# Dutch SMBs Braking on Spending | Amsterdam News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/amsterdam-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7623315/dutch-smbs-braking-on-spending-amsterdam-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/amsterdam-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7623315/dutch-smbs-braking-on-spending-amsterdam-news.md
Podcast: [Amsterdam News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/amsterdam-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7623315)
Published: 2026-07-13T06:58:19+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/0287b5c2d38d16a8
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/681a15ab-90a8-4ba6-8d9d-a64efbae63ed.mp3
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Duration seconds: 108

## Resource

Small and medium businesses in the Netherlands are tightening their belts as rising costs and sluggish profit growth force them to hold onto cash instead of investing. Despite a 6.4% sales boost last year, profits only rose 3.4%, with half of businesses making less than the year before—and many seeing profits plummet by 50% or more. Wages are outpacing profits, especially in construction, hospitality, and retail, where operational costs are squeezing margins. Profitable firms are playing it safe, while uncertainty over government policies—like delayed or canceled low-emission zone plans that left some businesses stuck with unused electric vans—adds to the hesitation. This prolonged lack of investment risks eroding skills, outdated equipment, and competitiveness, making it harder for Dutch firms to keep pace with global rivals. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/0287b5c2d38d16a8

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