The “new” Hanseatic League or Die Hanse was revived in 1980 in Zwolle, and set itself the task of keeping alive the spirit of the League as a social and cultural alliance. By cultivating traditions and encouraging a vibrant exchange between its members, the modern Hanseatic League aims to bring about closer economic, cultural, social and national ties across northern Europe.
The new Hanse, which is headquartered in Lübeck (Germany), today has over 195 member towns and cities in 16 European countries, covering an economic area with a combined population of over 300 million and combined GDP of over $10 trillion.
For more information about King’s Lynn’s centuries of history with the Hanse League, from past to present, access Visit West Norfolk’s dedicated Hanse History page.
Background on Business HANSE
Business HANSE was founded in June 2013 in Herford, Germany, by 24 partner organisations (20 businesses and 4 local authorities). The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk was a founding partner.
The new Business HANSE represented traditional values in modern business life. It was an international network of business and science, of business promoters, and business associations. Its members regarded themselves as “respectable merchants” of modern times.
The Business Alliance HANSE, formerly known as the Merchants’ HANSE, was a signet of quality, trust and fairness in trade relations. Even today, the positive character traits of the “honourable merchant”, who keeps his word and for whom the respectability is the basis for doing business, is inseparably tied to the brand of the HANSE.
Marion Köhn was the Managing Director of Business HANSE Ltd. Wolfgang Stoltmann was the Deputy Chairman of Business HANSE Ltd. The Business HANSE is currently inactive.
For June 2025, the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, together with Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, arranged the first King’s Lynn Hanse Business Conference in ten years, the event split into two halves:
The Hanse Festival Business Breakfast (booking essential)
King’s Lynn has a rich history as a thriving trade center, dating back to its days as a key member of the Hanseatic League. Today, it remains a business, manufacturing, and international trade hub.
The Hanse Festival Business Breakfast is an exclusive opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in export, manufacturing, logistics, and international trade.
Held at the historic Hanse House, this event will bring together industry leaders for a morning of networking and discussions, and an expert speaker sharing insights on global trade and regional opportunities.
Venue
The Hanse House, South Quay, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5GN, UK
Date
13/06/2025
Time
7:30am to 9:30am
Agenda
- 7:30 am: Arrivals & Networking, Breakfast. Brief Greeting and Overview by the Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk.
- 8:30 am: 1st Speaker & Q&A [Andy Constable – Associated British Ports: “Investment News and the Importance to the Local Economy from International Trade”].
- 9:00 am: 2nd Speaker & Q&A [Alan Pain – Head of Export Development and Operations: “Presentation on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade”].
- 9:30 am: Networking and Event Close.
The Hanse Business Networking Event (booking essential)
As part of the Hanse Festival weekend, this open networking event is designed for all businesses looking to connect, collaborate, and celebrate King’s Lynn’s long-standing trade heritage.
Whether you’re a local business owner, entrepreneur, or industry leader, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, gain new insights, and enjoy informal networking in a historic setting.
Held at Hanse House, the event will include an engaging talk from an expert speaker, offering insights into the history of Hanse and what to expect from the festival weekend.
Venue
The Hanse House, South Quay, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5GN, UK
Date
13/06/2025
Time
10am to 11:30am
Agenda
- 10:00 am: Arrival & Networking, Coffee & Cake. An introductory address by the Creative Director of the St George’s Guildhall Project.
- 10:30 am: Key Speaker & Q&A: Claudia West, Director East of England, Arts Council England: “The importance of strategic investment to make real impact for the arts”
- 11:00 am: Networking continues, Event Close at 11.30am. offer of lunchtime tour of St George’s Guildhall site