International wars and tension affect Dutch businesses

The most frequently cited factors are higher energy and fuel prices (cited by 44 per cent of business owners), higher purchase prices (36 per cent), and higher transport costs (29 per cent). In addition, business owners also mention increasing uncertainty regarding planning and stock levels, as well as cash flow problems. Some are experiencing delays in the delivery of products and a reduced availability of raw materials.

Larger SMEs appear to be more severely affected. Among these, a clear majority cite energy prices, purchase prices and transport costs. And 2 in 5 are experiencing significant consequences from international developments. Among smaller SMEs and the self-employed, the figure is 1 in 5. 

Fear in the market

Entrepreneurs are sending out another clear signal: there is ‘fear’ in the market. A third of entrepreneurs feel uncertain about future income. In addition, a quarter are facing lower or fluctuating demand from customers and clients. A selection of the open-ended responses: “Fewer orders”, “drop in demand”, “everyone is cutting back”, “businesses are tightening their belts” and “higher transport costs and fear in the market”. 

Just over half of the business owners have not taken any measures in response to the geopolitical situation and its consequences. Where measures have been taken, these usually involve a price increase or a decision to absorb the blow themselves and settle for a lower margin.

Preparation

Almost half of business owners believe it is important to be prepared for a crisis or disruption. Yet only 1 in 5 business owners is reasonably to well prepared for future disruptions to international trade. A third of the self-employed and 1 in 10 SMEs state that they are not prepared at all. 

Christiaan Hazelaar, business adviser at KVK: “And this is just about disruptions that don’t immediately bring your business to a standstill. But in this day and age, as an entrepreneur you may also face an acute crisis. My advice is always: be prepared! It takes a bit of time now – you need to give it some thought – but it’s well worth it.”

Stress

Hazelaar highlights the KVK Emergency Check, a tool that allows an entrepreneur to check for any ‘gaps’ in their preparations within 5 minutes. “When everything comes to a standstill, it causes stress. And you can’t tackle everything at once. Without a plan, you’ll waste valuable time on side issues. If you set your priorities in advance, you’ll be calmer and more effective in the event of a crisis.”

KVK Emergency Check

KVK Omnibus report Geopolitieke situatie (Geopolitical situation, PDF in Dutch)