Insights

Why getting working capital right is critical to deal value

The mid-market is at a tipping point. While large organisations are scaling back their efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion, mid-market businesses are demonstrating that investing in equity is not idealism, but business insight.

As the impact economy matures, financing structures are evolving to offer alternatives to traditional debt and equity. Investors increasingly aim to align financial returns with measurable social and environmental outcomes, while impact-driven companies all over the world seek patient capital that supports growth without compromising their mission.

Is your organisation investing in CO₂ reduction, energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy? If so, you may qualify for the Energy Investment Allowance (EIA): an attractive tax scheme that encourages entrepreneurs to invest in energy-saving or sustainable business assets. With the EIA you do not only benefit from lower energy consumption and emissions, but also from tax relief. In addition, the EIA budget increases each year; in 2026, it amounts to no less than €460 million. Which business assets fall under the EIA, and what conditions must your investment meet?

Intragroup transactions continue to attract increasing attention from tax authorities, particularly regarding the VAT impact of transfer pricing (TP) adjustments. Because the EU does not provide specific and uniform rules for the VAT treatment of such adjustments, questions often arise in practice.

The debate on the employment status of platform workers, and Uber drivers in particular, continues to evolve. The recent judgment of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal provides important direction. Not by issuing a blanket statement about all Uber drivers, but by demonstrating how significant both entrepreneurship and the individual circumstances of each driver are when determining the correct employment relationship.

Many organisations acknowledge that identifying and addressing negative impacts in their value chain is essential, yet internal discussions often stall at the same point. Without concrete, financially grounded insights, teams can find it difficult to secure resources, prioritise efforts, or engage decision‑makers effectively.

The new coalition agreement of D66, VVD and CDA sets out a clear course for the labour market. The plans will impact employers, employees and the self-employed. In the coming years, the rules on social security, leave, sickness absence, flexible work, labour migration and bogus self-employment will change. It is important to note that these are proposals from the coalition. Each measure will still require support in Parliament. As a result, the final legislation may change in form or substance. In this article, we outline the most important developments for you.

From financial year 2025 onwards, as an entrepreneur, you are required to file your financial statements digitally with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. This applies to all legal entities, including large legal entities such as large B.V.s, which previously still had an exemption. The transition to digital filing is an important step for the government toward more efficient and comparable financial reporting.

Sustainability reporting is becoming increasingly important. Not only because of the arrival of guidelines such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and voluntary standards such as VSME.

The European Union (EU) has begun implementing the new Entry/Exit System (EES) beginning on 12 October 2025, with a rollout at some external borders.

Dutch tax incentives such as the innovation box and participation exemption have long been tools for tax efficiency. Under Pillar 2, however, these incentives can create permanent differences that trigger additional tax liabilities.

Successful organisations distinguish themselves not only through their products or services but also through the way they treat their people. In an era of labour market shortages, hybrid working and increasing regulation, this calls for a well-considered HR approach. Human Capital Services help organisations to structure and future-proof their people policies, with attention to both the organisation and the employee.

Global optimism among mid-market business leaders softened slightly in Q4 2025. Conversely, concern about economic uncertainty dropped significantly in Q4 compared to Q3.

On 5 January 2026, the OECD Inclusive Framework announced a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to implement a global minimum tax under Pillar Two.

The 30% ruling is a tax facility aimed at highly skilled immigrants working in the Netherlands. Recent and ongoing changes to the ruling have made it more important than ever to stay on top of the changes being implemented by the Dutch government.