The business landscape in Belgium: a diverse, strategic, and competitive market
Belgium is a key market for the European service sector. With a growing GDP, estimated at €594 billion in 2023 (Eurostat), the country attracts international investors and major economic players in energy, telecommunications, the public sector, and banking & insurance.
- Energy: Belgium is a major player in Europe’s energy sector, with leading companies like Engie, TotalEnergies, Air Liquide and Fluxys focusing on energy transition and renewables (International Energy Agency). This trend draws in experts, especially in engineering and project management.
- Public sector: As the home of the EU headquarters, Belgium has a highly developed public sector. The European Commission employs over 30,000 people in Brussels (European Commission), and national bodies such as the Office de la Naissance et de l’Enfance (ONE) and Infrabel work with external providers for infrastructure and services projects.
- Banking and insurance: Alongside BNP Paribas Fortis and Belfius, Belgium hosts key banking and insurance players like KBC, AXA, and AG Insurance, all investing in digital transformation and cybersecurity to meet the demands of a changing sector (National Bank of Belgium).
- Telecommunications: Dominated by Proximus, Orange and Telenet, the Belgian telecom sector continues to grow, with significant investment in digital and network expansion, driving a strong need for IT, network infrastructure, and software development experts.
These rapidly growing sectors increase the demand for freelance talent, fueled by tax policies that encourage companies to hire independent contractors. For example, high social contributions on permanent contracts (around 50% on gross, compared to 23% in France!) make freelancing an attractive alternative, offering flexible, high-level expertise without the overhead of permanent hires.
LittleBig Connection in Belgium: rapid and sustainable growth
Since launching in Belgium, LittleBig Connection has seen rapid growth, with active projects in the Benelux increasing tenfold, including collaborations with a dozen major clients.
- Growth in projects and clients: Today, LittleBig Connection works with leading companies like TotalEnergies, Allianz, Air Liquide, Decathlon, Equans, Engie, One, Spie, BNP Paribas Fortis, Belfius, Infrabel, Siemens… This growth reflects a customized approach that helps companies find the right experts for strategic projects while optimizing costs. Backed by its extensive talent network (+50k), LittleBig Connection meets complex demands quickly.
- Importance of freelancers: In Belgium, about 90% of LittleBig Connection’s assignments are covered by freelancers. With freelance numbers growing by 38% over the past five years (National Institute of Statistics of Belgium), this model aligns perfectly with LittleBig Connection and its clients’ preference for flexible, efficient talent.
- LittleBig Connect: LittleBig Connection’s Connect service helps companies swiftly find the best experts among 500,000 global specialists. This solution is particularly well-suited to sectors like IT and engineering, where demand for high-skilled profiles is intense.
- Competitive challenges: The Belgian market is highly competitive, particularly in technical domains. For instance, some of LittleBig Connection’s IT clients collaborate with over a hundred preferred suppliers. However, LittleBig Connection’s specialization in freelancers and its network of brokers and specialized companies enable it to stand out by offering flexible, high-quality solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each project.
Expansion across Benelux: focus on the Netherlands and Luxembourg
Beyond Belgium, LittleBig Connection is expanding its footprint in the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
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Netherlands:
LittleBig Connection collaborates with major clients such as Air Liquide, Decathlon, and Saint-Gobain and a major local player in port logistics. The Netherlands is attractive for sectors like agri-food, logistics, and technology, with notable companies like Heineken, Maersk, and Philips.
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Luxembourg:
In Luxembourg, LittleBig Connection partners with key players like Foyer (the largest insurance group) and other financial institutions, including BGL BNP Paribas and BCEE. With its favorable tax environment, Luxembourg draws international companies seeking experts in finance, compliance, and cybersecurity.
By investing in these markets, LittleBig Connection expands its reach in the Benelux, delivering flexible, innovative solutions tailored to the needs of each country.
A promising future for LittleBig Connection in the heart of the Benelux
With a strong presence in Belgium and ongoing growth in the Netherlands and Luxembourg, LittleBig Connection is now a reference point for Benelux companies seeking specialized talent. By offering solutions tailored to local market needs and responding to a growing demand for freelance expertise, LittleBig Connection stands out in a competitive landscape. As Benelux companies continue to embrace digital transformation and seek flexible talent solutions, LittleBig Connection is well-positioned to support this shift and help shape the future of professional services in the region.
