Smart financing? Think stacking
Many entrepreneurs recognise it: you want to grow, innovate or simply keep your business running, but financing is a stumbling block. The first thought often goes to the bank. Logical, as that has been the place for business financing for years. But in practice, a single source of financing often no longer suffices. Especially in a rapidly changing economy. The solution? Smart combining, or 'stacking finance'.
Summer weather, but will the sun keep shining?
After months of hard work, it is finally time to take a breather. For many entrepreneurs, the summer period means a time of rest and recovery. Yet it is not always easy to let go of work completely. And with good reason: it is precisely during these months that the financial risks for companies often increase significantly.
ICBA: the global network of credit insurance specialists
Since 2024, Xolv is a proud partner of the ICBA, the largest international network of intermediaries specialising in credit insurance. From 14 to 16 May, we attended the annual ICBA congress in Istanbul. An inspiring gathering where over 80 specialists from more than 40 countries came together to share knowledge, exchange experiences and, of course, plenty of networking. All with one aim: to serve our internationally operating clients even better.
Credit information is indispensable for good operations
Sound business management starts with knowing who you are doing business with. Especially when you deliver on credit, it is crucial to know whether a buyer is able to pay. But credit information goes beyond payment behaviour. Understanding shareholders, directors, a company's lifespan, incidents and growth trajectories is just as important.
Customer case: specialist paper and board manufacturer secures rapid growth with new financing
In the dynamic world of the paper and board industry, where flexibility and quick adjustments to market demand are crucial, a leading producer of specialist paper and board recently faced a challenge. A combination of a growing order book and necessary investments in advanced production technology created an acute need for additional working capital.
Important change for Belgian credit insurers: VAT refund in case of bankruptcy disappears from 1 January 2025
From 1 January 2025, new regulations will come into force in Belgium that will directly affect companies with credit insurance. Whereas until now it was possible to reclaim VAT after a customer's insolvency, this will soon come to an end. This change will impact both Belgian companies and Dutch principal insured companies with Belgian branches under a group policy.
E-invoicing: start on time!
Everyone wants fewer rather than more rules, but it seems we are getting more and more rules imposed by the government but certainly also the EU. And there will be new regulations on how companies should invoice. Within a few years, this must be done entirely digitally and processed directly in administrations.
What should you report to your credit insurer if a customer is in WHOA proceedings?
The WHOA allows viable companies to restructure unbearable debt before it comes to bankruptcy. If creditors holding two-thirds of the outstanding debt agree to the arrangement, the court can force the remaining creditors to join in. Different categories of creditors may be treated differently. This allows the entrepreneur in dire straits, for example, to pay financiers less or later than suppliers. As a supplier, you then continue to supply and so the company does not run out of stock.
Economic uncertainty and the liquidity position of companies
The world is currently in turbulent times. Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine continue, while in the United States a president is in power who is restructuring international trade based on his own vision of economic justice. The result is a global economy under pressure, in which uncertainty seems to be the rule rather than the exception. This instability has a direct impact on business, especially on the liquidity position of companies.
Turbulent times and an uncertain future
Who would have thought a few years ago that the world order would change so drastically? Whereas the United States, Western Europe, Canada and other Western countries were loyal allies for years, relations now seem to have shifted dramatically. On 2 April last year, Trump declared Liberation Day. In doing so, he announced hefty import tariffs: on a wide range of countries, including the European Union (20%). In fact, all foreign cars are subject to a tariff of 25%.