Successful Fusion of Aesthetics and Sustainability
Interview with Keanu Meers, Head of Sales at BVI.EU nv
With a novel concept, the Belgian BVI.EU nv has been making its mark on the German real estate market for several years. This family-run company from Kontich develops small and medium-sized business parks with flexible use, where sustainability and aesthetic architecture form a successful symbiosis. The Green Business Parks are equally interesting for investors as well as tenants.
There are many reasons to choose a property from BVI.EU nv. "Quality is very important to us," says Keanu Meers, Head of Sales at the company. "This standard is in our DNA. We are certainly not the cheapest providers, but unbeatable when it comes to value for money. That's why we guarantee quality and make no compromises just to earn a bit more margin. Aesthetics also play a big role for us, as we do not build boring gray boxes." As a pioneer in the industry, the family-run company focuses on sustainability and is a leader in this respect in every way. Unconditional service for customers is also a must. "We have our own customer support," explains the Head of Sales. "The client buys a basic building from us and then has many possibilities. Our customer support helps the buyer to design this building according to their own ideas."
Very active in Germany
With their projects, BVI.EU nv targets both users and investors. About 50% of the completed projects are sold to investors, and renting from their own stock makes up about 50%. The company is always looking for attractive locations, buys land, and builds small to medium-sized mixed commercial parks on it. "Currently, we are very active in Germany and have implemented our first project in Essen, the Carnaperhof," explains Keanu Meers. "Here we rent out about 30 units ranging in size from 140 to 1,400 m2 – optionally as office, workshop, or showroom. We have launched another property in Lübeck, where we also rent out. Although Germany is more of a rental market, we also want to sell here in the future. Currently, we are launching projects in Brühl, Bönen, Essen, and Münster."
Modular Construction
Michel Meers, the father of Keanu Meers, founded BVI.EU in 1999 and began by sustainably converting existing industrial buildings. Starting with smaller projects, the founder gradually acquired greater expertise in sustainable building, without losing sight of the aesthetics of the buildings. Other focal points were modular construction and flexible usage concepts. The business developed well. Today, BVI.EU is active in five countries: Belgium, where the company is the market leader in the industry, as well as Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Luxembourg. "We have realized more than 2,500 usage units so far," highlights the Head of Sales. "Another 1,200,000 m2 are in the pipeline. That means they are already under construction or will be built soon." Due to strong growth, a year and a half ago, the Belgian insurance company Securix joined as a shareholder, although the majority of the shares are still held by company founder Michel Meers. Currently, BVI.EU employs 45 people and achieves a turnover of 60 million EUR. In addition to Belgium, the company has branches in the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Luxembourg.
Smart Buildings
Sales and rentals of the properties are conducted through local brokers. BVI.EU also uses the internet as a marketing platform and advertises in the vicinity of the properties. Additionally, the company is present at trade fairs, such as Expo Real. Not only within the company, but also in its projects, digitization has high priority. Thus, IP cables are standard as well as features of a Smart Building. Sustainability remains the trump card of all projects. For five years now, gas has been abandoned as a fuel. Instead, the family business relies on heat pumps, geothermal energy, and photovoltaics. This is complemented by charging stations for electric vehicles and the use of prefabricated modules in the construction of the commercial parks. "One of our projects was recently awarded as the most sustainable building in Wallonia," Keanu Meers is pleased to say. In the coming years, BVI.EU will continue to focus on sustainably built buildings. Other topics include ESG compliance, good value for money, and further expansion in Germany.