Belgium’s close geographical proximity to the UK, as well as its infrastructure, are tailored to facilitate international trade and investment and make it an important gateway to the European consumer market. Director of Flanders Investment and Trade highlighted that Belgium is “in the top three in the world in terms of reliable supply chains and overall logistics performance. Belgium ranks higher not only on cost but also in on-time delivery.” We welcomed representatives from Belgium’s sea and airports, including the Port of Antwerp, Port of Zeebrugge and Liège Airport, who explained how Belgium’s dynamic road, barge and rail networks connect the ports to the hinterland, further into Europe and the rest of the world. This high degree of interconnectivity enables goods arriving at the ports to reach consumers in a maximum of 24 hours.

The implementation of a streamlined digital customs portal, BE-GATE, is just one example of Belgium’s readiness to serve UK companies as an entry-point into Europe. The system’s ability to process large amounts of data and effectively clear customs applications, showcases Belgium’s investment in platforms and procedures to enhance the capabilities of their network.

We were joined by Werner Rens from the Belgian Customs Authorities, who explained Belgium’s approach in forming strategic partnerships with British businesses looking to enter the EU post-Brexit. The introduction of displaced customs offices enables non-EU originating goods to be checked away from busy ports and congested areas and rather in warehouses authorised as customs offices. This relocation of Border Control Posts, ensures supply chains remain fluid and uncongested.

Director of Flying Logistics, Cali Zhu, who exports into the EU from China and the UK commented on her experiences in finding a post-Brexit hub. She highlighted factors such as cost, connectivity and local government support which drew them to Belgium rather than France and the Netherlands.

In his keynote, Mr van der Pluijm highlighted that “Belgium is perfect for investors because in just four days anyone can set-up any type of business here”.

Later on in the series, the practicalities of setting-up a business in Belgium were discussed by a notary, covering the decision to establish a branch vs a subsidiary or a non-profit. Corporate tax and legal compliance experts also outlined important considerations and incentives to set-up in Belgium. The ambassador encouraged this further, in stating that “to accelerate investment, we have lowered our corporate tax rate from 34% to 25%, while SMEs are charged just 20% on the first EUR 100,000 of profit”.

Belgium’s well-educated, highly skilled and multilingual workforce are distinct assets, enhancing the overall attractiveness of setting-up a business in Belgium. We outlined which procedures, costs and incentives are involved in moving, growing and establishing a workforce in Belgium, including work permits, staffing an organisation, types of employment contract, working times and contract termination. Belgium is often regarded as having high personnel costs, in comparison to neighbouring countries, however when understanding how labor costs are calculated in Belgium and how social security contributions are a part of this calculation, these differences become relatively small. Experts outlined ways to control and mitigate labour costs in Belgium, the ROI of Belgian social security and most importantly, what incentives and reductions are available for new employers in Belgium

Belgium’s regional development agencies and federal governments have several support systems in place and incentives available to assist UK businesses in setting-up in Belgium. The Walloon Agency for Export and Foreign Investments, stressed that support is available from all regions at all stages of export strategy such as financial, marketing and recruitment support. For example, within the first four years, UK businesses can benefit from a reduction in personnel costs by 11% on average, through measures such as, recruitment support, training possibilities and indications on the real costs of hiring. As well as this, investment grants of up to 25% are available, depending on regional location, new employment, industry sector, company size. In terms of R&D, companies considering embarking on series and scientifically solid projects can benefit from an experimental development recoverable advance of 35-70% or industrial research subsidies from 30-80%.