Simply Certification, a prominent certification body for the construction and decarbonisation industry, has announced its merger with Normec, a specialist firm focused on testing, inspection, certification, and compliance. Founded in 2020 and based in Jarrow, South Tyneside, Simply Certification provides certifications across various standards, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. This partnership aims to strengthen Simply Certification’s market positioning, consolidates Normec’s footprint within tangible certification and compliance, and enhances the industry's capabilities to retrofit homes to meet the UK’s ambitious carbon net zero goals by 2050.
Alexandra Stobbs, Managing Director of Simply Certification, expressed her delight over the deal, saying, “We are delighted to have secured this deal with Normec. They have a great reputation across the globe, and this will allow us to continue to expand at an accelerated rate and provide huge growth potential for Normec.” This consolidation marks the end of Simply Certification’s four-year independent run and opens the door for greater opportunities within the building and construction sectors.
Meanwhile, the thriving ecosystem of Dutch tech has taken another hit as Bird, once known as MessageBird, announces its move out of the Netherlands due to what its founder Robert Vis describes as “over-regulation and [a] bad climate for tech companies.” Established in 2011, the AI-driven messaging service reached unicorn valuation at €3.6 billion but now aims to relocate to strategic hubs such as New York, Singapore, and Dubai. Vis highlighted serious competitive challenges faced by tech firms remaining in the Netherlands, stating, “I cannot reward our people like our competitors can.”
Reflecting upon the difficulties within the local regulatory framework, Vis criticized the existing redundancy regulations, calling them ill-suited to the tech industry’s fast-paced nature. He argued, “Bureaucracy and regulations are killing Europe,” advocating for reform to make the region more attractive for talent and investment. The company, which once boasted 600 employees, has already cut 240 jobs and will retain only 40 at its local office during this transition.
Adding to the concerning picture, CBS, the Dutch statistical agency, released data indicating recent increases in unemployment rates, particularly among young people aged 15 to 24 which rose from 8.7% to 8.9%. This rise is attributed to changing employment dynamics rather than job losses, with more individuals seeking employment without immediate success.
According to CBS, around 3,000 new unemployment claims were issued each month between November and January, paralleling the findings of 15,000 people finding jobs during the same period, leaving overall employment figures steady at 9.8 million paid positions as of January. The youth sector will have to contend with these challenges, particularly as the job market continues to evolve.
On another note, the Netherlands has seen significant fluctuations within its export sector. The once vibrant ceramic statuette and ornamental articles export market has also faced serious difficulties, with exports expected to tumble to $68 million by 2024, down from previous high levels. This decline reflects broader changes within the international market and the domestic economic environment.
Data reveals ceramic statuette exports decreased sharply by 42.5% from the previous year, reducing total exported weight to 16,000 tons. This decline follows years of growth, with the previous high reached back in 2021. Germany and France remain the top importers of Dutch ceramic statuettes, accounting for about 45% of all exports. Price per ton reached $3,466, signaling mixed prospects for the industry moving forward.
All these developments highlight the growing tensions within the Netherlands' economic and business climate, calling attention to the challenges facing homegrown firms, rising unemployment, and straining export markets. The country's reliance on traditional sectors amid shaking foundations of tech innovation and labour market dynamics could prove perilous if adequate reforms are not prioritized.