December 2024 - Artificial intelligence (AI) has long ceased to be a futuristic concept. Big companies like Google and Amazon have been using AI technology for years, but it also offers huge opportunities for SMEs. This article lists what AI can do for your business and how you can start using it. What can AI do for your SME? ➤
Delay of European action against deforestation gives entrepreneurs breathing space
The 3 biggest challenges for SMEs
December 2024 - 1. Unfavourable business climate: It is no secret that the business climate in Belgium has become more difficult. Confidence among Belgian entrepreneurs has fallen in recent months, partly due to rising labour costs and uncertainties in international markets. This affects many sectors, from construction to manufacturing… ➤
Digital control card for temporary unemployment from 1 January 2025
Absenteeism among young workers reaches record levels
December 2024 - Absenteeism in Belgium reached record levels in the first half of 2024, with a notable rise in absenteeism among young workers. Medium-term absenteeism (absences of one month to one year) rose by 8% and long-term absenteeism (longer than one year) by 7%. The biggest increase was seen among 25- to 34-year-olds… ➤
Recruit or invest in training: which is the smartest move for your SME?
December 2024 - Should you hire new employees to meet the growing demands of your business, or is it wiser to invest in training your current team? Both options have benefits, but which is best for your business? 1. Recruiting can quickly provide the right expertise. If you need specific skills that your... ➤
Less freedom for companies to investigate staff abuse
December 2024 - With the introduction of the new Private Investigation Act, internal investigations into personnel are more strictly regulated. The law replaces the outdated Private Investigation Act of 1991. The new regulations - which are expected to come into force by the end of 2024 - apply to companies that want to investigate, for example, fraud… ➤
How to prevent digital invoice fraud in your business?
December 2024 - Invoice fraud affects countless individuals and businesses every year. With the rise of digital fraud, criminals are now also trying to digitally penetrate mailboxes or information systems, where they modify account numbers or create fake invoices. In invoice fraud, criminals intercept a real invoice - often from a mailbox… ➤
Modernisation VAT chain from 1 January 2025
December 2024 - From 1 January 2025, the Belgian legislator is modernising the VAT declaration procedure and the collection of tax and non-tax debts. One of the biggest changes is the automatic monthly refund for all monthly declarants, who will no longer need a special licence. For quarterly filers, the filing deadline is extended to the 25th day of the... ➤
Lower labour costs in new Flemish support zones
December 2024 - Since 1 November 2024, four new support zones have been introduced in Flanders to replace the existing ones, and the dislocated zone aid will be extended for a period of six years.
This support measure offers companies investing in these zones a significant reduction in their wage costs when… ➤
Why public procurement is interesting for your SME
November 2024 - Public procurement offers entrepreneurs opportunities beyond the traditional market. From small SMEs to larger companies, every type of business can benefit from stable and often lucrative contracts. Here are some reasons why it can be beneficial to win public procurement contracts. Government contracts offer… ➤
Half of Belgian SMEs struggle with unrealistic salary expectations
Getting money out of your business? Here's how to do it in a tax-friendly way
November 2024 - As an entrepreneur, you naturally want to get the most out of your business without paying unnecessary taxes. Fortunately, there are several ways to get money out of your business in a tax-friendly way. Below are five tips to do this smartly and legally. One of the most common ways to… ➤
Voluntary standard sustainability reporting: how can your SME benefit?
Half of Belgian young people want to start their own business
November 2024 - An annual survey by SD Worx of over 16,000 employees in ten European countries, including a thousand working Belgians, shows that almost half of under-25s would like to start their own business.
This trend can also be seen at Xerius, the largest business counter for self-employed people in our country. ➤
Is your e-invoicing software on FPS Finance's list?
November 2024 - From 1 January 2026, all Belgian VAT-registered companies must use inter-company structured electronic invoices. Want to check whether your company's e-invoicing software complies with the new regulations? Electronic invoices are documents exchanged directly between the software of different companies. ➤
How apps can boost productivity and efficiency in your business
November 2024 - In our digital world, a business app is not a luxury but a strategic necessity. Why your organisation, employees and customers will also benefit from having their own mobile app, you will read below. 1. An app puts you in your customer's pocket It is every business leader's dream to be… ➤
How do you best communicate sustainable development as a company?
Mobility budget not successful in Belgian companies
November 2024 - A survey by HR consultancy Hudson (part of Randstad Group) shows that only 10 per cent of Belgian organisations use the legal mobility budget. According to figures from SD Worx, 852 companies offered the legal mobility budget in 2023. This measure was introduced in 2019 as an alternative to the company car. ➤