software solutions for training management, registration, and subsidy management. Their clients include multinationals, major industry associations, and institutions in sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. Today, Gilde-BT’s software systems serve over a million users.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Scaling the business"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Hendricx’s decision to step back came just as the company was entering a new growth phase. “I’m eight years younger than Godfried,” Simons explains. “I wanted to keep going—to scale the business further. I suggested we talk to ING. They’ve always supported us well. They’re our main bank, and we’re both clients of ING Private Banking. ING has known us for twenty years. I have a great relationship with the Private Banking team in our region. If they hear of something interesting, they connect us with the right people—and I do the same for them. We know how to find each other and what we can expect from one another.”
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Expertise, experience, and network"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Soon, ING Corporate Investments came into the picture. Simons needed support with the transition and the shift in shareholding. “Godfried needed to be bought out. At the same time, I was already thinking about the next growth step. It would be helpful to have a partner who could co-invest and advise on things like valuation and contract terms.” ING Corporate Investments saw the growth potential in Gilde-BT and was eager to invest—not just financially, but also with expertise, experience, and network.
The entire transition process took about four months. That’s relatively quick, Simons acknowledges. “But it’s possible when there’s complete trust and a shared intention to reach an agreement. ING acquired a minority stake. I wanted to remain the majority shareholder so I could continue to steer the company’s direction and strategy. Godfried retained a small share—he didn’t want to let go of his ‘baby’ entirely.”
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"A new partnership"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"After twenty years of sharing everything with his business partner, Simons suddenly had a new shareholder on board. “At first, it’s a bit like a new relationship—you’re figuring each other out. You often hear that entrepreneurs feel restricted after a takeover. But that hasn’t been the case at all. I can’t be an entrepreneur if my thinking or creativity is limited. It’s like driving a Formula 1 car with someone constantly pressing the brakes.”
Simons meets with ING Corporate Investments every three months. “We discuss where the company stands and what the next strategic steps should be. I also involve them when I need their expertise—whether it’s for acquisitions, financial matters, budgeting, or organisational planning.”
He’s discovered that ING Corporate Investments’ knowledge is incredibly valuable. “Because they’re involved with other companies too, they know the right questions to ask—‘Have you thought about this or that?’ They bring an outside-in perspective, which is crucial when, as an entrepreneur, you sometimes have blind spots. You need a sounding board. That used to be Godfried.”
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"A coach makes all the difference"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Simons did miss the in-depth sparring he used to have with his former partner. “After some reflection, I decided to find a coach. I’m glad I did. I found someone I really connect with. He asks questions that make me think, ‘You’re absolutely right.’ Nine out of ten entrepreneurs are natural optimists. We’re driven and see opportunities everywhere. But you also need to make sure you don’t lose control. I’d recommend every entrepreneur find a coach. It can feel a bit ‘lonely’ at times, even if your family is supportive and has great ideas too.”
Simons also realised he needed a strong management team to partly fill the gap left by his partner. “That’s why the director of one of the training companies we acquired has joined the management team. We speak the same language.”
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Getting the most out of it"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"For Simons, having a flexible role in the company is essential. “I’m a born entrepreneur, not a manager.” He still sees plenty of opportunities. “If a party comes along that wants to help us take an international step, and ING agrees, I’d be eager to pursue that. I’m 49 now. It doesn’t have to be a lifelong mission, but if you have the chance to build something great, you should give it your all. Life’s too short to make a mess of it.”
"}},{"componentType":"linkList","iconTitle":{"title":"Related"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/private-banking/our-clients/entrepreneurs","text":"For entrepreneurs"},{"url":"/en/private-banking/knowledge-and-insights/entrepreneurship","text":"Inspiration"}]}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Make an appointment","intro":"Let's start a conversation.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/3e538078-976f-4b74-b49c-90d7cd895df2/Web-12","type":"image","width":307,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1d41bac33a10b194/original/Web-12.svg","extension":"svg"},"link":{"url":"/en/private-banking/customer-service"}},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Log in to My ING","intro":"Quick insights into your financial situation","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/33c4e3a2-7e3d-47a1-9c6f-1993eedcdb8c/Web-13","type":"image","width":307,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/5aecfb619a645cd6/original/Web-13.svg","extension":"svg"},"link":{"url":"https://mijn.ing.nl/login"}}]}]}}}