Business News in English
Latest business headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
ACM fears VolkerWessels takeover could hinder competition
The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has expressed concerns that the acquisition of construction firm VolkerWessels by investment company HAL could negatively impact competition. The re...
Only 48 municipalities plan to extend hospitality hours during World Cup
Only 48 Dutch municipalities currently plan to extend opening hours for bars and cafes during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The trade association Royal Hospitality Netherlands notes that many matches w...
With these devious tricks, TikTok and games like Roblox swindle you out of money: ‘People are defenseless’
Research from Wijzer in Geldzaken reveals that over 40% of Dutch teenagers spend significantly more money than intended on video games and apps due to manipulative design tactics. This overspending, o...
Largest drop in consumer confidence in years, little willingness to buy
Consumer confidence in the Netherlands saw its largest decline in four years this March, according to data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The drop is driven by a worsening economic outlook and a d...
Energy agency in talks with governments over release of extra oil
The International Energy Agency is consulting with governments in Asia and Europe regarding the release of additional oil reserves. This potential action follows a previous release of 400 million barr...
Record number of homes sold despite rising prices
Existing owner-occupied home prices in the Netherlands rose by an average of 5.4 percent in February compared to the same period last year. According to data from the CBS and Kadaster, house prices ar...
Chaos over asbestos toys: warnings everywhere, no clear overview
A rise in product warnings for toys containing asbestos has created confusion across Europe due to inconsistent reporting standards between different countries. The central European system designed to...
Spot the differences between this Belgian and Dutch gas station
Dutch gas stations near the border are facing financial hardship as thousands of motorists travel to Belgium daily for cheaper fuel. While Dutch pumps remain empty, queues are forming just a few kilom...
High tea among 25 alpacas in Beverwijk: Does it go well? Woolly animals ignore sandwiches and cake: 'They even leave the crumbs'
Sisters Sylvie and Loïse van den Heuvel host popular high tea events featuring 25 alpacas at their family business in Beverwijk. The venture is expanding to offer children's parties and specialized s...
Blow for theaters: Intermission beer and wine subject to high VAT rate
The Dutch Supreme Court has ruled that theaters must pay the standard high VAT rate on alcoholic beverages served during intermissions rather than the lower rate. This decision affects all theaters th...
ESPN apologizes after showing commercial break during Feyenoord-Ajax
Sports broadcaster ESPN has apologized for airing an accidental commercial break during the high-profile Eredivisie match between Feyenoord and Ajax. The network stated that the incident was the resul...
Parkwijk pioneers look back: from flowers to hot tubs at Beatrixplein
Koos and Hannah Sijm reflect on their history as pioneering business owners at the Beatrixplein shopping center in Haarlem-Oost. The couple opened their flower shop, Floriade, in 1960 within the then-...
Recruiter says age is no issue as long as you fit the company vibe
Sixty-one-year-old Huub shared his experience applying to a younger company with career expert Anne-Marije Buckens, who focuses on job seekers over 50. Huub realized that while his age was not the pri...
Universities want to cut back on big tech, but switching takes years
Dutch universities are working to decrease their dependency on major American technology companies like Microsoft and Google in favor of European alternatives. While concrete steps are being taken, un...
Demolition in Kruisstraat: Jan Sikkes and Bristol rapidly dismantled
The former premises of the Jan Sikkes fabric store and Bristol discounter on Kruisstraat are being rapidly dismantled, with only the ground floor of the building set to remain. This demolition marks a...
Haarlem security company challenges lost Bollenstreek contract: ‘Tender for guarding reception centers was unfair’
Haarlem-based security firm Alpha Security BV has initiated a summary proceeding against the work organization HLT Samen over a lost contract for guarding reception centers in the Bollenstreek. The co...
Oil companies also fighting for scarce oil and gas
Oil companies like Shell are facing intense competition to secure scarce oil and gas supplies. Industry leaders highlight that they are currently navigating significant logistical challenges to ensure...
The Greenhouse | The battery revolution is coming and cannot start soon enough
Climate reporter Jeroen Kraan discusses the rapid rise of large-scale battery storage systems and their upcoming impact on the energy infrastructure. This shift is expected to significantly transform ...
Cees (71) in serious trouble after filing property tax objection through online agency
A 71-year-old man named Cees Groen from Spanbroek is facing financial trouble after seeking help from an online agency to object to his property valuation. He was shocked to receive a payment demand f...
The unprecedented breakthrough of 0.0: how the Dutch slowly but surely switched to alcohol-free beer
Alcohol-free beer has transformed from a ridiculed product into a significant commercial success within the Dutch beer market. Major brewers now see non-alcoholic options as a key growth opportunity a...
End of cheap energy? Why recovery from this crisis could take a long time
Rising oil and gas prices in Europe have sparked concerns about a prolonged energy crisis driven by the region's dependency on external supplies. Experts suggest the current situation is unprecedented...
Healthcare workers hit hardest by high fuel prices as travel allowances fall short
Healthcare workers and transport-related entrepreneurs in the Netherlands are facing financial strain due to high fuel prices and inadequate travel reimbursements. Trade unions highlight that many emp...
Cleanup spectacle in city center: "We must take care of this beautiful city of ours"
During National Cleanup Day, Amsterdam residents and business owners organized a festive cleaning procession through the city center to tackle litter and promote urban liveability. The event marked th...
Full-page ad for alternative Tata site plan
A group of entrepreneurs has published a full-page advertisement calling for an end to state aid for the Tata Steel factory. They urge the government to consider alternative plans for the site instead...
Tax filing is becoming easier, but not everyone dares to do it without help
Tax returns in the Netherlands have become significantly simpler with many details now pre-filled, yet many citizens still seek professional assistance. This reliance on advisors is primarily driven b...
Diesel price nears 2.70 euros per liter, up nearly 60 cents since Gulf War
Diesel prices at gas stations in the Netherlands continued to rise on Saturday, with the average suggested price nearing 2.70 euros per liter. This increase is attributed to the ongoing conflict in th...
New lamps for Haarlem station hall built around the corner in Huib's workshop: 'We were given a lot of freedom'
Local craftsman Huib Nelissen is constructing new chandeliers for the Haarlem railway station hall in his workshop located near the station. The project allowed for significant creative freedom in des...
War in Iran drives up prices and hits our economy harder than expected: We see a very bad scenario unfolding
The escalating conflict in Iran is significantly impacting the Dutch economy, leading to rising inflation and the threat of economic stagnation. Experts warn that the current situation could be more s...
US temporarily allows sale of Iranian oil in tankers at sea
The United States has temporarily authorized the sale of Iranian oil currently stored in tankers at sea to address rising global fuel prices. This decision marks a brief suspension of heavy sanctions ...
Marco loves life aboard a trawler: 'I just jumped into the deep end and sailed to Africa'
Marco Schaaper serves as a versatile foreman on a trawler for the Dutch shipping company Cornelis Vrolijk, managing various tasks such as crane and forklift operation. He reflects on his career at sea...