How is the Dutch economy doing?
Reading the news, you sometimes get depressed about the many negative reports. Especially when it comes to the economy. Numerous doomsday scenarios pass by, but how are things really going?
Financing and the importance of a good adviser
In today's times, the average entrepreneur has enough on his or her mind. Aftermath of the corona era, the war in Ukraine resulting in sharply increased energy and raw material costs. Not to mention the uncertainty of what the impact on business will be of the new cabinet's plans (if we can even call it that). To this, we almost forget the labour market tightness and sharply increased personnel costs. And then you also have to make sure your business is or stays well-financed.
Manage your credit insurance policy easily with software
You prefer to work as efficiently and effectively as possible. Always have a good overview of your customers, your limits, your coverage and your claims. But how do you easily ensure that you are always up-to-date on your customers' creditworthiness and payment behaviour?
Tips & tricks credit insurance
With credit insurance, you will still get your money if your customers can no longer pay outstanding invoices. This protects your business against non-payment and prevents your own payment problems or continuity issues. But what can and may you do yourself under the policy's cover? Please note: the terms we describe may vary between policies and insurers
Labour market is a problem
Arthur Schellekens, Country Manager Netherlands at Coface, has been with the organisation that helps global entrepreneurs make credit decisions for 24 years. Some 100 professionals work at the credit insurer in the Netherlands, while worldwide there are thousands of employees operating from 100 countries. Despite its size, the French organisation has managed to create the same DNA everywhere. Customers notice in everything that the insurer is involved with them, that it really helps them. The working atmosphere is very pleasant and there is a high willingness to cooperate and celebrate successes. And that is exactly why Arthur has never left Coface.
Way forward in the market for guarantee facilities through insurers
These are uncertain times, so it is understandable that there is more demand for certainty. The number of bankruptcies has been rising for some time. The biggest hits were originally in the trade and construction industries, but it has now penetrated all sectors. It is crucial that companies keep a close eye on their financial position and take appropriate measures to avoid bankruptcy. To provide certainty to both buyers and manufacturers of investment goods, there is an important tool: the financial guarantee. Working capital is vital to keep your business running. Because a positive working capital means that your company has sufficient cash to meet its obligations and remain operational.
Avoid turbulence with project finance
How good! One of our relations has won the contract to carry out a project in New Zealand at a large maintenance company for large aircraft. The project has the scope of several million euros and the lead time is more than a year. Our client is an SME that does not have the financial capacity to fully pre-finance such a multi-million euro project. Although part of the contract price was paid in advance, this client had to provide a bank guarantee in return. This provided some security but did not provide the necessary liquidity. When you think of working capital financing, you quickly think of a current account credit, 'standing in the red', or factoring. We found a completely different solution for this client!
Forget the stuffy image
Bankers and insurers used to be known as solid parties where innovation was often slow. Fortunately, a lot has changed! And we like to talk about that for a moment, because it is high time we got rid of that dusty image.
A good broker is much needed
The EU has declined economically since the introduction of the euro. The US economy is 30% larger than the European one. Johan Geeroms, Director Risk Underwriting Benelux Allianz Trade: "At Allianz, we fear that German automotive companies will go to China at some point. People produce cheaper there, it is the biggest market and China has lithium and other critical materials. This is going to have huge implications. Just looking at that the Netherlands depends on exports to Germany for 60%. The further you do business from home, the more dangerous. Therefore, differentiating your portfolio and knowing your customers is of utmost importance. The risk of bankruptcy is always there and it only takes one big customer to go bankrupt to put a company in serious danger."
The mega damage would have been incalculable
Two entrepreneurs who started for themselves in the oil bunkering business in 2013 have grown into a wonderful company with mega sales. At the time they started, they were allowed to exclude their large customers from coverage. On paper strong debtors, yet we advised the start-ups not to exclude any customer. Just insure everything, including that strong market-leading company, where the gentlemen had an outstanding claim of millions of dollars. Xolv Partner Jeroen Ottevanger explains further.