Welcome to the third edition of the FWAY newsletter.

In this issue, we explore four developments likely to influence SMEs’ strategic decisions in the months ahead: the upward revision of inflation forecasts in Belgium, Odoo’s rapid expansion in the ERP ecosystem, a reflection on the right time to consider an M&A strategy, and an important update on the modernization of the VAT chain in Belgium.

Our aim: to provide entrepreneurs with clear analyses to help them anticipate recent developments that will have a direct impact on business leaders.

1. Odoo gets stronger… and so do we

Information Way recently obtained two ODOO 19 functional certifications. These certifications were awarded following successful completion of a demanding 120-question exam covering the entire Odoo ecosystem: CRM, sales, accounting, project management, inventory and process automation.

This success comes at a time when Odoo’s role in the ERP and accounting ecosystem is growing rapidly. Just last month, Deloitte expanded its services to include Odoo implementation, joining KPMG and PwC. With three of the Big Four now supporting Odoo deployment, the platform’s relevance in the accounting and consulting sector continues to strengthen, illustrating the appeal of open, modular ERP architectures, capable of adapting to companies of all sizes and in all sectors.

Another notable development is the recent alliance between Partena and Odoo. As Fabien Pinckaers points out, this partnership combines Odoo’s technology platform with Partena’s legal and payroll expertise, opening up new perspectives in human resources and payroll management.

👉 F or SMEs, the real challenge is not just choosing the right tool, but operating it strategically. ERP implementation requires aligning the system with organizational processes and financial flows to improve operational efficiency and accelerate growth.

This is precisely where Information Way brings its value: supporting companies in the design, implementation and optimization of Odoo solutions tailored to their structure and development strategy.

2. Tensions in the Middle East: rising energy and inflationary pressure

Gas prices in Europe rose by over 60% in the weeks following the start of the conflict. Between February 28 and March 26, gas prices in Belgium jumped by around 77%, according to the European Energy Exchange’s Spot Prices index. Electricity prices also rose, with gas often setting the marginal price on European energy markets.

In Belgium, where suppliers adjust their tariffs every month, some have warned that some contracts could rise by up to 35% from April onwards.

According to forecasts published on April 7 by the Federal Planning Bureau, average inflation will reach 3.2% in 2026, compared with 2.6% estimated in March and 1.9% in February. Inflation for 2027 is now projected at 2.9%.

This increase also reinforces the risk of the pivot index being exceeded, now expected twice in 2026 (July and December) and once in 2027 (December), which could lead to adjustments to public wages and benefits in October 2026 and March 2027.

Although energy prices have recently partially stabilized, markets remain sensitive to geopolitical tensions.

👉 For SMEs, this context underlines the importance of monitoring energy costs, anticipating the effects on inflation and wages, and reviewing supply contracts where possible.

Source: Consumer Price Index – Inflation forecasts [07/04/2026] | Federal Planning Bureau

3. M&A thinking – Why strategic thinking must start before the exit

What motivates entrepreneurs to consider mergers, acquisitions or the transfer of their business? All too often, this thinking starts too late – when growth slows, market conditions deteriorate or personal priorities change.

All M&A considerations should begin with a structured analysis of the company, similar to that carried out by investors during due diligence. This generally includes :

• the company’s current financial situation (balance sheet strength, level of debt and liquidity);
• its historical performance, generally analyzed over three to five years;
• and its future growth potential, including market opportunities and development capacity.

At the heart of this thinking is valuation. In transactions involving SMEs, companies are often valued using EBITDA multiples, meaning that higher profitability and stable earnings generally translate into a higher enterprise value.

Timing therefore plays a decisive role. Exploring strategic options when the company is going through a period of strong performance often attracts more potential buyers and strengthens the entrepreneur’s bargaining power.

👉 Would you like to better understand the value of your business or explore your strategic options? Please contact us to discuss.

4. Modernization of the VAT chain: what changes for Belgian companies?

Belgium is continuing to modernize the VAT chain, a project launched by the FPS Finance to simplify procedures, strengthen digitalization and improve the management of VAT obligations. The reform began on January 1, 2025 and is being rolled out progressively, with a major milestone scheduled for May 1, 2026.

• New filing and payment deadlines: For quarterly filers, the filing and payment deadline has been extended from the 20th to the 25th of the month following the period concerned. For monthly filers, the deadline remains the 20th of the following month.
• No more corrective returns after the deadline: From 2025, it will no longer be possible to file a corrective VAT return after the legal deadline. Errors must be corrected in the next return.
• Introduction of a substitute return: If a VAT return is not filed within three months, the tax authorities may issue a substitute return, based on the highest VAT amount of the last 12 months or on a minimum amount.
• Appropriate fines: The reform also introduces a new system of fines: €100 per month of delay for late filing (maximum €500), up to €5,000 for repeated failure to file, and penalties of 5% to 15% for late payment or non-payment.
• A new VAT provision account: From May 1, 2026, the VAT current account will be replaced by a VAT provision account. This account will centralize VAT credits, payments and tax liabilities. In particular, VAT-related payments will have to be made to the new FPS Finance accounts, including BE41 6792 0036 4210 for payments linked to the VAT provision account.
• MyMinfin as a central platform: Companies will be able to manage their VAT situation via MyMinfin, with an overview of available credits and recorded movements.

👉 Any questions? Our team is at your disposal to help you apply these new measures and analyze their impact on your business.

Thank you for reading this far. See you soon for the next edition.

business@financialway.be, www.financialway.be