Further than today

Consumer demand is an issue of growing importance in the agricultural sector. The consumer wants to know what’s on her plate; where did it come from, how was it produced?. In addition, sustainability, public health, landscape use and animal welfare are playing an ever growing role in (intensive) cattle farming.

Food is a hot topic. Is there enough of it? Is it safe? Is it produced fairly and sensibly? And where? It seems that food is being discussed today like never before. Located in the middle of Food Valley, Schuiteman Accountants & Adviseurs are literally and figuratively at the heart of the debate.

It seems as if the only aspect that has counted in recent years in the transport and logistics sector is price. “Competition is strong,” confirms partner Henk Morren at Schuiteman. “And the last euro is extremely important, but anyone who can distinguish themselves on the basis of service and quality can largely remove themselves from the price war.”

If you govern an association or foundation, there are a fair number of matters that have to be taken into account. And sometimes tax matters are forgotten. Clearly, this carries a risk. As the director, you may be held personally liable for unpaid taxes. Not something you want to happen. What should you look out for?

The real estate sector is back on track. While overcapacity remains a serious issue, the economic recovery is having a positive impact, exports are growing and investments rising. Above all: the crisis has had a purifying effect. The real estate sector is more self-aware and innovative than it has been in years.

The automotive sector has clearly left the crisis years behind it, but the market remains volatile and highly competitive. Upscaling is an ongoing trend, as are smart and sustainable mobility solutions.

Digital trends colour today’s economic landscape. And in hospitality that is certainly true. But it is precisely in these digital times that experience turns a customer into a satisfied customer. “A well-considered combination of hospitality and quality makes all the difference,” says accountant Henry Schut of Schuiteman.

The business services sector in the Netherlands is back on its feet. Growth stagnated in 2013, but today a tentative upward trend is evident. This is due in part to the ever better and more effective application of ICT, which is creating lower costs, greater flexibility and better service provision.