Business in Belgium

If one thing is certain in life, it is uncertainty. Things happen: Illness, fire, accidents, death and a myriad of other calamities can occur. Fortunately, humanity came up with insurance, which, while not a solution or prevention against strokes of fate, provides financial support when times get tough. AXA is one of the biggest names in the insurance sector, and among the companies under its umbrella is L’Ardenne Prévoyante in Belgium. L’Ardenne Prévoyante provides insurance to the French-speaking regions of the country, focusing on private customers as well as small and medium-sized businesses. CEO Vincent Lambert spoke with European Business about how things are changing in the insurance business and how the company continues moving forward.

Why buy new clothes every season when the world is already overwhelmed with quality garments? In an era in which sustainability is a priority, recycling companies have never been more important. Belgian company, Sematex BVBA, sorts, packs and exports quality second-hand clothing and shoes around the world, contributing to a more sustainable future.

When it comes to ordering a new car, everyone can rely on Transautomobile. From diplomats and businessmen who relocate abroad for work for long or short periods, as well as private customers from all continents. The Belgian company TRANSAUTOMOBILE supplies and exports all models and brands of vehicles: pickup trucks as well as SUVs, buses, trucks and special vehicles.

New IT solutions still requires heavy investment, but when installed, it provides extensive tangible benefits. Belgian integrator and service specialist NSI IT Software & Services SA offers to customers in its local region the opportunity to transform their IT cost into a decisive advantage for the growth of their business.

It all began with lead profiles for stained glass windows over 90 years ago. Since then, the third-generation family business has developed into a leading Belgian supplier of custom-engineered plastic profiles, flooring systems and wall panels. Being highly innovative and dynamic, the Extrusion Company (Extruco) and Stillemans are currently working on integrating the Internet of Things into its products.

The world is getting smaller: not literally of course, but the march of globalization and digitalization means that we are all far more aware of what is happening in other regions of the world. In particular, images and information about the conditions in which citizens live and work in developing countries has made many people pause for thought. Banks and wealth managers in particular are experiencing the effects of this increasing awareness. Many clients are no longer content to allow the professionals to simply invest on their behalf; they demand that their money is used for social improvement around the globe. Belgian firm Incofin Investment Management is a specialist in so-called impact investment.

The housing market for affordable homes has experienced dramatic changes recently. People who survive on a low income or need extra support are literally left out in the cold. The Belgian Wallonia is a challenged region with an unemployment rate of 20% in some areas. Here, the social institution Centr’Habitat SCRL has set off to create living space for people in need.

The opportunity to shape your own working day with activities that you enjoy, the chance to build a successful business on your own terms: the attractions of working on a freelance basis are abundant and diverse. Less appealing however, is the huge amount of administration involved, and the lack of financial security in the case of sickness or unemployment. Freelancers working in Belgium are reaping the benefits of a highly effective solution. Tentoo Payroll Services BV takes the pain out of financial management for freelancers, leaving them more time to earn money and enjoy their work.

Connecting the unconnected is not just a slogan, but a promise of Newtec Cy N.V.. Headquartered in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, the pioneer of satellite communications makes internet connection possible in remote and difficult-to-reach places. With three billion people still unconnected in Africa, South America and South East Asia, Newtec is on a mission to make the world a more informed and connected place. At the same time, the company is dedicated to creating new possibilities through ground segment innovation, technologies and solutions.

Although deregulation of the energy market has allowed consumers to shop around for their electricity and gas supplier, the infrastructure through which that energy is supplied remains a regulated monopoly. In the city of Brussels, the operation and maintenance of the electricity and gas distribution infrastructure is the responsibility of Sibelga, a public company in the shared ownership of the 19 municipal communes that make up the Belgian capital.