Patricia Ypma

Founder and Managing Director, Spark Legal and Policy Consulting

Patricia has over 20 years of work experience in the field of EU law and policy. She founded Spark Legal and Policy Consulting in 2011, a high-quality legal and policy research and analysis firm based in Brussels and London, that supports clients in understanding, navigating, executing, and developing EU policies and law, or functioning on the EU market. 

As the Managing Director of Spark Legal and Policy Consulting, Patricia oversees all aspects of the firm’s operations, strategy, and business development, as well as leading and coordinating the core team of legal and policy consultants and the extensive network of national experts covering all EU Member States and beyond. She has successfully delivered numerous projects for various clients, ranging from EU institutions and agencies, national and regional authorities, and private sector entities, covering a wide range of topics, such as data protection, digital single market, competition law, access to justice, environmental law, and human rights.

She has also authored and co-authored several publications, reports, and studies on EU law and policy issues, and regularly participates in conferences, workshops, and seminars as a speaker, moderator or panellist. She has developed and strives to maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and clients. Patricia is proficient in English and Dutch, and also speaks French and Italian. She has a solid academic background in EU law, with degrees from the University of Amsterdam and the Université Panthéon Sorbonne.

Why do you support the work of The Entrepreneurs Network?

Entrepreneurs can have a truly positive impact on society. They may create jobs, build inclusive, motivated, and productive teams, promote and /or create innovation, and challenge existing beliefs or traditions. Supporting entrepreneurs and fostering good collaboration with policy makers can channel and accelerate positive impact on our society. Unfortunately, the gender gap remains wide, which clearly applies to entrepreneurship too. Studies have revealed that more than a third of women seeking funding have encountered gender bias from financiers. We need to keep working together to drive positive change for female founders.

What research should more people read?

Any high-quality research on the global phenomenon of gender imbalance, as well as anything that helps entrepreneurs with building and fostering inclusive, motivated and well-functioning teams that work at their best ability. We should also always challenge the status quo, show a genuine interest in other people and cultures: being open to look at the world from different perspectives fosters understanding and collaboration.

Why is the UK an attractive place to grow a business?

It is very easy to set up a business in the UK and, especially in London, where the climate is international, innovative and open minded. The UK is also blessed with several high-quality research institutes, informing society based on evidence-based science.