More and more people are cycling to work. Mobility solutions expert Philippe Kahn explains how and why.

People are changing the way they travel to limit their environmental impact: behaviours are starting to shift, and the use of bicycles is rising, including and especially for travelling to and from work. We spoke to Philippe Kahn, Mobility Solutions Expert at Arval BNP Paribas Group, about these developments. 

Two out of three Belgians use soft mobility, mainly bicycles

According to Profacts’ “Mobility Tomorrow & Beyond” survey, two out of three Belgians have adopted soft mobility. "But the biggest change is the increasing use of bicycles for business travel and commuting. People are also using bicycles more on the school or nursery run, facilitated by the arrival of electric cargo bikes on the market," says Kahn.

A favourable regulatory framework

But what are the reasons for the increased use of bicycles for business travel?  “Let’s first take a look at how the regulatory framework has changed," says Kahn. "In Belgium, the creation of the federal mobility budget has made alternative ways of travelling attractive for all employees. The budget makes it possible to choose a comfortable company bicycle as part of a tax-friendly salary package. Moreover, this mobility budget can even be used to cover housing costs if you work from home more than half the time or if you live within 10 km of your place of work. So instead of having a company car, people can choose to have a combination of an electric bicycle and a contribution to their housing costs. Furthermore, two measures effective from 1 May 2023 should reinforce this trend: the bicycle allowance for commuting is increasing to €0.27 net per km travelled, and all Belgian employees will be entitled to this allowance. In practical terms, this means that those who choose to cycle for these journeys will be substantially rewarded.”

Investment in public infrastructure is paying off

Another important factor in the increased use of bicycles is the development of road infrastructure.

Philippe Kahn: "One factor that can convince people to cycle to work is the certainty of a safe journey. A few years ago, cycling to work in Brussels, for example, could be dangerous. But today, cycling infrastructure is making these journeys increasingly safe, in particular thanks to the cycle motorways on which only bicycles can travel. Infrastructure investments are now also happening in the rest of Belgium, not just Flanders and its major cities. In recent years, Brussels has undergone significant changes, and things are also starting to move in Wallonia.”

Half of all Belgians live within 15 km of their place of work

Distance from the workplace is also crucial in determining how attractive cycling is. "One in two Belgians lives within 15 km of their workplace, a distance that you can easily cycle," adds Kahn. "Along with the Improved infrastructure, this means that cycling to work is a realistic option for many Belgians. And the €0.27 per kilometre allowance will be an added incentive for them to make the change.”

78% of leased company bicycles are electric

To meet the needs of companies and their staff, Arval is now offering bicycle leasing. This full-service lease covers maintenance, breakdown assistance, insurance and repairs, as is traditionally the case for a car. Philippe Kahn points out some very significant trends in this area: "60% e-bikes and 18% speed pedelecs: in total, 78% of our leased company bikes are electric.

High-end bicycles costing several thousand euros, such as electric cargo bikes, are also highly successful, which is probably due to opportunity: the mobility budget or employer “cafeteria plan” benefits packages are making it possible for people to acquire these bikes. But it may also be a consequence of Belgium’s specific tax regulations: the more expensive the bicycle, the more significant the tax incentive. Another interesting observation is that when a  bicycle replaces a car, it’s usually the family’s second car. So we’re not yet seeing any radical replacement of cars by bicycles, but the emergence of the company bicycle is definitely reducing the total number of kilometres travelled by car.”

Digital applications: shifting up a gear

Lastly, Kahn points to another factor that could encourage more people to take up cycling to work. "I think that technology, and in particular digital applications, can make a big difference. We can expect strong growth in the market for apps dedicated to commuting by bike. The business model for on-the-go electric bike rental is already based on a smartphone app. So imagine the success of an application that gives you a safe and bicycle-friendly route for travelling to and from work, and the boost that this could give to this type of travel," concludes Kahn.

Factoring is playing an increasingly important role in promoting the growth of Belgian and international companies. BNP Paribas Fortis Factor provides the oxygen to their growth story.

You want your business to grow and thrive, and so all the help and guidance you can get are more than welcome. The reason is clear: support brings extra energy to your entrepreneurial spirit and essential resources to fuel your innovative growth plans.

BNP Paribas Fortis Factor, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas Fortis, offers a service designed precisely for that: to relieve stress and motivate, to promote and nurture your growth. In this interview, Jef Ramaekers, Head Factoring Benelux at BNP Paribas Fortis Factor, and Audrey Bourguet, Working Capital Advisor at BNP Paribas Fortis Corporate Banking, come together to discuss one key topic: Factoring and the positive role it can play for Belgian businesses and their international branches.

Explaining factoring succinctly, however, is a challenge. Jef Ramaekers, Head Factoring Benelux at BNP Paribas Fortis Factor, clarifies: “To start with, factoring is a means, not an end. It’s a tool for business owners or CFOs to optimise working capital. Every financial manager, in any company, will at some point ask the same question: ‘Who do I need to pay, when, and how can I pay them with the resources I have?’ Simply put, factoring enables businesses to pay suppliers without waiting for customer payments to come in. We finance invoices by converting them into directly available cash for the business.”

This process actively alleviates concerns and reduces stress factors, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best – running their business. Ramaekers adds, “We like to say ‘giving oxygen to growth stories.’ But I certainly see the value in the term ‘relieving stress’ here. By giving an entrepreneur or CFO the freedom to focus on core activities and by taking on a key part of the financial management, we create extra time and opportunities. And they also have less to worry about."

Positive shift

According to Ramaekers, the traditionally negative perception of factoring is a thing of the past: “Factoring was once seen by many business leaders as a ‘lender of last-resort’ – a way to borrow money from the bank by using assets, receivables, or customer invoices. In other words, a company’s last resort. Fortunately, those days are long behind us. We’ve evolved towards a very open attitude to factoring, allowing our division to grow into a true service provider. Our clients’ primary need remains short-term financing. Today, one in five invoices in our country is paid through factoring. Factoring is now a substantial market, representing more than one hundred billion euros per year. BNP Paribas Fortis Factor manages 41 per cent of this market, accounting for EUR 55 billion at the end of 2023.

Growth

From the bank’s perspective, factoring also represents a significant growth story. Audrey Bourguet, Working Capital Advisor at Transaction Banking for BNP Paribas Fortis, explains: “Today, factoring is the financial product that nicely aligns with the rising turnover of our companies. It provides a practical solution for working capital and is part of a suite of Transaction Banking services. In addition to Factor, this also includes Global Trade Solutions, Cash Management, Fixed Income, and Working Capital Advisory. All these services share a common goal: provide the best possible solution for our clients’ financial needs and be there for them in all situations where they can benefit from our support.”

Factoring, from the bank’s standpoint, represents an increasingly strong and positive story, unlinked from its past connotations. Bourguet adds, “You can see this in how we truly integrate factoring within our bank and the group, and in how we offer this service to businesses across all sectors and sizes. We work with a wide range of companies in the Belgian economy. As a result, we have seen that it is precisely those companies that succeed in optimising the funding of their working capital by making use of our factoring services, among other things. This reinforces our belief that it is a very positive story: we’re talking about a form of financing that seamlessly adapts to the growth of any business, large or small.”

Natural evolution

Factoring is available to small, medium-sized, and large companies alike. Ramaekers says, “We aim to provide a solution that supports businesses throughout their entire lifecycle – we’re genuinely unique in the market in this regard. This means that we are there for start-ups, SMEs, multinationals, and every type of business in between. We are the only bank on the market to have a digital solution for small businesses in the form of Easy2Cash. This digitalisation makes it a very cost-effective option with highly competitive margins, but also a reliable, particularly fast and up-to-date link with our customers and their accounting, using a digital yet personal approach. Although Easy2Cash is digital, it includes a dedicated contact person, making the solution both personal and accessible. For start-ups, for example, it’s often challenging to secure credit. For these modest, short-term credit needs, we provide a solution in consultation with the BNP Paribas Fortis banker, enabling them to keep growing without being hindered by their expanding requirements for financing, automation, accounting, etc. Factoring gives them additional resources to meet these needs.”

Ramaekers notes that the steady growth of young companies also demands an adaptation of financial services: “It’s a natural evolution that benefits both partners. If your business grows, we grow with you – it’s that simple. During all those specific growth moments – when entrepreneurs start considering additional staff or potential exports – factoring grows with them. And we do this together with the bank; the group behind this story plays as a team. And let’s not forget, we’re here even if more challenging times come. We’re well aware that a company’s journey is not always easy. It’s at those moments that the value of our expertise and the support we provide really stands out.”

When a company grows into a large enterprise with the profile of a multinational, the importance of factoring further increases. Ramaekers says, "More than 65% of the really large companies in Belgium, with a turnover of more than EUR 1 billion, use factoring services. And half of them are our customers. Factoring often provides additional economies of scale for large enterprises. For example, we can finance receivables that have no impact on a company’s debt ratio. By combining invoice pre-financing with credit insurance, companies can avoid having debt on their balance sheet, with the approval of the company auditor. It’s a technical matter, but it is this combination of various financial elements that makes factoring efficient, high-performing and valuable for many companies.”

Economic fabric

The two agree on the value of factoring in supporting the economic fabric. Bourguet explains, “Part of this supportive role is due to the fact that factoring is a completely transparent financial service – you can only finance what is effectively there.” Ramaekers adds, “Absolutely. Plus, factoring sits right in the middle of the value chain, embedded in the economic fabric. We work alongside our clients, their customers (debtors), the bank, and so on. This makes us a key figure in this chain. We coordinate and facilitate. And for this we need to have our feet firmly planted on economic ground, often for the benefit of all our customers. When we succeed in, for example, reducing the payment terms of invoices for a business, it has a positive ripple effect not only for that company but for the economic process as a whole. This is why I am convinced that we play a broad role in the economic ecosystem – often broader than is generally perceived.”

Opportunities and fair guidance are also crucial in this financial field. Ramaekers says, “At Factor, we engage in transparent discussions with the bank and our clients to find the best solution for their needs. This means we identify opportunities and often suggest them, but also act as an honest, proactive sounding board. It’s about dialogue, analysis, and constructive critique.” Bourguet concurs: “I completely agree. With a service like factoring, we are deeply involved in our clients’ economic activity – the entrepreneurs who rely on us. So, we take a broad view of every case, looking beyond just a banking product or a single solution. This is what makes BNP Paribas Fortis’s approach so strong: we operate as a team, consisting of specialists from both Factor and the bank. This group of experts from different, well-coordinated entities provides entrepreneurs and companies with a comprehensive approach, even for complex cases. These are the moments when we truly rely on our internal expertise: years of experience; colleagues with solid knowledge; reliable economic data applicable to numerous scenarios. This combination enables us not only to guide companies in the right direction but also to provide financial support that is fair, safe, and sound.”

Future

Just like the bank itself, BNP Paribas Fortis Factor frequently considers its strategic direction for the future. As a provider of forward-thinking services, it’s essential to adopt a future-oriented approach to financial services. Ramaekers notes, “Earlier, I mentioned our digital solution, Easy2Cash. I think we can be quite proud of this because it is a glimpse into the future – today. Beyond that, our services are evolving very organically towards the future: we’re constantly striving to make them accessible to an ever-wider group of clients across the economic landscape. Additionally, we’re very focused on sustainability.”

Bourguet adds, “This last aspect is a natural extension of what we do at the bank every day. Our commitment to sustainability extends seamlessly to factoring: we encourage and motivate our clients to join us on this sustainable path.”

The two teams also collaborate closely in developing new services. Ramaekers explains, “We see a significant evolution in the commercial sector, with many online stores offering deferred payment options, such as a 30-day extension. This practice is also increasingly common in the B2B market. Factoring can innovate in this area, so we see it as part of the future we’re actively developing. From a European perspective, there are other innovations too: e-invoicing, for example, is soon to become the standard for all businesses. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity in terms of services and advisory, which we’re shaping together with the bank.”

The two partners have also developed new services. Ramaekers: "We have observed a remarkable evolution in the commercial sector, where many online stores offer payment delays of 30 days, for example. This practice is also increasingly common in the B2B market. Factoring can offer an innovative solution, so this is part of the future that we are currently developing. On the European level, there are also new features: e-invoicing will soon become the norm for all companies. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity in terms of services and advice, which we are developing together with the bank."

Bourguet concludes, “It’s clear that this is a story of synergy, one where we work together seamlessly. This isn’t just rewarding for us but also for our clients. We’re rooted in the heart of the economic marketplace, yet we’re also focused on creating platforms and products that will lead the way and shape the future of this market.”

More information: https://factor.bnpparibasfortis.be/

Thinking about leasing a company car? Not sure which options are available? Below is an overview of all our available leasing options. That way you can determine which type of leasing is right for you. What's more, our partner Arval has a top deal, valid until 30 November 2024: drive the new electric BMW iX1 eDrive20 or BMW i4 Gran Coupé for a very advantageous all-in price.

Financial or operational leasing?

The same reasoning applies to both financial and operational leasing: you pay a leasing company for a specific period, usually four or five years. In both cases, the leasing company is the legal owner of the car. You do, however, have the option to purchase the car at the end of the contract. In financial leasing, the amount of the purchase option is known from the start of the contract whereas with operational leasing, the amount is determined at the end of the contract based on the car's market value.

'Including services'

This is one of the major advantages of operational leasing versus financial leasing: the taxes, (comprehensive) insurance, maintenance and costs (except fuel) are all included in the rental price. What's more, you enjoy additional services such as summer and winter tyres, roadside assistance and a replacement vehicle. All you need to do is pay a specific amount each month and that's it. In short, you get to drive with peace of mind: everything has been paid for, except for the fuel.

Tax implications?

The purchase option has tax implications: for a financial lease, you depreciate the investment asset and deduct the interest on your tax return. The car is listed as an asset on your balance sheet. For an operational leasing contract, the full rental price is processed as a cost. Tax deduction limits apply in both cases and you may have to take the professional use of the car into account. Equally important: the VAT is paid monthly on the rental price and not in one go, allowing you to use your lines of credit for other investments.

Get our top deal

Our exceptional offer is valid until 30 November 2024: you can lease the new electric BMW iX1 eDrive20 or BMW i4 Gran Coupé under an operational leasing contract at an affordable and exclusive price, including all services.

Arval Belgium SA, Ikaroslaan 99, 1930 Zaventem – RPM Bruxelles – TVA BE 0436.781.102, intermédiaire en assurances à titre accessoire, inscrit auprès de la FSMA sous le numéro 047238 A. Sous réserve d’acceptation de votre demande.

Arval Belgium nv, Ikaroslaan 99, 1930 Zaventem – RPR Brussel – BTW BE 0436.781.102, nevenverzekeringstussenpersoon geregistreerd bij de FSMA onder het nummer 047238 A. Onder voorbehoud van aanvaarding van uw aanvraag.

Today, many employees see mobility as a need they address with their employer. They have moved beyond relying solely on the private car to get around, instead using a mix of mobility solutions – private, public and mixed. Belgian companies are therefore increasingly looking for expert advice on the perfect mobility mix, adapted to their own professional needs and the needs of their staff. Arval’s mobility specialists show how mobility is evolving and how to handle it accordingly. This not only takes knowledge, but also guidance to support employers in this area.

Philippe Kahn, Mobility Solutions Expert, sums up Arval’s vision and mission: “Life is a journey made of journeys. This means that we at Arval are constantly asking ourselves how we can support and relieve small, medium-sized and large enterprises in all the mobility issues they face. Our DNA as a supporter is built on two key aspects that add value: personal and sustainable mobility*. From individual firms to large companies, Arval offers its corporate know-how and provides a one-stop-shop solution."

* Sustainable mobility: mobility with lower greenhouse gas emissions, which promotes electrification, soft mobility and/or public transport.

Sustainable mobility: a natural progression

Many companies are now fully focused on sustainable mobility or are evolving in this direction. This means not only opting for electric cars, but also looking at new mobility solutions with an open mind. Arval has a role to play in this: all customers are informed and guided in their pursuit of sustainable mobility. For many companies, new mobility solutions such as Arval Bike Lease, Arval Car Sharing and the future budget management tool are key to a balanced mobility strategy.

Added value: business and personal

Arval’s budget management tool provides companies with a comprehensive overview of all their employees’ used mobility solutions and the associated costs. This is just one aspect of the added value companies get. Mobility consulting is also an integral part of what Arval offers.

Kahn: "If a company of around 100 employees plans to move to the centre of Antwerp, we sit down with them to see what new mobility solutions they'll need and how much it will all cost. This way, we're truly part of the team and together we look at the effects of all possible mobility solutions on their future. This is customisation, where we put our expertise at the service of our customers."

This expertise often leads companies to take a step forward in their business management and to better support their staff."

Kahn continues: "The days of using an Excel file to keep track of pool car usage are over. Apps on phones or computers make everything easier and smoother. They keep track of the location of pool cars between the various branches and blur the line between pool and shared cars. For example, employees can use a car privately during the weekend – albeit for a fee – and for business travel during the week. Support for leasing an electric bicycle is also included. Arval relieves employers and gives them extra assets to support their employees in their private mobility too. Through their mobility offerings, companies can support their employees' daily lives, both in and out of the office.”

Arval Belgium SA/NV – Ikaroslaan 99, 1930 Zaventem – Brussels Register of Companies – VAT BE 0436.781.102, secondary insurance mediation, FSMA no. 047238 A. Subject to acceptance of your application.

How can we turn the constraints of the energy transition into a strategic opportunity? “With rigour and pragmatism,” says our partner Climact.

"We support and advise businesses so they can take action and achieve more climate maturity. This includes addressing climate-related obligations, such as the sustainability reporting required under the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)," explains Jerome Meessen, Associate Partner at Climact. "We ensure they get real added value from this, the most tangible result being a reduction in their energy bills or improved resilience of their supply chain and customers in the face of the climate transition. Our approach is both rigorous and pragmatic. Rigorous because we base ourselves on figures and use standardised methods, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, for calculating a company's carbon footprint, thus avoiding the pitfalls of greenwashing. And pragmatic because we always adapt to the company's reality. "

A 5-step process

So, how does Climact support businesses and public organisations?
Jerome Meessen: "Firstly, we help them understand the effects of climate change they are or will be facing. We do this by mapping opportunities and risks, such as flooding of a production site or the risks associated with high carbon prices. We also assess their current impact, i.e., the carbon footprint of their operations. The next step is their vision for the future, in which we define sustainability goals with them, referring to the international standards of Science Based Targets initiative where relevant. We then help them develop a detailed transition plan and implement it on the ground, allowing them to define the content and details of a green energy purchase agreement, for example. Finally, we provide support for communicating their commitment, in line with the CSRD requirements."

CSRD: burden or strategic opportunity?

Many businesses are subject to the CSRD, which enters into force this year, and its reporting process. “The directive aims to provide maximum transparency on how businesses manage their sustainable transition,” says Jerome Meessen. "The reporting focuses on environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects. "This also allows stakeholders and especially investors to get an objective idea of the progress made, as well as a company's climate ambitions and its exposure to climate change risks."
“The CSRD sustainability reporting is a significant burden for companies,” adds Jérémy Robinet, who coordinates the partnership with BNP Paribas Fortis. "You must adhere to a specific methodology and standards, fill in forms, provide indicators... But it is also an opportunity to develop a solid, well-founded transition strategy that will benefit the company, including its reputation. Businesses can save time with our support, knowing that their reporting complies with regulatory constraints and that their ESG approach creates value and is meaningful."

Climact, a partner of BNP Paribas Fortis

Climact is one of several partners selected by BNP Paribas Fortis to support its corporate customers with non-financial issues. “At the initiative of the bank’s Relationship Manager, we meet companies who want to make progress in terms of their energy and sustainable transition, more specifically for their decarbonisation strategy and to draw up their carbon balance sheet,” explains Jérémy Robinet.
Gilles Roumain, Sustainability Program Officer at BNP Paribas Fortis who oversees the partnership with Climact, says: "The collaboration with Climact allows us to provide solutions to our customers, support them in decarbonising their activities, and continue to build our expertise on these decarbonisation issues. By offering this support, we also reduce our carbon footprint."

“The companies that the bank has referred to us come from all industries,” says Jérémy Robinet. "They are larger companies, e.g., with a turnover of at least 25 million euros or a complex supply chain. This partnership has already led to fifteen collaborations, including with garage door manufacturer RE Panels.

We initially assisted them with drawing up a carbon balance sheet in line with European CSRD requirements.  Management then realised the strategic interest of our work and asked us to perform more specific analyses by product and production site. This, in turn, allowed them to identify best practices. RE Panels really appreciated our approach. We calculated the cost, gains and investment amount for each carbon footprint improvement objective. They also commended us for our rigorous alignment with international standards, a key element to avoiding greenwashing pitfalls."